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.
Taj Farrant: “Chapter One” Album Release Tour
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF VIP MEET & GREET PACKAGES AVAILABLE (see below for package details) TAJ FARRANT Taj Farrant’s debut album tour, titled “Chapter One,” marks an exciting milestone for the young Australian guitarist and singer-songwriter. This album showcases his exceptional talent and eclectic musical style, blending rock, blues, and pop influences. With electrifying performances and heartfelt songwriting, Farrant captivates audiences as he embarks on this new artistic journey, solidifying his place in the music scene and promising a bright future ahead. Taj Farrant VIP ticket includes a Meet & Greet experience with Taj and the Band. Fans will have the opportunity to take photos with Taj and are allowed to bring any merch items they’d like to be signed. The Meet & Greet will take place an hour before doors open. Fans will also have first access to seating for the show. The VIP Meet & Greet ticket also includes a GA ticket to the show. RED DRESS AMY Born in Charlotte, and raised on blues and rock n’ roll, Red Dress Amy brings a ton of energy to any stage they set foot on. The trio combines blues influences such as Doyle Bramhall II and Philip Sayce with rock performers such as The Black Keys and Cream to cultivate their own sound. With their live album “Mirage”, RDA has continued to showcase their live performances and ability to deliver their sound in front of audiences.
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band + Eddie 9V
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND The latest album from Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band was written by candlelight and then recorded using the best technology available . . . in the 1950s. But listeners won’t find another album as relevant, electrifying and timely as Dance Songs for Hard Times. Dance Songs for Hard Times conveys the hopes and fears of pandemic living. Rev. Peyton, the Big Damn Band’s vocalist and world-class fingerstyle guitarist, details bleak financial challenges on the songs “Ways and Means” and “Dirty Hustlin’.” He pines for in-person reunions with loved ones on “No Tellin’ When,” and he pleads for celestial relief on the album-closing “Come Down Angels.” Far from a depressing listen, Dance Songs lives up to its name by delivering action-packed riffs and rhythms across 11 songs. The country blues trio that won over crowds on more than one Warped Tour knows how to make an audience move. “I like songs that sound happy but are actually very sad,” Peyton says. “I don’t know why it is, but I just do.” EDDIE 9V As far back as he can remember, Capricorn Studios was calling Eddie 9V. As a kid scanning the sleeves of his favorite vinyl records, this fabled facility in Macon, Georgia, was always the secret ingredient, adding a little grit and honey to every song born on its floor. Capricorn and the bands who blew through it urged the Atlanta guitarist to ditch school at 15, play his fingers bloody throughout the south, and turn apathy into acclaim for early albums Left My Soul in Memphis (2019) and Little Black Flies (2021). Eddie spent his first quarter-century admiring Capricorn from afar. But in December 2021, the 26-year-old finally put his thumbprint on the studio’s mythology, corralling an eleven-strong group of the American South’s best roots musicians to track his third album. “There was overwhelming excitement at being in such a legendary studio,” he says. “But we hugged and got right to work. Everyone was joyous, loving, and flat-out playing their asses off.” You don’t come to Capricorn Studios for polish. Frozen in time since its opening day in 1969, the mojo from sessions by giants like the Allman Brothers and Bonnie Bramlett still hangs in the air, while the recording philosophy remains gloriously raw. That suited Eddie, whose output has been celebrated for its warts-and-all snapshot of what went down. “In a world where everyone is trying to sound the best, I’m trying to sound like me,” he reasons. “I always want the listener to feel like they’re in the room with us. So I’d leave it in if a drum pedal squeaked or someone laughed during a take on the Capricorn album. It’s our way of putting a stamp on the song.” Eddie’s old-school ethos goes way back. Born Brooks Mason in June 1996, he acquired his first guitar aged six, “One of those with the speaker in it – the most bang for your buck, y’know?”, ignored the prevailing pop scene at Oak Grove High School in favor of local heroes like Sean Costello and studied “older cats” like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Freddie King, and Rory Gallagher “to see what made them groove and tick.” His shoot-from-the-lip lyrics adds Eddie came from family fish fries, where his Uncle Brian “taught me to make people laugh, how to hold an audience’s attention.”
Jimmy Vivino Band
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE JIMMY VIVINO BAND “Although I’m proud to say I am currently a member of Blues Rock pioneers Canned Heat and co-producer of our latest release “Finyl Vinyl”, there’s just too much to list as far as played with this one played with that one. But in the end I will list the people of importance pertaining to my growth as a musician. Yes, I’ve worked in every form of media in the business from Movies to TV to Broadway to Radio to Records to Concerts all the way down to funky little clubs. After all I always say “I’m just a Bluesman with a job.” One thing I did learn over 60 plus years as a musician was how to work. And I did and still am. Nothing beats playing in live music venues and meeting people. I’m just gonna list my close friends (who are really family) and mentors who taught me the “ways.” Levon Helm, Phoebe Snow, Al Kooper, John Sebastian, James Cotton, Joe Louis Walker, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmie Vaughan,Johnnie Johnson, Laura Nyro, Odetta, Lowell Fulson,Son Seals, Donald Fagen, Darlene Love, Felix Cavaliere, Barry Goldberg, Nick Gravenites, Canned Heat with Fito de la Parra, Warren Haynes and just about anyone else who passed through NYC and needed a band that could play the Blues, Soul, Real RocknRoll and R&B. Being involved with the Conan show for 30 years has only deepened my experience and contact with people who stepped out of my record collection and into my life and for that I am truly grateful.” – Jimmy Vivino LADY AND THE LOVERS Lady and the Lovers blends alt-R&B and rock into something smooth, dynamic, and just unpredictable enough to pull you in. Fronted by Katrina Fortier, the sound moves between deep grooves, rich melodies, and a little grit where it counts. Backed by some of Asheville’s finest, it’s a mix of rhythm, soul, and raw musicianship that just feels right.
