An Appalachian Christmas with Isaac Gibson & Cole Chaney
’Tis the season for some real country music. As Christmas approaches, many artists still travel and entertain folks like you and me. Isaac Gibson, of 49 Winchester, and Cole Chaney are among those artists and on Dec. 17, both paid a visit to The Down Home, in Johnson City, Tennessee.
The Down Home is a fitting name for the cozy Appalachian listening room. Local artists and country newcomers frequent the venue, but many stars have graced its stage as well. From country outlaw Billie Joe Shaver to Townes Van Zandt, The Down Home has heard dozens of legendary musicians. Issac and Cole’s performances were right in line with the greats of the stage, but had a special motivation behind the evening.
While Issac was doing an acoustic set, his bandmates of 49 Winchester were in attendance and helping collect coats for children in need. If you follow 49 Winchester, then you’ll know the band hails from Russell County, Virginia. With winter blowing through the the Appalachian mountains, many kids in the region will be forced to face the cold without a coat. When asked what inspired the coat drive, Isaac Gibson had this to say.
“Unfortunately, we live in a part of the country where there’s still a lot of kids that don’t have all the things they need too, ya know, live comfortably,” he said. “I think if you can do a little something to alleviate that pressure off some of these kids so they can do kid stuff, that’s a cool thing to do.”
Isaac and Cole provided a little incentive for those in attendance to donate. Anyone who donated would receive an exclusive signed poster from both artists and as fans rolled in, so did the coats. Before long, The Down Home was packed with people of all ages awaiting Isaac and Cole.
To call the atmosphere unique would be a grand understatement. The venue was not large, and it seemed that everyone knew each other. Ed Snodderly, The Down Home’s owner, (who has a storied history in country music as well) made rounds with his patrons, and jokes were tossed back and forth from the stage to the crowd. Cole even called out an audience member by name and, of course, Isaac casually belted 49 Winchester songs that everyone could sing along too. The evening was like a family gathering for Christmas dinner. The audience sat in awe and listened to the artists tell their stories that lead to some incredible songs like Cole’s “Back to Kentucky” or 49 Winchester’s “Get Clean” in the festively decorated listening room.
The appreciation for the evening was evident. Johnson City is tucked away on the far corner of northeast Tennessee and serves as a middle ground for many states in the Appalachia. Cole Chaney and 49 Winchester are both proud to represent a community that often gets overlooked. Isaac commented on what it means for 49 Winchester to represent Appalachia.
“I know this sounds funny, but I think it’s cool to be playing here in Appalachia,” he said smiling. “49 is at a point now where we travel so much that we don’t get to see as much of home as we used to…that’s what I’ve taken from it the most…it’s good to be home.”
Cole also believes in representing his community, and within the past year or so he’s created a rabid following with songs that relate to those in Appalachia. He had this to say on being an Appalachian artist.
“My hometown…well this is kinda something we were starving for,” he said. “We don’t have any venues like this… and you don’t necessarily ask to be the one representing people but…”
That’s when Isaac chimed in “Ain’t no crowd like the home crowd.” and Cole looked over at him and replied with a strong nod, “Nah, there really ain’t.”
As I mentioned both performances were incredible, but fans got treated to a few surprises too. Isaac debuted some new songs, and if you ask anyone in 49 Winchester, they’ve got a busy year ahead. This is an indicator of exciting things in the new year that’ll be sure get fans fired up.
As for Cole, his next move will be to help with fundraising events in Western Kentucky for those who faced the recent devastating tornados. Many Kentucky artists have come together for benefit concerts, and Cole made sure to encourage the crowd at The Down Home to come out and support.
The evening drew to a close but before the meeting, greeting, and goodbyes, Isaac lead the room in a true holiday classic… Robert Earl Keen’s “Merry Christmas From The Family”. I don’t believe there’s a better way to spend a December night than shouting the redneck carol at the top of your lungs. It was truly a magical evening for an incredible cause. If you are interested in supporting some of the causes at the heart of 49 Winchester and Cole Chaney, then give them a listen and find a show near you!
Merry Christmas from all of us here at Hippies and Cowboys y’all.