If you are a regular reader of this column you know I see a lot of music shows. The majority of the local bands I see are usually playing in bars. I’ve often wondered how many local music lovers don’t come out to see some of the remarkable local talent because they simply don’t enjoy the atmosphere that the music’s played in. Whether it be too much smoke, too much crowd, too loud, or not a place you can bring anyone under 21 (like your kids), the venue sometimes keeps you away. If that’s you keep reading, because you’re going to like this. You may have a new choice in town that you not only can live with but thoroughly enjoy. And it looks like these shows will be done for charity, so you can feel great about that too.

I’m sure many of you know all about Chaney’s Dairy Barn. Nice place, good food, great ice cream, and family-friendly. Well now it may become known as a regular place for music too. In the first of what hopefully will become a series, Chaney’s hosted a singer-songwriter night featuring local artist Dan Modlin. Also appearing were Carla Schooler and Kevin Modlin, who played as a duo. I’d say 95% of the music was original (that’s the emphasis on songwriters) with Dan throwing in a few well chosen covers. If you have ever been into folk, Americana, MTV Unplugged, etc. you will like this. For me it was a great change of pace; an intimate room, plenty of tables and chairs, a cup of coffee, and the artists and their guitars. Match all that up with some good tunes and it’s golden.

Ms. Schooler started off the evening with a short set. She has been on missionary trips and is obviously very involved in church ministries, as her songs are of the inspirational type. Kevin Modlin accompanied her on guitar as she played and sang. She has a strong, clear voice that suits her material well. In her two short sets (the second starting off the second half of the show) we heard five or six heartfelt tunes, including “We Are One Body”, “Audience of One”, and “Just As I Am”.

Dan Modlin has been writing songs for a long time. Although he doesn’t write and perform for a living his songs are the real deal. If you like songs that deal with adult themes and speak of experiences, often life-changing, that many of us have in common or can otherwise relate to, you would have loved this. The first song that really got me was about words you meant to say but never did. The twist was you really meant every word of those words you didn’t say. Other songs were inspired by local things either experienced or that have become local folklore, like “Jean On the River” where the river is the Green River. Other local subjects in his songs include stories of back roads and the local music scene way back when. Another one that really got me was about a man who asked his love three times to marry him but she couldn’t decide. Moral of the story is that indecision is a decision because in that case it was three strikes and you’re out. Those well-chosen covers we heard were “I’m Younger than That Now” (you can never go wrong with Dylan) and surprisingly “A Whiter Shade of Pale”.

I should mention that although the night was all about highlighting the songs, the stories behind them, and the song writer, Modlin did a great job on vocals and especially his guitar playing. I found his performance to be well-rounded in all aspects. It was a very enjoyable evening.

The proceeds from the show were for New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding, a nonprofit agency dedicated to serving those with disabilities by enhancing their lives through horses. Hopefully this will be an ongoing series at Chaney’s. The next event is already scheduled for 1/8/2010 and will feature Pat Haney. This show will also be for charity (albeit a different one). For more info you can check out www.chaneysdairybarn.com. At the time of this writing there was no info on the Haney show but I’m sure it will be posted early in the New Year. You can also find out anything you would want to know about Chaney’s there too. So if you’ve been waiting for a music venue with that coffee house feel, and a bit more (check out the menu too), come check out Singer – Songwriter Night at Chaney’s. Do something different.

The first Songwriter’s Night was at Chaney’s Dairy Barn, Bowling Green, KY 12/11/2010.

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman