The second music video in recent months was shot in Mount Airy.
On Saturday, Kevin Kronk, a musician based in Charlotte, was at the Mayberry Jail and the home of Regina Edwards on South Main Street filming a music video for his song “Please Come Bail Me Out.”
In April, the Mayberry attraction played host to Beth Spangler, who filmed a music video at the location.
Jessica Icenhour Roberts, director of tourism and marketing for the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, noted she aided representatives from Brother Blue Studio in scouting locations in Mount Airy. She as stated Mount Airy is becoming a bit of a destination for such projects.
“We originally wanted a very real setting in a modern jail,” explained Stephen Nadeau, founder of Brother Blue Studio.
Nadeau said it became evident he needed to take a different route, as most jails are full of real criminals.
“I did some research and I fell in love with Mount Airy and its history,” said Nadeau. “I talked to Kevin and we decided to set it in the 1960s.”
Kronk said Saturday was his first experience behind bars, but his life is one full of experiences. He came from a musical family, and he worked in his first career as a band director. Then Kronk played professionally in a show band. He specializes in piano and organ.
Later Kronk switched gears, earning his master’s degree in business administration, and eventually he went into the construction field in Florida.
“I had a 6,500 sq. ft. house,” recalled Kronk. “Life was good —right up until it stopped.”
The housing market crash of 2008 ruined Kronk. He lost his home, his fortune and even his marriage. He even has written a song dedicated to his ex-wife — “When the Money Goes, the Honey Goes.”
Kronk said he now works as an insurance adjuster in Charlotte, but, though he’s thankful to be gainfully employed, it’s not exactly what he wants in life.
“My goal is to retire from my desk job, and make a living as a professional musician,” explained the 62-year-old. “I’ve always loved music. It’s what I was meant to do. I’m finding my life is coming full-circle back to music.”
According to Kronk, his music appeals usually to those in the age range of 40- to 80-years old. He writes in an array of genres, including one night when he “got a wild hair” and wrote an Irish jig. His debut album will include 12 very unique songs and is set to come out in September.
Nadeau said he’s been shooting music videos for more than eight years, and few places rival Mount Airy in terms of a quality community in which one may shoot a video.
“I’d like to send a big thank you to the people at Wally’s,” said Nadeau. “The people of Mount Airy are very hospitable and cool to work with. It’s the most helpful town I’ve ever been in.”
Nadeau explained the Mount Airy Police Department rushed to get a permit in place to allow Nadeau and company to shut down two blocks to film.
“I can’t thank them enough,” said the video producer while in route back to Asheville.
