Shawn Mullins w/ Cat Ridgeway

SHAWN MULLINS

After a series of indie releases and growing buzz in the Atlanta music scene, Shawn Mullins’ critical and commercial breakthrough came when 1998 Soul’s Core shot him to fame on the strength of Grammy-nominated No. 1 hit, “Lullaby” followed by AAA/Americana No. 1 hit “Beautiful Wreck” from 2006’s 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor. His song, “Shimmer” was used in promotion of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and was included on the Dawson’s Creek soundtrack. His co-write “All in My Head” from 2008’s Honeydew was featured in episode one of the hit TV sitcom “Scrubs.” Mullins also co-wrote the Zac Brown Band’s No. 1 country tune “Toes.” In early 2002, he formed supergroup The Thorns with Matthew Sweet and Pete Droge. “No Blue Sky” from the resulting album, is a modern day classic. For the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough album, Shawn revisited the music of Soul’s Core by recording two new versions of the album. He calls this Soul’s Core Revival. This is not a remix or a remaster of the original, but rather brand new recordings with new arrangements of the songs – one album is stripped down solo performances, some on guitar, some on piano and maybe one a cappella and the second is a new studio recording with his full band, Soul Carnival.

CAT RIDGEWAY

You can’t help but be excited when talking about Orlando singer songwriter Cat Ridgeway.  Her infectious energy and contagious enthusiasm in everything she creates is electric, while her passion and commitment to her music radiate through her fiery blend of indie-rock and punk with hints of dream pop and folk.  A skilled lyricist and melodist, Ridgeway is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who can play guitar, harmonica, trumpet, trombone, drums, piano, mandolin, and bass – sometimes playing three instruments at once.

Ridgeway, along with the revolving members of her touring band, The Tourists, create a sweaty, energetic, exciting party with each live show. It’s not uncommon to see them play musical chairs as they switch places and instruments on stage. Expect the unexpected. With Sprinter, Ridgeway’s 2025 album release, she draws the listener in as she strives to understand life’s trials and emerge with a better sense of perspective and self. Ridgeway, along with Mike Savino (Kishi Bashi, Tall Tall Trees), played multiple instruments on the album. Mastered by Joe LaPorta (David Bowie, Foo Fighters) and mixed by Dan Molad of Lucius and Coco (JD McPherson, Here We Go Magic), Sprinter features all-star players including Claude Coleman, Jr. (Ween) and Josiah Wolf (WHY?) on drums, and Adam Schatz (Sylvan Esso, Japanese Breakfast) on sax, among others.  

Her first single “Epilogue,” is a stomp and holler-esque punk rock explosion hinging off a recklessly played, overdriven banjo.  Named Orlando’s “Best Singer-Songwriter” three years running and “Best Rock Act” twice by Orlando Weekly, Ridgeway has played many notable stages and festivals (30A Songwriters Festival, Okeechobee Music and Arts Fest, and House of Blues Orlando), supporting and sharing bills with acts like Lucy Dacus, Sylvan Esso, Houndmouth, and Arcade Fire, among others.