3rd Sunday At Doak’s Reaches Milestone

by Jane R. Snyder

Doak Turner

On July 17, 2011, Doak Turner will welcome aspiring and accomplished members of his Music City family into his home for the 100th session of the 3rd Sunday @ 3 gathering. This milestone celebration will be quite an achievement for a six-feet-one-inch “small town boy” who was born in St. Albans, West Virginia. After many trips to visit, he made his destined move to Nashville in 2002.

New in town and missing the kinship of Sunday dinner with his family, Doak invited a group of songwriters to his West Meade home with their guitars and casseroles-to-share in tow. On that first Sunday, more than 30 people showed up.

In 2011, you are likely to find 50 to 75 creative folks, and often many more. Asked to describe the festivities Doak does so without any hesitation, “Friends are made, songs are played – it’s Sunday dinner with your musical family.”

For this energetic songwriter, entrepreneur, and facilitator, Turner’s humility always remains in the forefront. “I’m a poster child for God sending smarter people to help you on your journey and I’ve been very blessed.” And those who know Doak agree, he too can take a lot of credit for what he has contributed to Music City.

Besides 3rd Sunday @ 3, Turner also created NashvilleMuse.com, a weekly e-newsletter that highlights singer-songwriter gigs and events around town. Collaborating with Will Carter, they established MusicStartsHere.org, a unique resource with more than 300 video interviews with performers, songwriters, music publishers, musicians, vocal coaches, and image consultants. When new songwriters first hit town they are often advised to simply, “Call Doak!” After a warm welcome, he will refer them to these Websites for a crash course on Nashville. Music has always been his focus and Doak’s memories are quite vivid.

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