K-Town Connection Official Home of the K-Town Connection

Jason “Greazy Keyz” Atkins is the high-energy organist who brings the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers ballpark to life every home game. In Episode 67 of K-Town Connection, the Rough Talk crew sits down with him inside historic Dayvault’s Garage to talk music, community, and the unique vibe he creates in downtown Kannapolis. Greazy shares how he landed the Cannon Ballers gig (with a big assist from David Steele), the story of tracking down a pristine Hammond M3 organ in South Carolina, balancing his work with the Charlotte Checkers, and why Kannapolis fans interact with the music like nowhere else. You’ll also hear the origin of the “Greazy Keyz” name, a powerful story about community support during his wife’s cancer battle, and live performances on organ and keytar right there in the garage. This is pure K-Town energy — local baseball, live music, and the people who make the downtown ballpark feel like home. Chapters: 0:00 Hilbish Ford Sponsor 0:36 Banter with Chuck & David Steele 3:37 Carolina Pickleball Club 4:04 Welcome to EP 67 – Meet Greazy Keyz 5:00 How David Helped Bring Greazy to the Cannon Ballers 6:14 Tracking Down the Hammond M3 Organ 6:50 Balancing the Charlotte Checkers & Cannon Ballers 8:00 The Ballpark Sound That Fills Kannapolis 10:00 Staying in Tune – Real-Time Music for Every Play 14:43 Live Organ Demo in Dayvault’s Garage 22:48 Halloween Story & Player Connections 23:18 The Origin of the Name “Greazy Keyz” 25:03 Why Kannapolis Fans Are Special 25:38 Community Support Through His Wife’s Cancer Journey 30:16 Keytar & Live Performance Fun 35:06 Remembering Local Musician Doug Winstead 36:46 Where to Follow Greazy Keyz & His Music 37:24 Episode 67 Closing & Three for Dale 📍 Filmed at: Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage – Kannapolis, NC 🎙️ Hosted by: Chris Hughes, Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin & David Steele Follow Greazy Keyz: Instagram & Facebook: @GreazyKeyz Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2AxdvsNzxJbnnb7Xr21xNT Like, subscribe, and share if you love Kannapolis baseball, local music, and the stories that make K-Town special. See you at the ballpark.

Kannapolis native Chris Gordon sits down with the Rough Talk Cousins to share a true K-Town racing legacy — third-generation motorsports, Dale Earnhardt connections on both sides of his family, national go-kart titles, short-track battles, and the decision to come home and build businesses that serve this community. Filmed inside historic Dayvault’s Garage, Chris walks through the family history that started with his grandfather Henry Gordon (track owner/promoter at Metrolina and car owner) and his dad as one of the youngest car owners in the area. Dale Earnhardt actually drove for the family. From there Chris built his own career: dominating go-karts (multiple national titles and a world championship at 15), running Concord and other local short tracks, competing in the Hooters Pro Cup series, and testing with organizations like Petty Enterprises. After stepping away from full-time racing, Chris spent years in high-level motorsports marketing (Super Bowl, Daytona 500, Monster Energy) before returning to Kannapolis. Today he and his wife run local businesses — including his insurance agency focused on protecting families with home, auto, and especially life insurance — and he remains deeply rooted in the community he grew up in. 0:00 – Cold Open / Carolina Pickleball Club 0:32 – SunDrop Banter & “Too Busy” 2:00 – Weather, Pollen & Local Talk 3:30 – “Down Yonder” & Kannapolis Directions 7:52 – Welcome to Episode 66 / Introducing Chris Gordon 11:17 – Third-Generation Racing: Henry Gordon & Metrolina 12:13 – Earnhardt Connections on Both Sides of the Family 14:10 – Dad as Youngest Car Owner & Track Memories 19:50 – Go-Kart Dominance: National Titles & World Championship 20:45 – Short Tracks, Concord & Hooters Pro Cup 22:10 – Petty, Evernham Testing & Funny Track Stories 26:41 – Life After Racing: Marketing, Super Bowls & Daytona 27:56 – Fresh Wave Cleaning & Starting the Insurance Agency 28:44 – Why Life Insurance Matters Most in the Community 35:00 – Discipline, Focus & Leaving the Track Behind 40:00 – Racing Family Values & Mentors 43:30 – Appreciation & Community Leadership 45:24 – Closing Thoughts & “Three for Dale” 45:40 – Outro 📍 Filmed at: Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service – Kannapolis, NC 🎙️ Hosts: Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault & Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin If you love local racing history, Earnhardt stories, or just good people who stayed and built something in Kannapolis, this one’s for you. Like, subscribe, and share it with someone who remembers Metrolina, Concord Speedway, or the old days at the track.

David Steele returns for another Show & Tell episode packed with Kannapolis memories — A.L. Brown football and stadium cushions, 1967 Charles A. Cannon papers, mill safety towels, family keepsakes, Camp Cabarrus scouting stories, and the people who helped shape a local life after his father passed. Filmed at the historic Dayvault’s Garage / Cannon News Center set, this one is pure K-Town Connection: real items, real stories, and the community that raised us. 0:00 Cold Open / Hilbish Ford 0:36 Weather & Downtown Buzz with Dr. Dave 1:53 Episode 65 – Show & Tell Returns 4:33 David Steele: The Man Who Started Show & Tell 6:15 David’s Hot Take – The Peter Max Car 9:09 Never-Washed Peter Max Shirt from Jimmy Cooper 9:51 The Night That Car Ran 12:18 Ryan’s 1967 Charles A. Cannon Birthday Papers 16:14 Forming the Kannapolis Sanitary District 19:17 Dad’s Sewing Machine Shop & the Hot Sauce Sandwich 26:00 A.L. Brown Football, Corduroy Hat & Mom’s Stadium Cushion 30:02 A.L. Brown New Testament & Mom’s Nursing Cap 35:10 Taylor Garden Center, Marcell’s & Midway Mentors 44:21 Mill Safety Towel & Dye Creek Stories 47:00 Scouting at Camp Cabarrus & Hubert Powell 51:08 Remembering Kannapolis Military Families 52:22 Closing Bell – Episode 65 in the Books 52:51 Carolina Pickleball Club 📍 Filmed at: Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage – Kannapolis, NC 🎙️ Hosted by: Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault & Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin If you grew up around the mills, A.L. Brown, or just love hearing Kannapolis stories told by the people who lived them, this one’s for you. Like, subscribe, and share it with someone who still remembers the old company houses and Camp Cabarrus. #KTownConnection #Kannapolis #ALBrown #CannonMills #LocalHistory #CabarrusCounty #RoughTalk

Matt Tucker (Matt Eats 704) went from struggling realtor to viral local food reviewer — and it all started in Cabarrus County. In Episode 64 of K-Town Connection, the Rough Talk Cousins sit down with Kannapolis-area native Matt Tucker inside historic Dayvault’s Garage. Matt shares how a simple idea to promote his real estate business turned into honest restaurant reviews that blew up on Facebook (including a HAPS video that hit 500,000 views). We talk about: • How Matt Eats 704 took off • Why authenticity beats polished content • Balancing family, real estate, and creating content • The best (and most nostalgic) spots across Kannapolis, Concord, Salisbury & Cabarrus County • Growing up here, leaving for ministry, and coming back home If you love local food, supporting Cabarrus restaurants, or just hearing a real K-Town story, this one’s for you. 📍 Filmed at: Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage – Kannapolis, NC 🎙️ Hosted by: Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault & Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin Chapters: 0:00 – Hilbish Ford 0:36 – Cold Open & Spring Banter 2:21 – Meet Matt Tucker 3:45 – From Real Estate to Food Reviews 5:16 – Growing Up Local (Cox Mill & Northwest) 8:00 – The HAPS Video That Went Viral (500K Views) 9:50 – Honesty, Comments & Authenticity 13:20 – Supporting Local Restaurants 19:20 – How He Picks Spots & Orders 23:20 – Nostalgia Spots (Brian’s, Haps & More) 28:00 – Why Kannapolis Still Feels Like Home 30:10 – KP Breakfast Barn (Old McCabe’s) & Closing Advice 32:45 – Where to Follow Matt Eats 704 33:56 – Carolina Pickleball Club 34:22 – Closing + Outro 👉 Follow Matt: Facebook: Matt Tucker TikTok: @matteats704[](https://www.tiktok.com/@matteats704) YouTube: MattEats704 👉 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss another K-Town story. Tell a friend who loves local food or Kannapolis history. #KTownConnection #Kannapolis #CabarrusCounty #MattEats704 #LocalFood

Tim Jung sits down with the Rough Talk cousins to share the remarkable 111-year Jung family story in Kannapolis — from Chinese immigrant roots and early laundry businesses to the Buyer’s Mart on Main Street and a lasting legacy of education, service, and community. This is one of the deepest local-history episodes we’ve recorded. Tim walks us through newly uncovered family records, the 1912 boat ticket that wasn’t the full story, the census that showed his grandfather already in America by 1901, life in the Concord laundry, raising eight children, the emphasis on education as the way out of poverty, downtown Kannapolis memories, the Buyer’s Mart furniture and appliance store, and his mother Dobby Jung’s radio career on WRKB. A powerful reminder of the people who helped build Kannapolis. 0:06 Cold Open – Carolina Pickleball Club 0:33 Welcome & Dr. Dave’s Empty Seat 2:24 Introducing Tim Jung 3:35 111 Years in Kannapolis 4:13 The 1912 Boat Ticket Story 4:35 Southern Fried Rice & Family Research 5:04 Census Discovery: Granddad Here by 1901 5:45 The Original Laundry in Concord 6:06 New York Trip & Tong Wars 14:11 Liang Moi Becomes Daniel Jung 16:18 1911 Trip Back to China & Marriage 20:12 Mr. Cannon Brings the Laundry to Kannapolis 23:25 Raising Eight Children 26:23 The Sons Go to College 35:30 Education: The Way Out of Poverty 37:07 Growing Up in Kannapolis & A.L. Brown 42:09 The Buyer’s Mart 48:03 Mom Dobby Jung’s Radio Career 52:18 WRKB Days 56:57 Tim Jung Realty & Call It Closed 58:20 Closing Thanks to Tim & the Family 60:08 Hilbish Ford / Outro 📍 Filmed at Dayvault’s Garage in Kannapolis, NC 🎙️ Hosted by Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault If you love real Kannapolis stories, hit like, subscribe, and share this one with someone who needs to hear it.

Brent Offenberger is a Kannapolis master plumber and elite craftsman who builds heirloom-quality wooden trucks and excavators — many of them from actual Cannon Mills lumber he salvaged the day they demolished the mill. In EP 62 of K-Town Connection, the Rough Talk Cousins (Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault) and Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin sit down with Brent inside Dayvault’s Garage. You’ll hear how a kid from Ohio who grew up watching his dad work wood ended up in Kannapolis, became the master plumber at the NC Research Campus, and turned historic mill beams into rolling works of art that move, tilt, and last generations. Along the way Brent shares the wildest collection of stories you’ll hear all year: surviving multiple tornadoes, a house fire that put him on the volunteer fire department, a hospital fire extinguisher mishap, a Navy helicopter crash rescue in the Chesapeake Bay that earned recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives, and the time his flying lesson made a giraffe pass out. This episode is pure K-Town: real craftsmanship, real chaos, real trades talk, and real local history you can hold in your hands. Chapters: 0:00 Hilbish Ford / Cold Open 0:35 Wind Chaos & Technical Setup 1:53 1960 A.L. Brown Co-Championship Football 4:05 Introducing Brent Offenberger 5:26 Ohio Roots, Family Woodworking & Moving South 6:48 The Day They Blew Up Cannon Mill – Salvaging the Lumber 8:00 Master Plumber at the NC Research Campus 9:01 Tour of the Heirloom Wooden Trucks & Models 10:39 School Bus from Guatemala Wood & the Customs Story 12:05 Tornadoes, Fires & Being on Channel 3 12:40 Navy Helicopter Crash Rescue & U.S. House Recognition 13:35 Detail Work – No Nails, Moving Parts, 100+ Hours 16:00 Cannon Mills + Research Campus Wood Together 20:45 How Brent Became a Master Plumber 22:00 The Hospital Fire Extinguisher Disaster 23:51 House Fire & Joining the Volunteer Fire Department 24:20 Flying Lessons & the Giraffe Incident 25:45 Why Young People Should Choose the Trades 28:00 Race Drivers’ Homes to Closing Reflections 30:00 Kannapolis History Lives in This Wood 31:07 Closing + Three for Dale 31:59 Carolina Pickleball Club Recorded at Dayvault’s Garage – Kannapolis, NC Hosts: Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault, Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin If you love local history, skilled trades, or just a great story told by a guy who’s lived a dozen lifetimes, hit subscribe and share this one with someone who needs to hear it. #KTownConnection #Kannapolis #CannonMills #SkilledTrades

Step inside history at Dayvault’s Dyno Garage. In this episode of K-Town Connection, the #RoughTalkCousins — Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault pull back the curtain for a laid-back “show & tell” inside one of Kannapolis’ most unique spaces. From recent additions to the garage to the ongoing restoration of this historic building, the guys take a deep dive into the story behind the space, the vision driving it forward, and why this work matters to them and the community. It’s part storytelling, part behind-the-scenes, and all authentic — with plenty of laughs along the way. If you’ve ever wondered why we do what we do, this episode gives you a real look. 🎙️ Subscribe, like, and follow along as we continue to preserve history and tell the stories that

The K-Town Connection crew is back at the historic Dayvault’s Tune-Up & Brake Service garage for another great conversation rooted in Kannapolis history and community. In this episode, the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault, along with co-host Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin, sit down with Chic Suggs and Darlene Chavis of Lee’s Sandwich Shop — one of Kannapolis’ most well-known and beloved local spots. From stories about the shop to memories of Kannapolis through the years, Chic and Darlene bring plenty of laughs, local insight, talk about their new burger, and classic small-town storytelling. If you know Lee’s, you know the stories — and if you don’t, this episode will give you a great taste of why it’s such a special place in our community. As always, the conversation is real, relaxed, and rooted in the people and places that make Kannapolis unique. 📍 Filmed at Dayvault’s Tune-Up & Brake Service, a historic Kannapolis landmark. Featuring: Chris Hughes Ryan Dayvault Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin Chic Suggs Darlene Chavis 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us continue telling the stories of Kannapolis and the people who make this community special. #KTownConnection #KannapolisNC #RoughTalk #LeesSandwichShop #LocalStories #SmallTownStories

Dale Earnhardt 25 years later. In the heart of Kannapolis, Steve Gant and David Steele join the RoughTalk Cousins and Dr. Dave at Dayvault’s Dyno Garage to share the stories only locals know. Recorded February 18, 2026 — the exact 25th anniversary of the day Kannapolis lost its hometown hero — this episode goes beyond the Intimidator. It’s about Ralph’s son who used to bum a dime for a Coke, the second-grader who matched Dale’s purple shirt on Appreciation Day in 1993, the birthday phone call that still gives chills, the quiet acts of kindness almost nobody saw, and the statue that still draws people from every state. From Concord dirt tracks and the old fairgrounds to the day the town stopped, these are the memories that still live on Main Street and in the mill villages. 00:00 Cold Open / Hilbish Ford 00:41 Welcome to Dayvault’s Dyno Garage 01:05 25 Years Ago Today 01:27 Introducing Steve Gant & David Steele 04:44 David Steele’s 1993 Appreciation Day Story 08:37 Steve Gant on Ralph Earnhardt & Young Dale 12:01 Dale’s Talent, Focus & Common Sense 16:50 The Birthday Phone Call from Dale 23:30 Dr. Dave: The Day of the Crash 28:00 Kannapolis Mourns as a Community 35:00 The Sun Drop Commercial & Junior’s Early Days 42:00 Safety Changes, Quiet Charity & Local Impact 45:00 The Earnhardt Statue & Visitors Still Coming 52:00 Honoring the Legacy That Still Lives Here 53:57 Closing + Outro Recorded at the Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage Kannapolis, North Carolina Hosts: Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault, Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin Special Guests: Steve Gant, David Steele If you grew up in Cabarrus County, worked the mills, or ever stood by that statue downtown, this one’s for you. Share it with somebody who still feels it the same way we do. Subscribe for more real Kannapolis stories. ktownconnection.com

Filmed inside the historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage, Episode 57 of the K-Town Connection features Ryan Dayvault and Chuck Irvin sitting down with lifelong Kannapolis resident and veteran barber Steve Ellsworth. Ellsworth has spent more than 51 years behind the barber chair, cutting hair, swapping stories and witnessing the town’s evolution firsthand. Along the way, he also formed a close friendship with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt — including the unforgettable experience of cutting Earnhardt’s hair and his iconic mustache. From growing up in Kannapolis to sharing never-before-heard stories about one of racing’s most legendary figures, this episode is packed with nostalgia, humor and local history you won’t hear anywhere else. You won’t want to miss this captivating episode. Be sure to like and subscribe to K-Town Connection, and follow us on our social platforms for more stories from the people who make Kannapolis special.

Filmed at the historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage, the K-Town Connection crew welcomes Dan L. Gray, a man whose story is deeply woven into the fabric of Kannapolis and the legacy of the Cannon family. Hosted by #RoughTalk Cousins Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault, alongside co-host Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin, this conversation is a true journey through local history — from Dan’s early life and family roots to his military service, career path, and unforgettable firsthand experiences working closely within the Cannon organization. Dan shares rare insight into Mr. Charles A. Cannon, offering stories and perspective you simply don’t hear every day — the kind that brings the past to life and reminds us what made Kannapolis such a special place. Along the way, the episode also dives into the powerful business and community legacy of Cannon during a pivotal era — including the jaw-dropping reality that the company once reported major profits, tens of millions in cash and securities, and no debt. If you care about Kannapolis history, mill life, community leadership, and the people who helped shape this town — this is a must-watch episode. Watch, like, and subscribe to the K-Town Connection on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube — and help us keep these stories alive.

Kannapolis lost a great citizen today — and we lost a man we were proud to call a friend.Today, we take a moment to remember Mr. Dane Laney and honor the impact he made on so many lives.

The K-Town Connection kicked off Season 3 at the Carolina Pickleball Club in Kannapolis, sitting down with Nash Patel and Kyle Williams for an inside look at one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The conversation dives into the rapid rise of pickleball, how the Carolina Pickleball Club found its home in Kannapolis, and the unique culture that’s fueling the sport’s popularity. As always, the podcast is hosted by the #RoughTalkCousins — Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault — alongside Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin.

In Episode 4 of the Mill People Series, the K-Town Connection crew welcomes lifelong Kannapolis resident Guy “Bud” Williams for a powerful conversation rooted in mill history and community pride. Filmed in the historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault, along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin, sit down with Williams to hear his story of growing up in a true mill town and spending a lifetime inside Cannon Mills. Now 89 years old, Williams began his career in the Weave Room and retired in 2001 from the Data Processing Department, witnessing firsthand the evolution of the mill from its early days as Cannon Mills, through Fieldcrest-Cannon, and ultimately Pillowtex. A graduate of Catawba College, Williams embodies what it truly means to be a “Mill Guy.” His memories, perspective, and lived experience make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in Kannapolis history and the people who helped build it.

Kannapolis Mayor Doug Wilson sits down with the Rough Talk Cousins for a deep, hometown conversation about growing up in K-Town, coaching girls basketball at A.L. Brown High School, leading the Kannapolis Booster Club for 25 years, and his vision for the city he has served his entire life. Filmed inside historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage, Episode 54 of K-Town Connection features Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault, and Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin with newly elected Mayor Doug Wilson — a lifelong local, Longleaf Pine and Laurel Wreath recipient, and one of the most dedicated servants Kannapolis has ever known. From Royal Oaks and Wyckoff to the creek football fields, Chicken Box, and the Booster Club radio deals, Doug shares the stories that shaped him and the values he brings to City Hall. Chapters: 00:00 – Hilbish Ford Sponsor 00:35 – Cold Open: Urbie’s Menu & Studio Banter 05:10 – Theme Song: This Is My Town 06:18 – Welcome & Introducing Mayor Doug Wilson 07:30 – Doug on Dayvault’s Garage, Earnhardt History & Local Awards 08:30 – Growing Up Kannapolis: Royal Oaks, Wyckoff & the Neighborhoods 12:00 – Family of Preachers & Salesmen / Childhood Freedom 15:30 – Classic K-Town Spots: Chicken Box, Idiot Circle & Number 5 18:00 – First Memories of A.L. Brown High School 20:30 – Football Legends & High School Sports Stories 30:00 – Coaching Roots: YMCA to A.L. Brown Girls Basketball 34:45 – Girls Basketball Coaching & Mentoring the Next Generation 41:00 – Kannapolis Booster Club: Decades of Service 42:06 – Becoming Booster Club President (2000–Present) 52:00 – Path to Public Service: Parks & Rec to City Council 55:50 – Mayor’s Vision: Citizens as “Stockholders” & Local Priorities 59:50 – Sports Facilities, Youth & the Old Baseball Stadium 64:50 – Closing Thoughts & Thank You 66:50 – Hilbish Ford Outro + Closing Music Filmed at Dayvault’s Garage – Kannapolis, NC Hosts: Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault, Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin If you love Kannapolis history, A.L. Brown athletics, and the people who have quietly built this town for decades, this one is for you. Share it with a fellow W-Towner who remembers the old neighborhoods, the Booster Club, and what it means to serve your hometown. Subscribe for more real Kannapolis stories. ktownconnection.com