zero360/music

Small Town Giants

Feb 2, 2008 happenings, songwriting

Last night I had to opportunity and privilege of taking the stage at the Sylvia Theater (York, SC) with fellow songwriters/artists Paul Finnican, Herschel Lee Browne, and PJ Brunson. While the music and song, supported by other musicians, sound man, video crew, and listeners alike, was a totally knockout experience, at the heart of the effort is a true labor of love.

Paul, owner of the Sylvia, and Herschel, have been doing this event, advertised as the “First Friday Songwriter Round” for two years running, make no money for playing, organizing, promoting, or any other element of the event… nothing. Yet they are there, participating, encouraging, and loving every minute along the way.

Sure, York, SC is not a thriving metropolis, and we should all be grateful for that. The small town, where it seems everyone says hi to everyone, is a breath of fresh air. Only an hour away from suburbia, the old brick buildings and the dialed-back pace really speak to my yearning for simplicity. What’s more, York is the perfect setting for the Sylvia and the shows Paul books. We’re not just talking local writers, who are all very good and some quite accomplished, but name acts, and up and comers from large music centers such as Nashville and NY, who all grace the stage creating musical moments and memories for all who love the art.

The thing I was most impacted by is the passion Paul and his supporting cast have for the Sylvia and its unique potential to join a listener’s heart with artist’s music and songs. These folks are small town giants, and the word needs to get out so more people like me will take note and get involved in simply getting the word out. The trek for some is a haul, and easily a deterrent, but there’s a lot of history, beautiful landscape, small shops, and the opportunity to slow down and drink in some small town flavor mixed with the genuine fine art of music and song in a really good sounding room.

Oh, did I mention the Sylvia is a movie theater and the movie theater seating is real comfy? Why not find a bed and breakfast or nearby hotel room and make a day of it. Come check out the fruit of these small town giants’ labor… you owe it to yourself.