An original group called Runaway Home will take the stage Friday night at 7 p.m. as the Main Street Live summer concert series takes an Americana theme.
Out of Nashville, the band is returning to the stage after playing in 2013. It was founded by three performers looking for a road back to the music they grew up on, says member Mark Elliott.
“We met by chance at a small-town venue,” Elliott said. “We discovered something we had all been looking for, a three-part harmony over lyrics that matter.”
Elliott, considered the “troubadour of the group,” founded the band with Gary Culley, the “guitar slinger,” and Malinda Fields.
Elliott has logged countless miles as a solo folk and bluegrass artist. The Oklahoma native was a protégé of musician Tom Paxton. After opening for him in 1988, Elliott found himself relocating to Nashville and signing as a writer with Cherry Lane Music — the first of many publishing houses.
Culley, a Chicago native, moved to Nashville in 1991 and found success as a staff writer for Sony-Edisto Music. He recorded his own CD and became an integral part of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Words and Music Program.
Malinda Fields was born in Ohio, but was predestined to be a Tennessean. She has played countless recording sessions, concerts and old-time jams in her 30 years on the instrument. She studied classical violin, but says she was born to be a mountain fiddler.
Runaway Home is currently rounded out by two more musicians, drummer/ percussionist Chip Chipoletti and bassist Lisa Horngren.
American Legion will be accepting non-perishable food for the Warren County Emergency Food Bank during this year’s Main Street Live events. Donations can be placed in marked boxes located next to the stage.
Because Main Street Live is a family oriented event, alcoholic beverages are prohibited and smoking is not allowed in the crowd. All animals need to be leashed and owners must clean up after their pets.
Runaway Home will take the stage and begin entertaining at 7 p.m. on the West Lawn of Security Federal. There will be a variety of food and beverages available from vendors beginning at 6 p.m. Parking and admission are free. Bring a chair and enjoy the music.
Main Street Live summer concert series is a production of Main Street McMinnville. Events are free due to sponsorship by Dr Pepper Bottling Company, the Law Offices of Galligan and Newman, Security Federal Savings Bank, River Park Hospital, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, Ben Lomand Connect, McMinnville Electric System, city of McMinnville, Tennessee Arts Commission, Family Care Clinic, Peg Broadcasting and the Southern Standard, your source for local news.a