Sons of The East
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYSONS OF THE EAST“Hello, I’m Bill Murray, thank you for your attention. Now if you would please direct it to the music of Sons Of The East.” – Bill MurrayPremiere songwriters and a brilliant live act, Sons Of The East are a remarkable independent success story. Their stellar debut album, Palomar Parade, has already seen over 60 million streams, with sold out shows at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire London, Williamsburg Music Hall New York, Troubadour LA, Razzmatazz Barcelona, Metro Theatre Sydney, Boston, Denver & The Hague to name just a handful. They have amassed an impressive 300 million streams, 60 million YouTube views, 2 million monthly listeners and sold over 50,000 headline tickets throughout their career, a testament to their growing connection with fans all around the world. A steadfastly independent trio, Sons Of The East continue to defy genre and carve out a unique position amongst their indie folk contemporaries. After returning to more sellout shows across Europe, Sons Of The East embark on their third tour of North America in July & August 2024, playing key festivals such as San Fransisco’s Outside Lands, Montreal Jazz, and Floyd Festival.BEN GOLDSMITH Multidimensional artist Ben Goldsmith would like to tell you he “never could’ve imagined” this for himself, but he’s quick to note that – call it confidence or a preternatural headstrongness years in the making – it’d just not be true. “In a way, I’ve been working towards this since I was 3 or 4,” he says. “I’ve never strayed. It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do.” That “thing” Ben’s referring to is making music – more than music, it’s an art free from genre, with melodies as strong as some of the teen’s many influences. Ben was born and bred on acts like Aerosmith, Dave Mathews Band, Elton John, Queen, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, and Bob Dylan. Ben floats between worlds, genres, and sounds, truly a jack and master of all trades. The upcoming album will be released in September of 2024. The first release, “Love Again” will drop on May 3rd. Named to The Hollywood Reporter’s “Emerging Artists 18 and Under [hollywoodreporter.com]” club for music this year and equipped with a natural yet extraordinary gift for singing, songwriting, and performing, Ben is blazing his own Converse-paved trail.
Randall Bramblett Band: Album Release Show
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWLIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLERANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND Esteemed singer-songwriter Randall Bramblett is a multi-instrumentalist musician with a career spanning four decades. The Jesup, Georgia native has been highly sought-after for his creativity as both a collaborator and skilled touring sideman. His talent has earned him the respect of his peers and many of rock’s finest luminaries. In 1974 he was part of the Gregg Allman Band for his Laid Back album and tour. In the 1970’s he joined Sea Level with Chuck Leavell. He’s shared stages with artists such as Steve Winwood – a 16 year run, Bonnie Raitt, The Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic, among others. He’s also a noted songwriter – he penned the title track for the Grammy nominated Blind Boys of Alabama’s last album, adding to a long catalog of songs covered by Raitt, Gregg Allman, Bonnie Bramlett, Hot Tuna, Delbert McClinton, Chuck Leavell and more. The current exciting news is soul/Motown legend Bettye LaVette released a tribute album, covering 11 of Randall Bramblett’s songs on June 16, 2023 on the Jay-Vee label. Super-producer Steve Jordan brought in Steve Winwood, John Mayer, Jon Batiste, Larry Campbell and more to play on this! But it’s Bramblett’s own career as frontman where his artistry is truly on full display and gives him the most satisfaction. He’s recorded 12 albums for labels Polydor, Capricorn and the last seven for New West Records. Deep into his self-described second act of his solo career, and living in Athens, Georgia, Bramblett’s talents are repeatedly praised by musicians, critics, DJs and fans. Check out the amazing legends he’s played with, written for, and recorded with here!
Mama & The Ruckus w/ Conor & The Wild Hunt
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWLIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEMAMA AND THE RUCKUS Mama & The Ruckus is led by Melissa McKinney, who writes songs about the trauma and pain that every person inevitably experiences in their lives. She sings these songs as a cry for hope and inspiration to others and you hear that in every single note that she sings. This intergenerational Roots project features original music that they hope will ignite healing, spread joy, and shine up your soul. Melissa recently advanced to the finals of the International Blues Competition that took place in Memphis, TN, and performed at the historic Orpheum Theater. For the first time, you can catch Melissa with The Ruckus, unplugged in this special evening of music where they will be playing songs off their recently released album alongside some brand new music. Melissa is a resident artist with LEAF Global Arts, the co-founder of the Women to the Front Music Festival, a small business owner, and a passionate member of the Asheville Music Community. You can often find her performing alongside her daughter in her other project, Melissa & McKinney. CONOR & THE WILD HUNT Conor & The Wild Hunt animates soulful original songs with fresh perspectives on Americana, Folk, and Pop traditions. They encompass a wide dynamic range, from irresistible grooves to contemplative cinematic ballads and anthemic explosive peaks, with artful and driving instrumentation, impassioned duets, blooming three-part harmonies, and a compelling stage presence. Conor & The Wild Hunt released their debut album titled ‘You’re Not Alone’ in September of 2019. They’ve shared bills with bands such as The War and Treaty, Stella Donnelly, Christian Lopez, Illiterate Light, Satsang, Falls, Ruen Brothers, Ezra Bell, Kelsey Waldon, Yarn, Dustin Thomas, and Crack the Sky. Conor Brendan has performed with artists such as Peter Yarrow and Trevor Hall. Conor Brendan also has a continuing history of involvement in intersectional progressive activism, including the Free Palestine movement, spending three weeks on the front lines at Standing Rock, and participating in marches with BLM, Native rights, women’s rights, reproductive rights, the Baltimore Uprising, West Wednesdays for Tyrone West, Occupy, and anti alt-right counter protests. A recording of Conor singing his song “We Are Here to Stay” at Occupy Congress at age 17 is featured at the end of an NPR story. GRACE CAMPBELLHailing from West Virginia, Grace Campbell brings her unique charm to the music scene. Her captivating songwriting and magnetic personality have garnered her a dedicated fan base both locally and on social media.Grace has transcended the Appalachian region with her music. She continues to grow her regional fanbase through live appearances, a strong social media presence, and the genuine connection she makes with her audience. Her live appearances have included working with artists such as: Kathy Mattea, Kidd G, Philip Bowen, and Kassi Valazza.
John R. Miller with special guest Erika Lewis
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY JOHN R. MILLERJohn R Miller is a true hyphenate artist: singer-songwriter-picker. Every song on his thrilling debut solo album, Depreciated, is lush with intricate wordplay and haunting imagery, as well as being backed by a band that is on fire. One of his biggest long-time fans is roots music favorite Tyler Childers, who says he’s “a well-travelled wordsmith mapping out the world he’s seen, three chords at a time.” Miller is somehow able to transport us to a shadowy honkytonk and get existential all in the same line with his tightly written compositions. Miller’s own guitar-playing is on fine display here along with vocals that evoke the white-waters of the Potomac River rumbling below the high ridges of his native Shenandoah Valley. Depreciated is a collection of eleven gems that take us to his homeplace even while exploring the way we can’t go home again, no matter how much we might ache for it. On the album, Miller says he was eager to combine elements of country, folk, blues, and rock to make his own sound. Recently lost heroes like Prine, Walker, and Shaver served as guideposts for the songcrafting but Miller has completely achieved his own sound. The album is almost novelistic in its journey, not only to the complicated relationship Miller has with the Shenandoah Valley but also into the mind of someone going through transitions. “I wrote most of these songs after finding myself single and without a band for the first time in a long while,” Miller says. “I stumbled to Nashville and started to figure things out, so a lot of these have the feel of closing a chapter.” Miller grew up in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia near the Potomac River. “There are three or four little towns I know well that make up the region,” he says, name-checking places like Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Hedgesville, and Keyes Gap. “It’s a haunted place. In some ways it’s frozen in time. So much old stuff has lingered there, and its history is still very present.” As much as Miller loves where he’s from, he’s always had a complicated relationship with home and never could figure out what to do with himself there. “I just wanted to make music, and there’s no real infrastructure for that there. We had to travel to play regularly and as teenagers most of our gigs were spent playing in old church halls or Ruritan Clubs.” He was raised “kinda sorta Catholic” and although he gave up on that as a teenager, he says “it follows me everywhere, still.”ERIKA LEWISKnown for her lengthy tenure touring and busking with beloved New Orleans jazz band Tuba Skinny, prolific songwriter and singer Erika Lewis has been churning out American originals all her own for the past several years. From classic country to cosmic Americana to dreamy indie folk, Lewis continues to dip her toes more deeply into an ever-expanding pool of roots music styles. Her new record A Walk Around the Sun is a testament to Lewis’ songwriting prowess and exceptional vocal ability. Produced by John James Tourville (The Deslondes), A Walk Around the Sun features 11 all-original songs exploring the gray areas between love and loss, joy and grief, longing and contentment. Though her songwriting shines brightly, it’s never at the cost of melody or arrangement; complete with sweeping strings, pedal steel, and even the occasional fuzz of a psych-rock guitar solo, Lewis’ voice soars with emotion and texture throughout.
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.
