Mama & The Ruckus w/ Conor & The Wild Hunt

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.