by Neil Panton
One of the biggest players in local music is not often in the limelight. However, Craig Eddy is one of the most important folks in our local scene. In addition to being an accomplished musician, singer and songwriter, Craig promotes music in town like no one else, this series of articles being an example.
You’ll find Craig at work behind most of La Honda's biggest events; the La Honda Fair, 4th of July town picnic, and the October Jam Fest at Playbowl. He works tirelessly and unselfishly with local musicians and writers to help get their music heard and performed. He opens his studio regularly to provide a place for musicians to relax, play, work out new songs, and make recordings.
In addition to playing with his jam band, Delta Vee, Craig turns up here and there playing original songs and covers as a solo act. He estimates he has written a few hundred songs, of which 80 or 90 are in his current songbook. His writing style could best be described as Acoustic Americana. He writes songs in a conversational style that tell a story. Craig is also known for his work with The Terrans and Foggy Mountain Jam.
As with many musicians, Craig began early in life singing and playing music. His first exposure was in church, where he began singing and became accustomed to performing. Craig briefly took piano lessons when he was 7 or 8, but soon became interested in guitar because his brother played. Starting with John Denver songbooks, and influenced by John Kay of Steppenwolf, Craig began singing and playing guitar around age 12. He was transformed into an acoustic musician following an “electrifying” experience, and also enjoys dabbling in mandolin and harmonica.
Not just a supporter of music, Craig gets involved in many aspects of life in town. With his wife Laurie, he ran the Merry Prankster Café for more than three years; was involved in food giveaways, town fundraisers, ham radio for emergency communications, CERT disaster training; and put together music calendars on his community for the La Honda Voice. Craig likes to “keep it local”: He prefers to have an impact on the world by contributing to his home community since music is, after all, a language common to all people.
Craig can be found on Facebook, but also keep an eye on local calendars for his appearances.
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