2008-09: Headliners
The band were invited to play The Oasis a up-and-coming restaurant in Lexington. The night featured a flamingo guitarist and belly dancer as well as some folk musicians. By far the wildest gig they had played to date.
It was also a productive time for songwriting. Matt finished Belief, Maktub [Soul Of The World], Between The Lies and The Faith I Need all by August, 2008.
After some searching they kept returning to one place, AJ's Cafe in Ferndale. It was a sort of homecoming as Matt had lived there as a bachelor and it was directly across the street from where Sam's Jams, Nick and Matt's initial meeting place, had stood.
This venue became a fast favorite. With an excellent array of eclectic performers, proficient sound engineers and quality equipment, the duo expanded their repertoire and begun practicing more complex arrangements.
In March-April 2009, AJ's cafe received national attention when AJ created the automotive industry benefit concert. To bring attention to the area's economic hardships, he set out to achieve a Guinness Book of World Record for holding one continuous concert. Matt performed as part of this record-setting event.
On June 20th, the Showmen played with special guest Rachael Grace in front of friends and family.
2009 also saw three new original songs join their arsenal with After School Special and Let Him Go from Matt and Truth Be Told, Nick's first newly-completed song in years.
2010-11: Back To Beginning
WDVD FM 96.3 created a local music radio show and partnered with AJ's Cafe in Ferndale. The host, Christopher Ewing, showcased local talent on his radio program and on The Radio Cafe podcast.
Matt and Nick began to focus more on original material. Nick concentrated on finishing songs that he had begun years ago. The band fleshed out and arranging new melodies and harmonies for their best self-penned tunes and performed more original songs at shows.
Nick finished Beyond The Horizon, a song he began over 12 years ago. It was worth the wait. This rock song demands an electric guitar and drum kit.
The duo played the Assembly Line Concert 3 on March 20 at 2 p.m. It would be their last outing for a year and a half.
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