BUFFINGTON'S : ACOUSTIC MONDAYS MAY 16, 2016 MAY 17, 2016 Just a few short weeks ago I was privileged to head out on a mini tour for my birthday and one of the stops was a gig booked by good friend Craig Hendricks, a singer/songwriter currently based out of Sandersville, Georgia. The venue was located just a few miles further down the road from Craig in Milledgeville at a place called Buffingtons and also included Augusta singer/songwriter Douglas Oxford. Feeling pretty certain that I had never been to Milledgeville, I headed there by way of the previous night's tour stop in Cumming and arriving early, pleasantly found myself nursing some java at local spot Blackbird Coffee, a mere two doors down from that night's gig venue. For those who have never found their way to downtown Milledgeville, I found it to be a smaller college town version of our own Augusta downtown area with cool shops, eateries, coffee, bars, galleries, etc. Buffingtons itself turned out to not only be a cool restaurant with great southern fare but a cool music venue complete with stage, curtains, lights, and great sounding PA. Now while that first visit left me impressed as far as a music venue, it hardly left me with much hope for food on my return. Luckily Craig told me that the bad food was far from the norm and I decided to give it another shot. Monday night's are acoustic dinner nights with the venue booking acoustic artists to play from 7-9pm (previously this was followed by open mic but from what I understand they have changed what day they do that on) and this week's artists were the two artists I performed with in the round previously at Buffingtons - Craig and Douglas. Now before I dig into the performances I feel the need to add that I have extreme respect for both of these artists. Not just as artists but as friends. Both are the genuine article as people and musicians and have inspired me incredible within the past couple of years. Craig has a very comforting voice and his songs have a realness that just about anyone can relate to while Douglas possesses the ability to technically command the acoustic guitar without it interfering with the melody and craft of his songs. Both tip toe a fine line between southern roots music and pop with Hendricks leaning towards more current contemporary country and Oxford gravitating towards folk and classic rock. What they both share is an ability to tell stories through song which, while musically different to a degree, makes them a great fit to share the stage. Also makes them a great fit for the Buffingtons stage. Between a mix of unique NOT OVERPLAYED covers and originals that ventured back and forth between serious and downright funny the flow never dragged and turned into two hours of great entertainment. A bit of Lyle Lovette here, some Allmann Brothers there, a little Eagles, spot of "Piggy Went a Courtin" and tasty originals made for a wonderous early evening and it also made the perfect soundtrack to what turned out to be one of the best meals(let's here it for redemption!) I've ever had on a road trip! Few things are better than a fresh pork rind while someone is singing about a pickup truck or a boat. (yeah I know...even for a non-NASCAR / fishing fan like me! lol) So make sure you check out Buffingtons in Milledgeville, Craig Hendricks in Sandersville and surrounding area, and our own Douglas Oxford!