Joe Kaplow
A person is made from their moments, like their music is made. I know this is a bio but I shouldn’t have to say much. Listen to the record. If I’ve done my job well, you will know me by the end. Posh, Poodle, Krystal and Toe is the third full length album from Santa Cruz based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joe Kaplow. Appropriately named after his bandmates’ nicknames, this record is a more cohesive ‘band’ statement than his previous self-recorded work. Most tracks were cut over a five day span, performed live at the OK Theater in Enterprise, OR with engineer Bart Budwig. They were learned and workshopped on the spot, thus capturing very honest, energetic, and ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ moments. The record was mixed underground at Vin Christopher’s studio, Heavy Meadow in Portland, Oregon. Posh, Poodle, Krystal and Toe takes Kaplow’s singularly unique, honest and raw songwriting style and propels it forward with spontaneous collaboration, undeniable rhythm, and sound imagery. The record will be released on 5.17.24 on Fluff and Gravy Records.
Max Gomez
Singer and songwriter Max Gomez grew up in Taos, New Mexico, the son of a Portuguese-Spanish father and an Irish-Scottish mother. He fell under the influence of country blues early on, and then moved to classic modern singer/songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and John Prine, as well as folk-based rockers like Tom Petty and Neil Young, honing his songwriting skills and developing a style that melded all of his influences but was still uniquely his. Gomez released a debut album, the Jeff Trott-produced Rule the World, on New West Records in 2013. After touring steadily following the release of his debut, Gomez paired with producer Jim Scott for the 2017 EP Me & Joe. ~ Steve Leggett, Rovi
Totally Slow (EP release show) with Shehehe, Instant Regrets, and Wolvesx4
Totally Slow Shehehe (Athens, GA) Instant Regrets (Greensboro) Wolvesx4 (Winston Salem)
Deaf Andrews + Jack The Radio
Conceived in the daydreams of adolescence, Deaf Andrews has blossomed from their roots, into a unique sonic flower of indie pop rock. It is the product of five best friends from Charlotte, NC making music that means something to them. Consisting of Nick Hayes (Vocals), Mike Sherrard (guitar), Ross Schumann (bass), Andrew Kingsley (guitar) and Braedon Nelson (drums). Deaf Andrews has continued to push their personal limits of creativity and emotional tuneness. Making it a priority to capture some of the magic energy that fuels their live shows, the sound is organic, direct, and channels the essence of true rock and roll while also exploring the experimental freedom of modern indie pop. Their latest release in 2023: “Phone Line” harkens back to the youthful bliss experienced during the formative years of life. Catchy guitar layers and smooth tones are complemented with rousing lyrics that underscore feelings of love, recklessness, and comfort.North Carolina roots-rockers Jack the Radio blend rock and blues sensibility with Americana, folk, and country to create a tapestry of swampy southern-tinged sounds. The band has shared the stage with The Avett Brothers, Hall & Oates, George Thorogood, Cold War Kids, Rayland Baxter, and American Aquarium to name a few. Their music has been featured in commercial, film, and TV projects including Modern Family, Boardwalk Empire, as well as in sports programming for NASCAR, NFL, PGA, and AEW.
Abigail Dowd’s Singer Songwriter Series Featuring Martha Bassett, Jess Klein, and Jane Kramer
Martha Bassett Martha Bassett has fronted multiple NC bands, playing swing, bossa nova, and Americana music. She hosts The Martha Bassett Show, which is a bi-monthly live musical variety show at the Reeves Theater in Elkin that features national, regional, and local musicians. TMBS is currently broadcast on radio throughout central and western NC, TN, KY, and VA. www.marthabassett.com Jess Klein Singer-songwriter Jess Klein – whom the New York Times calls “a songwriter with a voice of unblinking tenacity” – has always used music to dream her way forward. Over multiple decades and 11 albums, Klein has pursued a creative evolution that has seen her delve into her own empowerment for emotional insights, while continuing to refine her eloquently melodic, effortlessly accessible song–craft. www.jessklein.com Jane Kramer Lauded by UK music reviewer Three Chords and the Truth as sounding like she was “…born to gypsy poets and raised in the mountains by Emmylou Harris,” Asheville, North Carolina songstress Jane Kramer has garnered international recognition for the sultry, heartrending originality of her vocals and for the heavy-hitting lyrical eloquence of her songwriting. With deep roots in the musical traditions, culture and lore of her beloved Appalachia, Kramer’s songs are introspective, gracefully gritty and fiercely memorable. www.janekramermusic.com
Hustle Souls
Hustle Souls is an Asheville, NC based soul/rock band who fuse nostalgic soul aesthetics with modern sensibilities; recently named one of “Music Connections” Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists & Bands. With relentless touring, sold out shows and major festival appearances the band has earned a reputation as one of the East Coast’s most promising acts.
Lua Flora with Wild Roots Rising
Creating in a state of constant adventure, Asheville, NC-based Lua Flora has successfully unified sounds that typically don’t go together. The electrifying passion and introspective lyrics of songwriter Evan Button, meet a mesmerizing blend of Caribbean, Eastern, and American music to create a previously undefined genre; “Beach Folk.” This cultural phenomenon lends itself to easy listening from the perfect barrels of the Pacific Ocean to the hollers of Appalachia. In three quick years, the project has gone from backyard parties to national stages across the U.S. supporting Satsang, Franc Moody, Of Good Nature, and Kendall Street Company in addition to festival appearances at Front Porch Fest, Kentucky Yoga Festival, Between the Trails, and others.”The musical embodiment of Asheville’s creative spirit”-Face The Current”…easy and melodic — a light, laidback recluse from the grind.”-Top Shelf Music”Lua Flora shows folk & reggae mix.”-Grateful Web
White Toledo (album release show) with IAMDYNAMITE
White Toledo is an alt rock band hailing from North Carolina. Known for their captivating blend of new age fullness and vintage rock charm, White Toledo has carved a unique niche for themselves in the new contemporary music sceneIAMDYNAMITE is the musical duo comprised of Christopher Martin and Chris Phillips, originally from Michigan and now calling North Carolina home.
Farewell Friend (Album Release Show) with Minor Gold
Hailing from the cornfields of Indiana and now residing in the heart of North Carolina,front man and singer/songwriter Tom Troyer’s eclectic style traverses folk, rock, andblues. Farewell Friend’s music resonates with authenticity, vulnerability, and anunwavering commitment to the power of poetic storytelling. Their sound is a delicateavalanche of sonic texture, blending recognizable and distorted folk and Americanaforms to create a truly unique musical experience.Tom’s exceptional talent extends beyond his role as a frontman and songwriter. He cuthis teeth musically by performing with The Collection and contributing multipleinstruments and vocals to the recording of their album “Ars Moriendi.” In 2018, Troyerbegan honing his music engineering skills and founded Black Rabbit Audio, a musicproduction studio in Greensboro, NC. Since then, he has produced over 18 albums,showcasing his technical expertise and ability to bring out the best in his own musicand that of other artists.Troyer’s dedication to both his craft and making a positive impact is evident in hisinvolvement with We Carry Kevan, a non-profit organization focused on raisingawareness about disabilities and promoting creative solutions for accessibility. Throughtheir travels, Troyer has personally carried Kevan Chandler, the organization’sadvocate, to iconic destinations worldwide, breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity.With his multifaceted background, Tom Troyer brings a unique perspective to music andstorytelling. His introspective lyrics and soul-stirring melodies create a powerfulconnection with audiences, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the humancondition. Farewell Friend’s discography showcases Troyer’s musical journey, from theconceptual exploration of generational stories in his debut album “Lineage” to theautobiographical introspection of “[SAMSON]” and the contemplation of gentrificationin the EP “Glenwood and Gomorrah.”With enchanting soundscapes and thought-provoking narratives, Farewell Friend inviteslisteners on a transcendent musical journey. Tom Troyer’s dedication to his craft as botha musician and a producer shines through in every note, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and fellow artists alike.Minor Gold are the new Australian based, Americana duofeaturing ARIA nominated artists Tracy McNeil & Dan Parsons.Their debut, self-titled album Minor Gold (Out AUG 11, 2023)captures the duo at their finest, weaving masterful harmoniesaround stripped-back, organic arrangements that draw oneverything from 70’s west-coast pop and Bleecker St.steeped folk to the ballad-power and polaroid romance of the80’s. Through this superb collection of songs, Minor Golddisplay a spellbinding musical connection, reflecting thecomfort and ease experienced as the album washes over you.With all three of their debut singles added to national highrotation on ABC Radio’s ‘Double J’ – a 20+ date debut NorthAmerican album tour, with four shows supporting the TeskeyBrothers in the US and Canada, an ‘official showcase’ atAmericanaFEST in September, it is fair to say Minor Goldhave hit the ground running.
The Settlement
The Settlement is a jam band from Huntington, West Virginia. Cleverly combining hard rock riffs, jazz harmonies, funky bass lines, dreamy pop melodies, syncopated grooves and world music influences, this ensemble offers something for everyone. Each member has their own unique flavor and contributes to the vast array of sounds. Each set is different from the last, offering an original live performance that thrives on energy, improvisation, creativity and love.
