Golden Folk Sessions: Valentines Special
ALL AGES 6PM DOORS / 7PM SHOW FULLY SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE GOLDEN FOLK SESSIONS Golden Folk Sessions (formerly Open Folk AVL) offers an intimate, carefully curated listening experience that celebrates the art of original music. Each event showcases six handpicked artists, performing three-song sets in a quiet, seated environment where the music takes center stage. To add a sense of surprise and discovery, the lineup is revealed only when the show begins. Running from 7–9 PM, these early shows create the perfect evening for music lovers who value live performances and a good night’s rest. With over 100 shows hosted and extraordinary artists from around the globe gracing our stage, Golden Folk Sessions is entering an exciting new chapter. Under a new name and with a new home at The Grey Eagle—one of the Southeast’s most iconic venues—we’re thrilled to continue fostering community through music. Staying true to our values of accessibility, we aim to make music available to everyone. Presale tickets guarantee your seat and support both Golden Folk Sessions and The Grey Eagle. For those attending on the day of the show, our “pay what you can, if you can” option ensures that all are welcome to be part of this unique and meaningful experience. • $25 for Priority Seating (first three rows) • $10 General Admission (presale) • $0-$25 Day-of-Show (no minimum) We can’t wait to see y’all there
SHINYRIBS
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY SHINYRIBS Shinyribs defies genres as a sonic melting pot of Texas Blues, New Orleans R&B funk, horn driven Memphis Soul, country twang, border music, big band swing, and roots-rock. The Austin based nine-piece (sometimes 10-piece) supergroup is led by Kevin Russell, the charismatic frontman with colorful suits and extravagant shoes who continuously swaps out an electric guitar for a ukulele and never falls short of creating a cinematic experience with on-stage antics that often include him donning a light-up cloak or leading a conga line through the crowd. Shinyribs’ new record – Transit Damage (July 2023 on Blue Elan / Hardcharger Records) is, in Russell’s words, “the record I’ve been trying to make for most of my career. This is a collection of songs that relate to each other in a myriad of ways: musically, lyrically, emotionally. It’s a real throwback to the era of complete albums, and draws from songs I’ve written throughout my life. I hope listeners can take the time to fully immerse themselves in the whole thing.” To help him flesh this collection out, Russell picked producer and longtime friend Steve Berlin (from Los Lobos) to help him arrange and record Transit Damage. Together they chose to work at another auspicious location, The Finishing School studios in Austin. The Finishing School is housed in the former home of Austin legend George Reiff (The Chicks, Bruce Robison, Ray Wylie Hubbard) who engineered and produced Shinyribs’ debut Well After Awhile back in 2010. Reiff, a close personal friend of Russell’s, tragically passed away from.cancer in 2017, yet his legacy lives on. His home studio was refurbished by Band of Heathens’ Gordy Quist, and reopened a couple years ago with acclaimed engineer Jim Vollentine. Berlin helped source a number of auxiliary players around town to help expand the Shinyribs sound, and realize Russell’s bigger vision. Shinyribs’ bassist Mason Hankamer also lent some producing skills, helping arrange many of the songs. Shinyribs was named Best Austin Band at the Austin Chronicle’s Austin Music Awards (2017, 2018), awarded Album of the Year for I Got Your Medicine (2017), and Best 2020-Themed Song for “Stay Home” (2020). Russell’s Shinyribs have recorded seven previous albums: 2010’s Well After Awhile; Gulf Coast Museum (2013); Okra Candy (2015); 2017’s award-winning I Got Your Medicine; a compilation of holiday standards and new compositions The Kringle Tingle (2018); and the group’s latest soulful release, Fog & Bling (2019); and Late Night TV Gold, (2021). KEVIN GORDON Kevin Gordon’s Louisiana is a strange place. It’s a place where restless teens road trip to where the highway dead-ends at the Gulf of Mexico; a place where prisoners who are in for life compete in a rodeo while the town watches; where a character can get lost in the humid afternoon and where religion may not signify hope; and where rivers, never far away, carry secrets behind levees. “One of the things I like about it and am mystified by is that what passes for normal in Louisiana would not make the grade elsewhere,” he says.
Melissa Carper and Theo Lawrence
ALL AGES FULLY SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE MELISSA CARPER AND THEO LAWRENCE Melissa Carper and Theo Lawrence barely knew each other when they started singing songs together in the fall of 2023. Little introduction was needed to get down to action (get down to business or get into the action) because what these two were supposed (intended or meant?) to do together went without saying : songs needed to be written, harmonies had to be sung and an album must be made. In the last several years Carper and Lawrence have individually earned their spots as acclaimed recording artists on the Roots Music scene, seamlessly blending old-time Country, Jazz and Soul on their records. A country woman from Arkansas and a city man from Paris with two very different paths and voices, they were brought together by their love and devotion to traditional American music. They regularly gathered in the kitchen for long afternoon hangs in Austin, Texas where they both now live, and had an album worth of songs right in time for Spring. They hit the road together in June 2024, putting their newly-composed classic love songs to the test, in front of attentive crowds in listening rooms throughout Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California. Riding on endless desert roads, they took time to get acquainted, humming songs to the sound of the Ford Transit radio, simply « Havin’ A Talk ». These two take the Art of cutting records rather seriously, so they took their business to the Athens of the South, in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s there at the Bomb Shelter studio, that Melissa crafted her last few albums, with the help of Andrija Tokic’s capable hands. A few phone calls and good taste in musicians brought a few talented friends and some of the best session players to the room, to form Melissa and Theo’s A-team of their dreams. Chris Scruggs, who they brought in for rhythm guitar and steel, casually stepped up in the co-producer’s shoes, alongside Theo and Melissa. The result is a debut duet-album like they just don’t make ‘em anymore… Two remarkable and unique voices that have bewildered many who came to hear them in all kinds of rooms for about a decade, heard together for the first time, blending like glass in a timeless glint of blushing shadows.
Evening Elephants + The Get Right Band
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY EVENING ELEPHANTS Emerging out of an illegal backyard party in Los Angeles, the duo of Sam Boggs, a disgraced LA skit actor, and Brandon Leslie, a tarot card-reading hip-hop producer, bonded over the love of two things – music and cigarettes. With the sunrise approaching and cigarette butts piled up, a three-day bender had just started to take its toll on Sam, when he and Brandon (aka B) recognized one another as kindred spirits. They plotted a jam session within weeks of meeting, adopted the name Evening Elephants (inspired by Naruto), and began disrupting the norm around L.A. Evening Elephants started throwing showcases in the same backyard they met in, bringing in over 150 RSVPs in 48 hours for their first show. Evening Elephants performed a series of now “legendary” backyard shows, cutting their teeth in front of a fervent audience. OnesToWatch chronicled one of those gigs and emerged as an ardent early supporter. INKED also raved, “With a lust for life and passion for bringing people together, Evening Elephants’ infectious grooves aren’t stopping anytime soon,” while The Luna Collective hailed their “on-brand brutal honesty.” Since their fateful encounter in 2021, the pair went on to quietly generate over 10 million streams and build an audience one fan at a time with a fluid and fiery sound anchored by B’s production with live drums, and peppering sunny melodies with the kind of truths typically reserved for diaries.Evening Elephants gained momentum with Evening Demos EP in 2022 followed by the signature single “Life Is Swell” in 2023 and the standout “Snow On The Bluff,” produced by PJ Bianco (Imagine Dragons, Jonas Brothers) which garnered over 5 million Spotify streams. During their inaugural year as a band, Evening Elephants captivated audiences across the US with performances at legendary venues such as Baby’s All Right, Teragram Ballroom, The Moroccan Lounge, Larimer Lounge, and Lost Lake including sold-out performances in New York City and Denver. The band caught the attention of coveted brands early on such as JuneShine, who sponsored the backyard shows on top of performances at the JuneShine brewery in San Diego. Given the palpable buzz and the level of cult adoration surrounding the band, the Evening Elephants signed to Republic Records and are set to release their debut and much more in 2025. THE GET RIGHT BAND The Get Right Band is a psychedelic indie rock power trio committed to relentlessly following their muses to honest self-expression, to whatever excites them and pushes them into unexplored territory, to capturing some version of truth. American Songwriter writes that the Asheville, NC based group, “filters 60’s/70’s psychedelia and 90’s alternative rock through a modern lens–as if Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Nirvana co-wrote an album produced by Danger Mouse and Dan Auerbach.”
Live Dead & Brothers: An All-Star Celebration of Grateful Dead & Allman Brothers
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY LIVE DEAD AND BROTHERS: An All-Star Celebration of Grateful Dead & Allman Brothers Prepare to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the golden era of psychedelic blues and the seeds of the ‘jam band’ scene as Live Dead & Brothers takes the stage. Comprised of actual and legacy members from the extended Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers families, this exceptional ensemble is set to revive the timeless magic of the late 1960s and early 1970s, bringing fans an experience like no other. The line-up is pedigree and generational featuring Berry Duane Oakley from The Allman Betts Band, Mark Karan from Bob Weir & Rat Dog, Scott Guberman from Phil Lesh & Friends, Pete Lavezzoli from Oteil & Friends and very special guest, slide guitarist, Steve Kimock. Together, these accomplished musicians skillfully recreate the magic of the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers Band’s co-billed concerts during the period of 1969 to1973. Their performances capture the raw energy, improvisational prowess, and soul-stirring melodies that defined an era of musical innovation. Live Dead & Brothers invites fans, both old and new, to come together and relive the vibrant, transformative spirit of the 60s and 70s. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee of the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers or discovering their magic for the first time, this is a live music experience that transcends generations.
Cameron Whitcomb
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY VIP MEET & GREET PACKAGES AVAILABLE, INCLUDING: One GA ticket to the show, acoustic soundcheck performance, Q&A Session, Signed commemorative VIP pass, Merchandise shopping prior to doors opening to the public, Early entry into the venue CAMERON WHITCOMB Cameron Whitcomb brings a unique perspective to songwriting, deeply influenced by his own life experiences, including his battles and journey in the music industry. His approach to songwriting reflects a raw and authentic narrative style, drawing listeners into his world through vivid storytelling and emotional honesty. His latest single, “The Devil I’ve Seen,” exemplifies this unique approach, delving into the profound and challenging topic of sexual abuse. Through his music, Whitcomb offers a glimpse into the complexities of his life and the darker aspects of human experiences, inviting audiences to connect with the more profound, often unspoken realities. His ability to weave personal tales into compelling musical narratives sets him apart in the songwriting landscape, resonating with listeners who find solace and understanding in his words. BEN COTTRILL Ben Cottrill is a dynamic and spirited artist known for his distinctive Americana-Soul sound. He has spent over a decade performing across Canada, developing a one-man-band style that fuses live vocal looping with the warm rhythms of piano and guitar to deliver captivating and soulful live performances. Cottrill’s talent caught the attention of CTV’s “The Launch” music series, where he was mentored by Canadian music icon Bryan Adams. He has also played over 500 live shows across Canada, including performances at the Vancouver Shipyards Festival and Richmond World Festival, and has opened for Canadian groups like Bedouin Soundclash and Jon & Roy. While Cottrill’s dedication to his craft earned him the 2023 Roots Artist and 2021 Folk Artist of the Year award from the Fraser Valley Music Awards, his songwriting work with Cameron Whitcomb (American Idol) has produced viral Folk-Country videos spawning over 30 million views across Instagram & Tik Tok. His latest project “Velvet Regrets Vol.1&2” (and its accompanying short film) have been a fan favourite, selling out of all vinyl copies and hundreds of CDs since its release. Providing a taste of his upcoming album with the recent Country-Soul flavoured singles “Reno” and “Favoreau”, Ben Cottrill is heading into a new musical chapter that will surely solidify his status as a true force in the Canadian music scene.
Empire Strikes Brass: 11th Annual Mardi Gras Party
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY EMPIRE STRIKES BRASS Empire Strikes Brass is a dynamic BrassFunkRock band hailing from Asheville, North Carolina. Their music resonates with a powerful message delivered through a captivating and larger-than-life sound. Fueled by a thumping rhythm section that sets the groove, the band’s rich horn arrangements, performed by a robust horn section, add an extra layer of depth to both their original compositions and compelling covers, showcasing the evolution of ESB. Formed in 2012, Empire Strikes Brass started as a group of friends who loved playing New Orleans-inspired second-line and funk tunes infused with elements of rock and jam. Over time, they have transformed into a collective of incredibly talented musicians, singers, songwriters, and producers. The result is a fresh and authentic sound that seamlessly combines their diverse musical influences while staying true to their roots. The band boasts a remarkable lineup of artists, each bringing their own unique contribution to the table. From the rich vocals, and harmonious saxophone of Grammy Award-winning artist Debrissa McKinney (known for her work with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo) to the masterful keyboard and production skills of Lenny Pettinelli, the thunderous beats of drummer Nik Hope, the solid bass lines of JP Furnas, the melodic guitar riffs of Chris Porter, the soulful trumpet sounds of Alex Bradley, and the sky high notes of Tim Morgan on trumpet, the smooth trombone of Jacob Bruner, the vibrant saxophone of Pauly Juhl, and the versatile keyboard and percussion talents of Sean Donnelly, every member of ESB plays a crucial role in the band’s success. Since their inception, Empire Strikes Brass has become a staple at various festivals across the USA, leaving a lasting impression with their infectious energy and electrifying performances. Their horn section has also had the honor of sharing the stage with esteemed acts like Shpongle Live Band, Umphrey’s McGee, Papadosio, and many more iconic names in the funk and jam scene. Whether performing live or working on their studio recordings, Empire Strikes Brass emanates a strength and cohesiveness that is undeniable. Their debut album, “Theme For A Celebration,” was recorded at the renowned Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheville and received acclaim as one of the top 100 releases of the year by WNCW 88.7 radio in 2017. Following that success, their fierce follow-up release, “Brassterpiece Theatre” (2019), was also recorded at Echo, showcasing their continued growth and artistic prowess. Both albums are available on all major music distribution, streaming, sales, and listening platforms, allowing listeners to experience the band’s exceptional musicality. As they continue to tour and captivate audiences, Empire Strikes Brass is diligently working on their highly anticipated third studio album. Between shows, they are crafting and mastering new sounds that will undoubtedly leave their fans craving for more. Keep an eye out for this remarkable band on the road and at festivals near you. Their unforgettable performances are not to be missed.
Jesse Roper
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY JESSE 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. JACOOZY Jacoozy is a five-piece band based in Asheville, NC, delivering a dynamic fusion of rock, funk, jazz, and alternative. Featuring guitarists Killian Wright and Will Fentress, drummer Pauly Scott, keyboardist Isaac McMurray, and bassist Ramon Garcia, the group is known for electrifying live performances and masterful improvisation. Since their 2021 formation, they’ve built a dedicated following across the Carolinas and the Southeast. Their 2022 self-titled EP, featuring the hit Cold Hearted (500K+ streams), put them on the map, and with a brand-new album on the way, Jacoozy is just getting started.
Tan & Sober Gentlemen + Driftwood
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY TAN & SOBER GENTLEMEN Born and raised in North Carolina, the Tan and Sober Gentlemen began taking the songs, stories, and tunes that make up their beloved state’s musical tradition before they could talk. The music of the Carolinas, (and Appalachia in general) stems from the marriage of the Irish fiddle and the African banjo, which first met in the American South before the Revolution. The Tan and Sober Gentlemen aim to bring these traditions full circle. They play Irish tunes, ballads, and pub songs right next to the Appalachian fiddle tunes of their youth, melding the two into what they call “Irish-American hillbilly music.” Meanwhile, they have earned a reputation as one of the South’s hardest-hitting live acts, playing at blazing tempos, and putting every last bit of energy they possess into the show. The result is a raucous celebration of the Carolinas’ Irish heritage, with drinking, dancing, and merriment galore. Since their formation in 2017, the six-piece band has toured the US and Ireland, headlining legendary Irish clubs such as Whelan’s and the Roisin Dubh. Stateside, their resume includes festivals such as Bristol Rhythm and Roots, Appaloosa Festival, Tartan Day South, and Shakori Hills. In January of 2023, in their home of Alamance County, they sold 800 tickets to their show at the Haw River Ballroom. They released their sophomore record, Regressive Folk Music, in June 2022, and their debut record, Veracity, was named by Shite’n’Onions as one of the five best Celtic punk records of 2019 and 2020. DRIFTWOOD Music has guided Driftwood to hallowed ground many times since its founding members, Joe Kollar and Dan Forsyth, started making music as high schoolers in Joe’s parents’ basement. Whether the Upstate New York folk rock group—which today also includes violinist Claire Byrne, bassist Joey Arcuri, and drummer Sam Fishman—are converting new fans on a hardscrabble tour across the country or playing to a devoted crowd at hero Levon Helm’s Woodstock barn, the band’s shapeshifting approach to folk music continues to break new ground. And yet in many ways Driftwood’s latest work, the transformative December Last Call, finds the group coming home. Recorded in that very same basement where the Driftwood dream began, December Last Call lyrically reflects on the recent past, musing on the ways the group grew up, together and apart, through curveballs like new parenthood or pandemic shutdowns. But sonically, the band’s sixth album looks confidently to the future, experimenting with new sounds while staying true to the bluegrass roots that built them. Across the album’s nine tracks, the band often leans into hard-rocking electric guitars and driving percussion: On “Every Which Way But Loose,” we get a foot-tapping beat and a sweeping chorus, and on “Up All Night Blues,” the band shines with an ambling, sing-along-able reflection on the challenges of new motherhood. But other tracks, like standout closer “Stardust,” take a simpler route, allowing bare-bones vocals and acoustic instrumentals to underpin a deeper emotional message.
LATE SHOW: Tank and the Bangas
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY 9:30PM DOORS / 10PM SHOW TANK AND THE BANGAS Tank and the Bangas explore the most tender and true parts of life’s journey. Unique and with a vibrance that could only come from New Orleans, the lead vocalist, Tank has stretched her vocals over quirky raps, poetry, and rich melodies since the release of their first album, Think Tank in 2013. Four years later, they had a viral breakthrough as the winners of the NPR Tiny Desk Contest — an eclectic performance that has since been praised by musicians like Miguel and Anthony Hamilton and has now amassed over 14 million views on YouTube. Now, Tank and the Bangas arrive with a new 3-part album The Heart, The Mind, and The Soul. With this offering, Tank opens up about the wisdom she’s gained from new beginnings, endings, and in-betweens. The concept of an album series came to Tank two years ago while traveling on a train with her group members. Its structure makes it different from the rest of the catalog, and so does the special emphasis Tank has put on her poetry, collaborators, and its cohesive sound. “It explores self-discovery, the journey to confidence, believing in your ability, matters of the heart, the mind, and just free thought flowing,” Tank says about the album. On The Heart, the first part to be released and produced by James Poyser, Tank flows back and forth between poetry and a velvety alto that deepens every thoughtful word as she riffs about her deepest sentiments on life. The opening track, “A Poem Is” boasts a feature from Jill Scott — an appearance that Tank is thrilled about especially because her mission with this release is to magnify poetry as a music genre. “I want for poetry to get that much more respect and for even more young people to get into the expression of poetry,” Tank expresses. “I want it to be seen as even more cool again.” Tank created a different soundscape with each collaborator for each part of the project. Producer Iman Omari, known for his lo-fi dreamy loops, paid attention to every detail of each beat and brought out a more “vibey” side of Tank on The Mind. She built The Soul with producer and jazz musician Robert Glasper, who led free-formed recording sessions that made room for Tank to discover the melodies and let ideas flow. With The Heart, The Mind, and The Soul, Tank and the Bangas affirm the thoughts, feelings, and complexities of these key parts of self. ”I’m writing about my experience and feeling more open, free, and much more confident,” Tank says. “Before, even though I had such a big voice, sometimes I felt quieted. It feels good to stretch on my own terms.” ELLIOTT SKINNER Elliott Skinner is a Texas-raised, Brooklyn-based artist with a multi-faceted approach to folk and soul music. Skinner’s multiple avenues of music-making include singing, guitar, bass, composing, producing, and arranging. Improvisation plays a large role in Skinner’s compositions; He wishes to reflect the history, texture, and roots of Black culture in his music. DJ ZEUS
