Emerging Artists Series: Will Hoge w/ Evan Blackerby
Will Hoge will release of Tenderhearted Boys, the Grammy-nominated artist’s 14th studio album on Friday, April 12. Unapologetically contrarian — an insurgent of authenticity — Hoge takes the helm on this new showcase where he breaks new ground by producing and playing every instrument himself. Each track unfolds as a chapter in Hoge’s sonic autobiography, exploring the beauty found in all the nuanced corners of modern life. Tenderhearted Boys is not just an album; it’s a journey into the uncharted territories of musical expression, where vulnerability meets rebellion, and every note carries the weight of the artist’s unfiltered soul. Will Hoge has a career whose milestones include Number One hits, Grammy nods, major-label record deals, and hard-won independence. Years before Americana music received its own category at the Grammy Awards, Hoge was on the frontlines, helping to pilot and popularize the genre’s blend of American roots music. In the current digital era dominated by influencers seeking shortcuts to stardom, Will Hoge proudly treads the scenic route, immersing himself in the journey rather than fixating on the destination. ** FEATURING LOCAL EMERGING ARTIST:Evan Blackerby has something to say. He’s been relentless in working to cultivate his own musical voice and sound – that can only be described as alt-bluesy Americana, folkish-rock-esque, singer-songwriter. Evan’s first concert was Paul McCartney and he leans on influences of Otis Redding, Ray LaMontagne, Avett Brothers , and Jack Johnson . He began crafting songs in 7th grade. That year, he found an old Yamaha guitar (that he named Junior) and began learning a few chords. He has, over the years, has become more comfortable in his unpolished honesty and ability to craft a song worth listening to. After turning 41 years old and losing his job in 2022, he declared himself to be a full-time musician and sought to fill his entire schedule with music. From solo shows to full-band shows (billed as Evan Blackerby & the Bandwagon), he has played in public over 600 times since 2022. The Bandwagon often includes the inimitably melodic Brett Morgan Thompson on guitar, the incessantly groovy Lelan James Estes on bass, the creatively percussive Ralph Butcher on drums, and the soulfully driven Michael Van Patter on keys.
Emerging Artists Series: Graham Sharp w/ Abigail Dowd
On How Did We Do It, Graham Sharp, celebrated songwriter and founding member of the Grammy-winning Steep Canyon Rangers, delivers a solo album steeped in gratitude, humor,and love. Building on the stripped-down charm of his 2021 debut, Truer Picture, this collection showcases Sharp’s ability to craft thoughtful songs that evoke warmth and optimism.“This is a group of songs I’ve written over the last few years that loosely fell into the basket of love songs,” Sharp shares. “All of these tunes are tied to specific moments and places; so forme, it almost reads like a photo album through the past decade or so. Most of these tunes fit nicely onto the banjo, so the bluegrass setting seemed like the obvious choice. Living inWestern NC, I’m lucky to have some of the finest bluegrass musicians anywhere as neighbors. This group had never played together as a band so we had a lot of fun putting these little songstogether.”The album’s first single, “A Good Year,” exemplifies Sharp’s ability to weave vivid imagery into his songwriting, painting a vivid picture of a carefree Southern escape, blending nostalgia,resilience, and celebration. Reflecting on the song, Sharp explains, “We were in a bar on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans, listening to a band while visiting my wife’s family. The bandstarted playing ‘Come Together,’ and just as the singer hit the line, ‘hair down below his knees,’ she ripped off her wig and threw it on the floor. My mind was blown.” The chorus serves as both a reflection and a resolution: a desire to move forward, shake off the past, and make the most of the time ahead. Ultimately, it’s a song of renewal, optimism, and letting the good times roll.Driven by Sharp’s distinctive banjo playing and deep, resonant vocals, How Did We Do It moves effortlessly between poignant ballads and lighthearted tracks. Its title track encapsulates therecord’s overarching message—a statement of wonder looking back on challenges overcome, expressed with humility and pride. Sharp describes the album as a “thank you” to his family anda reflection of the joy and the difficulties that mark life’s milestones. Musically, the album embraces Sharp’s bluegrass roots while exploring new textures and collaborations. The project draws inspiration from legendary artists like Earl Scruggs, Terry Allen, and John Hartford, whose influence is felt in the album’s raw energy and storytelling. **FEATURING LOCAL EMERGING ARTIST: ABIGAIL DOWD Singer/songwriter/guitarist Abigail Dowd grew up under the longleaf pines in the Sandhills region of North Carolina. Known for her storytelling and command of an audience, she has been called “a writer of the highest caliber” (The All Scene Eye). Her soulful voice and unique classical guitar style caught the attention of Acoustic Guitar Magazine, which described the album “Not What I Seem”: “The guitar-driven introspective folk of the 1970s [as] a touchstone, but so are blues and roots rock ’n’ roll.” Pulling from her heritage of storytelling and determination, Dowd weaves hints of Celtic melodies with the soulful gospel of the south to create a sound that dances between folk, rock and blues.
Cinco De Mania w/ Döltz, Cyprian, and Psychic Scream
Heavier sounds and cheaper thrills
Sugar Bomb ft: Rebekah Todd
Joslyn & The Sweet Compression w/ Katie Blvd
Joslyn & The Sweet Compression are bona fide, and they want the world to know it. A rising force out of Lexington, Kentucky, the band led by Joslyn Hampton come out swinging on their sophomore album, ready to uplift and inspire through their singular and stirring soul-funk sound. 2019’s critically acclaimed debut album made them a favorite headliner at regional clubs and music festivals. After a grueling and relentless tour schedule – one that saw them supporting Tower of Power at New York’s Sony Hall and Tyler Childers at Colorado’s legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre – the band are back with Bona Fide, a sonically and emotionally charged record that captures their breathtaking live energy as well as their humanity. Released August 25, 2023, Bona Fide is a resounding testament to Joslyn & The Sweet Compression’s unparalleled talents, as well as an homage to the band’s co-founder (and Joslyn Hampton’s step-father), Marty Charters, who passed away in 2022. Musically, Bona Fide blends soulful and smoldering neo-funk with elements of ‘70s and ‘80s R&B. Hampton pulls from her inspirations – Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey – as well as from the opera singers she studied in college. “I find myself applying all of the things I’ve learned to my passion now, and placing it in my music,” she shares. The result is a unique, hooky style that helps Joslyn & The Sweet Compression stand apart from their contemporaries. To Hampton, Bona Fide is a record about a ride she calls “the human rollercoaster.” “You have falling in love, getting cheated on, celebrating this life – you only get one,” she says. “We go through so many human emotions on this album, and that’s what I want to bring to life: The ride of being a human! I want to take you to the moment you found the love of your life when you looked across the room. This album is literally meant to take you to every human emotion you have.” “I want them to see themselves in my songs and inspire them to be the best version of themselves.” Joslyn & The Sweet Compression are Bona Fide, ready to bring their love and joy to audiences everywhere.
The Gramps, Sensor Ghost, Anarkuss, and Instant Regrets
Dance From Above ft: THEYDYLIKE w/ Alvin Shavers, Niervash, and Rahl
Sunny Sweeney w/ Cam Pierce
The mastery of holes in the wall, major label stint, andserious songwriting chops make Sunny Sweeney somethingof a rarity: an artist with barroom cred, mainstreamvalidation, and songs meaty enough for listening rooms. Or,as Rolling Stone put it: “Sweeney is one of the rareentertainers who can hold her own at CMA Fest as well asAmericanaFest.”Just as comfortable commanding a stadium stage on tourwith Bob Seger as she is pouring her heart out from alistening-room stool, she is an outlier: A humble East Texaskid with super-star chops, singing her own songs made up ofequal parts wit, soul, and hard truth. Seven albums into acareer that has earned praise from Rolling Stone, NPR,American Songwriter, and more, Sunny has drawn a loyalfollowing, experienced the business from every angle, andultimately, embraced her independence––it’s smart countrymusic that likes to have its rock and honky tonk, too, and isthat much better for it.Sweeney will release a new studio album in 2025 producedby Sweeney and Harley Husbands.
ABE PARTRIDE + JACK BARKSDALE
Abe Partridge is a heralded musician, singer/songwriter, visual artist, and podcaster based in Mobile, Alabama. His 2018 debut, Cotton Fields and Blood For Days earnhim rave reviews, with Tony Paris saying in The Bitter Southerner: “He plays guitar the same way he writes lyrics, bashing the strings with abandon until they are just about to come loose, then beautifully picking the notes until every last word falls into place. More to the point, Partridge writes to make you sit up and think. He wants to jar your reality. Sometimes, his lyrics are sly and subtle. Sometimes they come at you with a roar and thunder, as if the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse were approaching, and the heavens were opening up to herald a warning.”Since the release of his debut, Partridge has toured relentlessly, including several tours of the Netherlands and the U.K. developing a reputation for moving, passionate, and sometimes comedic, performances at prestigious songwriter festivals such as 30A Songwriters Festival, Frank Brown Songwriters Festival, and Americanafest. He is a regular at the Bluebird Café in Nashville and Eddie’s Attic in Decatur. He has performed on the syndicated radio programs, Mountain Stage and Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour. He has shared the stage with Morgan Wade, Paul Thorn, Steve Poltz, Dan Bern, Jerry Joseph, Glen Phillips (Toad The Wet Sprocket), Tommy Stinson, Shawn Mullins, John Fullbright, and more. American Songwriter wrote “Jack Barksdale has insights and awareness far beyond people twice his age, and he’s able to put them into songs that touch listeners.” NPR.org said “Jack Barksdale is special.” and Premier Guitar said “Barksdale’s talent is rare. He shines with earnest, unjaded passion on a foundation of will and an ability to connect.”Jack Barksdale is a folk/blues/americana singer/songwriter from Texas. Inspired by folk, rock, and blues legends, Jack started performing original music at the age of nine and has already shared the stage with Wynonna Judd, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Junior Brown, John Fullbright, and Hayes Carll.
Jazzicana Blue ft: Carrie Marshall & Carter Minor
With a style rooted in jazz phrasing and soulful, organic instrumentation, Carrie Marshall performs a genre-bending blend of pop, soul, folk and jazz with strong singer- songwriter sensibilities. Known for expressive, warm vocals, piano-driven melodies and emotionally rich storytelling, Carrie is known for her authentic connection with broad audiences. Jazzicana Blue features song stylist and blues harpist, Carter Minor and actor/director/singer Estes Tarver. The trio serve up a potluck of blues, Americana and soul with a side of jazz!
