Guitarist Craddock delighted to play for hometown crowd

He likes taking in movies on the Downtown Mall, hanging out with daughter Anna and infant son Riley, checking in with his longtime friends at Stacy's Music Shop and catching up with his favorite Starbucks folks at Charlottesville Fashion Square mall.

Tonight's a little different, because he's bringing some work home with him. The guitarist will be taking the John Paul Jones Arena stage with Chris Daughtry and their Daughtry band mates, and he expects it to be a great day at the office.

And although Craddock, Daughtry, bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes and guitarist Josh Steely will be diving into music from their latest CD, "Leave This Town," Craddock will demonstrate that you can go home again -- and it's pretty sweet indeed.

"I'm really excited about it, because it's my hometown," Craddock said. "For us, it's a very special thing. Those folks embrace us. It's an honor, to be honest, to be back."

Craddock has come a long way since his first band, the Phalanx, in 1994.

"I don't even know if we were that great, but it was fun," he said with a chuckle.

Craddock moved on to other bands that relied on the talented guitarist. Along the way, he performed with a who's who of local talent and made devoted friends, with whom he stays in touch as they perform all over the country. Singer Drew Worsley, for instance -- known for his work in Navel and Sickshot -- is making a name for himself in Los Angeles.

They all root for each other to succeed. And wherever they run into each other again, all the Charlottesville guys' local connections keep bringing good luck, Craddock said.

For instance, Craddock's friends in the band Under the Flood got him back in touch with old friend Daughtry, a Fluvanna County High School graduate who needed a guitarist -- and the rest is chart-topping history.

"I'm super grateful for what those guys did for me," Craddock said. Whenever he gets the chance, he puts a good word in for other musicians, "because that's what's been done for me," he said.

When Andy Waldeck co-wrote "Every Time You Turn Around" with Chris Daughtry for "Leave This Town," Craddock had the fun of working with an old Charlottesville buddy again.

"Andy was kind of a hero of mine," Craddock said.

"That was the band [Egypt] in which I said, OK, I know what I want to do.' I remember those shows with Earth to Andy and My Dog Lucy."

The onetime flamenco guitarist has found a musical home with fellow family guys who are dedicated to music -- and each other.

"That's one of the things I've always thought in my heart was special about Daughtry," Craddock said of the band.

"We sort of all found each other, and I think it was meant to be. These guys are truly my brothers."

When asked if the band's success and fame has brought any surprises, Craddock said quickly, "How much our fans care for us.

"Little old me from Charlottesville -- fans come up to me and say I changed their life. When you think about it from that standpoint, it's such a blessing."

The band's fans are a devoted lot, and they span generations and defy demographic stereotypes. Craddock is delighted that Daughtry fans come in all ages and sizes, united by the strength of the band's songwriting and the performances.

"That amazes me," he said. "When I was a kid, I just wanted to grow up to be a rock guitarist. Now, I can look out in the audience and see my grandma."

And the fun doesn't stop when tonight's show is over.

Fans can root for the guys during the American Music Awards at 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC.

Daughtry is nominated for adult contemporary music favorite artist, which is the band's sixth nomination in three years. The fellows took home honors last year for favorite pop-rock band-duo-group and grabbed three awards in 2007.

"I'll be playing home on the 20th and then I have to fly out to L.A. to do the AMAs --and then right back home," Craddock said.

AT A GLANCE

Daughtry with Theory of a Deadman and Cavo

7:30 tonight

John Paul Jones Arena

$41.50, $31.50 and $14.99

(888) JPJ-TIXS (575-8497)

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