Two chosen for open slots at Nashville Lights concert
Two local musicians on Tuesday night snagged coveted opening spots for next month’s Nashville Lights concert.
Judges, after hearing two songs from each of the five contestants, chose Megan Campbell of Cleburne and Riley Gilbreath of Crowley.
Both musicians performed during Tuesday night’s open mic audition tryouts. The audition, now in its fourth year, was once again held at Plaza Theatre Co. at Dudley Hall.
Eight musicians signed up to audition for the two opening slots in the weeks leading to Tuesday’s tryout but three failed to show.
For Campbell the third time proved a charm.
“This means a lot,” Campbell said. “I’ve been working hard on my songwriting, putting a lot of time and energy into it. I’m definitely. I’ve definitely been sticking with it and really happy that I won this year.”
Campbell, as did each musician auditioning, performed two original songs for the three judge panel and the audience of about 60.
Campbell, in a suitably countryish voice, performed “When I’m Lonely,” which she described as a “first love or the one who got away” song. Campbell followed that with “When Did You Stop Loving Me?” a song she said describes “how you feel when you feel someone falling out of love with you.”
Nashville Lights organizer, and Tuesday night audition judge, Peter Svendsen credited Campbell’s talent and determination.
“Megan really impressed me tonight,” Svendsen said. “Her songs were just two of the best songs I’ve heard since we began this audition process to find the best area musicians.”
Gilbreath impressed both with his musical and voice skills.
“It’s a wonderful night when you see someone who just shows up and impresses like Riley did tonight,” Svendsen said. “He plays a mean guitar, has good vocals and both his songs were good.”
Gilbreath said he heard about the auditions through a friend.
“I actually didn’t expect anything to happen tonight this being my first time,” Gilbreath said. “I just kind of came to see what would happen and was really blown away to get picked by the judges.
Both will perform during the Nashville Lights concert scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Cleburne Conference Center.
Nashville Lights, now in its ninth year, brings the cream of Texas and Nashville’s country and western music singer/songwriter crop to center stage Cleburne. During the show musicians not only perform their songs but also share the stories behind them.
The Texas and Nashville acts will be announced soon, Svendsen said.
Funds raised from the event support the Cleburne Education Foundation, which in turn supports Cleburne ISD teachers and students through grants.
Svendsen added that it’s a joy to have the show returning after having been canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tickets remain available for this year’s show, which includes dinner, the concert and a live auction