CROSSROADS IS MOVING

"Crossing the Road"

Crossroads Music Company has partnered with Winnsboro Center for the Arts to lease and restore an historic building to turn it into a musical sanctuary.

The 106-year-old building located at 204 Market, next to the art center, was donated to the Winnsboro Center for the Arts (WCA) by the Leaton family in honor of their son to be used for arts purposes. WCA is allowing Crossroads owners Stephen Marshall (art/photo/film) and Denice Grugle (Piney Woods Live) to lease and restore the building in order to keep quality music alive and available in Winnsboro.

The Leaton Building is currently a shell but an exact duplicate of the building that currently houses Crossroads. Restoring this building will be a community effort. Professionals have already volunteered services from sound engineered design to swinging hammers; musicians have offered to help raise money to buy supplies and music-loving residents have offered their complete support.

Founded by Lynn Adler & Lindy Hearne, Crossroads has hosted hundreds of talented musicians during the past few years. The artists travel the world but love coming to Winnsboro. Performers such as Ruthie Foster, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Billy Joe Shaver, Terri Hendrix, Big Wide Grin and so many more have enjoyed the Crossroads' audience. The spirit and history of Crossroads will continue.

Plans include preserving the listening room style with the hardwood floors and high ceilings while enhancing sound, comfort, and overall listener experience. The new design will allow Marshall (art/photo/film) to capture high quality sound and video for professional reproduction. Marshall has aptly described Crossroads as “feeling like you are inside a guitar with beautiful music surrounding you.”

There are only three more concerts scheduled on the original stage at 216 N. Main Street, and the February 13th attraction, Rhett Butler - sponsored by Mayor Carolyn Jones, will be the final show in this building. The WCA stage, located at 200 Market Street, will be enhanced and upgraded to be utilized for Crossroads performances during the renovation period. This partnership allows collaboration on grants and combined support for all downtown events. Marshall & Grugle plan to have their first concerts in the Leaton Building around mid-summer.

One of the first, “Crossing the Road” concerts will host Billy Joe Shaver, sponsored by Don Roberts Abstract and Bank Texas. Shane Shepard, Winnsboro Economic Development Director states, “Crossroads has become the destination venue for live music entertainment. The casual listening room experience appeals to both patrons and performers. This collaborative effort demonstrates the spirit of Winnsboro and its support for Crossroads."

Crossroads has truly been blessed by their many supporters and volunteers and looks forward to welcoming everyone in their new and improved location. To volunteer or for more information about Crossroads “Crossing the Road” contact Stephen Marshall or visit www.CrossroadsMusicCompany.com

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NOTE: In keeping with an open-book policy, WCA has submitted a detailed report of all business related to acquiring, restrictions, and use of the Leaton building.