Will Revo makes hobby of playing at Hobby Shop

A good time and an uplifting time can be had at the same time when it's Will Revo time. The local singer/songwriter will be bringing his blend of originals and cover songs to the Holly Ridge Hobby Shop this Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m.

"We had a concert there a while back and it was just a great time. People brought snacks, and the owner had a room set up for the kids to play in if they didn't want to see the show. It was great that it was so family friendly," said Revo.

Revo describes his music as a mix of contemporary, acoustic and folk-rock with a spiritual undertone.

"We want the audience that is looking for something we they can reach out to. It's a Christian message, but it's not typical praise. It's just music from the heart for people trying to find the answer to life. We like to make songs of real reflection, but my wife and I also like to let the music go tribal. It gets a little wild at times. We do my songs, but we‘ll also cover bands like the Eagles and Kansas," said Revo, referring to his wife Cathy who also performs with him on stage.

Revo sings and plays guitar while Cathy plays drums and a wide array of percussion instruments from around the world. Other local musicians who occasionally work with Revo are keyboardist Lisa Delo and guitarists Bob Gorton and Paul Kontz.

Aside from the fact the show is free, there will also be table with two of Revo's CDs available for purchase. His 2006 release "Travel the Cave" will be for sale, as well as a special treat for Revo fans: a yet to be released album. Known as a "pre-release," his new album "Come Home" has not officially been available to the public yet, but Revo is making an exception for people who come to the show.

"We're going to be playing for at least two hours or more. Last time we had about 20 people in the Hobby Shop come out for it, we're hoping for an even better response this time," he said.

Revo keeps in touch with his fans through his myspace page and also goes into further detail about his faith and his music.

"The music we play, and the passion with which we play it, is spiritually inspired by our relationship with God through Jesus, His Son. We don't hide the fact that our music is spiritually based but rather feel there is a necessary place for it in the secular arena as well as in Christian circles," explained Revo. "We've been genuinely surprised to see the positive response when God-seeking songs are presented in a non-religious way. When a song can touch the core of a searching soul, that life is forever enriched, and we hope that that will be the result of our music. We pray that believers will be strengthened, seekers will be stimulated, and those in between will be provoked."

For those unfamiliar with the Holly Ridge Hobby Shop, it's not just a musical venue. Located at 105 Main Street, the shop had its grand opening last fall when owner Laura Nimmo decided to bring an artisan's center to Holly Ridge. It pretty much caters to any artistic need in the area.

The shop has classes and merchandise pertaining to jewelry, mosaics, glass, and scrap booking. It also features the work of local artists in other fields like pottery, painting and stained glass. Coffee and lattes are also available. For more info about the show or the shop, call 329-1874. And if you come to the show and can't find Will, just look for the guy that looks sort of like Will with a foot less of hair; he just cut off his well-known locks.