Hank, Pattie & The Current- CANCELED!!!
Two of North Carolina’s veteran bluegrass musicians– Hank Smith on Banjo and Pattie Hopkins Kinlaw on fiddle– join forces with some of the most versatile musicians in the Carolinas to create modern, American, acoustic music featuring the full range of their talents as composers and arrangers. The band is on tour regionally and nationally in support of their new album, RISE ABOVE onRobust Records. The band makes use of traditional bluegrass instrumentation in a nontraditional way to present original music to the listener that goes beyond the limits of the idiom. The arrangements take on a new level of maturation that follows in the footsteps of Bela Fleck, Mark O’Connor, Chris Thile, Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, and Tony Rice. Hank, Pattie & The Current want to pick up where seminal crossover groups like The Punch Brothers, Strength In Numbers and the ever-changing Bluegrass Allstars call home. The music is vocal and instrumental, allowing the band to experiment with arrangements and tailor the compositions to become vehicles for exploration. Hank Smith plays banjo, Pattie Hopkins Kinlaw plays fiddle and is lead vocalist. The Current includes Billie Feather on guitar and Stevie Martinez on bass.
The Pink Stones with Colin Cutler And Hot Pepper Jam + She Returns From War
“This record was me trying to take everything I love as a listener and a player and shove it all into one thing without it sounding random, ”says Hunter Pinkston, former punk turned cosmic country auteur, describing ‘You Know Who’, the boisterous, ambitious sophomore album by his band The Pink Stones. Ostensibly they play country music, yet all the pedal steel sobs, the two-steppin’ rhythms, twangy harmonies, and lyrics about broken hearts and long days on the road are launch pads for wild experiments and unexpected stylistic forays. “There’s obviously a lot of country and rock in our music, but there’s a lot of gospel and soul and psych and dub. I really wanted to get all of those things living peacefully together in one record.”**A Greensboro, North Carolina-based songwriter toting a guitar, banjo, and harmonicas, Colin Cutler’s music spans the breadth of Americana, from oldtime to blues to roots rock, with lyrics informed by the earthy storytelling traditions of the South, his Pentecostal upbringing, and literature. **Hailing from the historically rich city of Charleston, South Carolina, americana music artist Hunter Park is defining what it means to not only live in the modern south, but to be a trans woman and artist within this landscape. Combining folk-infused vocal melodies and evocative lyrics that capture the unfiltered human experience, She Returns From War is taking her seat in the Americana music world with grace, strength, and passion. The project shows no signs of slowing down. From opening for Bernie Sanders at his presidential rally in Charleston, to performing at national festivals like Stagecoach and High Water Festival and with artists such as Pat Benatar, Band of Horses, and Nikki Lane, She Returns From War is sharing with the world what the modern south should look and feel like: inclusive, compassionate, unfiltered, and loving.
Holler Choir Album Release Show w/ CASEYMAGIC
Led by the lyrical craftsmanship of singer, guitarist, and songwriter Clint Roberts, the distinctly Appalachian, old-time sound of Asheville’s Holler Choir combines haunting harmonies, stirring string compositions, and heart-wrenching ballads, yet hardly conforms to a stereotypical genre. Call it a confluence of old-time, Americana, and bluegrass, but, by its own exceptional design, the sound and atmosphere of Holler Choir are singular. Robert’s wordcraft and explosive vocal range is met with the dulcet clawhammer banjo plucking of long-time collaborator Helena Rose and the sturdy timekeeping of upright bassist Norbert McGettigan. With a rotating cast of gifted musicians featured on Holler Choir’s recordings and electrifying live performances, it’s no wonder they are the band to watch in 2023. The band’s inception began when recording Robert’s 2022 solo release, entitled “Mountain Air”. That fortuitous collaboration of gifted roots musicians at Asheville’s Crossroads Studios proved to be the genesis of an unmistakable new sound built on that shared experience. Produced by Grammy award-winning multi-instrumentalist, Michael Ashworth, of The Steep Canyon Rangers, the five-song EP lit the fuse and Holler Choir was well on its way to delight audiences throughout the southeast and beyond.
Pressing Strings + Drew Foust And The Wheelhouse
When music is given the benefit of instinct, imagination and inspiration, the results are guaranteed to be good. So it ought to come as no surprise that the critically-acclaimed Annapolis, Maryland-based trio, appropriately dubbed Pressing Strings, has infused those elements within their musical mantra since the beginning. The band — Jordan Sokel (Guitar, Vocals), Nick Welker (Bass, Vocals), and Justin Kruger (Drums, Vocals) — can trace its origins to Sokel’s initial fascination with some iconic influences, among them, the usual suspects — Bob Marley, Paul Simon, Bill Withers, Taj Mahal, Al Green, Otis Redding, Nick Drake etc., as well as some more contemporary artists like Ben Harper, The Black Keys, The Wood Brothers, Iron & Wine etc.A natural soul singer and blues musician, Drew Foust’s music sounds like it’s made between the bleary hours of a rock bar’s last call and a southern preacher’s early morning prayer. Hand made, self-made and arranged in dramatic structure, the music is lyrical and rhythm driven, always pushing a feeling forward. His latest release, “Good Thing,” is inspired by the Memphis soul music from the 60’s and 70’s.
Will Hoge (solo) w/ Meaghan Farrell
Born and raised in Tennessee, songwriter Will Hoge made his name honing a blend of soulful Americana and heartland rock & roll. After spending his childhood in the Nashville suburb of Franklin, he left Tennessee to study history at Western Kentucky University. Music drew him back home, however, and he relocated to Nashville to assemble a band that included former Georgia Satellites guitarist Dan Baird. Hoge then cut his teeth on the Southern bar circuit and issued a live release, 1999’s All Night Long, before inking a deal with Atlantic Records. With the label’s support, he entered Memphis’ famed Ardent Studios to record his official debut, Carousel, with engineer John Hampton (the Replacements, Gin Blossoms). The album was released in 2000, and Blackbird on a Lonely Wire followed in 2003 (albeit without Baird, who’d left due to the band’s demanding tour schedule). Record sales were slim, though, and Hoge found himself receiving minimal attention from his label. Requesting release from his contract, Hoge was made a free agent. Following his departure from the Atlantic roster, Hoge combined a relentless tour schedule with a string of independent releases, from live albums and brief EPs to a full-fledged studio effort (2006’s The Man Who Killed Love). Rykodisc took note of Hoge’s work, particularly his 200-plus shows per year, and signed the artist. Draw the Curtains, Hoge’s fourth studio album and first effort for Rykodisc, was released in October 2007, followed by — what else? — an aggressive fall tour. Recording sessions for another record began in 2008, but work was temporarily postponed on August 20th, when a scooter accident left Hoge severely injured. Months of physical therapy followed. Hoge focused on his recovery for the remainder of 2008, eventually returning to the studio project in 2009 and releasing The Wreckage later that year. Hoge put out his seventh studio album, the appropriately titled Number Seven, in September 2011. He and co-writer Eric Paslay received 2012 Academy of Country Music (ACM), Country Music Association (CMA), and Grammy nominations for Best Country Song for “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” the opening track on the Eli Young Band’s album Life at Best. In December of 2012, Hoge released the digital-only EP Modern American Protest Music, which included the songs “Folded Flag” and “Ballad of Trayvon Martin.” In October of 2013, Never Give In, his eighth full-length, was released by Cumberland Recordings. The album’s first single, “Strong,” was tapped by Chevy for its 2014 Silverado pickup truck ad campaign. He followed it in 2015 with the album Small Town Dreams, which landed at number 15 on the country charts. While touring in support of the record, Hoge hit a career wall. He enjoyed writing songs for others and playing live, but he had fallen out of love with being in a band. What followed was a period of introspection. He let his working group go and took off on a cross-country jaunt playing solo. Reclaiming the joy that inspired him to make music a vocation in the first place, he began writing while traveling. He reentered the studio with an ace cast of studio players and completed Anchors. The self-produced 11-track set was previewed in June 2017 by the single “Little Bit of Rust” (a duet with Sheryl Crow), and followed two weeks later by “Baby’s Eyes.” The album proper appeared in August from Eldo/Thirty Tigers. Hoge quickly followed Anchors with My American Dream, which appeared in October 2018. 2020’s Tiny Little Movies was a thematically and musically diverse LP, including personal numbers about failing romances and broadsides against political and spiritual dishonesty.~ Andrew Leahey
Jess Klein and Tamika Wells
JESS KLEIN“A songwriter with a voice of unblinking tenacity” — The New York Times“Jess Klein’s music is one part grassroots social activism and two parts alt country guitar rock — a combo we can certainly get behind.” — The Bluegrass Situation“She has one of those voices you want to crawl up close to the speakers to listen to.” — MOJO Jess just released the video for a wonderful new single:”Never Gonna Break Me” (from Jess’ forthcoming album, When We Rise coming out September 2023) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyqGyA_8CH0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyqGyA_8CH0)Tamika Wells is an American author, poet and multi-passionate creative, gifted in prophetic empathy. Her written and spoken word superpower lies in her innate ability to empower women who are powerful in public but face life circumstances that make them feel pitiful in private. While managing several budding entrepreneurial ventures, Tamika is the CEO and Master Certified Life Coach of Elevate Her Coaching Program. In addition, she is an Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner; through her firm, Honey Tree Healing, Tamika helps clients heal the love relationship with self and others, breaking recurring cycles of abusive and unhealthy relationship patterns including those of sexual trauma. Her programs are rooted in clients’ abilities to experience new transformations, mutually beneficial relationships and even better financial outcomes. Tamika is mother to her adult son and resides in North Carolina with her two kittens, Joy and Mercy.
Joe Kaplow with The Turkey Buzzards
Up until now it was easy for California based songwriter Joe Kaplow to be pushed along. At eight he was getting screamed at by Uncle Jim for playing out of time. A few years later found him passing almost every single after school evening getting stoned and jamming with his band in Bondar’s basement. Years later he was studying music at college and having to sink or swim in the sea of talent crowding Boston streets and finally, for the past 5 years, plugging his amp into the outlet of American music heritage, driving around and playing shows in bars, clubs, and coffeeshops while figuring out along the way that CDs are lame and that booking pitches should be concise. It was almost like there wasn’t time to stop and think. Recently, it seems like all he does is think. When all the momentum, all the plans, all the validation, all the adventure, and all the money just stop; when the pushing stops, one may find themselves asking, “Why am I doing this?” An underdog without an over-dog is just a dog. Kaplow describes music as his “currency for life. We all have something, or a few things that we do, we work at, we commit to and that’s how we pay for our time here. It’s like life is a Ferris wheel at the county fair. You can’t just ride all night. Every 4 times around you have to stop at the bottom and pay for another half hour or whatever.”
Ranford Almond Band ALBUM RELEASE PARTY With HedCase (Casey Cranford + Chris Hedrick)
Bringing the soul from Greensboro, North Carolina, Ranford Almond is a young singer/songwriter and troubadour that has begun to make his mark across the Southeast. Raspy fresh vocals meet the Appalachian strings of Ranford’s acoustic guitar, reminiscent of John Prine, and Towns Van Zandt with his own unique stamp. Furthermore, his talent extends far beyond composition and strumming, as he is a warrior on the electric as well. Ranford plays as a solo artist and leads a full band. Ranford Almond’s debut EP entitled Back Burner, which is available on all streaming platforms and highlights his songwriting and arranging abilities. His forthcoming full length debut ‘Old Soul’ is due to arrive in 2023, and demonstrates the evolution of Almond’s ability as he grows as both a writer, arranger, and player. The album, recorded at Ovation Sound, will feature a litany of nationally recognized guests, as well as the tutelage of its producer, Bill Stevens. To find Back Burner and additional high quality digital content your preferred platform click here follow this link- https://linktr.ee/ranfordalmond In addition to Almond’s studio explorations, his live history is evident of his growth on stage. Spreading beyond its home of the Piedmont Triad, it has begun to meet new stages and audiences. Festival appearances include Mountain Music Festival, Shakori Hills, The New River Gorge Festival, The Big What?, Trail Days, The Casual Campout, and more. Other notable stand alone plays include headlining the grand opening of The Flat Iron, appearing under the lights on the big screen of Winston Salem’s Drive In, a feature and headlining appearance of the North Carolina’s “Writer’s In The Round” series and its live counterpart Singers & Songbirds. As of Winter 2023, Almond made his Colorado debut as a solo artist in Steamboat Springs, following his prior guest appearances with Big Something in the region. Ranford’s live collaborative projects link him to significant established talent as well. Red Panda is a six piece unit that sees him join forces with the likes of Nick MacDaniels with whom he also shares a duo, and Jesse Hensley, both of Big Something. He can be found fronting another all star style band with Casey Cranford (Big Something), Daniel Yount (Super Yamba Band), and Seth Barden, the latter two staples of the New York City scene. “Mature. These days, it is not a term commonly used to describe someone of Ranford Almond’s age. However, with his debut EP, Back Burner, young Ranford displays a maturity in his songwriting that belies his young 21 years of age. Throughout this short journey of folksy tunes, abundant with lyrical depth and emotional songwriting, it can be easy for the listener to mistake these songs as those of a much more rugged and traveled character, grizzled by years of burden and heartbreak.” -Ryan McBrayer, The Jamwich
Colin Cutler & Hot Pepper Jam, Wendy And Dashawn Hickman, and Rebekah Todd
The Vegabonds w/ Evan Blackerby & Friends
The Nashville-based alternative southern rock band—THE VEGABONDS are ready to get back to what they know – releasing kick ass new music and touring around the country, having logged more 400,000 miles over their ten-year history. Their new full-length studio album, Sinners and Saints, is set for release on September 24, 2021 through Blue Élan Records. While several of the songs were written pre-COVID, the tenor of Sinners and Saints is about not just survival but thriving in the midst of an unforeseen event. “Can’t Deal” is the perfect example, inspired by keyboardist Beau Cooper’s fascination with Yacht Rock, with his whirring Wurlitzer carrying the song into Atlantic Rhythm Section “Spooky” territory. Said Cooper, “The song is basically the nicest way to tell someone you care about to back off for a second. It falls under the ‘Sinners and Saints’ mindset. You can give bad news and tell the hard truth, but still be kind while you do it.” THE VEGABONDS are Daniel Allen (Lead vocals/songwriter), Richard Forehand (Lead guitars/vocals), Paul Bruen (bass), Beau Cooper (keyboards/vocals/songwriter) and Bryan Harris (drums)
