I cut last week’s Weldon Mills Theatre wishlist column short because I didn’t want it to become an unwieldy beast.

Before I jump into the latest version, I would like to remind some of the more rush-to-judgment social platform folks (I don’t use the term social media any more because Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram isn’t media as I know it) that I haven’t researched riders and stuff like that because this is a wishlist — much like when you were a young’un and made your Christmas list — you shot for beyond the solar system and held out you would at least perhaps touch the upper atmosphere.

So, yeah, I think I mentioned that U2 and Springsteen were probably out of reach. I may be a kid at heart but I’m not a dummy and as I said last week — you never know unless you try.

With that little disclaimer out of the way let’s proceed.

First for Freedom needs to be presented to the public. The story of the signing of the Halifax Resolves, this play deserves at least a yearly performance and what better place than in this air-conditioned venue. With the upcoming 250th of our nation’s birth and with the emphasis the state is placing on Halifax during the celebrations, it would be wonderful to have this Max Williams production staged in full.

From Ted Lasso comes the one-man band Cam Cole who in a first-season episode salvaged the AFC Richmond fundraiser when Robbie Williams was a no-show. Playing a busker on the show, Lasso and football operations manager Leslie Higgins recruit him to save the day.

He plays a very Zeppelin-esque song called Mama which flat-out rocked.

Cole will be in the U.S. in September with one engagement in Charlotte. He needs to play at the theater at some point.

Cole on his Instagram gives high praise to the folks at Ted Lasso for helping him gain more acclaim. Of course, Ted Lasso has impacted many folks, including me, for its drama, comedy and demonstrating growth amongst its characters. (And the music on the show is superior)

Which brings me to another artist — Celeste — who is currently not on tour but if she does embark she should be recruited. Her song Strange from a pivotal moment in the show became an earwig for me early last week. The New York Times describes her as a young singer with an old soul.

And speaking of Ted Lasso, Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent) is on the road in the United States with his The Second Best Night of Your Life comedy tour (The closest chance is D.C. in November)

I think you have to try for Gillian Welch who is currently not on tour. Having seen her once, she and David Rawlings are a pleasure and a treasure.

Another along those lines who I’ve seen twice is Iris Dement. A friend describes her voice as haunting and it surely is. Check out her duet with the late John Prine called In Spite of Ourselves.

While Justin Townes Earle is no longer with us after his untimely death, his father Steve continues to tour and does a laudable version of his son’s Harlem River Blues. Book him if you can. And I believe everyone is familiar with his Copperhead Road masterpiece.

Down that same road is Parker Millsap, who is currently not on tour. He would bring that same brand of music once he embarks on the road.

The Steel Woods — whose song Rock that Says My Name just captivated me — are on tour and are playing in Virginia Beach. They would be a great fit for the WMT as would Nathaniel Rateliff who will be on tour in November with no dates close by.

Brandi Carlile is currently on tour with no shows nearby. She is mesmerizing and should be on the booking list once things get rolling at the WMT. And while you’re at it, shoot for Margo Price. Neither will disappoint.

While tribute bands are not really my thing, a Pink Floyd experience would be great and Brit Floyd will actually be playing at DPAC Tuesday. (Unfortunately for me that’s city council night)

I would love to see Justin Hayward come here with his Voice of the Moody Blues tour — one of the groups like ELO who I just dove into when I was younger and still listen to from time to time.

I probably won’t bore you with part three although I could go on forever and never reach the end. 

So I’ll just leave at this for now and remind you — unless you try, you’ll never know — Lance Martin