The Goodbye Horses, Wafer Thin, and Matt Smith and the Cowboy Spankers
The Goodbye Horses are an all-original Greensboro-based four-piece known for their blend of post-punk, americana, and garage rock. The band’s distinctive sound and style takes listeners on a journey through synth-driven dance, punk, goth, pop, and rock—landing somewhere between The Cure and Crazy Horse, with a touch of twang and plenty of thunder for the ride. Today’s matinee show, beginning at 2PM, with their friends Wafer Thin and Matt Smith & The Cowboy Spankers, is a celebration of their debut release: “Ghost Weather” (CD, Vinyl Cassette, Streaming) on Dark Homes Records. It’s like The Cure if Robert Smith was from Sanford. -Dan Bayer (The Grand Old Uproar) The Goodbye Horses are a raucous reminder of bands like 6 String Drag, the Waco Brothers, and Jason and the Scorchers. -Eddie Huffman Wafer Thin is an indie rock band known for their infectious melodies and raw, heartfelt lyrics. Blending elements of alt-rock, post-punk, and indie pop, the band crafts a sound that’s both dynamic and introspective. Matt Smith & The Cowboy Spankers bring equal parts grit and grace with influences that span rock and folk genres. Featuring former and current members of 80s hardcore icons: Subculture, The Darnell Woodies, Willam and The Texas Starlight, The Johnsons, Lavamouth, Lords of Mace, this 3 piece draws inspiration from Motörhead and Black Sabbath, as well as folk icons like Doc Watson and Townes Van Zandt.
The Kelli Baker Band featuring Noé Socha
Recently named the winner of the 2024 615 Blues Revival Competition at Papa Turney’s in Nashville, Kelli Baker is known in some circles as “The Phoenix,”. Kelli was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona before moving to New York in 2012, where she quickly became a vibrant presence in the city’s music scene. Her journey began in the church choir, later evolving into fronting a hard rock band, forming a folk duo, and finally, honing her craft in New York’s renowned blues jams. She closed 2024 with an awesome run in Florida, where she supported and shared the stage with the multi-awarded blues icon, Mike Zito. She’ll return to the stage with Mike in early 2025. Kelli achieved the #1 Blues Song on the Roots Music Report with her rendition of “Dr. Feelgood (Love is a Serious Business)” and won the Long Island/Brooklyn/Queens division of the International Blues Challenge. Recently, she was honored by the National Women in Blues in Memphis. Kelli has headlined the Women of the Blues Fest in McIntosh, MN, and the Paxico Blues Fest in Paxico, KS, which attracts 5,000+ attendees annually. She will return to Paxico in 2025. Kelli is a regular performer at prestigious blues clubs, including The Rhythm Room in Phoenix, AZ, and The Sand Dollar in Las Vegas, NV. In New York City, she regularly graces stages like The Bitter End and The Cutting Room. As a brand ambassador, Kelli represents Monster Products, Fishman, ADV, Dark Matter Audio Labs, and Modern Vintage Guitars. Noé Socha is a Brooklyn-based guitarist and harmonica player from Carpi, Italy. His music blends influences from folk legends like Bob Dylan and Delta blues icons such as Muddy Waters, with a touch of Hendrix-inspired flair. Noé has toured, performed, and recorded with notable artists like Nona Hendrix, Vernon Reid, and GRAMMY winners Javier Limón and Paula Cole. He has been part of The Kelli Baker Band since early 2024. He continues to perform across New York City and teaches with The Blues and Beyond project.
Meredith Moon, Murphy Campbell, and Colin Cutler
MEREDITH MOON Besides playing traditional tunes often ‘non-traditionally’, Meredith presents a powerful voice and highly contemporary clawhammer banjo style which has gained acclaim within the international old-time and Americana music community. She is a multi-instrumentalist, incorporating finger-style/travis picking guitar, piano and lap dulcimer into her performances. Her second release, “Constellations” on True North Records garnered international acclaim; was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award for Traditional Album of the Year, and was on the Folk Alliance International top 10 Album Chart two months running in April and May 2023. “Moon writes heartfelt folk songs, sings beautifully, and plays several instruments masterfully.” – Americana Highways “She conjures up songs awash in rich, moody melodies that catch the ear in a way, at least in my experience, that many don’t get close to.” – Rambles MURPHY CAMPBELL Murphy Campbell is an old time musician based out of Stokesdale, North Carolina. Drawing inspiration from her Appalachian heritage and Western NC roots, she uses traditional storytelling as a catalyst for contemporary folk pieces. She has played the likes of Merlefest, NC Folkfest and the Charlotte Folk Festival.
Jess Klein + Doug Davis
Over a career that spans more than a decade and a half and has won her a devoted worldwide fan base, Jess Klein—who possesses what Mojo magazine calls “one of those voices you want to crawl up close to the speakers to listen to” has pursued a remarkable creative evolution that’s seen her dig ever deeper for resonant emotional insights, while continuing to refine her eloquently melodic, effortlessly accessible songcraft. Jon Pareles of The New York Times calls her “a songwriter with a voice of unblinking tenacity…who finds parables in the everyday and also finds humanity behind the archetypal.” After years of producing, arranging, and composing for artists from across the country, Doug Davis is going all in as a solo singer-songwriter. Drawing on decades of experience performing with musicians like Chris Stamey, Mitch Easter, Alejandro Escovedo, Robyn Hitchcock, Mark Kano, and so many others, Davis infuses his classic American roots style with a bit of everything from power pop to punk.
Dance From Above Presents: Toribio w/ Alvin Shavers, Niervash, RAHL & 50FT BTB
A DJ, producer, and musician who lights up any venue, TORIBIO is a Dominican-American artist with a passion for rhythm. Blending genres through his craft, he creates dynamic sonic experiences. With roots in church and jazz drumming, he serves as the musical cartographer for his live house fusion band, Conclave, whose eponymous album was named one of RA’s best albums of 21 and praised by the New Yorker and Rolling Stone. His DJ sets seamlessly mix pan-Latin, electro, jazz, and funk, captivating crowds globally. Known for fostering community through movement, his Brooklyn block parties (Public Service NYC) embody the spirit of New York’s dance culture while his newly formed imprint B.D.A. is quickly becoming known for bringing these vibes to vinyl. A TORIBIO show is a full-body experience—as he always says, “bring dat ass, and your feet will follow.”
The Psycodelics w/ The Slys
“The Psycodelics” features Cameron ‘Caminator’ Wescott (bass, vocals), Sean Bing (drums, vocals), Noah Jones (keys), Whitt Burn (guitar, vocals), Jim Rubush (guitar), and Chris Barnwell (drums). By both blending foundations of blues and jazz with fresh funk and rock and having a stage presence as multifaceted and emotive as its lineup, the already-potent sound retains even greater magic to make you get up and dance.
Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers
At the bottom of the Southwest Virginia foothills half-a-mile from the nearest neighbor, 21-year-old Colby T. Helms resides in an “underground house” built by his late father on land his family has owned for generations. Colby first dreamed of making music his life at age 12, when a group of Blue Ridge Mountain old-time and bluegrass players performed songs like The Ozark Mountain Daredevils’ “Standing On The Rock” and the gospel classic “A Beautiful Life” at his father’s funeral in Boones Mill, VA. To make this dream a reality, he taught himself guitar, banjo, and mandolin by watching local performers and YouTube videos.
Elora Dash, Flower In Bloom, and Del Ward
At the Nexus of R&B and neo-soul, Elora Dash emerges as a multifaceted artist—a vocalist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Her voice effortlessly scales the heights and explores the depths, while her music resonates with an adventurous spirit that captivates listeners.Anticipation builds as Elora Dash gears up for 2025 tour dates after having most recently shared the stage with artists such as Moses Sumney, Lute, Tierra Whack, and Janelle Monáe.Drawing inspiration from luminaries such as Hiatus Kaiyote, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill, the 5 piece ensemble embarks on a musical journey, skillfully blending elements of jazz fusion, neo-soul, and R&B to craft music that is both innovative and soul-stirring.Her acoustic gem “Disappointed,” was unveiled in November 2022 and her latest single, “Love You More,” was released on October 27 giving a sneak peak into the band’s upcoming album.Noteworthy in her discography is the 2020 release, “Self-Actualization,” a 9-track instrumental collaborative lofi mixtape that features artists from across the country.
Nappy Head Funk Army, The Moon Unit, and Royal Jelly
It all started with an invitation to play at George Clinton’s birthday party on July 22, 1998. The brain child of Zack “#9” Roberson, this funky group of young men began this amazing trip together on the stage of the Lion’s Den, in the East Village of New York City.Having a direct Mothership Connection, the music is live, in-yo-face FUNK, with an emphasis on the sounds of Parliament-Funkadelic (P-FUNK), Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Sly & the Family Stone, Mother’s Finest, and all of the other fathers of FUNK. In 2024, Zack Roberson and his Nappy Head Funk Army were inducted into the Funk Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio.Nappyhead is a direct seed of George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, and the P-Funk Allstars. Coming in hot from festival circuits such as Hopscotch Music Festival and sharing the stage with world class acts like Mandrill, new music releases and recently announced tour dates, the Nappy Head Funk Army is ramping up a loyal global fanbase with their fresh 22nd century rebirth of the FUNK.
Songwriter Series hosted by Abigail Dowd, featuring: Mark Kano, and John Gillespie
Abigail Dowd, our fearless host, enjoys music most when it’s embedded in real life, sitting around a fire, singing harmonies around an old family piano, or every third Tuesday night at the Flat Iron. Each month Abigail invites musician friends to fall into space with her and the audience for what she describes as an evening in her adopted living room. They collaborate, share new songs, play old favorites, make things up, make you cry, make you laugh and most of all make you glad you came. Mark Kano’s introspective storytelling is driven by soaring melodies and thoughtful production. As the former frontman of Athenaeum, he made waves in the late ‘90s with his evocative songwriting and unmistakable voice, crafting songs that resonated deeply with listeners. His solo work builds on that foundation, blending openhearted emotion with polished musicianship to create soundscapes that feel both intimately familiar and refreshingly new. Whether weaving nostalgic anthems or quiet reflections, Kano’s music invites you in—to a space where memory and melody intertwine. John Gillespie is a singer-songwriter raised in Chapel Hill, NC. Best known as half of the folk duo Nikki Meets The Hibachi, John is also a member of several Triangle area bands: Nantahala, The Drowning Lovers, The Marigold Collective, and Pillow Foot.
