Cole Ritter & The Night Owls + Vaden Landers
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLYCOLE RITTER AND THE NIGHT OWLSFounded in 2019, Cole Ritter and The Night Owls have since been pioneering new sonic spaces and finding their very own home-grown sound that is completely new, yet nostalgic. This award-winning band is helmed by Cole Ritter, a Nashville Native who has devoted his life to music. Cole was featured on Season 20 of American Idol and was chosen as Hunter Girl’s duet partner. Ritter’s songwriting draws inspiration from many genres including country, rock, folk, and the blues.The Allstar backing band, The Night Owls, features a lineup of some of Nashville’s best and brightest up-and-coming instrumentalists and musicians. The Night Owls are made up of Alex Barcic on Pedal Steel Guitar, Tom Davis on Upright Bass, Christian Starrett on Guitar, and Matt Martirano on drums. Cole Ritter and The Night Owls were chosen as the winner of Belmont’s University’s “Country Showcase” in 2020. Cole Ritter and The Night Owls are quickly rising and can’t wait to share their music with the world!VADEN LANDERSVaden Landers is a 27 year old multi-instrumentalist from Eastern TN. As a teen he set out traveling the American highways and railways, learning the ways of a travelermusician, and gaining hard-won life experience along the way. Vaden continued to hone his songwriting, singing, yodeling and picking skills while busking and touring from Alaska to Florida, turning heads as an exciting new player in the revival of the traditional country music scene and finetuning his original songs, which harken back to the golden days of country music. Blending influences from honky tonk, rockabilly, folk, blues, ragtime, jazz, western swing and old-time Appalachian, Vaden Landers brings new fire to a classic sound!
Buffalo Nichols
– ALL AGES- PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW (please note – guaranteed seating OR standing room ticket options)BUFFALO NICHOLSOn his second album, The Fatalist, Carl “Buffalo” Nichols does things with the blues that might catch you off guard. There’s 808 programming, chopped up Charley Patton samples, washes of synth. There’s a consideration of the fullness of the sonic stage and the atmospherics of the music that can only come with a long engagement with electronic music. But this is no gimmicky hybrid or attempt to turn the blues into 21st century music by simply dressing it with skittering hi-hats. Nichols’ vision for the blues is of a form of music that’s intimately tied to everyday life in 2023, something that’s reflected not only in the choice of instrumentation, but in the complexities of the songwriting and the gray areas his lyrics explore. This is music that comes straight from the present, and as such, it’s a reminder that the same shit that drove the first blues singers to pick up a guitar is still present behind the throbs of deep bass hits today. The Fatalist sounds unlike any blues record you’re likely to hear in 2023.Of course, Nichols’ songwriting has always been firmly rooted in the present. He proved he could succeed on the music industry’s own blues terms on his self-titled 2021 debut, whose songs, Bandcamp Daily said, “seem to flow from some great repository of emotion and insight.” The Fatalist finds him digging deeper in search of answers to ever-more-complicated questions around responsibility and self-definition, his plainspoken lyrics both cutting and refreshing in their sincerity and refusal to accept pat solutions. Over a guitar line that blisters and pops with bright sunshine, he holds forth on the simple everyday power of love in “Love is All,” and when he shades his optimism with a clear-eyed view of “bad behavior in the canon of good men,” as he sings, his guitar line goes cloudy with the thought. He slowly walks around a broken relationship in “The Difference,” trying to find the faults. It’s a decidedly modern breakup song, one steeped in moral ambiguity. “I just don’t know the difference between love and sympathy,” he sings, before hoping his once-beloved “won’t forget the one who kept your ego fed.”Still, Nichols rarely sounds like a blues singer. Like Leonard Cohen, he dominates these songs with his voice. His low, guttural baritone is high in the mix, and he sounds coiled, clenched tight. The slow drip of his songwriting lends The Fatalist an incredible amount of drama, which the production—at times dark and dewy and claustrophobic, at times zippy with light—further emphasizes. Nichols produced the album himself at home, having recently returned to Milwaukee following a few years in Austin.“Being back in Milwaukee reminded me of why I started making music in the first place. It got me away from the ‘industry-town’ mentality,” he says. “There’s definitely a certain work ethic that comes from being in a city like Milwaukee. There are no clear paths to success and not many examples of ‘making it,’ so people end up creating their own path and developing a broad skill set to sustain a career as an artist.”CROW BILLIKEN
OUTPOST: Sufi Brothers
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINEThe Sufi Brothers are Aaron “Woody” Wood on vocals and guitar and Jason Krekel on vocals, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle. We represent over 15 years of Americana from Asheville – as true locals that have played a diverse collection of venues from revivals to dive bars. The Sufi Brothers play an improvised set that starts with a tribute to country roots, blues, gospel, and folk, then travels a path unknown guided by an openness and sensitivity to each other and the universe. Like our namesake the Sufis – we let love and a higher power determine the course the music takes.
Chris McGinnis and Mamaw’s Angels
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLYCHRIS McGINNIS AND MAMAW’S ANGELS North Carolina musician Chris McGinnis writes songs that exist somewhere in between a hiccup and a heartache. His last EP, 2019’s Songs For You, touches on the absurdity of your hometown morphing beyond recognition. It tells a story of two Baby Boomers drifting together from across the US into the Golden Gate City, then drifting apart, and then together again. It is about connection and disconnection alike. With his debut full-length album, Mamaw’s Angel, Chris veers deeper into these familiar themes. “I think this album is largely about manic loneliness. These songs are ultimately about people who are afraid of losing their relationships. They refuse to accept that they may have already lost these relationships, and they refuse to accept that they are to blame.” The manic aspect of the “manic loneliness” manifests itself in the album’s refusal to rest in one genre. “What If We Went to the Moon?” is what Chris describes as “a cosmic country song with a countrypolitan foundation.” Heartland rocker “Home Away From Home” has all the stomp and 12-string firepower to park a Wilbury. Other tracks like “Mailman’s Son” and “Old Chestnut” teeter between lo-fi indie folk and roots freak out. Tying all of these styles together are the lyrics and the characters at the center of them. Overbearing grandparents and stubborn grandchildren, washed-up fraternity brothers yearning for the New Year’s Eve parties of yesteryear, a missing Winnebago, a tree that just won’t quit, and other wild personalities run throughout the ten tracks found on Mamaw’s Angel. More than just a few are inspired by people and stories Chris had met and heard back towards his home in Western NC’s Linville Gorge Wilderness area. Mamaw’s Angel is a collection of sensationally-delivered tales about characters struggling on the sidelines of their own realities. “The characters in these songs are all incredibly flawed. I wanted to write songs that expressed truly ugly emotions. Loneliness, anger, denial, regret. The characters are all being eaten away by these feelings, and it motivates their words and actions. But I also think that that is how some of the absurdity is palatable.” Mamaw’s Angel was recorded at Clubmen Studio in Blairsville, GA, and produced by Atlanta-based artist Jacob Davis Martin. Among the musicians heard throughout the album are Asheville, NC’s Carly Taich, members of Asheville’s Jack Marion & the Pearl Snap Prophets, Atlanta-based strings trio Me Me Me, and Will Easter of Boone, NC.BOAT COMMANDBoat command consists of four main components: bass, keys, guitar, and drums. Occasionally accompanied by horns and/or vocals. Described by some as ‘post-lofi yacht hop’ the sound is founded in jazz and fusion roots yet sustained by the methodologies of more modern genres such as hip hop and electronic music. The philosophy is expressiveness through low volume and allowing space to be a fundamental piece of our delivery. The message is to embrace what boating can do for you.
OUTPOST: 54 Bicycles
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE54 BicyclesA Charleston, SC based band of lifelong Widespread Panic fans and musicians aiming to capture the spirit, energy and intention of Mikey-Era panic shows in intimate venues.
PATIO: The Resonant Rogues
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDTHE RESONANT ROGUES The Resonant Rogues’ dark Appalachian folk paints a picture of their lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina and on the road. Anchored by the songwriting duo of Sparrow (banjo, accordion) and Keith Smith (guitar), they’ve traveled the byways and highways of America and crossed the oceans with instruments in tow. From riding freight trains to building their own homestead, the pair are no strangers to blazing unconventional trails. At once rooted and adventurous, each song tells a story of real experiences, friendships, and challenges. The Rogues just wrapped up a record in Nashville with renowned producer Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff), featuring guest appearances from Sierra Ferrell, Benjamin Tod, John James Tourville (Deslondes), and Jason Dea West. “Their intense cohesion is so intertwined that it feels like they’re playing with one pair of hands.” –No Depression “I urge you to get out and hear them” -Lonesome Highway
PATIO: Krekel and Whoa
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDKREKEL AND WHOA “More spectacle than a traditional two-person band,” Krekel and Whoa hails from Asheville, NC, on Cherokee land. Musical conspirators since 2004, Jason Krekel (guitar, fiddle, drums, vocals) and Ami Whoa (keyboard, guitar, vocals) have traveled the continent and beyond sharing their infectious tunes. An adaptable duo, their show can be folk-y and acoustic, or rockin’ and electric with Krekel playing drums with his feet while still shredding the strings. This versatility means you might hear them saw through vintage fiddle tunes, weave original yarns, or pound out esoteric rock-n-roll beaters. One moment they’ll touch your heart, and the next they’ll get you dancing. Whether unplugged or cranked up, every Krekel and Whoa performance is full of heart, harmonies, and happiness. “Percolating sounds of 1950s roots rock, mountain music, and blues through an interesting array of instrumentations…[creating] a rather sly sound rich with an energetic curiosity and a deviously fun flavor.” – Escape Magazine “A danceable, campy, shredded-up mix of just about every kind of American music you can think of…and they belt out their sweet but biting lyrics with passion and abandon.” – Creative Alliance Baltimore “The duo from Asheville plays rockabilly, early punk, and 1960s rock and roll (among others) with a Buddy Holly swagger and the authenticity of 1930s street performers.” – PopMatters “Where Flat Duo Jets meets Flatt and Scruggs.” – Unbound Culture With a prolific musical history, Jason and Ami have released four full-length albums and two 45 records under a previous band name, Mad Tea Party, as well as a few singles and two EPs, Warm Up Bones (2018) and Tucked Away (2020). They have played countless venues and festivals, and shared the stage with bands such as Southern Culture on the Skids, Donna the Buffalo, and the Avett Brothers. Click here to read a more detailed band backstory.
Della Mae
– ALL AGES- SEATED SHOW- LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEDELLA MAE Della Mae is a GRAMMY-nominated all-woman string band founded by lead vocalist/guitarist Celia Woodsmith and 2-time Grand National champion fiddle player Kimber Ludiker. Rounding out the current touring lineup are guitarist Avril Smith, and bassist Vickie Vaughn. Hailing from across North America, and reared in diverse musical styles, Della Mae is one of the most charismatic and engaging roots bands touring today. They have traveled to over 30 countries spreading peace and understanding through music. Their mission as a band is to showcase top female musicians, and to improve opportunities for women and girls through advocacy, mentorship, programming, and performance. Following up 2020’s Headlight, their new album Family Reunion features founding members Celia Woodsmith, and Kimber Ludiker as well as Avril Smith, Maddie Witler and Vickie Vaughn. The recording captures the joy of the band reuniting after more than a year of virtual collaboration, Zooms and group texts. The band is also joyful to be returning to touring.DORI FREEMAN Dori Freeman has sharpened her vision of Appalachian Americana over five studio albums. From the country traditionalism of her self-titled debut to the amplified folk of Ten Thousand Roses, it’s a sound that nods to her mountain-town roots even as it reaches beyond them. Freeman continues creating her own musical geography with Do You Recall, the songwriter’s most eclectic — and electric — record yet. Like a counterpart to Ten Thousand Roses — the 2021 release that found Freeman trading the acoustic textures of her earlier work for a more expansive, electrified version of American roots music — Do You Recall nods to the full range of Freeman’s influences and abilities. She still sings with the unforced vibrato of a classic folksinger, but she’s more of a modern trailblazer than a throwback traditionalist, funneling her Blue Ridge roots into a contemporary sound that’s both broad and bold.
PATIO: QuickChester
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDQUICKCHESTER Paul Quick and Mark Chester began playing music together sometime around 2010. By 2012 they were playing around Asheville, NC as a duo called “QuickChester.” During that time they began to play original songs penned by Chester. In 2018, QuickChester began working on their first album, “Cocoon” which they released in February of 2019 with CD release shows at The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC, and The Vista Room in Atlanta, GA. The album featured Kate Barber on flute, and Atlanta musicians Darren Goot on drums, Daniel Wytanis on trombone, and Chris Suarez on Saxophone. In 2020, as with most musicians, Covid brought about changes for the band. Mark and Paul continued to hone their original songs, and a long list of covers by classic rock artists. In the fall of 2022 three new players joined the group: Kyley Byrd, vocals and flute, Stu Way on drums and Chris Leonard on bass. This opened up a myriad of musical possibilities as they began to expand their song list with new originals and covers. Today, the QuickChester Band is performing a wide variety of musical styles featuring more than 30 original tunes, as well as music from classic artists including The Beatles, The Byrds, The Band, Eric Clapton, JJ Cale, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, Little Feat, Pink Floyd, The Derek Trucks Band, Neil Young, Gillian Welch, and many more.
PATIO: The Two Tracks
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDTHE TWO TRACKS American Songwriter has this to say about The Two Tracks: “They avoid many of the cliches and gimmicks that have grown common in the Americana world while still championing a natural, Earth-grown sound. To hear an acoustic quartet reach a level of dynamic and thematic intensity like The Two Tracks do is an immeasurably rewarding experience. It’s pure musicianship, it’s pure excellence, it’s pure Americana.” Husband and wife Julie and Dave Huebner write songs that traverse the male and female perspective with emotional and natural images of rural American life. The band cares about lyrics, story, the power of the song as much as the music itself, and every arrangement is designed to fully highlight that direct connection between the song and the listener. Hailing from the eastern side of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, the band has traversed the country bringing their joyful, unique sound to stages big and small, including NewWestFest (CO), Deadwood Jam (SD), Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival (CA), MeadowGrass (CO), Albino Skunk Music Festival (SC), Red Ants Pants Music Festival (MT), Levitt Sioux Falls (SD), LevittAMP Green Bay (WI), Ashley for the Arts (WI), Beartrap Summer Festival (WY), Sioux River Folk Festival (SD), Music on the Mothership (NM), Oystergrass (WY), and The LAWN (CO), to name a few, and opened for artists such as Orville Peck, Eilen Jewell, Kitchen Dwellers, Black Lillies, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades and more. They recently completed their first international trip, traveling to Dubai for performances at the World Expo. Julie’s driving rhythm guitar, on-stage enthusiasm and vocal prowess dance perfectly with Dave’s rich voice and unique cello playing, adding a layer of surprise to the band’s sound. This is complemented wonderfully by the four part harmonies, and rock solid groove filled out by Taylor Phillps on bass and Fernando Serna on drums. All seasoned musicians and good friends, they have knit their passions into a tight band family, and it comes across in their albums and on stage. Their latest Cheers to Solitude, was one of the last records made at The Butcher Shoppe in Nashville with Grammy winning engineer Sean Sullivan (Sturgill Simpson, Travelin’ McCourys), and was produced by Will Kimbrough (Todd Snider, Rodney Crowell) and mixed by Grammy winner Trina Shoemaker (Tanya Tucker, Sheryl Crow), spending several weeks on the Top 40 Americana Radio Chart, and the Top 10 Alt-Country Specialty Chart. “One of those consummate Americana albums…the songs just roll along with melodies dovetailing into sublime playing, wonderful harmonies and strong songwriting. There’s a direct line from the songwriters to the listeners with just the right amount of production and texture to make them dance on the surface and slide deep into the soul.” – Post to Wire
