Kristy Lee
ALL AGESSEATED SHOW (GA)KRISTY LEE Kristy’s career started in the early 2000’s with an exclusive deal through Target Stores across the U.S. releasing her 1st album, Lifescapes. She’s been touring the U.S. and overseas for the last 20+ years. Her latest release (Aug 2023), The Olive Tree, debuted at #1 on the iTunes blues charts. Kristy’s raw authenticity has captured the hearts of a loyal international fan base as well as some of music’s top names. She has toured and shared the stage with Leon Russell, Zac Brown Band, Indigo Girls, G. Love & Special Sauce, Jack Johnson, Jason Isbell, Sister Hazel and Imagine Dragons – to name a few. She has played some of the most prestigious music festivals in the world including BluesFest Australia, the Hangout Fest, 30A Songwriters Festival, Cayamo & The Rock Boat Festivals at Sea, and her own conception, the Unleashed Women’s Music Festival in Pensacola, Florida. Kristy also landed an original song, “One Night Romance” with G.Love & Special Sauce on the album, Sugar, featuring 60’s soul legend, Mary Clayton (The Rolling Stones, Gimme Shelter) – it is the ultimate incarnation of the “Dirt Road Soul” Kristy Lee has become known for. Her music transcends genres, lifts heavy spirits and promotes the healing that we all sometimes need. Her songs tend to be true stories of her own journey, her loved one’s struggles and accomplishments, and overall positive messages that the world can relate to – and needs to hear. Kristy’s unique style of music is the background music to all our lives.
PATIO: Kimberly Morgan York
ALL AGESLIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEKIMBERLY MORGAN YORK Athens, Georgia’s own Kimberly Morgan York is at it again this year with her new EP Release, “Devil Songs and Other Such Nonsense”. The Kentucky born artist follows up her 2006 and 2021 recordings (released in 2022) with a whimsical project birthed by accident in a bandmate’s basement. As always, Kimberly brings her Appalachian roots to her country, soul felt and honest songs. Singing publicly since the age of 3, Kimberly has a natural talent for bringing in the crowd and creating a kind of rapport with the audience that makes everyone feel and understand where she is coming from. Kimberly, once married to Drive-by Trucker – Brad Morgan, started writing and playing guitar at 16 and has lived and performed everywhere from New York , California and Colorado all the way back to Georgia. No stranger to the road, she now lives in Athens, Ga with her husband Kevin and their 3 daughters, 3 dogs, 2 hairless rats, a snake, some fish and whatever else seems to find its way into their animal loving home! “…York’s seductive sway is utterly too hard to resist” – American Songwriter “…the nuts and guts, the style and swagger to be a formidable long – haul force on (the real) country music scene…” – Ink 19 “Down to Earth, yet oh so alluring…” – Guitar Girl Magazine “In addition to being a fine singer and songwriter, Kimberly Morgan (York) has that natural gift of personality that shines from the stage in a way that interacts with the people in the room. It’s a rare gift indeed.” — Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers) “Her resonate, expressive voice resembles Dolly Parton, while the LPs Pedal Stee-shaded country rock…has a sharp edged kick that summons Wanda Jackson” –The Big Takeover magazine
PATIO: Ladies in the Round featuring Alexis Jade, Alma Russ, Sierra Bryan
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEALEXIS JADEAlexis Alexis Jade is an old soul with a new sound. Growing up in the small town of Rosemark, Tennessee, outside of Memphis, she has been influenced by a mix of country, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll. Coming from such a rich music area, her dreams of performing have been cultivated from a young age. Her debut EP “With Love, Alexis Jade”, is an ambient, country expression of heartache, triumph, and the journey to finding your worth. After years of honing in on her confidence and skills as a powerful female lead, Alexis Jade stands front and center of her band, Alexis Jade and the Gemstones. Leaning into the unwavering, fearless trailblazers who carved a path for women in country music, Alexis Jade brings a new flare to the time old tailes of heartbreak, determination, and hell-raisin.ALMA RUSS Alma (say it like “Alamo”) lives in Whittier, NC when she’s not on the road. She plays patchwork music: country, folk, and Appalachian roots sewn together to make something unique. Songwriting is cheaper than therapy, and old songs make her happy. She fell in love with Appalachian culture and music as a child, started learning historic Scotch-Irish murder ballads, and took up fiddle at 12. Banjo and guitar followed, and then she made friends with a hobo who taught her to write songs, so that’s what she keeps doing. Music has taken her lots of places, from the hometown bars, to church, to the highway. She spent a while performing as an entertainer on the passenger train in Bryson City, NC, and once she wound up getting 3 yeses from ABC’s American Idol Judges on Season 1 and being sent to Hollywood, CA. She recently recorded a critically acclaimed album in an abandoned church in the West Texas desert. Her influences include John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Dolly Parton, among others.SIERRA BRYANA spunky blend of Americana and indie-rock based out of Flagstaff, AZ, Sierra Bryan’s sound draws inspiration from the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and Joni Mitchell. Her debut album “Breathing In, Breathing Out” showcases her melancholy yet goofy approach to song-writing that holds storytelling at the center of her lyrics. She combines pop sensibilities and vulnerable melodies with acoustic roots to create a unique modern folk sound
Billy Jonas Band ‘Welcome Spring!’ Family Concert
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWEARLY SHOW BILLY JONAS BAND Fun for All Ages! Bring the family, and welcome spring at an afternoon show on April 7. The Billy Jonas Band loves to engage and delight both young and adult audiences. Whether performing for adults, families, school groups, faith communities, or a mix, they strive for a musical excellence that inspires, entertains, and moves people literally and figuratively. With “wild-winded word magic” (Dirty Linen Magazine), homemade “industrial re-percussion” instruments, exquisite 3 and 4-part vocal harmonies, plus guitar and bass, they love to create community through song and story. Their specialty: finding and pushing your “wonder” button. In 2010, the Billy Jonas Band was honored with a performance at the White House!
Jason Eady with Midnight River Choir
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYJASON EADY With a decades-long commitment to his craft as a songwriter, Jason Eady has built his career on bringing his unique perspective to a variety ofgenres, from the “groove centered” blues of his native Mississippi to the classic sound of Texas, the place he calls home. Known by critics and fansalike for his thoughtful, soulful writing and multi-genre mastery, Eady’s acumen as an artist is rooted in his ability to balance musical explorationwith tradition – the result is an artist who delivers authentic songs that detail slices of Eady’s life that resonate with audiences, whether he’s accompanied by bluegrass pickers or pedal steel. At the heart of Eady’s music is the song and his ability – proven by time and his extensive accolades – to remain loyal and authentic to himself while pushing his storytelling beyond the conventions of genre and form.MIDNIGHT RIVER CHOIR The Formation Of Midnight River Choir Was Nothing Short Of A Force Of Nature That Now Translates Seamlessly During Their Live Shows. This Band Needs No Labels Or Comparisons. Their Music Speaks Volumes About Who And What They Are. Their Lives Have Been Woven Together By A Strong Thread Of Energy Both On And Off Stage. That Energy Is Raw And Natural And Soaked Up From The Earth Through Their Bare Feet. They Believe That What You Get Is What You Give And They Give Everything They Have To Their Crowds. When That Kind Of Energy Lands Back At The Feet Of The Boys It Is Something Of Supreme Intensity. And No One Ever Forgets It.
Jesse Roper
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYJESSE ROPER Based in Victoria, BC, Jesse Roper is a blues/Americana artist with a penchant for writing modern indie-infused blues music and delivering bombastic live performances buoyed by his virtuosic guitar playing. His innate and impressive musical talent has served him well, giving him the flexibility to play with soul icon Booker T. Jones, rock veteran Colin James, blues belter Beth Hart, and Canadian legend Burton Cummings. The stage is where Roper shines. It has been his home since overcoming crippling stage fright during his early twenties. Fear is a part of Roper’s past that barely seems real today – especially when you see the in-concert image of a six-string soldier, hair matted to his face, tearing up the stage, without a hint of second-guessing. Roper’s last album ‘Horizons’ marked a sonic high point in his career thus far. Working closely with famed JUNO-nominated producer Gus van Go (Metric, The Stills, Whitehorse, Arkells, The Trews, Sam Roberts) on that new collection of songs has pushed Roper into creating some of his best work. “Recording with Gus and Werner F was on a whole new level. Roper released the first single off his upcoming LP (to be released in late 2023) “Make It All Work Out” on March 29th, 2023. The song charted on Canadian terrestrial and satellite radio throughout the spring and early summer. Now all eyes are on the next release, “Throw This Rope” produced by Gus van Go (Metric, Whitehorse, Sam Roberts Band). The song will be the second of multiple energetic, fresh, soulful and r&b inspired tracks from a forthcoming LP that harkens the voices of JJ Cale, The Teskey Brothers, Ben Harper and others – while maintaining Roper’s strong and unique expression in the genre. When asked to describe the song, Jesse remarks, “Throw This Rope is about being told how to run your life and career by folks who are currently running theirs aground. I sure don’t know everything and I never will but I’ve been given every manner of advice from folks who have no idea what they’re talking about. It’s frustrating sometimes.” Jesse is a master at connecting his personal story and experiences to his songwriting – crafting narratives that hit on life’s challenges and eccentricities – but that remain upbeat, engaging and wildly entertaining songs. Adventuresome doesn’t properly describe Roper as an artist, because when the guitar-wielding dynamo sets out to accomplish something, there’s no telling where his mind will wander, or when his energy will go. PRESSING STRINGSWhen music is given the benefit of instinct, imagination and inspiration, the results are guaranteed to be good. So it ought to come as no surprise that the critically-acclaimed Annapolis Maryland-based trio, appropriately dubbed Pressing Strings, has infused those elements within their musical mantra the beginning. The band —Jordan Sokel (Guitar/Vocals), Nick Welker (Bass, Vocals), and Justin Kruger (Drums, Vocals) can trace its origins to Sokel’s initial fascination with some iconic influences, among them, the usual suspects — Dylan, Marley, Simon, Withers, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, etc., as well as some more under the radar artists like Taj Mahal, R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, and Nick Drake.
John Mailander’s Forecast
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYJOHN MAILANDER’S FORECASTForecast is a Nashville-based collective of visionary musicians led by multi-instrumentalist/composer John Mailander. Originally assembled for the live debut of John’s 2019 album Forecast, the group adopted the name for a series of residency shows in Nashville. John Mailander’s Forecast has since developed a dedicated following through their adventurous improvisations, singular collaborations, and genre-bending, joyful musical explorations. Forecast is: John Mailander (Fiddle/Keys/Electronics), Ethan Jodziewicz (Bass), Chris Lippincott (Steel Guitars/Keys), Mark Raudabaugh (Drums), Jake Stargel (Guitar), David Williford (Tenor Saxophone/Bass Clarinet).
An Evening with Colicchie
-ALL AGES-STANDING ROOM ONLY COLICCHIEPittsburgh rapper Colicchie rose up from years of struggling with addiction to find success and hope in his music. A rapid decline into drug addiction in his teenage years led to troubles with the law and multiple stints in rehab in his early twenties. After getting clean at age 23, Colicchie began writing raps, turning stories from his life into confessional, unflinchingly honest songs. A video for “Drug Addiction” went viral in 2017, reaching millions of listeners, many of whom were struggling with addiction themselves and took inspiration from Colicchie’s story.
PATIO: Chris Kasper
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVECHRIS KASPERChris Kasper is an American songwriter who is currently based in the Philadelphia area. He’s been active in the local and national scene for the last 20 years. Over that time, he has released six records and toured with acts like Amos Lee and The Wood Brothers. His music traverses the americana, blues, folk and rock spectrums, blurring the lines between genres. Kasper’s evolution into a no-nonsense songwriter is heard throughout his latest album, with nods to songwriters of the 70s like Bobby Charles, Lowell George, and Neil Young.
PATIO: Shake a Leg!
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVESHAKE A LEG! Local singer-songwriter Josh Pierce has been writing and sharing songs for 25+ years. Originally hailing from central Illinois, Josh initially made Asheville his home in 1995. Since then, his zig zag travels have included Sylva (NC), Tallahassee (FL), Weaverville (NC), Lexington (KY) and now back in good ol’ west Asheville. All the while, Josh has continued to feed his passion for live music (LIVE MUSIC IS BETTER) and songwriting. Blending elements of rock and roll, folk, blues, and country, SHAKE A LEG! aims to connect with the audience…and have a good time along the way. Songs are often improvised and/or composed in the moment depending on the audience/situation, making each performance unique and fun for all. SHAKE A LEG! includes Josh Pierce (vocals/guitar), Jody Stevenson aka “Skilly” (bass/background vocals), Patrick Thomas (drums), and other AVL music freaks depending on the show… “SHAKE A LEG! brings unique and energetic songs that come straight out of Josh’s daily life and travels.” David Boughner – local roots rock weirdo
