The lovable Caleb Hawley bridges the gap from studio to stage

As a show producer for the Northwoods Music Festival, I spend my fair share of time at concerts and reviewing artist’s CDs. The question I am always faced with is: “Can this person entertain?”

There is a huge difference between making an excellent studio recording and holding the attention of a live audience. We all enjoy listening to our favorite artist, but I have to be honest, I don’t always enjoy a live show. A live show is where content meets personality. It takes a special talent to bring it all together. In the past couple of years, I have been to four of Caleb Hawley’s shows. They have been in various cities and different venues, and he has never disappointed me.

Caleb is a touring professional. He has been on American Idol and has shared the stage with Dave Mathews, Shawn Mullins, Mark Cohn and Edwin McCain. He is educated as a musician being a Berkley College graduate and yet is kind and humble. Caleb offers that rare quality as a performer that brings people back to see him. When he takes the stage it is as if everyone in the room knows him personally. He somehow pulls off ridiculous humor and then can turn around and engage the listener with serious content without missing a beat. His “smokey” voice is unmistakable, and his monster guitar skills are always on full display from his first word to his last song.

Caleb Hawley will take the stage at 7 p.m. on July 29 at Barker’s Island as the headliner for the Northwoods Music Festival. It has been my honor and privilege to work with him, and to bring him to our city. If this will be your first time seeing him, you are certain to be his next fan. I would encourage you to visit his website, www.calebhawley.com, and have a look and listen to the numerous You Tube videos and judge for yourself. Let us all give this star his evening to shine.

Scott Johnson is the owner of Northwoods Music and the Northwoods Music Festival. He can be heard every Saturday at 3 p.m. Scott Johnson is the owner of Northwoods Music and the Northwoods Music Festival. He can be heard every Saturday at 3 p.m. on Home Town Sounds 850AM radio. on Home Town Sounds 850AM radio.

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