Susan Coleman has always loved music, even as a small child. She shares early memories of being entertained by the radios in my grandmother’s deep Southwest Arkansas home, which she kept turned on all day throughout the house. They were always tuned in to the old-school country music of the 1970s and early 80s. Think Glen Campbell, Charley Pride, Johnny Horton, Loretta Lynn – but her music compass pointed in many other directions as she grew up. Her high school friend, Stacy, kept her in the “Outlaw Country” loop with her love of Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and others. She took Sue to her first Willie show; Sue took Stacy to her first Dead show, which Levon Helm was playing at as well.

 

Sue met her husband, Mike Gridley, when he was in his first band called “In Transit.” They now have their own band, “Harmonic Dirt.” The pathway from then to now never steered far from the music scene, mostly in the Syracuse area, but also the brief time they lived in Amherst Massachusetts. Although some of those years were tempered by the raising of young kids. 

 

So many of us find joy, solace, community connection, and other good feels from watching and playing live music. Sue is no different. Even if she only has 45 minutes to spare, she doesn’t hesitate to catch a set of any band that’s playing in the area. She’s a huge supporter of the Syracuse music scene and was even presented with the Jack O. Bocchino Spirit of the SAMMYS award at this year’s SAMMYS show.

 

As a performer and as an audience member, Sue thanks all the people in this area who make the vibrant scene in the CNY area happen - the venues, the bands, the die-hard fans – we all play a part of making our music community truly special.

 

You can follow Harmonic Dirt at https://www.facebook.com/harmonicdirt