May 2008 - Summer Music

May is the time of year when many start to think about planning their summer vacations. For me, it's only one month from the "Super Bowl" of country music. The 2008 "CMA Music Festival" comes to Nashville June 5-8. "Country Concert 2008" at Hickory Hills happens July 10-13. Then, Jamboree In The Hills happens July 17- 20. All of these are within a reasonable eight-hour drive of north central West Virginia and, certainly for the amount of top talent you could see, are well worth the trip. All have websites if you need particulars. My best piece of advice, besides planning early, is to keep cool and hydrated while there. Nothing is as tragic as being carried out of something that huge with heat exhaustion, and I have seen it time after time.

Certainly, many folks can't afford the time or cost of a big road-trip such as the above and, as I'm fully aware of that economic feeling, it is worth mentioning that there are several events much closer to home coming up as well. Please, before you take my writings here as fact, always check before you make plans or travel. Things change.

The Charleston Civic Center is one of my favorite venues, only because it's close to home and not too big. This month, on May 8th, it's Kenny Chesney and LeAnn Rimes. Then, on June 3rd, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

On June 20th, as West Virginia celebrates her 145th year, America's greatest country singer is scheduled for Charleston. I'm speaking of George Jones. According to his website, he will play the Charleston Municipal Auditorium. This event has been on-again/off-again for several months, but I certainly hope it holds up. If you are a traditional country fan and have never seen Jones, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Although George is not at his prime, he's great and the honor of seeing him is a special one.

June 29th Rhonda Vincent and the Rage appear at the 28th Annual Summersville Festival, along with a ton of other great bluegrass acts. Great bluegrass can also be heard August 3rd at Pickin In Parsons.

The State Fair in Lewisburg has announced part of their entertainment for 2008, having listed .38 Special, Shooter Jennings and The Charlie Daniels Band. August 14th is the date they are scheduled.

And, as I research all this info so that we all may get an idea of where we want to venture to hear our music, I am reminded that without a Mother, none of the fun or leisure time in our lives would be possible without our Moms. Not having a child doesn't exclude Moms these days; I suspect it never has, because some Moms take care of pets, other's kids, or even someone they barely know. So, before any of us go anywhere, even down the street, let's take a moment and tell our Moms thanks and without their love, forgiveness and guidance, we may very well not know the difference between the Interstate that takes us to Nashville or the dirt road that takes us to the old home place. Mom, without your love, I'd have never made it long enough to understood the meaning of two-lane livin’…

Brad Moyers of Burnsville, is an eight-year radio broadcaster, a deeply devoted student of music of several genres, and writes as a hobby. He offers a glimpse into the broadcast music business, its history and happenings, from someone who makes a living doing what they love. Readers may contact him at brad.moyers@yahoo.com.