Illiterate Light with Airpark
Illiterate Light thrives on subverting expectations. Though just a duo, the Harrisonburg, Virginia-based singer-guitarist Jeff Gorman along with Nashville, Tennessee-based drummer Jake Cochran make surprisingly pummeling and thoughtful alternative rock. Since the band’s 2015 inception, they’ve intently focused on their unorthodox live show with Cochran standing behind his kit and Gorman playing synth bass with his foot as he sings and strums his guitar. Fiercely egalitarian and independent, the two not only split up songwriting duties and arrangement ideas, they even built bike-powered stages: bringing the fans into the live experience and envisioning a greener future for shows. But with their latest album Sunburned, out January 27 via Thirty Tigers, Gorman and Cochran have turned their attention inward to their songwriting and studio craft. It’s their most fully-realized and ambitious LP yet, one that’s full of immediate songs that update and revolutionize the band’s approach to making music. There are rich keyboard and programmed percussion textures now populating their songs, as well as soaringly anthemic choruses, and hefty doses of fuzz. “On our first record, we were very live-focused and wanted to make sure whatever we were writing was translated in person,” says Gorman. “Without that crutch, we could be more adventurous and take more risks. We definitely weren’t timid in the studio.”
TANTo
An Evening of Jungle, Breaks, Drums & Bass
Jazz Is Led
Jazz Is Led. The name says it all. The groundbreaking music of Led Zeppelin, reimagined with an entirely new approach; Jazz, Funk, Rock, Instrumental.Founded by Charlotte Drummer/Jazz composer, Curtis Wingfield, Jazz Is Led is mesmerizing audiences with its broad crossover appeal. With a wide range of styles, textures, and dynamics (just as Led Zeppelin had) these new takes on old favorites range from high energy, deep funk, Latin, and swing grooves to the most delicate ballads and dirty slow blues. Led Zeppelin‘s improvisational approach at their live shows is well documented, and, Jazz Is Led honors this in great supply with each show being a unique experience for the band and audience.
Kara Grainger
Some people just have music running through their veins. Kara’s music journey has taken her all around the globe. From her inner city beginnings in the town of Balmain, Sydney Australia, she’s since performed and toured in Japan, Indonesia, India, Switzerland, Europe and the USHer soulful vocals and unique style of slide guitar has led her to open the show for renowned artists such as Peter Frampton, Buddy Guy, Johnny Lang, Taj Mahal, MarcCohen and Eric Johnson to name a few.Kara really shines at her live shows where she always gives everything to her performance. With powerful soulful vocals and soaring electric guitar, she always leaves the audience uplifted and inspired.”Living With your Ghost”, released in 2018 through Station House Records reached number # 3 on the American Billboard blues charts.Her latest recording is set to be released September 2023 and is set to be her most honest andpassionate to date. ​The songs themselves range from swampy slide guitar grooves incorporating universal themes to heartfelt personal ballads, and as always showcasing Kara’s unique fresh approachto blues, Americana, and roots music .After finishing high school in 1994, Kara took to the road together with her brother Mitch in the band “Papa Lips”, the band toured consistently, released 3 albums, the last of which was produced by the legendary Harry Vanda, producer of ACDC and guitarist of The Easybeats.In 2008 Kara relocated to the US where she began working on a solo career. It’s there she co produced her first solo recording “Grand and Green River” . The album remained for 33 weeks on the Americana music charts.The song “Secret Soul” received 1st place at the Independent Acoustic music awards.Since that time kara has recorded and released three further solo albums. LA Blues Blues” in 2010 and “Shiver and Sigh” in 2013 and “Living with Your Ghost” in 2018 ,In 2012 she toured Japan with “The Swampers and Donnie Fritts”, the infamous house Rhythm section from Muscle Shoals…She has performed at festivals all throughout the world from “Lucerne Blues” to “Beautiful swamp and roots” in Calais France, “Maverick Festival” in the UK and many more. One of Kara’s most memorable moments was performing at the International Blues Festival in Jakarta, where she collaborated with an all female band of Indonesian musiciansIn 2022 Kara perfomed to several sold out shows in the UK and was also was invited to perform at the Chateu Annecy in FranceShe’s very excited to return to the UK and Europe once again this year, this time with her bran new album .The new album is set for release in July 2023But the highlight was Aussie soul slinger Kara Grainger, her groove-rooted sound, mean slide guitar and sultry vocals melting hearts and minds, a true delight to see”. – Zaki Zufri, Timbre Rock & Roots Fest (Singapore)
Palmyra w/ Dissimilar South
Established in the Shenandoah Valley, Palmyra explores the fusion of traditional folk string instruments, three part harmonies and foot percussion. In 2022, Palmyra made their Newport Folk Festival debut, were named the FloydFest 2022 On The Rise Winner, and performed over 200 tour dates on acclaimed stages up and down the East Coast. The trio captures the collective spirit of three Virginia natives, Teddy (he/him), Manoa (he/him), and Sasha (they/them). Palmyra’s songs are intimate and contemplative, with arrangements that allow them to create the illusion of a full, larger-than-three ensemble. The trio’s sound is a nod to Appalachia and Midwestern Americana, apparent through their stirring craftsmanship and dedication to a folk-driven, innovative experience throughout each live performance.w/ Dissimilar SouthBased in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Dissimilar South has been categorized as indie rock, new folk, Americana, and even polished pop-country. Whatever they are, their refreshing sound is characterized by rich instrumentation, honest lyrics and luscious harmonies. Dissimilar South’s core is the musical relationship of Carter Hodge and Maddie Fisher, now a six year affair. Having released their debut EP “Treehouse” in 2019, the band is poised for a delightful full album release in 2021, produced by the Grammy nominated Jason Richmond. Fisher and Hodge bring their songs to life with robust support from some of the best instrumentalists in NC, including Joseph Terrell (Mipso), Alex Bingham (Hiss Golden Messenger), Joe Westerlund (Sylvan Esso, Watchhouse) and Joe McPhail (T.Gold).
REGENCE + CLOUT CHASER + PATHWAY
Regence is a rock band from Charlotte, North Carolina that delivers both power and passion with their songs and live performances. Accompanied by reflective lyrics and lush, harmonic landscapes, Regence takes you on a sonic joyride with every twist and turn. – Shutter16 Magazine
Influenced by bands like Foo Fighters, Royal Blood, and Incubus, Regence easily bridges the divide between the past and the future with a sound that is both timeless and classic yet innovative and inventive.
Liz Hopkins + Azul Zapata
Liz Hopkins has been singing since she could talk, and probably sings more than she talks–.in choirs of all kinds, musical theater productions, open jams, sitting in with all kinds of bands, and as a proud member of North Carolina-born DELTA RAE. She started harmonizing with Ian Eric and Brittany Holljes during her high school years — and they are still harmonizing today. But now, Liz is coming at you with her own distinct flavor. As a vocalist with Delta Rae has toured all over the US, and internationally, released 4 full-length albums, played music festivals including Bonnaroo, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, and more- performed on National TV (Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, Seth Meyers), and had the honor of meeting Michelle Obama, and shared the stage and had a sign off with Melissa Etheridge. She was really nervous. After 2 rounds with labels. In 2019, Delta Rae left the label they were on (again) and set out on their own and became the most-funded independent band in the history of Kickstarter. It has been a wild ride and 13 years into full-time musician life, she hasn’t slowed down. She remains proud to be part of Delta Rae, who just released 2 albums in 2020 and 2021 – and is back on tour this year!When Liz is not on the road or in the studio with Delta Rae, she is singing in professional musical theater productions, leading shows of her own around North Carolina, practicing piano, teaching kids and adults to sing, and now finally starting to write her own songs and put together plans for an album of her own. We’ve only just begun… + Azul Zapata: AZUL’s sound is as multicultural as her background. Her music is enriched by her Argentinian roots, travel, and global studies degree, while influenced by jazz, broadway, soul, gospel, blues, disco, Latin folk and Latin rock. She is emotional, empathetic, and empowered. She is driven to amplify opportunities for femme/queer/POC individuals in her band and on stage. After releasing her debut original EP in 2021 “The View From Here,” Azul has played all over NC and opened for several nationally touring acts. The INDY Week said about her debut single, “Magic,” “Magic” feels like a true pop song—lush, catchy, persuasive, and full of the kind of pent-up drama that makes the quest for greater belief and optimism feel fresh. Zapata’s voice is bold and reaching; this is a single with the thrill of a big beginning.” For AZUL when mental health, trust, government, and her relationships fail, AZUL’s music speaks; loudly. The authentic aspiration that overcomes her life is for you to listen; (and for her to be heard).
Kyle Travers
The Finns
With roots in the colorful and ever-evolving North Carolina music scene, The Finns epitomize a fun-loving, live rock’n’roll party experience with a comforting dash of Southern charm. This band of musical brothers share a love for the craft of performing timeless music which they combine with a keen attention to detail and seasoned professionalism. Accessible, approachable, and offering a song repertoire that ranges from The Beatles to Bruno Mars, The Finns offer a fun musical dynamic that makes special events uniquely memorable. Each member of The Finns has impressive musical credentials that include major label recording, international touring, and performance experience at thousands of concerts and parties around the country. This unique perspective as a party band allows the The Finns to play to their strengths, showcasing an original spirit, an organic vibe and exceptional musicality. Three-part harmonies resound as band leader and guitarist Mark Kano shares the vocal spotlight with his counterparts on the six-string, Jordan Powers and Josh King. The singing range of this threesome impresses audiences and allows the group to explore creative and harmonic landscapes, much like some of popular music’s most accomplished bands such The Eagles, U2 and Mumford & Sons. Bassist Andy Ware and drummer Eddie Walker keep a solid, funky backbeat that builds up the rhythm of every party and keeps the dance floor packed. Live music feeds the soul, excites the heart and connects people in a unique and powerful way. The Finns exemplify the collective energy of a concert experience with a charming approach and undeniable musical talent to make sure every event is truly unforgettable.
Abe Partridge w/ David Childers
American Songwriter Magazine said that, “Abe Partridge has established himself as one of the most respected songwriters and visual folk artists in the southeast.” Partridge released his second full-length release, Cotton Fields and Blood For Days, in January 2018 to rave reviews and substantial airplay on Americana radio. It landed Partridge a lengthy feature in The Bitter Southerner and the album was chosen to be one of their top 30 albums of 2018. Ranging from the earthy to the surreal, from the spiritual light to the depths of depression, Partridge draws listeners in with a combination of southern gothic storytelling, dark humor and gripping intensity. Savannah Morning News said, “The singer/songwriter has emerged in the last two years as a tour-de-force of a live act, with the DNA of folk heroes named Townes, Bob and John, combined with his own unique perspective of rock ‘n’ roll and his Southern homeland.” Partridge made his debut at The Bluebird Café in Nashville, July 2018 and brought the house down with his passionate performance. He toured the UK and Ireland October 2019 in support of David Ford. He also toured the Netherlands and Belgium November of 2018 and 2019. He performed at the prestigious 30A Songwriter Festival in Santa Rosa, Florida, in January of 2019 and 2020 along with performers such as John Prine, Tanya Tucker, Jason Isbell, Steve Earle, Shawn Mullins, and many more.w/ David Childers: Singer-songwriter David Childers is the proverbial study in contradictions. A resident of Mount Holly, North Carolina, he’s a former high-school football player with the aw-shucks demeanor of a good ol’ Southern boy. But he’s also a well-read poet and painter who cites Chaucer and Kerouac as influences, fell in love with folk as a teen, listens to jazz and opera, and fed his family by practicing law before turning in his license to concentrate on his creative passions. The legal profession’s loss is certainly the music world’s gain. Childers’ new album, Run Skeleton Run, releasing May 5, 2017 on Ramseur Records, is filled with the kinds of songs that have made him a favorite of fans and fellow artists including neighbors the Avett Brothers. Scott Avett contributes to four tracks, and Avetts bassist Bob Crawford co-executive-produced the effort with label head Dolph Ramseur. (Crawford and Childers, both history buffs, have recorded and performed together in the Overmountain Men). Crawford has also called Childers “a great friend, a great thinker and a great man … a true North Carolina treasure.” But let’s take out “North Carolina,” because Childers is the kind of treasure who can spread joy wherever people love listening to great songs. In other words, just about anywhere. Or everywhere.
