Local musicians perform Valentine’s Day show at coffee shop

Kylie Townsend/The News

Becca Schimmel
Contributing writer 

An early celebration and a warm welcome of winter were enjoyed with local solo artists Ryan Gilchrist and Zach Peacock on Thursday night at Fidalgo Bay.

The show, originally planned for Tuesday for a Valentine’s Eve show, was moved instead to Thursday because Gilchrist was ill on Tuesday.

The show was warm and intimate involving coffee lovers, acoustic advocates and a cozy place to socialize. Space was limited; however it was well used and contributed to the environment.

Gilchrist has played and planned quite a few events in Murray, and saw an opportunity to celebrate the belated holiday and show some of his solo work to students.

Peacock opened the show with some familiar songs and originals.

Over the course of the night the separate solo acts performed covers of songs such as Tom Petty’s “Free Falling,” Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” and Nelly’s “Hot in Here.”

Local Murray State fan Ian DeSilva had a comment to add about the music scene.

“I’ve always loved to go out to Murray’s local artist shows and see new music all over town.” Desilva, senior from Atlanta, said via email.

Gilchrist said he hopes to encourage people to support the local talent.

“With Murray you have a buffet of genres,” Gilchrist, senior from Paducah, Ky., said.

The show created a varied experience working from two very different focuses of music.

Most of the songs performed were original with a few familiar covers. Gilchrist has been writing and performing his own songs for three years, with a personal message shown in each of them. He is also working on a second CD and has music available on iTunes.

With influences from a few different avenues, this show displayed a look into two different styles from a band and a soloist. This allowed an experience of hearing the influence from blues to alternative to classic come together in the show.

It was an opportunity to see the contrasting talents of Gilchrist and Peacock.

Said Gilchrist: “I really have no structure when I go up there and play, I just play.”