Arts & Entertainment
Musician Hosts Copper Coin's Shows
Local musician Neal Caldwell channels old school croon with new school soul, running open mic night at Woodstock's newest hangout, Copper Coin.
Neal Caldwell traces the genesis of his love of music to a 6th grade music class when his teacher, Mr. Gunderlock, played some Beatles songs during class. Caldwell received private lessons at his church from Mr. Gunderlock, where he learned “Sweet Home Alabama.” He continued to learn music with the aid of the Internet.
Today, Caldwell applies his love of music to weekly performances at Copper Coin's Monday Open Mic Night. He also runs the Monday night show, helping others come out of their shells and find their inner performer.
“I love the coffeehouse, and I love preforming. I believe that anyone who wants to put themselves out on a limb and perform in front of a crowd deserves a setting that will give them the best chance of success without having to worry about the logistics of performing. I can take that burden and let them shine,” Caldwell said.
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During his performances, Caldwell said he enjoys putting new spins on old favorites. Most recently, he remixed a radio favorite titled “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley. This past Open Mic Night, Caldwell said he enjoyed crowd participation when his audience joined in during the chorus.
“Some people started singing harmonies; I knew everyone was listening while I was playing. I thought that was pretty cool."
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Caldwell typically chooses to cover songs that are rarely, if ever, covered on acoustic guitar. His audiences enjoy his atypical choices. He admires musicians like the unconventional Jason Mraz.
“He's just something completely different. Whenever he wants he can make a pop hit, but a lot of his music isn't mainstream music. I really respect him for that.”
In his own songwriting, Caldwell is helped by his close friend Shane Cunningham.
“I was plateaued musically at a very low level before I met Shane," he explained. "He's just such a better musician than I am that it gives me something to aspire to, he broadened my musical horizons."
Caldwell encourages those who want to try their hand at performing live to give it shot at Copper Coin's weekly Open Mic Night.
