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Photo: Provided
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Hello!
It's Alan "Corduroy" Brown here! You might've seen Skylar's email last week that I'm taking over this newsletter for the month of August, so I'd like to introduce myself.
I was born and raised in Chesapeake, Ohio, but moved to Huntington, West Virginia, in 2022. It's kind of the same place, just different area codes and taxes.
Basically, I've been in Appalachia my whole life. And if you could summarize me in three subjects it would be: Musician, Mental Health Advocate and Cat Lover.
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Photo: Provided
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Let's start with musician.
Music has been part of my life since 2008 when my mom bought me a pawn shop guitar for Christmas. I learned a few chords for a church song, and I've not stopped since.
Music is something everyone can do. Everyone can sing, everyone can play. It's not exclusive to certain people. It's a powerful language that takes time to learn and speak.
Appalachia is full of incredible musicians, but Appalachian music isn't just banjos and mandolins like you might think. There are so many Appalachian artists making the most ear catching music you've ever heard.
When I'm not creating video content for ad agencies, I'm part of that community, touring the east coast as Corduroy Brown. It's feel good rock/pop that'll make ya dance and feel better about this life. You can hear it all here: https://linktr.ee/corduroybrownwv
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After musician comes mental health advocate.
I'm a major advocate for mental health and self care. It's all over my music as well. We get this one time to be on the earth, but for me, every day feels like a second chance.
In 2021, I essentially died after being put on a ventilator in Huntington, life flighted to Morgantown, and placed on life support for almost a week.
You know that whole "white light" thing people talk about? It's real. You learn so much when faced with your mortality.
That experience helped me see that the reason I'm here on this Earth is to help other people. I really think that everyone has a purpose. We don't have to be world leaders or people "in charge" to make a difference. Each of us has been given this little chunk of the earth to make it a little better.
Lastly, as you could probably tell by the first photo, I love cats! Specifically mine, but I think my love started when I was younger.
I grew up on an actual llama farm (I swear). My godparents have a ministry called Good News Llamas, and I spent a lot of time working with them when I was younger. They had barn cats that I spent so much time with while I was on the farm. I love all animals, but I'm a cat person through and through. My dream job would be working in a big cat sanctuary.
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Photo: Provided
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Now that you know a little more about me, let's get into the reason why we're here! We're talking about Appalachia!
Over the next month, I hope to share some people, places and things that make this region great and that are hopefully new to you. Let me be your tour guide!
First thing: This place is HUGE, which can make it an overwhelming place to explore. That's why I wanted to recommended three places to visit this week.
1. Harper's Ferry, West Virginia
I recently visited the eastern panhandle of West Virginia for a couple of shows in Martinsburg and Winchester, Virginia, and while I was there, I made a trip to Harpers Ferry. I was overtaken with joy as I saw every tourist shop filled up, visitors of all nationalities, and people just taking time to enjoy the mighty Shenandoah River.
I parked my car on a hillside because all the parking spots were taken and hiked down to the river to play my guitar. I'm honestly not much of an outdoors person, but something about this river drew me in. To be honest, the Ohio River that surrounds Huntington can't compare to the Shenandoah.
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Photo: Provided
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2. Fayetteville, West Virginia
This place has a very west coast feel. It's such an easy town to fall in love with.
Again, from somebody who isn't into a ton of outdoor activities, this place will make you want to get out in the wilderness. It has some of the most incredible hiking trails, outdoor eateries, cool underground shops and white water rafting. You just can't go wrong.
3. Huntington, West Virginia
Last but not least, my current hometown of Huntington, sometimes called the Jewel City.
Here you'll find amazing parks, seafood, and the best barbershop in the state Jewel City Barbershop.
Huntington is home to the Huntington Music and Arts Fest that draws thousands of people and national musicians, and The Loud (previously known as The V Club) is full of music each weekend. This place is a tour stop for a lot of bands coming from the north or south.
Huntington is incredibly scenic, but more of a city vibe than maybe the other two locations. There's endless fun, but it's not crowded like a big city. Expect everyone you see to greet you with a friendly wave and smile. I wouldn't trade this place for anything.
Until next time!
- Alan
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