PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CONCERT … Pete Schlegel (middle) performed on his “Why I Stand” Tour Friday night at the Bryan Amphitheater. At the right, is guitarist Josh Silas.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
It was a perfect summer evening for veteran country music performer Pete Schlegel as he performed Friday night at the Bryan Amphitheater.
Raised on a dairy farm in Paulding, Schlegel gave a two-hour concert before a crowd of 750-plus people.
Getting his start in the music business in 2002, Schlegel has already recorded six albums including his latest album release, “Odds & Ends” on June 16, with the first single from the album, “Why I Stand” was released nationally by Steve Baker Visual Imaging Market on May 29.
His “Odds & Ends” album also resulted in a Grammy submission for Best Traditional Country Album, which is also a first for Schlegel.
“I did find out though on Wednesday, that I’m being submitted for a nomination for a Grammy Award. He told the audience, who applauded him following the announcement, “said Schlegel, “But don’t be confused, I’m not nominated, I’m just being submitted.
Schlegel added there is a new category this year for traditional country music in the Grammys.
“We’re going to give it shot,” noted Schlegel. “We’re going to play some country music I hope you all like it.”
His previous recorded albums were “I’m Not Listening” (2006), “That’s What I Believe” (2014), “Rusty Ole Halo: Pickin’ on Pleasant View (2016), “J-Town #Realcountryandproud (2017)
As he was getting ready to sing one of his many songs in the performance, he jokingly told the audience that he might write a song about you like he did the last guy.
“The old man, he drinks water and wine,” said Schlegel. “The story behind that though, he had gout and that’s why he drank water and wine. And I made a song out of it.”
Part of the “Why I Stand” Tour, Schlegel performed a variety of classic and modern country and western music to the audience.
Among the classic country songs performed by the Paulding native were “Walking Over The Floor Over You”, by Ernest Tubb, “Heartaches By the Number”, by Ray Price” along with three religious themed songs, “Circle by Unbroken”, by the Carter Family, “I’ll Fly Away”, by Alan Jackson and “I Saw The Light”, by Hank Williams, Sr, in addition to many other songs by country artists sung by Schlegel.
He also performed two of his latest songs, “That’s What I Believe” and “Glasses” among his recent hits.
Accompanying his band were Ted Lange (accordion/keyboard), P.J. Jahns (drums), Joshua Silas (guitar), and Nick Martin (guitar).
Just before the concert had finally ended, Schlegel told the audience that, “tonight you (fans) gave us part of your life, that you will never, ever give back.”