First of all –

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS
AT THE 13TH ANNUAL
CAROLINA BEACH MUSIC AWARDS!!

What a GREAT weekend!
The weekend and the show at the Alabama Theatre were incredible.
Were you there?
If not, man, you missed it!
The Cammys are like one big reunion, and I love it.

The Carpenter family and the CBMA committee outdid themselves this year. It was the best show and weekend ever. It seems to be getting bigger and better each year.
So, make your plans for 2008 –
it DID SELL OUT!

Everyone is a winner – the DJ’s , the Radio stations, the Clubs, the Festivals, the Promoters, the Sponsors, the Artists and Bands, the Shag Clubs, and YOU the fans,
for without all of these people, there would be no
CBMA or Beach Music.

Please continue to support the CBMA and Beach Music throughout the year so we can keep OUR music alive !!!

Plans are already being made for #14,
so get your tickets now!

A special Thank You to the Sponsors of the CBMA Awards:
Pepsi
Hayes Jewelers
Johnson Furniture Co. in Wallace
The OD Resort
The Avista

And a VERY special thank you to..
Peter Carpenter
Curtiss Carpenter
Rachel Byrd
Janet Carpenter,
Daddy Carpenter – the official greeter and hugger,
Mike and Susan Phillips,
Jimmy, and all the Carpenter family,
for the timeless shours and hard work they put into the making of this event.
And especially to all the many, many volunteers that dedicate their time and efforts for the love of Beach Music!

Coastline and Sea Cruz were the big winners, and they certainly did deserve it.
Congratulations to everyone!

The CWB kicked off the Cammy party at 2001 – what a turnout!
It got even better by Friday afternoon.
This was the first time ever having an afternoon party for the Cammys, and it was AWESOME!
There was a kind of magic in the air, an excitement I have never experienced before.
Jeff Cook from Alabama was there and honored our stage with his presence. When it was time for us to do – “Is the Magic Still There” (a big hit with Alabama) – we called Gary Brown up to sing with us….He was shaking in his boots!! He said it was the highlight of his career to sing that song with one of the members of the national group that performed it.
Thank you to Jeff Cook for sitting in with us.
Don’t be surprised if we do it again!
We unfortunately couldn’t stay because we had to hurry back to Raleigh for a big sorority party.
We played this party last year and it was just as much fun this year as last time!
The numbers were expected to be around 200 – but it was more like 500! Needless to say, the place was packed!
I suspect we will see some of this kids this Saturday night at Pantana Bob’s in Chapel Hill!
Saturday was a fantastic wedding – Congratulations to Jenny and Grant.
Grant told me that when he was in college, he had seen me many times with my other band, and had told his parents when he got married, he wanted me to perform at his wedding. I’m so glad it worked that we could! They were supposed to leave at 10:00 for their honeymoon, but they were having so much fun, they stayed up over an hour past their “bedtime”!!! I didn’t think we would ever get them to leave! A great young couple that really seem to have their heads screwed on straight – I wish them many more years of happiness (as I have had with my marriage!)
Sunday morning found us back at N Myrtle beach for the awards show. What a great show!!! Mel Carter was the big headliner – man, what a performance!
If you missed it this year, do your self a favor – make your plans to go next year. But don’t wait until the last minute – the show was a sell-out this year! There were quite a few people begging for tickets and they couldn’t get them.
After the show, the CWB, along with Steve Hardy, hosted the annual VIP party in the Spanish Galleon sponsored by Hayes Jewelers.
What a turnout!!
Thank you to Steve (107.9) and Ray Scott (94.9 The Surf)
for helping with the guest artist. There are so many people that sat in with us at this party that I had to have some help this year! Thank you to all the musicians and singers that helped make the final party of the Cammys such a great success! There was a LOT of talent in that room!

We returned home on Monday, and we could barely function. I think Debbie was in bed by 8:00!!

By the way, thank you to all who helped us with Carly.
Saturday she tripped and sprained her foot very badly.
We weren’t sure she would make it to the awards show, but she was determined. So, if you saw a beautiful little girl hobbling around on crutches, it was Carly!

She is hoping to get rid of the crutches by this Thursday because she is performing in her first school play at Dillard Drive Middle School!
Carly is the bailiff!
The public is invited!

November 16 and 17 -
The Dragon Drama Club [resents…

“BIG BAD”

Guilty or Innocent?
You decide.

WHERE: Dillard Drive Middle School
3200 Dillard Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606

WHEN: Nov. 16th and 17th at 7:00pm

COST: $3.00

The public is invited!

Since I have to work, they will be having a special private performance on Friday afternoon for the school so I can attend!! I can’t wait!!!

Please – do not tell Carly to break a leg!!

According to last weeks’ charts on 94.9 The Surf, Craig is STILL #1, and The Craig Woolard Band has Four songs in the Top 20!

Craig has 3 Songs:
#1 – ‘Til the Day After
#10- Love Don’t Come No Stronger
#11- What Am I Gonna Do

Mark Roberts last single:
Dixie Moon

and Marks Roberts new song is
#18 – It Doesn’t Get Any Better

Thank you to the DJ’s for playing the tunes and thank you to the fans for listening and calling in!

Craig and THE CWB would like to express their sincere appreciation to each and every one of you who have been a part of this “rebirth”.
Thank you for your support, thank you for your faith…
thank you for playing the tunes and helping us discover we were
“not afraid to fly”.
For without YOU, there would be no US!

We Love you!!

Craig, Mark, JK, Scott, Terry, Greg, Brian, and Lady Soul
The Craig Woolard Band

THE CWB will be celebrating our anniversary throughout the months of August and September. Please check the calendar on the website for details .

www.craigwoolard.com

PS: Thanks Harriett

Well, we made it!!! It took a lot to make it happen, but THE CWB and Craig made it to Darlington.this past Saturday, May 7th. And, oh what a night!

Here’s the rundown. After the parade, THE CWB performed on the racetrack to a sold-out stadium (over 120,000 fans). It was amazing! There were 3 big screens , and THE CWB could be seen all over the entire racetrack. “Baby You Can Drive My Car” was a huge hit! It was so cool!

Then for the big moment. We were all praying that Craig would not fall off the stage; he was praying he could remember the words! Then it happened. After the prayer, the guards saluted the flag, and Craig began to sing – live in front of 120,000 NASCAR and Beach Music Fans , and for over 10 million people on national TV!!!! It was incredible! To experience it live in the crowd was something I will never forget. It was indescribable. I had chills, the hair on my arms was standing up; I cried – tears of joy were falling uncontrollably down my face! I was overwhelmed with such enormous pride. I looked around in embarrassment and saw that I was not alone. To hear the roar of the crowd when he hit those notes …. I’ll never forget it. At the end, the jets flew over and the crowd stood up and cheered.
It was AWESOME!!!

Now, let me tell you about the race. We have never attended a NASCAR race before – what an experience! The problem is, now we are spoiled!
Everyone at the track was so nice. We had own tour guide – 2 actually.
Cecil Chandler of 94.9 The SURF in Myrtle Beach was assigned to “take us around and make sure we got to the stage area”. And man, was that a chore. On our way down, we hit every traffic problem imaginable. There were 2 accidents, road construction, and massive traffic going to the race. What should have been a 2 hr. drive turned into over 4 hrs. We were afraid we were going to miss it!! But with Cecil’s help, we made it in just in time. Let me just tell you that Cecil Chandler knows EVERYBODY at that racetrack!
(I’d like to live in Cecil’s World!) The host assigned to us at the hospitality tent was Haynes. Couldn’t have made it without Haynes either. After going through A LOT to get us to the stage, he gave us a guided tour of the pits. We are fortunate to have Pit Passes, so we got to see the race first hand. Carly, Logan, and Alex were blown away. First, JEFF GORDON GAVE THEM THE HATS HE WAS WEARING ON STAGE!!! Next, a representative of Petty Enterprises took us to Kyle Petty’s pit, where the crew gave the “kids” lug nuts from his car as they were changing the tires and so forth. They were so excited!! Little Craig and his roommate, Chris, were able to come as well.

We have since learned that a lot clubs actually stopped the music at 7:11PM and let the crowd watch in support of Craig and Beach Music. How cool!!!

But let’s not forget the reason Craig and THE CWB were there - to represent the camp founded by the Petty Family, Victory Junction Gang Camp and the CD, “TOTALLY BEACH FOR THE KIDS”. As you may already know, this CD is the means that the Beach Music industry – people like you and me – can support such a phenomenal cause. With your help, no child or family will ever have to pay to attend this camp. The cost to send a child is approximately $1500 per week, but with your help when you purchase a CD, you are making it possible for these kids to swim in a special pool, catch a fish, meet the race drivers, sing, play, and laugh ……and for just a little while, “stop being so heroic and just be kids”.

For more information on the camp and to purchase the CD online, visit their website www.totally4kids.org. or call 866 452-4545 (The number 45 represents Adam Petty’s number).

It was a fantastic day. Thank you so much to The Darlington Race Track for inviting us – they took enormous care of us, and thank you so much for such an amazing opportunity for Craig and the band. Thank you to Petty Enterprises – Jim, Richard and Linda Petty, Kyle and Patty Petty, and the entire team; Kathy Thompson for arranging everything with the track and, EVERYTHING else; The Victory Junction Gang Camp and the wonderful people who work there. And Dan Lockemy – a long-time friend, Beach DJ, and announcer. What a great intro.

But most of all, thanks to YOU – all those emails paid off – Craig listened, had the surgery, and has tried to rest as much as possible. The noise from the race hurt his head, but he wouldn’t have missed it for anything! And playing sax the next day…. Well, he paid for it!!! But he is becoming aware of his limitations and that’s a good thing!!!

And a special thanks to Harold Bessett of FAT HAROLDS BEACH CLUB in N MRYTLE BEACH – Voted Best Beach Club at the Cammy’s in 2004! – for helping us get to “Victory Lane”!

Thanks for you friendship and your support!

“Feel your heart race – Dance for the kids!”

“TOTALLY BEACH FOR THE KIDS”

Click Here to see pictures from Darlington!

Well, we made it safely home, and back to the real world!
We chose to drive to Tampa since I had my whole family - piece of cake. Even with the gas prices as they were, I was very surprised that it didn't cost that much. I spent less than $130.00, with over 3/4 tank to spare!
I especially want to thank Tony with Crown Volvo and Dixie with University GM Superstore for fixing the van before leaving. A deer hit us and I have been having trouble with the electrical system ever since - especially the rear lights! Can't drive too well in the dark!!
Tony got his men right on it so we would be able to take the van on the trip - with my family, you need that!!
As an extra birthday surprise for Alex, JK and his family headed off to Orlando as soon as got off the boat!

We missed Van Coley of www.beachwalknc.com, and his family.. Due to a recent loss in his family, he was unable to join us. If you see him in the Wilmington/Carolina Beach area, please let him know we all missed him. And if you need a good real estate agent, he is THE MAN!! (Century 21)

What a great time we had "Making Waves"
On the boat to Cozumel, Mexico.
Thank you to Brian, Fred, and Karen for such a
fantastic Voyage. Let's do it again soon!!

Last year the boat was great, but this year it was even better. The ship, the crew, and club were state of the art, and I do believe everyone had the best time yet.
(I know Ross and Robbie had a good time!)
The crowd of Beach Music "Cruisers' just keeps getting bigger and bigger. The group was twice the size of last year, and sold out again.
There were a lot of birthday celebrations, Anniversaries, and even some honeymooners in our group - what a great present!
There were "Cruisers" there from Alabama, Kentucky, the Carolinas, Virginia, and Florida.
We even met someone from Ohio that saw my Fat Harold's
t-shirt, and came up to me to tell my how much they loved OD and Fat Harold's!
It is indeed a small world.
We also enjoyed the group of 266 "Red Hat Ladies!"
Ask Fred how he got that red hat!

All the entertainers and DJ's were a class act, and I was honored for The CWB to be a part of such a great event.
Chad Sain, King Curtiss, Prince Pete, Mike Brooks, and Fred Rouse; and the bands,
Holiday, Sea Cruz, and THE CWB......
Man, that JAM session was rockin' (literally)!
You just HAD to BE THERE!

I had never eaten so much GOOD food in all my life! I think I ate 5 times a day!!
Breakfast was just not the same this morning!

Good luck to Dino with his surgery, and thanks, man, for what you did!

And a special thanks to Mike and Becky - "2005 Fans of the Year" for making such a generous donation to the NC Children's Hospital. We played in Chapel Hill for a fundraiser right before the trip. Mike and Becky were unable to attend, but wanted to do their part just the same.
(If I had a RED HAT, I would take it off to them!!!
Inside cruise joke! Again - you had to be there! You can still make donations if you would like- just email me for details.

I promised to tell you about Cozumel, specifically at Carlos and Charley's where they film "Girls Gone Wild"!
Yes, Chad and Brian and a full posse of others took my son, Craig, there! He asked if his mom and dad would mind NOT going since he was 21 now...
All I can say in public is that, yes, they did make it back on board (even though it was the LAST boat! I was a little nervous by then), and NO, no one was arrested. The rest you will just have to find out for yourself by going there !!

Not sure what or when the next cruise will be, but a lot of talk about another one soon. We will keep you posted since
THE CWB wants to keep sailing!

Debbie (for Craig)

All your emails and calls paid off - "Superman" slept for 10 hours undisturbed Sunday afternoon. (Although he still hasn't figured out why he didn't fly those 5 Feet to the concrete! ) Was up briefly, then went to bed for the night. I was so grateful! He was really hurting that day - they say the 2nd and 3rd days are the worst. The shock wears off and your body realizes the impact of the fall.

Monday was a little hectic since Carly fell at school and fractured her wrist as well. (We are afraid she wanted to be like Daddy - That's love getting a little bit too strong if you ask me! ) We have seen her orthopedic surgeon since there was concern - it was the same arm she broke and had pins in her elbow when she was 4. The fracture is at her growth plate, but we are confident that she will recover fine - IF she can stop falling. Fell again at school on Tuesday and hurt it a little more. She may be able to shag, but she needs to work on the walking!!! Maybe shag shoes would help! Judy ........!!!

The surgery took place at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill on Tuesday morning. The rest from the surgery is just what the doctor ordered for his head injuries.
Although Craig looks like he was run over by a Mac truck - Black eye, bruises on the face, swelling around the eyes and face, goose eggs on his head .... It truly looks like some one beat him up. He's a little worried about how he will look on TV for the Race at Darlington, but that's what they have make-up for!!

The swelling in his head is starting to go down,, which is a huge relief. Less risk now of bleeding and complications. The surgery went well - they put a plate in his wrist. Had a bit of pain last night which made it a little difficult to sleep, but rested at least. He still has to take it easy for another week or so, no driving, nothing strenuous. IF he does, his hand and his head should be fine. If he keeps his arm elevated, gets lots of rest, and does the therapy when the time comes, he should fully recover and regain complete use of his fingers. Thanks to you all who helped to convince him to have the surgery - and have it now.

For the most part, we are over the worst. The 72 Hours after a head injury are very scary, but we have almost made it.

A NOTE FROM CRAIG:
Thank you all for the cards, the emails, the calls, and the prayers. Some made me laugh, all made me smile, many made me cry. I am overwhelmed by the support. Thank you for caring and letting us know. Thank you to all the guys and their wives in the CWB - Terry and Wendy, Mark and Julie, JK and Kathy, Greg and Renee, Scott and Teresa, and Frank and Cindy, Brian and his family. And thanks to YOU – our support group and friends. The Beach Music Industry is a great group of thoughtful, loyal, and caring people!

See you on the dance floor,
Craig, Debbie, Carly, and Craig Michael

Recently, on the 94.9 THE SURF, CRAIG WOOLARD CHARTED #1 and #2

"Til the Day After" --------------- #1 (again!)

"What Am I Gonna Do" --------- # 2

And Mark Roberts is #15 with Dixie Moon!

And Craig singing on "Quiet Place" is #18!

Craig and the CWB wish to extend their sincere thanks to all of you who
play the music. Without you, there would be no beach music. (What a
horrible thought!!!)

Victory Junction Gang Announces the Totally for the Kids CDs Fundraiser Campaign Launch: When one thinks of the Carolinas, a few things spring to mind. Motor sports, the Petty Family and the Victory Junction Gang. Another is 'Beach Music' --or Shaggin' as the locals like to call it. The first release in the CD series will be "Totally Beach for the Kids", a music CD featuring the best in Beach Music. Headlining the "Totally Beach for the Kids" CD is Craig Woolard, one of Beach Music's favorite sons. Craig recently received the prestigious title of being the first Beach Music artist ever to have 2 Songs in the #1 and #2 Spots on the Charts. Craig was also named Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year at the 10th Annual Carolina Beach Music Awards Show. Also featured on the CD are 'Beach Music' greats including Coastline, General Johnson and The Chairmen of the Board, William Bell, Gary Brown, The Hardway Connection, Mark Roberts, The Tams, The Holiday Band, Roy Roberts and Casey York. The 'Totally Beach for The Kids' CD campaign will tie-into other themed events that will feature Beach Music artists from the Totally Beach For The Kid's CD. These events will act as a platform to inform audiences about the Victory Junction Gang as well as sell CD's. Also in development are events at designated racetracks, as well as tie-ins to local radio stations. A portion of the proceeds from all of the CD sales go to benefit the Victory Junction Gang. About The 'Totally For the Kids CD's' Campaign: The 'Totally for the Kids CDs' was established in 2004 by Kathy Thompson of the Trinity Marketing Group. Kathy has been a friend of the Petty family for many years, as well as friend of Adams. "This is my tribute to Adam, who brought so much joy to all of us", said Kathy Thompson. "We look forward to making a difference for the Victory Junction Gang, just as Adam made a difference in our lives." Look for the Totally Beach for the Kids CD link on the Victory Junction website www.victoryjunction.org.
(2-3-2005)

from Malaco Records website. Click here to enter the site

RALEIGH, NC: The pendulum continues to swing in favor of Gerald Hinton and The New Redeemers. In addition to signing a contract with Savoy/Malaco Records last year, the group was honored with the Favorite Video and Favorite CD of the Year Award at the 2005 American Gospel Quartet Convention in Birmingham, Alabama held January 18-22. The group showcased at Thursday's luncheon and took quartet to the next level with a video presentation accompaniment.
George Stewart, Founder and Director of the American Gospel Quartet Convention stated, "Every now and then there comes a fresh and unique gospel music presentation. Gerald Hinton and The New Redeemers represented that during the 13th Annual 2005 American Gospel Quartet Convention. Our eyes and ears are open to his success."
2005 promises to be a busy year for Hinton and The New Redeemers. Savoy/Malaco Records is scheduling release of their next single, Meet Me In The Middle, which is sure to be another first in the industry. Hinton teams up with good friend and beach music phenom, Craig Woolard. Woolard was lead singer for the Embers for 27 years and now leads The Craig Woolard Band. This duet celebrates their third collaboration but the first release on a Hinton project. Prior releases featured Hinton in the background vocals in Love Don't Come No Stronger, which garnered Woolard a Cammy Award.

Meet Me In The Middle is already playing on Gospel Traxx, a syndicated radio show produced by Walt Baby Love Productions, which is heard on over 125 affiliated radio stations around the world. An exclusive interview with Gerald Hinton will be aired on an upcoming show.
Gerald Hinton and The New Redeemers are currently accepting bookings for the You Don't Know How Blessed You Are Tour. For booking information, contact Jerusha Smith at Star Rise Entertainment (336) 449-4089 or visit the website at www.geraldhinton.com.

CRAIG wins 3 out of 4 Nominations at 10th Annual Carolina Beach Music Awards Show!

Entertainer of the Year
Male Vocalist of the Year
Best Duo - "Cruisin'" with Marsha Hancock

All the nominees were winners! Congratulations to you all!

For a complete list of all the nominees and winners, click here to visit the CBMA site . While you are there, be sure and join the academy so that you can participate in next years voting process, as well as join in the activities. If you were not at the show this weekend, you really missed out on a great time!

After 4 days and 3 days in paradise - do I have to come home!?! The cruise was FANTASTIC! I wish all of you could have been there. You really do need to make arrangements to go on the next one - and here's why - THE CRAIG WOOLARD BAND is booked on the 2nd Annual BOTC Cruise set to sail to Cozemel, Mexico! Stay tuned for further details on that great trip.

A special thanks to Karen, Brian, Fred, and Jim of THE BOTC. They did an incredible job putting this cruise together - it was THE BEST BEACH MUSIC CRUISE ever! We had a blast from the moment we set foot on the bus, 'til the time we got off. It was an experience of a lifetime,and I am so blessed to have been a part of it. Thanks for making me a part of the BOTC family!

And to hear all about it, CLICK HERE to link to The Beach Music Reporter and read the article written by Craig in the upcoming issue.

The Craig Woolard Band Charts 3 Songs on the Surf 94.9 Top 20!!

Craig currently has two (2) songs on the Surf 94.9 Top 20 -

"What Am I Gonna Do (Without You)" is # 1

"'Til the Day After" - is # 3

Also in the CWB is Mark Roberts . Mark's song "Dixie Moon" is # 11

Also, since Craig was sings lead on "Quiet Place" with his former band, you can really say Craig has 3 songs on the charts! "Quiet Place" is currently #19.

As a note of information, "Love Don't Come No Stronger (Than Yours and Mine" has been the longest charting Beach Music song ever since it's release over 2 years ago.

For those of you that don't already know, the CWB had a great opportunity - they were picked to introduce Beach Music to the folks in Springfield, Ill. at a huge festival held there each year. The guys were a little worried about playing for so many people that knew nothing about them as entertainers, much less Beach Music. "What is Beach Music?" the people must have said. Well, the CRAIG WOOLARD BAND showed them exactly what Beach Music is, and believe me, they won't forget it!

John Hook came along and gave them a history lesson on Beach Music, plus he and Sal showed them how to shag!

The promoter of the show was actually starting to catch some grief about booking a band for such a big event that was unfamiliar to them - they were accustomed to some big name acts. But he had faith in the band, and said to them "You may not know who they are now, but by the time the show is over, YOU WILL!" From the moment the first song
started, the CWB had their attention. By the end of the night, they were in love and singing along with band!" They even had a birthday cake for Craig, and the band gave him a special surprise - Mattie, Sal, and Kat drove all the way from North Carolina and Kentucky to join them on stage for one of the biggest performances yet! It was incredible!
Frank, our bass player, has unofficially named the girls - "The Wool -Lites"....!!!!

Just a note of humor - when Mark drove up and saw the jet that was to fly them to ILL., he ran over to Craig like a little kid at Christmas, and said "This has got to be the coolest thing I have ever done"! (He actually said that about six more times on the plane too!) We're not sure who was the biggest kid - Carly when she got to sit in the pilot's seat or Mark when he sat in the pilot's seat! Click here to view the pictures from the show and the journey to the show!