PATIO SHOW: Beth Lee, Kevin Smith & Miriam Allen
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEBETH LEE, KEVIN SMITH & MIRIAM ALLENBeth Lee is a bluegrass and Americana artist rooted in the traditions of the genre and driven by a deep passion for lyrical storytelling. Inspired by her roots in the Hill Country of Austin, Texas and her home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, her sense of place is woven into every lyric. Songs that invite the listener on a journey — to be taken away by a story, or simply reminded of the human highway we’re all sharing. In a city where the song writers are committed to authenticity, Kevin Smith is a beacon and mentor for exactly that. His voice is of a man who emerged from the mountains hell bent on crafting songs that are true to his life and relevant to ours. At AVLfest in 2024, a song writer from Nashville told Fiddle Man that he drove six hours to see Planefolk just to get back to the emotional roots of songwriting that can get lost in production houses of Nashville. We all need to get back to the core of our humanity, Kevin helps us get there. Multi-instrumentalist Miriam Allen has spent hundreds of days & nights alone in remote Appalachian coves swimming & writing songs in her anchored sailboat. Curious about other cultures & nature, she is a lifelong outdoor adventurer, backpacker, naturalist, & activist for humanitarian & conservation efforts. Her songs are emotionally charged & give a voice to those who often don’t have one: wild spaces, wounded souls & playful humans alike. From rowdy & gritty to soothing & heartfelt; Miriam’s songs are pure passion.
PATIO SHOW: Why, Why? & The Discs
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEWHY, WHY? and THE DISCSEmerging from the misty shores of Asheville, NC, Why, Why? is a surf rock band that haunts the airwaves with their eerie melodies and chilling rhythms, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and otherworldly. With every riff and beat, they assure that the spirit of surf rock will never die, but instead, will continue to haunt the dreams of those who dare to listen. The Discs are a power trio from Asheville, NC, fusing elements of hard rock, new wave, punk, power pop, and metal into sharp, riff-driven songs with existentially-themed lyrics, tight arrangements, and strong melodic hooks. The band recently released their third record, Drastic Fantastic, and are currently writing new material while gearing up for shows celebrating their fifth anniversary in August 2026.
PATIO SHOW: Jesse Fox & Drew White
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEJESSE FOX & DREW WHITE North Carolina–born singer-songwriter Jesse Fox is carving a space of his own in the modern Americana landscape. His upcoming album Magnolia (2026) captures the warmth and weight of Southern storytelling; songs that move between heartbreak, renewal, and quiet resilience. Even before its release, the record has surpassed 100,000 streams through early singles like “Leave” and “If I’m Warm,” which have resonated with listeners for their emotional depth and unguarded lyricism. Produced by longtime collaborator Phil Amalong, Magnolia features Emerson Swinford (Rod Stewart) on guitar, mixes by Audrey Whitfield, and contributions from a wide circle of North Carolina musicians. Blending folk intimacy, indie texture, and soulful craftsmanship, Magnolia stands as Fox’s most confident and cohesive work to date, a testament to his evolution as an artist and to the creative community that surrounds him. Drew White is a 28-year-old singer-songwriter and electric storyteller from Birmingham, Alabama, now rooted in Nashville, Tennessee. Shaped by the Gospel traditions and Rock ‘ n Roll grit of his hometown, White channels a sound that blends Y’ allternative Rock, Folk, and Americana into something both familiar and fresh. His music is anchored in community, self- reflection, and the spirit of storytelling, delivered with equal parts intimacy and energy.
PATIO SHOW: Brendan Lane & The Sugar Packets
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEBRENDAN LANE & THE SUGAR PACKETSOriginally hailing from Annapolis, singer-songwriter Brendan Lane has been making music since his school days, where he and his friends — all devout fans of Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, Bumpin’ Uglies, and Pressing Strings — channeled their creative energy into a series of initial sonic experiments. Fuelled by the confidence from these early experiences, Brendan decided to take the leap and commit to music full-time, his first self-written tracks making their public debuts at a range of local all-ages gigs — and the rest was history. Distilling influences from The Beatles to Blink-182 via a deep detour in blues country courtesy of B.B. King and John Mayer, Brendan quickly became known for his nostalgic, positive, soul-rockin’ blend of, well, rock and soul — although as an innovator at heart, nods to more contemporary inspirations like Jon Batiste and Taylor Swift can also be found somewhere in the mix, keeping things fresh. Having released a number of singles and an EP, performed in seven countries across three continents to date, and refined his reputation as an electric live performer both solo and with his band, The Sugar Packets, Brendan’s momentum is at an all-time high as he prepares for his biggest year yet. Plans for monthly single releases and a slew of live performances throughout 2024 are already in the works, which will culminate in the release of a full-length album at the end of the year — much to the delight of his diverse and growing fanbase.
Todd Albright & Arthur Terembula (Country Blues Summit)
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE TODD ALBRIGHT Todd Albright is a country blues, twelve-string guitar player and vocalist based in Detroit, Michigan. Grounded in the pre-war era of the blues tradition (1880-1939), Todd is a mindful purveyor of blues history. His repertoire upholds musical pillars such as Blind Willie McTell, George Carter, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Leadbelly. His life’s work continues the distinguished tradition of the very roots of American music as told by the African American musicians who created it. Todd Albright joined Jack White’s Third Man Records in 2016. Todd’s vigorous, gritty and soulful performances are accompanied by stories of the masters and a deep intuitive sense of respect for craft, providing audiences with a meaningful experience while creating a transcendent moment. One of the top blues guitarists in the world, Todd is the only contemporary twelve string player in his genre. Todd began playing the blues while still a teenager, some twenty-five years ago. Initially, he was drawn to the sound of the finger-picked style and has since immersed himself in the foundational music and narratives of American culture. Over the years, Todd has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Cedric Burnside, The Wood Brothers, Corey Harris, Charlie Parr, Roy Book Binder, and Paul Geremia. Todd has been featured in major publications such as Living Blues Magazine, MOJO Magazine, Premier Guitar Magazine, American Blues Scene, and mentioned on the cover of Acoustic Guitar Magazine. In 2019, Todd produced a 12-string guitar instructional video with the famed Stefan Grossman Guitar Workshop. In addition, Todd has filmed live sessions with Acoustic Guitar Magazine, Fretboard Journal, KEXP, and Daytrotter/Paste Magazine. Todd’s first full-length LP, Todd Albright, was released by Lo & Behold! Records & Books in 2014 (Hamtramck, MI). His second album, Fourth Floor Visitor, was released by Jett Plastic Recordings in Detroit, Michigan (2017). In 2017, Jack White’s Third Man Records released Todd’s critically acclaimed album, Detroit Twelve String: Blues & Rags. Todd’s long awaited fourth album, produced by legendary folk icon Charlie Parr, is set for release on Misfortune Records in 2026. ARTHUR TEREMBULA Arthur Terembula is a translator of the sounds of 1920’s & 1930’s country blues and ragtime music. His guitar playing is reminiscent of the masters recorded on 78s. Reimagining the songs from those times and bringing them to the modern listener.
MAMA’s got the Blues: Back from Memphis
ALL AGES PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW OPTION OF SEATED VS STANDING TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CHECKOUT MAMA MAMA is a Soul Shakin’ Original Blues project from Asheville, NC. MAMA recently earned Second Place at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN and they are excited to be back to celebrate with their community. MAMA is fronted by Melissa McKinney, a vocalist known for her raw power, emotional delivery, and genuine connection with audiences. Beyond the stage, McKinney is a respected leader in the Asheville arts community, serving as Programming Director for LEAF Global Arts, co-founder of the WTF (Women to the Front) Music Festival, and a board member of AVL Fest. MAMA is led by band leader Jonathan Lloyd of the J Lloyd Mashup. The lineup features Peter Dimery on saxophone, Andre Lyles on bass, Duane Simpson on guitar, Marcus White on keys, and Nik Hope on drums. ADAMA DEMBELE Adama Dembele is a 33rd generation musician from Ivory Coast, West Africa. He has been a culture keeper with LEAF for more than 12 years. In January 2015, the Ivory Coast government demolished their family home and many others in Abobo (a city of 1.5 million people), citing erosion and unsafe conditions, a fact that is common in this part of the country where very little infrastructure exists. Thousands of people were pushed out of their homes with one week’s notice–some forced at gunpoint–and were given no temporary housing or compensation. Many families and children are now homeless with little expectation that the Ivory Coast government will provide housing or reimbursement for those impacted. To support the continuation of the inspirational work of the Dembele family, LEAF partners with Adama Dembele and Krimbo Delagrange to provide West African Drum & Dance traditions to the community.
Dom Flemons
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW DOM FLEMONS DR Dom Flemons “The American Songster” is also a 2 time Emmy nominee and grand prize winner of The International Acoustic Awad.He is the co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.DrDr. Dom Flemons “The American Songster” received an Honorary Doctorate from Northern Arizona University and he’s a GRAMMY Award Winner with four GRAMMY nominations, Two-Time EMMY Nominee, International Acoustic Music Award Grand Prize Winner, and was a United States Artists Fellow. He is a musician based in the Chicago area and he is famously known as “The American Songster®” since his repertoire covers over one hundred years of American roots music; including country, folk, bluegrass, Americana, and the blues. Flemons is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music scholar, historian, actor, narrator, host, slam poet, record collector, podcaster, and the creator, host, and producer of the American Songster Radio Show on WSM in Nashville, TN. He is considered an expert player on the banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills, fife and rhythm bones. He is the Co-Founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and the Founder of American Songster Productions. . Dom Flemons “The American Songster” received an Honorary Doctorate from Northern Arizona University and he’s a GRAMMY Award Winner with four GRAMMY nominations, Two-Time EMMY Nominee, International Acoustic Music Award Grand Prize Winner, and was a United States Artists Fellow. He is a musician based in the Chicago area and he is famously known as “The American Songster®” since his repertoire covers over one hundred years of American roots music; including country, folk, bluegrass, Americana, and the blues. Flemons is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music scholar, historian, actor, narrator, host, slam poet, record collector, podcaster, and the creator, host, and producer of the American Songster Radio Show on WSM in Nashville, TN. He is considered an expert player on the banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills, fife and rhythm bones. He is the Co-Founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and the Founder of American Songster Productions.
South for Winter
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW SOUTH FOR WINTER With a blend of dreamy acoustic duets, foot-stomping folk and bluesy murder ballads, New Zealand-formed and Nashville-based South for Winter’s sound is as eclectic as their origins. The band is composed of New Zealander Nick Stone, Coloradan Dani Cichon, and Michigander Alex Stradal, and together the three multi-instrumentalists and songwriters combine elements such as classically-trained cello, percussive guitar, mandolin, suitcase stomp, poetic lyricism, and haunting melodies into a genre-bending sound described by American Songwriter as “impeccable”.
Tinsley Ellis
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWLIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLETINSLEY ELLIS On Naked Truth (his 21st album), Ellis swaps his blistering, guitar-fueled full band workouts for equally passionate, soul-searching acoustic folk blues. His famed guitar chops and musical creativity are on full display throughout the album’s 12 songs, including nine newly written originals. Naked Truth was produced by Ellis, with the foot-stomping cover of Son House’s Death Letter Blues produced by Atlanta roots musician Eddie 9V. The album was recorded live in the studio using Ellis’ beloved 1969 Martin D-35 (a gift from his father) and his 1937 National Steel O Series guitars. Whether intricately fingerpicking the Martin or playing hair-raising slide on the National Steel, Ellis delivers each song with unvarnished intimacy. The opener, Ellis’ original Devil In The Room, comes from an expression Ellis’ close friend, the late Col. Bruce Hampton, would tell his musicians just before a show was about to begin (“We’re here to put the devil in the room,” he’d say). From the original, Skip James-inspired Windowpane to the Delta-styled Tallahassee Blues, to the humorous Grown Ass Man, Ellis goes deep, singing and playing the blues’ honest truths. The inclusion of four introspective instrumentals (including a transcendent cover of Leo Kottke’s A Soldier’s Grave On The Prairie, a song he’s been playing live for almost 50 years) adds even more depth and substance to an album overflowing with riches. Each song carries the weight, experience and hard-earned wisdom Ellis learned over four decades on the road, infusing Naked Truth with an emotional authenticity that is palpable from start to finish. Tinsley Ellis has been immersed in music his whole life. Born in Atlanta 1957 and raised in southern Florida, he acquired his first guitar at age seven, inspired by seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. He took to guitar instantly, developing and sharpening his skills as he grew up. Like many kids his age, Ellis discovered the blues through the back door of British Invasion bands like The Yardbirds, The Animals, Cream and The Rolling Stones as well as Southern rockers like The Allman Brothers. According to Atlanta-based blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Tinsley Ellis, his new, first-ever solo acoustic album, Naked Truth, is both “a departure and an arrival.” Ellis has been recording and travelling the world for over four decades, delivering his feral, guitar-fueled, original electric blues-rock to ever-growing audiences at concert halls, festivals, and clubs. Naked Truth is steeped in the folk blues traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House, Robert Johnson and even Leo Kottke. To the casual fan, this might seem to be a new direction, but for Ellis, it’s an extension of his music, as he taps into the raw essence of the blues. “This is a record I’ve always wanted to make, and one that my longtime fans have been asking for,” he says, noting he’s included an acoustic mini-set in his concert performances for years. In the last 12 months, Ellis has already performed over 100 solo shows, many as co-bills with his Alligator label-mate Marcia Ball. “I’m having so much fun playing these shows,” he says.
Danielle Nicole
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE DANIELLE NICOLE Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Danielle Nicole has spent her life making music and pleasing fans, domestically and abroad. Her stunning new album, The Love You Bleed on Forty Below Records, comprises twelve heartfelt tracks exploring themes of love, loss and perseverance. The new album was produced by Tony Braunagel (Taj Mahal, Eric Burdon, Robert Cray) and co-produced by Nicole, with John Porter (B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Bryan Ferry) mixing. The tight-knit quartet on the songs features Danielle on bass guitar and vocals; Brandon Miller (electric, acoustic, pedal steel, mandolin, and 12-string guitar), Damon Parker (keyboards); Go-Go Ray (drums), and Stevie Blacke (violin and cello). Nicole was initially influenced by her parents. She recalls seeing her father playing blues guitar and her mother singing with the group Little Eva. With her two brothers, she became a member of Trampled Under Foot, which found initial popularity in the Midwest. Danielle embarked on her solo career with Wolf Den (2015), which peaked at #2 on the Billboard Blues charts and amassed 7.5 million Spotify streams. Cry No More (2018) followed, the record was nominated for a Grammy in the contemporary blues category and debuted at number one in the Billboard Blues Charts – it also boasts over Spotify streams in excess of 10 million. Nicole has been inducted into the Kansas City Hall of Fame and has been the recipient of seven Blues Music Awards. She recently did a duet with Dion on the upcoming song “I Aim To Please.” There has been no shortage of praise; Guitar World stated, “Danielle Nicole has won respect and admiration throughout the American blues scene for her soulful, inventive playing and tireless work ethic.” Blues Music Magazine effused, “Nicole brings it, bakes it, and serves it up blazing on a silver soul-rocking platter.” The Kansas City Star declared, “Blues and soul vocalists tend to improve as they age. Bettye LaVette is among the artists who became increasingly believable as she matured. Danielle Nicole appears to be following in her footsteps.” And the legendary Koko Taylor gets right to the point: “That girl gets down to the nitty gritty!” – At the beginning of the The Love You Bleed recording sessions; Danielle Nicole knew this new album would be different from those in the past. It uplifts the message of love and togetherness in the face of hardship.” “How Did We Get to Goodbye” with its raw and honest lyrics, document a soured love that bears no hero or villain, asking how you get to such a place of disrepair without even knowing it. And Love On My Brain, is a potent hybrid of vintage R&B and driving blues, begins as a flirty feeling inside and turns to an overpowering need and deep desire. Right By Your Side is a vintage soul/R&B ballad about never making the mistake of watching “the one” walk away again. The Love You Bleed gives Nicole a solid place that music has always provided in dealing with love and loss. “It’s been a difficult relationship listening to music outside of professional reasons since the passing of my brother Kris,” she says. “But just being honest in my writing and direction, I find when I’m the truest to myself, that’s when the magic happens. Not trying to find perfection in it so much, but engulfing myself in every moment and being there with the audience is when fun things can happen inside and out.” Many of those feelings are captured in all the songs on the album.