MAX MEADOWS - Somebody asks Josiah Weaver if he's planning on making any money at his upcoming music festival. &And Weaver - known simply as "J.C." - accepts that question with a chuckle.
Nope, he finally says, as workers pour concrete on a new driveway. Construction also continues on one of several new stages at Weaver's farm in Wythe County.
"This year, it's not a money-maker," Weaver said. "But this festival here, I've always had it in the back of my mind. I've always entertained."
Helped by an assistant, Mary Lin Brewer, plus a music director, Gwyn Call, the energetic Weaver has planned GrahamFestUSA, a one-day event for Wythe County that can be called nothing short of a major music festival. Performers include April Taylor, Grasstowne, Wayne Henderson, Jody James as Elvis, 1964: Beatles Tribute Band, Two Step: Dave Matthews Tribute Band, Stevie Barr, Martha Spencer and more.
"It will be a very wide mix of music that will appeal to everyone," Brewer promised. "There's just a blend of the old, and a blend of the new here."
'PLAYED MUSIC'
It all happens Monday - on Labor Day - running from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., rain or shine.
"This is his dream," Brewer said. "He's very artistic. He's an astute businessman as well."
That's not all.
"My dream is not just a festival," Weaver, 65, said. "My real dream here is I'd like to see 25 theaters right here. This is the hub. I think this side of the world could produce billions for the state of Virginia...This could be the new Nashville."
Nearly 20 years ago, Josiah Cephas "J.C." Weaver began buying land in Wythe County.
Today, Weaver owns more than 4,000 acres - including the historic landmark Major Grahams House, a place deemed downright intriguing - and even said to be haunted by mysterious shadows.
Dating to the mid-1800s, this brick mansion takes its name from Major David Pierce Graham, whose family operated iron furnaces across Wythe County.
'JUST THE FEEL'
As one of 10 kids growing up in Franklin County, Va., Weaver learned how to work, he said. "I grew up in the timber industry - cutting timber."
But he also loved to sing - country, southern rock and bluegrass.
"We gathered in Roanoke," he added. "We all played music and had fun."
Over the course of the past few decades, living in both Florida and Virginia, Weaver found himself often drifting from the business world - and hopping behind microphones.
At the drop of a hat, he can start making up songs - with words and music. And he'll get into the spirit of the tune - with a rousing "Hey!"
I've always sat down with a guitar and tried to write songs, he said.
But Weaver found it more worth his time, financially, to stick with the business world - working with tile and, also, developing real estate projects.
Even so, Weaver wanted to make music.
At GrahamFest, He'll be playiing with his own "Mountain Rock Music Band" plus the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.
"I'm just a simple country boy," Weaver said. "I've always had fun playing music. I'm out to have a good time." - This article by Joe Tennis appeared in the 'Empire' insert of the Bristol Herald Courier |
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