SALISBURY — Matthew Weaver, one of Salisbury’s most popular musicians, is about to take the next step in pursuing his dream.
For decades, Weaver said, he’s worked toward building his career as a singer/songwriter.
Now, “all I’ve worked hard for and prayed for is beginning to come to fruition,” Weaver said.
Having commuted between Boone and Salisbury in recent years, he’ll soon be dividing his time between Boone and Nashville.
Weaver left his post as director of music at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday. He held that job for 13 years.
Last Sunday was Weaver’s final time leading Sunday worship at the church, where he also directed handbells, brass and choir.
While working at Sacred Heart, “I kept working on my music career, besides pursing a higher degree of education,” Weaver said.
He holds a B.A. degree in Appalachian Studies, with a concentration in bluegrass, country and Appalachian music, from Appalachian State University.
Saying goodbye to Sacred Heart was a bittersweet move, Weaver said, but one that was necessary.
“Doors are opening up fast,” he said.
“I’m not going to say a whole lot right now until everything gets nailed down and chiseled out, but there’s numerous opportunities to perform across the United States in various country music venues.”
Among other things, Weaver said, he’s been invited to make appearances on television.
Weaver doesn’t want to go into too much detail about that either until everything is finalized.
Aside from that, he said, “We’re getting ready to record two major albums later on this year.”
Weaver’s website, matthewweavermusic.com, is about to undergo a redesign, and he said his music will soon be available for download on MP3, as well as on CD in more than 24,000 outlets.
Even as he moves closer to his dream, he said he’s thankful for “the wonderful love and support from my parish, the staff and music department at Sacred Heart.”
“They really have stood behind me and supported my music and career,” Weaver said. “We truly have become one big family.”
That church family recently gathered to honor Weaver with a dinner reception.
John Brincefield, cantor at Sacred Heart and longtime friend, thanked Weaver for his service and dedication.
Father John Putnam, pastor, joined Brincefield in presenting a portrait of Weaver painted by artist Mark Brincefield.
The painting shows Weaver at the piano, a stained glass window in the background.
His Sacred Heart family will still be behind him as Weaver moved on into the music world.
Weaver said John Brincefield, the former president of Piedmont Players Theatre, is going to come on board as business manager in this new phase of his career.
“Johnny and I have worked together a lot over 20 years, in various music venues from Piedmont Players Theatre to church,” Weaver said.
His successor at Sacred Heart, Flora Lester, is also a friend.
Lester, currently teaching music at Pfeiffer University, has decades of experience in liturgical music.
“I have a lot of respect for her. She’s very talented,” Weaver said.
Though he’s leaving the city, Weaver will not be leaving Salisbury behind.
“This is still my home,” Weaver said. “Although I wasn’t born in Rowan County, I love calling Salisbury and Rowan County home.
“I’m taking Salisbury with me wherever I go.”
He’ll be back later this month to perform at First Baptist Church.
The Feb. 23 concert will feature the group of country singers and musicians from the Lee Street Theater’s “Songs Down a Country Road” show. Proceeds from that show will benefit the church’s Relay For Life team.

Contact Hugh Fisher via the editor’s desk at 704-797-4244.