Ford City welcomes home Corbin Hanner
Sometimes you can go home again.
Bob Corbin and Dave Hanner, a longtime presence on the national music scene, will prove as much Friday, when they return to their hometown for a performance at Ford City Heritage Days.
"It's a great feeling to be playing in your hometown," Corbin says. "Heritage Days, the Fourth of July, the bandstand in the middle of the park and fireworks -- it's a part of America that we don't see much anymore. What could be better?"
There's no argument from people associated with the festival.
"It is great to see that Bob and Dave and the band are making their way back to Ford City for the Fourth of July," says former Heritage Days chairperson Mike Marklinski. He remembers trying for years to book the band.
"We finally put it together for the early '90s. I think there were 10,000 people in town that first show," Marklinski says. "Their music has a hometown appeal with lyrics that make you think of days gone past."
Marklinski says the show will be particularly interesting because Corbin Hanner released a CD, "And the Road Goes On," May 31.
"I cannot think of a better place to (play) the new material. The guys are great songwriters who have never forgotten their roots," he says.
The Ford City High School graduates have built a following with their rock-infused country and country-infused rock, first fronting the rock band Gravel, then the Corbin-Hanner Band, and also writing songs for some of the biggest stars in the nation.
"We try to play and record real music about real situations that people face in life," Corbin says.
"It's about the joy, the pain, the everyday things that people go through," Hanner says. "When we're at our best is when we put into song and words the things people think and feel."
The album's title was inspired by the songs, most of which are about journeys -- of distance and time, of love and courage.
Hanner says he and Corbin are looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones in Ford City.
"We've had some magical nights on the bandstand there in the past," Corbin says. "I think a lot of people in Ford City feel a special relationship with us because we're from the area. I know we do with them."
Playing their hometown always rekindles memories, the longtime friends say.
"We do a song called 'Scooter, Michael, Danny & Me' that is an expression of what it was like for us. We'll definitely be playing it on the Fourth," Corbin says.
Opening Friday's show will be Beaver Falls artist Vanessa Campagna. The 15-year-old has just released her first full-length CD, "Can You Hear Me Now," which Corbin produced.
"She is one of the most dynamic performers I've seen on stage," says Corbin, who was one of the early forces behind the PovertyNeck Hillbillies.
Corbin says she possesses talent and stage presence beyond her years. She first sang the national anthem at a Pirates game at age 6.
"I've been working with her since she was 10, and she's a phenomenal, uniquely talented person. There's something special about her as a person and as a performer," Corbin says.
Corbin says performing is a special experience.
"Of everything we do, we enjoy playing live the most," he says. "On a good night, when things are working on stage and the people are there to be a part of it, there's a magic that happens that you can't experience anywhere else."
Hanner says he and Corbin have shared a lot of memorable experiences.
"There are a lot of special moments that have happened to us over the years," Corbin says, "including the first time we heard ourselves on radio; the first time a big artist like Alabama, The Oak Ridge Boys or Kenny Rogers recorded our songs; seeing your song with you name as writer at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
"Coming back to Ford City after all this time will certainly be one of them."
Additional Information:
Corbin Hanner
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday, with opening act Vanessa Campagna at 7:30
Where: Ford City Heritage Days
Admission: Free
Details: 724-763-1617
