Backyard Holiday

Fans explain that his songs keep them company. From the heartfelt ballads of "Goodnight Kiss" and "Heart of a Tennessee Town" to the fresh-cut country of his brand new release, Backyard Holiday, Don has been delivering the kind of music that sits right next to you on a long drive or joins you out on the porch for a tall lemonade. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Don's fresh but familiar voice has taken him from his hometown of Scarborough, Maine to his second home in Nashville, Tennessee -- and just about everywhere in between. Not to mention the South, Southwest, West Coast, and everywhere folks like to dance, tap their toes, or sing along with good music that enters the room like an old friend. Averaging over 130 performances each year, Don has built a fan base and mailing list of nearly 10,000 homes, and has opened for country music greats and legends like American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Gretchen Wilson, Toby Keith, and many others. It's no wonder Don and his Band were invited to kick off the New England Country Music Festival, held at Gillette Stadium with over 40,000 country music fans. Don has been named Maine's Best Singer Songwriter (Maine Sunday Telegram, Annual Readers Poll) for the sixth year in a row in spring of 2009, and has been nominated for three Boston Music Awards. Don's no stranger to accolades. In 1999, he and his Band batted a thousand, winning eight of eight Battles of the Bands. They were proud to compete on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in the world's largest country music talent search -- the True Value Country Showdown -- where they won the top prize of $50,000 and bragging rights as "Best New Act in Country Music." Don and his Band also took the title "Best Country Act" and a limited-edition Jim Beam Les Paul guitar when they won the national Jim Beam Country Music Search at Nashville's famous Wildhorse Saloon that same year. Don was named "Male Artist of the Year" in 2001 by the 25,000+ member grassroots music organization, Just Plain Folks, in recognition of his achievements in songwriting and live performance, and his commitment to the independent music business. As an independent artist and entrepreneur, Don has built his music business with a roll up your sleeves, do-it-yourself attitude that's rooted in hard work and hard play. "I enjoy approaching each day as an opportunity to create, whether it's a song, a new performance idea, or a business initiative. I like and am inspired by working with others who share that kind of spirit; people who aren't afraid to blaze a trail." In 2002, Don was inspired to write a song about the unique relationship between home health care client and caregivers. "A Friend Right Here" was debuted at the Visiting Nurse Association of America's annual conference along with an accompanying video that Don directed and produced. Don's pleased to announce that the VNAA has since adopted "A Friend Right Here" as its National Theme Song. When speaking of songwriting influences, Don cites Dan Fogelberg, Vince Gill, the Beatles, the Celtic and Canadian Maritimes roots music of his family, and another fellow Maine native, writer Stephen King. "I strongly believe that Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, should be required reading for any songwriter. As a songwriter, continuing to grow as a storyteller is so important. I learn every day, and On Writing is one of the most influential and inspirational books I've read on the subject." Don travels across the country - and especially between his homes in Portland, Maine and Nashville, Tennessee -- performing as a soloist and with his full band. The Don Campbell Band has been blessed with extremely talented musicians, including current members Andy Happel, Tonya Shevenell, Sumner McKane, and Sean Daniels. While an exciting live show and a boy-next-door smile are his trademarks, Don knows it's care and attention to his fans that are behind his musical and business growth. The fans "are our lifeblood and we are thankful for the opportunities we have to share music and good times together, whether it's through traditional shows, through our albums and by staying in touch through the mail and/or Internet." Backyard Holiday rolls like the countryside and kicks like a cool glass of cider. Hope you enjoy! Here's a song by song overview: Backyard Holiday. Enjoying simple pleasures, especially those close to you Hot Tub. Things heat up when you bring home a tub Freedom Fighters. Duty, bravery, sacrifice -- all in the name of freedom Mr. Bill Gates. Making love "connections" courtesy (or caution!) of the Internet Room For Love. New love, new baby, new home One Lifetime. When the warmth of a sunset reminds you of the one you love Interest of Time. Sometimes love can make you happy, and here's a song about it Front Porch Picker. Urban sprawl doesn't spoil this picker's strum Workin' With Your Hands. Giving new life to an old machine Hold You Tight. An upbeat song with a shuffle feel. Try dancing to it! She Likes the Road. Lady riders hitting that open road on two wheels Hold Me Now. The only cover song of the album. A special twist on the Thompson Twins 1984 hit Place Behind the Sun. Hopeful song for anyone who's lost a loved one There's no doubt about it: the future is about growth. Don is growing his communities of fans, expanding Don Campbell Music into a diverse multimedia company, and working on his craft as a storyteller, all the while taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures... Let the simple pleasures of one of Don's performances or the great new tunes on Backyard Holiday keep you company this season! For additional information, please contact Tonya Shevenell at 615-907-3448 or 207-774-2471 or tonya@doncampbellmusic.com or visit www.doncampbellmusic.com