Coachmen News

Last Updated: Tuesday, April 27, 2010

“Traditions” CD NOW AVAILABLE!

After years of talking about a potential project of old hymns and gospel songs, we are so happy to announce that we’ll finally be releasing that collection in April, 2010, "Traditions" CD. We promise you, this is the ultimate Coachmen “roots” CD! Webster’s defines “tradition” as a specific practice of long standing. Songs like these represent the foundation for our music, and their message and the culture in which we learned them has remained core to the values by which we live. Simply said, these songs represent our specific practice of long standing. While the core of the CD is a collection of our favorite old hymns and gospel songs (yes, we voted on them!), we also included 2 bonus songs which are favorites from our current live program, specifically our version of the Mac Davis classic “I Believe in Music”, and the comical Noah’s Ark translation “Didn’t It Rain.” The collection is available here at our online store, at our concerts, at Crossroads Music in Staunton and Waynesboro, and at other select retail locations throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Throughout 2010, the songs of “Traditions” will comprise a signification portion of our live program.

Merchandise Manager, Tom Galloway

While we have great news to share in terms of our new CD release, we also have some very sobering news to report. For several years now, we have had the privilege of having our good friend Tom Galloway travel with us and serve as our merchandise manager. As many of you know, Tom joined us just after losing his dear wife. Joining us came at a critical time for Tom in dealing with that loss. We have had a blast having Tom on board in our organization. In December of last year, Tom was suddenly hospitalized due to complications that ultimately resulted in the loss of a leg. After several months in the hospital and a successful implementation of an artificial limb, Tom rejoined us for travels in February of this year. Unfortunately, Tom took a setback just after those travels and is currently hospitalized in the University of Virginia with paralysis in his lower body. Doctors are still trying to determine the root cause of Tom’s condition. We are very concerned about this and ask that you please lift Tom up in your prayers.

Will there be a “Christmas with the Coachmen” event in 2010?

Sure, we as well have heard the rumors going around that The Coachmen may be putting the annual Christmas show to rest due to historical winter weather challenges. Well, we want to publicize the fact that NO, we are not putting it aside. In fact, we are planning to work once again with ShenanArts to put on the program which may very well be hosted at their new theater in the old Robert E. Lee High School auditorium which is currently being renovated. So YES, there will be a Christmas with the Coachmen event in 2010, and we’ll likely be offering 2 nights again this year.

Why are The Coachmen not performing for “Praise in the Park” in 2010?

Given some of the rumors floating around, we wanted to take a minute to explain why we are not performing for this concert series in Staunton this year which our name has become somewhat synonymous with. For the past 8 years we have supported this annual series, primary as part of the July Sunday kick-off event. In 2009, due to budget constraints, the weekend kick-off event was eliminated; however, Linden Heights Baptist Church still hosts the concert series on Tuesday nights throughout the summer in Gypsy Hill Park. We backed away from the event this year for two reasons. First, working out Chris’ busy schedule to be in Staunton for a Tuesday evening concert, and to setup and run our own sound in a quality manner is nearly impossible. Second, we have encountered many great artists and groups throughout VA in recent years that have tried to open the door to this event, but have been unsuccessful given incumbent groups like ourselves. We felt it was time to make way for some of these other groups to be able to share their art and ministry for the Praise in the Park series. While we won’t be doing this event in 2010, we promise that you will have ample opportunity to see The Coachmen this summer in the Valley. Further, we will return to supporting the event again in the future in any way possible. Praise in the Park is a great concert series, and quite the “gem” in the Valley. See our schedule for upcoming events.

Coachmen CD’s For Sale

Traditions (2010) – We promise you, this is the ultimate Coachmen “roots” CD! These songs are a collection of our favorite old hymns and gospel songs, we also included 2 bonus songs which are favorites from our current live program, specifically our version of the Mac Davis classic “I Believe in Music”, and the comical Noah’s Ark translation “Didn’t It Rain.”

Arise (2007) – The Coachmen’s third compilation, considered by many critics their most original and diverse to-date. Popular original songs include Chris Campbell’s ‘Arise’ and Bob Campbell’s ‘Sandlot Hero’, in addition to covers of ‘He Walked on Water’, ‘Wonderful Time Up There’, ‘Oh Shenandoah’, and ‘Everyday Will Be Sunday’.

Going Home (2005) – The Coachmen’s sophomore recording effort, which shows a more advanced Coachmen in terms of their vocal, musical, and songwriting style. Popular original songs include Bob Campbell’s ‘Three Roses’ and Chris Campbell’s ‘When the Eagle Flies’, in addition to covers of ‘Long Black Train’, ‘Love Can Build a Bridge’, ‘Back Home Again’, ‘Thanks to Calvary’, and ‘God on the Mountain.’

This Old House (2004) – The Coachmen’s first CD as an Americana Gospel group. Popular original songs include Chris Campbell’s ‘I Pledge My Allegiance to the Cross’ and Bob Campbell’s ‘Home Sweet Home Virginia’, in addition to covers of ‘This Old House’, ‘The Baptism of Jesse Taylor’, ‘The Fourth Man’, and ‘Sweet Beulah Land.’

Christmas with the Coachmen (2007) – After years of requests, the Coachmen released a Christmas project in 2007 comprised of many of their sacred and secular holiday favorites. This CD is reminiscent of their live Christmas shows and was recorded as a live set. From “Let It Snow” to “Do You Hear What I Hear” to “Til’ the Season Comes ‘Round Again”, the collection includes something for everyone.

To order CD’s, hats or shirts visit the Coachmen online store or contact the Coachmen directly.

See the Coachmen's schedule for concert updates.