March 27, 2008 issue
High Country Local Musician Spotlight: Chuck Wilkerson
Story by David Brewer
Raised in Louisville, Ky., veteran High Country musician Chuck Wilkerson has been calling the Blue Ridge Mountains home for 13 years. Specializing in country and classic rock, Wilkerson began playing music as a teenager and has been in the spotlight ever since.
“I grew up in the ‘70s playing in rock n’ roll bands,” said Wilkerson.
Wilkerson’s early band experience led to his contacting a booking agency that took him away from home and out onto the road for four years. His travels landed him in resorts and nightclubs all over the East Coast and throughout the Midwest—such clubs as Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City, Hershey Resorts in Texas and Pennsylvania and Playboy Clubs in Michigan and Nebraska.
“I enjoyed [playing on the road]. I got to see a lot of places,” said Wilkerson. “Living out of a suitcase is ok when you’re younger, but it starts to get old after a while.”
Living in St. Petersburg, Fla. in the 1990s, Wilkerson had the opportunity to open for various country music stars such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Freddy Fender, Mel McDaniel and Lynn Anderson at premier nightclubs. He also had the good fortune of meeting his wife, Bonnie.
“She wanted to move out of Florida and I couldn’t wait to get out of there,” said Wilkerson. “I’m a country boy at heart.”
Shortly after moving to the High Country, Wilkerson began performing in a local band, but soon found that the benefits of playing solo far outweighed the headaches of band life.
“It’s a lot of personalities and it’s hard to keep everybody happy,” said Wilkerson.
Performing a solo act consisting of modern country and light rock favorites, including songs by such artists as Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Seger, The Eagles and many more, the semi-retired Wilkerson stays busy with shows at Carolina BBQ, Churchill’s Pub in Morganton, the Boone Moose Lodge and other occasional stops around the area.
“I’ve got a lot of equipment with a big sound,” said Wilkerson.
For more info on Wilkerson or to view his upcoming performances, click to www.chuckwilkerson.com.
Want To Go?
Date: Friday, March 29
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Carolina BBQ
Cost: FREE!
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