Acoustic Jeremiah Makes A Comeback

"Acoustic Jeremiah is a songwriter/storyteller venue located in Canton, Ga just north of Atlanta. Inspired by the greatest storyteller that ever lived, Acoustic Jeremiah incorporates spirituality into its mission through storytelling and song. Jesus was a radically unique brother who did not fit the spiritual and religious mold that existed during his time. Likewise, artists that pass through Acoustic Jeremiah on their journey, although believers, are radically unique in their own right and may not fit the mold of today’s religious “norm”. Artists that share stories about their own spirituality and inspiration through song in a format that’s rare makes Acoustic Jeremiah very special."

Acoustic Jeremiah never really died, it just kind of went into a couple seasons of hibernation…in a row.  For those of us that are on the board of directors I don't think any of us ever felt that it had played out it's last song.  There was always talk amongst ourselves as to when would be a good time to have another show.  Matt and McKenzie Hughes, who created and maintained Acoustic Jeremiah had been carrying a heavy load of planning, scheduling and pulling off the shows many times paying money out of pocket to pay the bands and doing most of the work on their own with the help of their families.  Field's Chapel UMC was the first home for AJ and was instrumental both financially and with the use of their Historic Facility in the early days of AJ.  AJ's first show was in October 2007, the artist was Jonny Diaz.   Over the next three years AJ welcomed artist like Grammy Award winners Gary Nicholson and Tyler Burkum.  Also, to see the AJ Stage were Bethany Dillon, Brandon Heath, DecembeRadio, Seth Walker, Ginny Owens and Echoing Angels among many others.  It is our hope to continue to find artist before they get too large for our venue and keep the intimate feel of AJ as it was during those years.  After some significant changes in the Hughes daily schedules it became difficult to maintain the good work they were doing with AJ and the last show was Seth Walker in 2010.  

Even though AJ went silent after that show till now, music agents and artist have continued to send e-mails requesting to play at AJ and offering their bands to schedule.  

Earlier this year a group of individuals that had been AJers got together and made the decision to form a board of directors and start up the music series again.  The board includes Matt and McKenzie Hughes, David and Christine Ruff, Teresa and Brent Abernathy, Jason Gaglione, Jamey Prickett, Len Simonis, Brad & Lyn Turnell and Jackie Riley.  These are all people who have made the rebirth of AJ a hope turned into reality.  

We are pleased to announce that  the first show in over two years will be December 1st at 7:30 pm in the Liberty Hill UMC sanctuary located in the Old Canton Mill on 141 Railroad Street in Canton.  Tickets are $10 at the door or online.  The band we selected is "The Packway Handle Band", an alternative bluegrass group.  They were chosen because of their high energy and fast paced style of bluegrass that we felt was perfect to get the heart of AJ pumping again.  

As with the mission of AJ we like to tie into the shows a cause or attitude of giving beyond the show and this show will be giving support to the Toys for Tots organization.  Anyone coming to the show will be encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to be dropped off at the show for this wonderful organization.  In 2013, AJ will continue to give back with shows that will highlight and support Give a Kid a chance and Serv Ministries to name a few.   

We are already in the planning stages for 2013 and are looking to have 5 shows next year.  We are looking forward to developing a relationship with Downtown Canton and the surrounding communities with shows that will include local musicians and up and coming artist.  

Look us up on Facebook (Acoustic Jeremiah) and Twitter (@ajvenue) or online at acousticjeremiah.com.

"Come See for yourself what makes this mission radically unique."