If you are looking to add some Appalachian soul to your holiday festivities, check out Corey Lee McQuade and Paul E Johnson at Greenbrier Bowling and Recreation Center in Lewisburg on Friday, December 21st from 9pm – midnight.

This duo has performed together for over two decades in Johnson’s Crossroad, a traveling band out of Asheville, North Carolina. This band is described by friends and fans as everything from “Appalachian Soul” to “Hillbilly Metal.” The sincerity of their songs will make you want to pour a brew, put your feet up or head to the hills. They will make you remember what is important in life.

(Pictured above: Please note, date for this show with Corey Lee and Paul Johnson is inaccurate. The correct date is Friday, Dec 21.)

Johnson is rhythm, vocals, and a songwriter. Moving between folk, bluegrass, blues and soul, his voice is versatile and emotive. McQuade tells us,“Johnson looks like a mountain and sings like a man, or, if you prefer, vice versa.” He goes onto say that Johnson has one of those voices that’s like a revelation. Simultaneously gruff, scratchy and sensitive.

McQuade plays the dobro, banjo, and performs harmonies. He is known as “the other flatpicking dobro man” and carries on the dobro style of Grammy winner Tut Taylor, flatpicking the resophonic guitar aka dobro.  McQuade and Taylor became good friends and performed together until 2015. Corey tells us that this is the sound of today’s Appalachian music.

Other concerts at Greenbrier Bowling & Rec Center this month are: Friday, Dec. 7: Three’s Company Blues, 9p-12a. This is a blues trio who play heavy blues rock, slow blues, and a touch of indie rock.

Friday, Dec. 14: An Evening with Black Garlic, 9p-12a. They perform a tasteful arrangement of upbeat riffs, electronic sweetness, soft rock texture, and pungent funk with deep subtle jazz notes.

Greenbrier Bowling & Rec Center is located at 137 Maple Carriage Dr. in Lewisburg. (between the airport and Walmart).

– HashtagWV #108. December 2018.