out & about by Martha Bassett
In February of 2018, the Martha Bassett Show premiered at the Reeves Theater in Elkin. My partner, Pat Lawrence, and I had been dreaming and scheming of presenting a show that would include multiple artists, highlight North Carolina music, and ultimately make it to radio. We wanted collaboration across generations and genres. We wanted as many women on stage as men. As the Reeves Theater reopened its doors in January 2018 following a lengthy renovation, the Martha Bassett Show took a leap into the unknown. For our very first show, I scheduled the Dan River Girls, a trio of teen-aged sisters from Winston-Salem who are hotshot instrumentalists with beautiful three-part harmonies. Pat had produced their two records, and the oldest of the sisters, Fiona Burdette, was a member of our house band. To round out the roster, I brought in Jonathan Byrd and the Pickup Cowboy. It is no exaggeration to say that Jonathan is one of the best songwriters I’ve ever heard. His North Carolina roots go back over 200 years and you can hear it in his voice, his lyrics, his sound. Jonathan is a Gulf War veteran, a New Folk winner at the Kerrville Folk Festival, and a published poet. His literary skill was clear, but he pulled the audience in just as much by his showmanship and consummate musicianship. He had the audience singing along, belly-laughing, and hanging on his every word. It was the perfect beginning and set the bar high for every show that followed. That was five years ago, and I’m thrilled to announce that on February 17, Jonathan Byrd will be back on the show. If you haven’t yet planned a Valentine’s date, may I recommend dinner at Southern on Main (just down the street from the Reeves Theater in downtown Elkin) followed by the Martha Bassett Show? And while you’re at the show, you can pick up a copy of Jonathan’s latest book of poetry, Devotion, as a gift for your sweetheart. But be warned…it’s intense, steamy, and sure to make you blush. Not in a relationship? Bring a friend and be wowed by the high art of Jonathan’s 16 • SURRY LIVING Feb. 2022 Issue
Rodney Bursiel Photography
plain-spoken stories set to music. You will laugh, you will tap your toes, and you will know you’re in the presence of greatness. And if you’re not yet ready to be out among people, tune in to the Martha Bassett Show livestream at marthabassettshow. com/ We’ll be sending our love to you through the airwaves.
