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Pickin’ Post is a family affair

By Lindsay Slater
The Times-Journal

Published September 19, 2009

Years ago, Johnny Owens built a 10-by-20 feet building for his sons, Mike and Rodney.

“We called it the music room,” Mike Owens said. “[Rodney] played the drums and I played bass and Daddy got tired of us making noise in the house.”

The tradition was continued when Rodney Owens built a building behind his house, a much larger building at 40-by-100 feet, 20 years ago.

Today, that building is known as “The Pickin’ Post” in Sylvania.

The building holds up to 250 people and many big names have made their way to the Pickin’ Post stage.

“We’ve had The Florida Boys, Leah C. Wright, Aaron Wilborn, The Dove Brothers, Southern Flight, Denise Beard, Forever Country, Stan Dailey and Exile, just to name a few,” Mike Owens said.

The Pickin’ Post is more than just a place for music.

Mike Owens said the building has also played host to reunions, wedding receptions, birthday parties and corporate events.

“We also rent the building for any type of occasion,” Mike Owens said.

When there is a special event going on at the Pickin’ Post, there’s likely to be people just sitting around playing music.

“We have people call up and want to come and just jam,” Mike Owens said. “Sometimes we’ll have 30-50 people for a jam session and we’ll sit around and drink coffee and eat pizza. You never know who’ll be around.”

The Pickin’ Post is a family atmosphere, and there is no smoking or alcohol allowed.

“Some of the younger kids want to play, and they don’t want to go to a bar, so they come out and play at the Pickin’ Post,” Mike Owens said.

On any given night, an array of country, gospel and old-time rock and roll is featured on the set list.

And, the features aren’t shabby.

“We have a studio-style sound system,” Mike Owens said. “The building has air condition and heating. We’ve got disco balls, karaoke, lights and plenty of parking. Everyone who comes is really impressed, and everyone really enjoys it.”

Mike Owens said he never thought the Pickin’ Post would be what it is today.

“We started off in a garage,” Owens said. “We started playing with 10 people, then 20, then 30 and it just grew and grew.”

Mike Owens said the building wouldn’t get any bigger, though.

“We want to keep it small,” Mike Owens said. “I usually sell 200 tickets to our events. I have to stay within 250 to meet the fire code.”

The Dove Brothers will be playing at the Pickin’ Post on Oct. 16 and Exile will be playing on Oct. 24.

“These events will be big,” Mike Owens said.

Mike Owens said the facility is also leased for country dancing every other Saturday.

Tickets for The Dove Brothers are $10 each and $35 each for Exile.

“Anyone wanting tickets can pick them up at Black’s Tires in Rainsville,” Mike Owens said. “And we thank everyone who comes out to support us.”

For more information, directions or tickets, call 657-3817.

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