Shane Adkins: Home

I played a concert at the Dugger Mountain Music Hall Saturday night. First of all I would like to say thanks to Lloyd Andrews for the invite. This is a great place with great music that helps a very worthy cause known as "My Fathers Arms". They have a top notch sound system & stage with a house full of wonderful people who really appreciate good music. It was an honor to perform for such nice folks. It is located on HWY. 9 about 5 miles south of Piedmont,Al. I can't wait to play there again sometime. Thanks for everything ya"ll. Shane

Well, I've been billed as an International Fingerstyle guitarist since 2005 when I won at Winfeild,KS & Greenville,KY in 2003. But, I've never been out of the US until now. Thanks to Pierre Danielou, I had the privilege of playing a concert in Graveline, France, a beautiful village between Calais & Dunkirk on the North Sea. A few years ago Pierre ask me if I would like to play in France someday. Last July he said that it was my turn & I was on my way planning for the trip.
After a 10 hour flight Lisa, Jim & I were met at the airport in Paris by our host, Christian Dumontier & his friend Bruno. We traveled 3 hours to Graveline & were taken to our "flat" which was a 3 bedroom apartment on the second story of what used to be a school for girls.
We were given some meal coupons from a sponsor of the concert known as La Symphony, a small cafe in the middle of town. To give you an idea of French hospitality the cafe was usually closed on Wednesdays but opened for Lisa, Jim & I. The food & service was wonderful.
We were joined by Jerome Maloval, Didier Moreliere, Bruno Mursic & Gerard Butcher, all excellent guitarists, who were also part of the concert.
The concert was held on April 22nd at the Scene Vauban, a 17th century fort on the river Aa complete with a mote. It was a night that I will never forget. Bruno & Gerard started the show playing classical guitars as a duet. They were very professional with a great sound.
Next was Jerome & Didier. They played a variety of Jerry Reed & Chet style tunes. Jerome was lightening fast & is one of the best guitarists I've ever seen.
I finished up the concert & let me say that there was a wide variety of guitar music played that night in old Graveline. Thanks to Pierre for suggesting that I learn the tunes La Vie En Rose & Under Paris Skies. When I played these songs the audience sang (in French) & it truly touched my heart. They made me feel at home with every song I played & I had to do 2 encores before leaving the stage.
Christian's wife, Eliane, prepared us some meals during our stay which were out of this world. Thank you for introducing us to French cuisine. I'm hooked.
The next day we held a guitar workshop & were then on our way by hi-speed train to Paris. I wondered how we would be treated as Americans there & I can say that we were absolutely made to feel at home by the Parisians. They are good folks & were very helpful.
We toured Paris on a double decker bus & by water taxi. The Eiffel Tower is the most amazing thing I've ever seen. We also spent some time in Notre Dame on Easter. It was a very spiritual place. Jim really liked it. The whole place is like a dream.
Our hotel had a view of the Eiffel Tower from our balcony. What a vacation!
We were fortunate enough to spend time in a small French village & in Paris, a large city. I would like to say thanks to Pierre & Josette Danielou & Christian & Eliane Dumontier for all you did for us. You are forever in our hearts & we can't wait to see you again.
Viva La France! Shane

Hey Ya'll, I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed seeing everyone at the concert in Normandy last Friday evening. Thanks Mary for inviting me. It's always good to play in God's house. Thanks to everybody for attending & being part of a wonderful evening. Shane