Five years in, Sam on Someday showcases musicians from a variety of genres across the Queen City.
story and photo by Daniel Coston
Sam Tayloe takes a moment to reflect on Sam on Someday, his music series that recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.
“It’s a thing of beauty,” says Tayloe. “We’re just looking to hang out and keep adding to our community circle. Luckily for us, that has fruited new projects, new folks playing together. It’s been real fun to be a part of.”
Tayloe has led the folk-rock band Time Sawyer since 2010, and like many other musicians watched his touring plans evaporate when the Covid pandemic hit in March 2020. With time on his hands, he started livestreaming music from home on Sunday evenings.
The series, which soon took the title of Sam on Sunday, grew quickly from Tayloe’s one-man-band setup as other musicians began sharing videos.
“As we got into that limbo period [in 2021] — a mix of you could get out in small groups but no large gatherings — the Neighborhood Theatre graciously let us have the show every other week … with the full Time Sawyer band.”
During off weeks, Tayloe continued streaming from home, with the help of local sponsors. He admits he had no idea how long the series would last.
“I wanted to make it the best show we could while we were cooped up, and once we got back out in it, the natural next step was to have these shows go live. And people asked for it.”
The series, now known as Sam on Someday, has since traveled to stages beyond Charlotte but has kept a firm base in the Queen City.
“We’ve really gotten in the groove switching off between Petra’s and the Evening Muse, so I think there is a comfort there for us,” Tayloe says. “But we’ll do it anywhere!”
For each show, Tayloe puts together a cross section of regional artists to feature and play in the house band.
“It’s a pretty free-flowing thing,” he says.
When asked what his favorite shows in the series have been, Tayloe gives an honest, yet diplomatic answer: “I have at least one moment, if not multiple each show, of sheer gratitude that I get to watch these folks do their thing, and do it so well.”
SOS is a reflection of the remarkable pool of musical talent that exists in the Charlotte area, Tayloe says.
“We have an amazing scene that we’re looking to continue to build up. The talent we’ve been able to have on stage for these shows from our community makes me feel proud to be a part of the pie. I think it’s a cobbler, actually,” he jokes.
When asked about the future for SOS, Tayloe smiles.
“Whatever it ends up wanting to be. I’m just sitting in it while it rolls on.” SP
SOMEDAY SOON: The next Sam on Someday concert is July 15 at Petra’s Bar, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
