Plain Values to host Sam Burchfield concert July 18

Sometimes life’s occurrences come in unique ways that create meaningful bonds.

Marlin Miller has always enjoyed skating, and one day not long ago, he was watching an ice skating program on TV. At the end of the program, a song came on that captivated him in such a way he needed to know more about its performer.

“It was kind of country, kind of folksy, but it really touched my heart and the lyrics were so amazing,” Miller said.

The song was “Hold My Hand” by Sam Burchfield.

He started playing the song — a lot — and found his special needs children were very drawn to the song as well. Miller said his son Bennie, who is nearly nonverbal, loves to sing along to the song.

Thus, Burchfield became an important person in the Miller’s lives.

So much so that Miller will bring Burchfield in for a performance on July 18. Tickets will be limited for the concert, and Miller said they are asking for a $50 donation per ticket with the proceeds going to Juneberry Hill Schoolhouse, which helps enrich students with special needs right in the community.

With only 60 tickets being sold, Miller expects them to go fast. They can be ordered at www.plainvalues.com/sam-burchfield-july-18-2025.

“I just want people here to be blessed by Sam’s gift and compassion,” Miller said.

The concert will take place in the upstairs banquet room at Plain Values in Winesburg with a social hour at 6 p.m. and the concert at 7 p.m.

Red Mug Coffee will provide an espresso machine, there will be hors d’oeuvres, and it should be a relaxing evening of music and fellowship.

Miller said once he began delving into Burchfield’s background, he found out the singer/songwriter travels the nation doing small venues, so he decided to take a chance and emailed the singer in hopes of making a connection and sharing his story of how Burchfield’s music had touched the lives of his family.

One reason Miller has been so drawn to Burchfield is he believes the arts have been a forgotten and misplaced part of today’s church, and he loves creative people who share their gifts, whether it is music, painting, writing or sculpting.

“God has given us these unique gifts and talents, and we are reflecting God’s creativity when we use those gifts and being creative ourselves,” Miller said. “I have been on this mission the past two years to bring art and to tell stories.”

That brought a connection to Burchfield, a man Miller said he hopes will be the first of many artists to the area to share their gifts.

“He and I share very similar visions, and we are very connected,” Miller said. “That initial talk went on for more than one hour. He’s a great person, very grounded and extremely interesting. He said he is excited to meet our kids, and our kids are so fired up about getting to see him.”

Burchfield’s music, steeped in the folk traditions of his South Carolina roots, is a blend of intimate storytelling and authentic sound. His songs, influenced by Americana, bluegrass and Southern folk, reflect the beauty and struggle of the land that shaped him.

With over 45 million Spotify streams and a growing reputation, Burchfield has toured alongside artists like CAAMP, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, and David Shaw of The Revivalists, bringing his live performances to festivals like The Rockboat, Floyd Fest and Red Wing Roots Fest.