In Saxapahaw on Friday evening, the roots organization Artists Like You (ALY) presented Charlotte singer-songwriter David Childers at the Haw River Ballroom. The group is working to present concerts featuring North Carolina-based folk artists throughout the state; Childers couldn’t have been a better choice.
In recent years, Childers has become a favorite of the Concord-based Avett Brothers, with bassist Bob Crawford (and his bandmate in Overmountain Men) going so far as calling him “the most prolific North Carolina songwriter alive.” Childers walked to the stage at the outdoor Haw River Ballroom Amphitheater backed by a two-piece band and made a very convincing argument for Crawford’s statement.
Childers is a very visual yet plainspoken songwriter, weaving one tale after another about life, hard times and redemption. He uses an almost religious inflection while strumming simple chords. As the evening wound down and the sun set on the Haw River, Childers reflected on life and the recent passing of comedian Robin Williams before playing, “Don’t Be Scared,” a song from his upcoming album Serpents of Reformation.
Below, sample a few clips from the evening’s performance.
Davi Childers, “Some Place Along the River”
