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Crossroads Music Company will be moving form its Main St. location to the Leaton Building by mid-summer. In the meantime, performances will be held in the Winnsboro Center for the Arts (WCA).

The building is next door to the WCA (formerly Trails Country Center for the Arts). The 106 year old building was donated by the Leaton family to the Arts Center in 2004 for arts purposes. The WCA board has approved a seven-year lease with Crossroads, assuring live music will be in the downtown area for years to come.

If you're a big fan of Crossroads, you'll be glad to know that Crossroads will be just a few doors down from the current location on the Market Street side of the current venue.

From the announcement issued by Stephen Marshall and Denice Grugle today. . .

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 Crossroad’s 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 stated, “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.”

A team of volunteers will be helping get the building ready. Call Stephen to volunteer materials or expertise - 903-342-1854. 

This coordinated effort marks the beginning of a new era for both WCA and Crossroads. And, among other arts-related projects, is another sign of the burgeoning Cultural Arts District.

The new city-wide web site is live. If you’re visiting the site in early August, 2009, you’re among the first to see the result.

A site of this scope is fairly uncommon for a town the size of Winnsboro.

However, this area is a weekend getaway haven for fisherpersons, music lovers, artists, and over-stressed city folk who need some fresh air and a little time to unkink their brains.

What you see on the site today is only the beginning. We will be adding businesses and attractions as we move forward to make it even more interesting.

Plus, we’ll be reporting on events on the blog. My name is Anita Williams and I'm the editor of the site.

However, you will also see posts from local guest bloggers to give you the inside scoop on the area, events, culture and lifestyle of Winnsboro.

If you’re a visitor or someone scouting for a place to retire, we make it easy to keep up with music concerts and other events.

When I was a weekend resident myself, we routinely learned about fun events about a week too late.

If you sign up for your complimentary Guest Pass, that won’t ever be a problem for you. You'll get the information you need in time to make plans.

Better yet, you’ll receive special offers from local businesses to make each visit a little more fun and more economical.

It’s just our way of letting you know the welcome mat is always out for you.

So take a quick spin around the site. Sign up for your Guest Pass. Come on out and put your feet up. We’ll be waiting for you.