Hickory Algorithm Newsletter
Don't Stop Believin'
Trial by Fire — More Than Just a Tribute
by: Chris Goldby ∣ Hickory Algorithm
🔗 Ernie Shepard on the Hickory Algorithm CLICK HERE
Before we moved to Hickory, Jenn and I did what any music-loving couple would do, we scouted the scene in Hickory. Leaving the heart of Pittsburgh meant no longer being surrounded by inner-city shows, park shows, and arenas. So, we started researching what kind of bands passed through Hickory, NC.
We followed the Hickory Farmers Market, naturally. But alongside that, we started tracking tribute bands and cover acts. It didn’t take long for one band to jump out and grab our attention: Trial by Fire — a Journey tribute band with a red-hot live presence.
Journey itself is always a draw. But this was different. This wasn’t just a tribute band running through the usual “Dirty Dozen” of classic Journey songs. What caught my attention it was the name: Trial by Fire.
For the average fan, that name might not stand out. But for someone like me — who considers Journey’s 1996 Trial by Fire album to be one of the most underrated moments in rock — I was immediately dialed in. That album marked the reunion of Journey’s original lineup. It wasn’t just nostalgia; it was rebirth.
So I took a shot. I messaged Trial by Fire through social media and they responded.
Fast forward to show night in Hickory. My wife and I were in the crowd, and Ernie Shepard — the frontman — absolutely delivered. From the first note, it was obvious: this wasn’t just someone playing Steve Perry. It wasn’t just another guy with a high voice singing Journey. This was someone channeling him. The energy, the passion, the commitment—it was all there. His love #fortheloveofthegame was undeniable.
🛸 what is #fortheloveofthegame? It’s a passion. Purpose. It’s a drive. A calling. A clear passion of purpose in your work. Undeniable. You’re #fortheloveofthegame will get you looks from other people 🛸
After the show, I introduced myself. Ernie looked exhausted, like he’d left everything on that stage. I mentioned, I’d messaged him about the Trial by Fire album, and without hesitation, he asked, “What’s your favorite song?” I said, “Can’t Tame the Lion.”
Without blinking, this man broke into the chorus, right there, post-show, in an emptying venue. “STANDING THERE!” - legit the lyric he started to sing. 💪
Months passed, and I finally reached back out to Ernie — this time, to ask if he’d come on The Hickory Algorithm.
And that’s how this Event Spotlight episode came to be.
Not only is this a killer interview with someone who truly gets what it means to perform, but it also represents something personal for me. This isn’t just about Journey. It’s about discovery, connection, and honoring music that still electrifies a stage. Just a little Trial by Fire.
Catch the full episode now on YouTube. And if you’re anywhere near Hickory the next time Trial by Fire comes through, trust me—go see them.
🔗Journey's Trial by Fire Album on YouTube MUSIC
🔗Trial By Fire Tour Dates HERE
🔗 Trial by Fire Facebook Follow
#fortheloveofthegame
Spotlight Event:
📆 June 20th - Concert
Location: Charlotte @ Visulite Theater LINK HERE
I’ve seen my fair share of cover bands. You do not want to miss Trial by Fire. A great Journey cover band! Every time they come to Hickory or anywhere close, my wife and I attend. Tickets are 15 dollars, plus you can spend a night in the city with your significant other to get away from these kids (AMIRIGHT?!?). Or drive back and sleep in your own bed - either way Trial by Fire is awesome!
Never…ever…. under any circumstances…. don’t stop….. believing.
📆 June 27th - Education
🛸 Hickory Algorithm Event 🛸
Be a Better Networker is hosting another event! No, you didn’t have to be at the last one. Coach Mike and I are tackling another networking work shop. This time we have Dustin Pitts, head of Unifour Networking Group and Agent for Farm Bureau here in Hickory.
Information: Register HERE
📆 June 28th - Food
Join us for a celebration of local food & live music here at Raising Roots Farm. Farm Feast is the last event during Catawba County's Eat, Drink, & Be Local. event which includes farm tours, workshops, and more. For more information visit https://catawba.ces.ncsu.edu/eat-drink-and-be-local/.
5 Chefs will be paired with farmers throughout Catawba and surrounding counties in Western North Carolina to showcase local food and culinary talent.
📆 July 26th - Fantasy Football Livestream Draft
🛸 Hickory Algorithm Event 🛸
My oldest son and I embark on our first team “together.” Oh boy… We pick 10 out of 10 teams with no snake for this Dynasty Fantasy Football start up. Be on the lookout for bat signal mock drafts leading up our draft on July 26th. More information to come! It’s about to be the most wonderful time of the year. 🎄🏈
📆 August 22nd - Game Night
🛸 Hickory Algorithm Event 🛸
I’ll be hosting a FUN-draising event at Neighbors Network in Conover, where I am a board member. I was looking for a game nights around Hickory but decided the game night I wanted I would have to create myself.
Let’s hang out, play a game, and eat some great food. That sounds like a great evening out to me. We will be playing the game Werewolf.
Here is the link to how to play the game: Learn how to play Werewolf
Tickets are 35.00 dollars each and benefit Neighbors Network.
Limit to 25 participants. LINK HERE TO REGISTER <~~~~~
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