The Pineknot Music Co-op begins its ninth year

From staff reports

’09 is ’0-ver, and that means only one thing out at Millard’s Crossing. Well, it probably means more than that, but as far as fourth fridays are concerned, it means the start of a brand new year of shows at the Pineknot Music Co-op.
On Friday, Jan. 22, the Pineknot will kick off its ninth year, complete with an anniversary show on Friday, Feb. 26.
The festivities will begin at 8 p.m. with Grant Harris starting off the show. A native of East Texas, Harris has a keen insight into the people and places of this neck of the woods, according to the PineKnot’s Web site.
“Grant puts a lot of work into the songwriting process, and his original tunes reflect this heritage and dedication,” said Pineknot founder John Hazlewood.
Local songwriter Adam Lamar fills the middle slot of the evening at 8:45 p.m.
“Adam is one of my personal favorites, and we are pleased to have him back,” Hazlewood said. “Quality songwriting, inspired covers and great singing and playing; that’s Adam, and that equals really good music.”
Rounding out the evening at 9:45 p.m. will be Miki and the Cowbells. The Pineknot’s own Miki Lynn has a new band and, as the Web site says, “They are really good.”
According to Hazlewood, he saw the band at a party recently and knew right away that he had to get them to the Pineknot.
“The tunes range from country & western to rhythm and blues and all points in between,” said Hazlewood.
The band features Lynn on guitar and vocals, Big John Heath on guitar, Susan Umbarger on vocals, Ken Umbarger on drums, Mark McLain on bass and Josh McLain on washboard and harmonica.
Since 2001, the Pineknot has provided the city of Nacogdoches with quality entertainment on a monthly basis with the help of sponsors like Morning Glory Natural Foods, Java Jacks Coffee House, Tattoo Productions, Owlshack.com and The Pine Top Mystics.
And for eight years, those loyal Knotheads have continued to show up and support acts both local and regional offering one of the most comfortable and inviting atmospheres an artist could ask for, according to Lamar.
“At a lot of venues, it’s really easy for the band to just become live background music, and as a solo act, you have to work a lot harder to keep the audience interested in your set,” said Lamar. “The Pineknot is different because everyone comes to listen. It’s refreshing to play a show like that, and it’s good to know those kind of places still exist in the digital-download age.”
All shows this year will be at Millard’s Crossing Historical Village, located on U.S. Hwy 59 just North of Nacogdoches Medical Center Hospital.
For more information visit www.pineknotmusic.com.
If you are interested in performing, contact Hazelwood after 6 p.m. at 936-552-7462.