Songbirds fans ‘could not ask for more’
Mike Dougher, Songbirds Guitar Museum’s talent buyer, has a blackand-white photo of a longhaired Edwin McCain taken in 1995 at the old Sandbar restaurant. It’s McCain on the cusp of stardom — three years before he’d release “I’ll Be” and four years before “I Could Not Ask For More” would hit No. 3.
“We did several shows over the years at the Sandbar and then again at Rhythm and Brews,” says Dougher. “It was always a great show because his voice is so strong and he is always backed by top-notch musicians.”
Dougher’s and McCain’s paths will cross again when McCain headlines a show tonight, Aug. 17, in Songbirds.
“An Evening with Edwin McCain Acoustic Trio” launches a weekend of three stellar acts in the guitar museum. Singer-songwriter David Wilcox will play Songbirds on Saturday, Aug. 19, and Paul Thorn stops at Songbirds on Sunday, Aug. 20, as part of the Hammer and Nail 20th Anniversary Tour.
McCain’s enduring love songs were the foundation for a 20-year career that still sees him working more than 100 shows annually either as a solo artist, with his band or acoustic trio.
Two years ago, the South Carolinian found a new fan base as the host of Animal Planet’s “Flipping Ships.”
“Flipping Ships” features McCain’s Boats Have Souls restoration group, which is dedicated to bringing boats with good bones back to life and customizing them to fit their new owners.
Six years prior to his TV debut, McCain found a 1986 Chris-Craft Scorpion in a warehouse, saw its possibilities and restored it. The experience was as exhilarating as a good song hook, so he took on a second project: a 50-foot Hatteras.
Realizing he might have bitten off more than he could chew with the Hatteras, McCain called on friends he knew were experts in mechanics and design for help. He took the idea of filming the Hatteras restoration to an LA production company, which liked the project — as did Animal Planet. “Flipping Ships” was born.
“These three shows are what music is all about — great singing, great lyrics, great people,” says Dougher of the weekend’s schedule.
“The best part is I get to place them in what I believe will become a Top 10 venue in the nation. Musicians who come to Songbirds better bring their A game because they are surrounded by the most amazing collection of guitars in the world.”