Starsapien, Unheard Project GSO, and GrayScale Whale
Starsapien is a jazz-Americana recording group led by Los Angeles songwriter & producer Jay Siebold. The band has released two full-length albums, including last year’s country-western steeped Apes Scrapes and Bandages, and a handful of singles going back to 2016. The Starsapien soundscape is best defined by its punchy bass & drum interplay, bittersweet melodies, and obtuse lyrical storytelling. The band’s rotating cast of players includes North Carolina jazz virtuosos Dwayne Jordan (drums), Kevin Beardsley (bass), Logan Butler (guitar), David Siebold (guitar), and Brandon Shamar (keys). Unheard Project GSO Unheard Project GSO is a creative platform that has curated ideas and performances for some of the Piedmont Triad’s best musicians. The platform was born out of hundreds of hours of practice and gigging together in the bourgeoning Greensboro scene, and while many of the members are graduates of UNCG’s acclaimed Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program, the platform has incorporated in-demand players from diverse genres to form a powerhouse of composition, offering both original and familiar musical stylings. GrayScale Whale A body of fluid, focused sound refined from a sea of raw, relentless energy: GrayScale Whale takes its players and listeners on a sonic voyage. Seamlessly transitioning between highs and lows, the group performs energetic, eclectic, and tastefully spontaneous modern fusion.
Donnie Doolittle, Blood Ritual, and, Instant Regrets
North Carolina artist Donnie Doolittle makes distinctively moody, synth-driven anthems that hover between dark retro-pop and melancholic rock-and-roll. Over the past half-decade he’s earned a following for his playful approach to darkness, blending bright, poppy melodies into ominous soundscapes with cinematic sensibility. Called everything from “Southern New-Wave” to “Goth Americana” by the press, his genre-bending sound has drawn comparisons to singular acts like Orville Peck, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, and Iggy Pop, with releases accompanied by carefully-honed imagery and thematic narrative videos engaging a range of senses. “I want to provide a full experience—to use my resources to create a palpable ambiance,” he says. FFO: Nick Cave, Orville Peck, Timber Timbre, TYPE O NEGATIVE, Lee Hazelwood, Paul Cauthen, and Leonard Cohen Crossover Thrash that blends influences such as Iron Age, Bitter End, Razor, Morbid Saint and fellow Carolina boys Corrosion of conformity. All creating a sound that is uniquely North Carolina, and uniquely BloodRitual. BloodRitual live condenses all the aggression, speed, force, and comical self-loathing of 70 years of rock and roll into one 20 minute set. You ain’t seen em? You better. Do You Believe?W/ Instant Regrets
Justin Jeansonne (Full Band) with Nate Hall (solo)
Justin Jeansonne is a talented 31-year-old singer-songwriter, born in Mobile, Alabama. His passion for music was kindled after serving as part of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in the United States Marine Corps. Justin is an accomplished artist who has made a name for himself in the country music scene traveling across the United States. He has an unwavering love for writing music and has written several songs that have been well-received nationally. When he is not busy performing or writing music, Justin spends his time on his ranch, where he raises horses. He enjoys the simple, rural lifestyle and finds it to be a source of inspiration for his music. Justin values his family and his hometown greatly and is committed to staying connected to them. Justin Jeansonne is a talented individual who has dedicated his life to his passion for music and his love for his family. His music is a reflection of his values, and his down-to-earth approach to life is a testament to his unwavering commitment to staying true to himself.Justin has opened up for and provided festival support for The Red Clay Strays, Chris Janson, Montgomery Gentry, Whitey Morgan & the 78’s, Whey Jennings, Taylor Hunnicutt and more.With Nate Hall (Old Heavy Hands)
Zack Brock (full band) w/ Cole Brown
Zack Brock is a Singer/Songwriter from North Carolina. With a mix of country, rock and bluegrass and his songs will take you to a place you wish you could be. With strong lyrics surrounded by a great melody you will want to hear the songs again and again
Brad Walker Quartet with Mixed Bag (ft. Geoff Clapp)
Brad Walker is one of the most active and sought-after performers in the city of New Orleans. Perhaps best known for his “soaring” (Rolling Stone), “energetic” (NPR), and “tasteful” (Relix) solos on Saturday Night Live, the Grammys, and the Tonight Show with Nashville mega-star Sturgill Simpson, Brad Walker is an active and compelling artist in his own right, with five full-length releases under his own name and a decade of music-making in the Crescent City under his belt. His 2014 debut, ‘Quintet’, received a 4-**** review in DownBeat magazine, and his playing has received praise in Variety, OffBeat Magazine, Gambit Weekly, Dig!, and many others.Since 2011 Walker has performed or recorded with such luminaries as Bernard Purdie, George Porter, Jr., Anders Osborne, Marcia Ball, Rickie Lee Jones, Valerie June, Better than Ezra, Zigaboo Modeliste and countless others, and has led the horn sections for Blues Award-winner Ana Popovic and OffBeat Award winners Eric Lindell, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Honey Island Swamp Band, and Colin Lake. ‘Live at Snug Harbor’, recorded 2 years ago at the renowned club, represents one of the finest performances of a group that worked together steadily for over 5 years, and features virtuosic performances from local stars Oscar Rossignoli, Nathan Lambertson, and AJ Hall across a mix of the group’s original compositions and creative adaptations. It was mixed by multiple Grammy-winner David Farrell. Geoff Clapp is a drummer whose feel and style are only matched by his kind and generous spirit. He plays what he describes as a mix of the “heady New York and soulful New Orleans” drum styles. The music of Geoff Clapp and his virtuoso collaborators is a joyful and uplifting testimony. “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.” Psalm 107:2 “ Brian Blade “Mr. Clapp has been a joy to work and tour with along the years. He also is one of the finest Brush players I’ve ever heard and a true master of his craft.” “ Ellis Marsalis Over his 37 year career, Geoff has toured, recorded and performed with some of todays modern music giants: Delfeayo Marsalis and The Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet, Peter Martin Trio, Reuben Rogers, Nick Payton, Khari Allen Lee, Charlie Hunter, Christian McBride with Melissa Walker, Rale Micic, Wessell “Warm Daddy” Anderson, Dianne Reeves, The NOLA PLAYERS, Benny Green Trio, John Cowherd, Terence Blanchard, Donald Harrison, Eric Reed, Peter Bernstein, Ted Ludwig, Michael Pellera Trio, Ron Blake, Frank Wess, J@LC with Wynton Marsalis, Geoff Clapp Trio, Oscar Perez, Jeremy Davenport, Duane Eubanks, Dr. Brad Lieli, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Jamil Shariff, The Sam Fribush Organ Trio, Aaron Goldberg, LOUQUE, and Petr Cancura, James Tealy and Michael Kaeshammer as well as starring in several episodes of NCIS New Orleans as a performer and composer. He has been featuring on over 500 recordings. Currently, Mr Clapps album, REDEEMED, is now out, features Peter Martin, Reuben Rogers and Nick Payton. Geoff continues to tour and share his musical gifts to the world. “Music is the eternal inspirer and healer. I am honored and grateful to God whom gave me this journey to take, playing VIC FIRTH instruments just makes the journey that much more enjoyable.”
Hannah Kaminer & The Wistfuls + Dulci + Thomas Kozak
HANNAH KAMINER & THE WISTFULS+ DULCI+THOMAS KOZAKLive at Flat IronWednesday, June 19, 2024Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm$12 adv / $15 day of Thomas Kozak is a singer-songwriter based in Asheville, NC. With a focus on lyricism and structure that stretches convention, he looks to bend an ear beyond the expected. His blend of intricate picking patterns and soft, dark vocals has led his music to be described as meditative and intimate. A poet as well, Kozak places considerable emphasis on his lyrics, which move beyond the classic narrative progression. In 2019, Kozak linked up with the critically-acclaimed Americana artist Jim White (“Wrong-Eyed Jesus”/“No Such Place”) who would produce his first full-length album, “The Rubicon.” Engineered by John Keane and released on June 3rd, 2022, “The Rubicon” is an exploration of the ongoing life of the decisions one makes, traced through to a culminating acceptance, all against the wildly diverse soundscape Jim White is known for. Kozak’s new EP, “Our Lady of Embers,”(released April 20th) plays with the concept of divine intercession and the desire to construct externalizations of interior struggles in order to face them more clearly. All six songs were engineered by Mike Johnson (of Slowpacker) at Citizen Studios and Drop of Sun Studios in Asheville.https://www.kozakandthepoets.com/ Striving to create more opportunities for unity and connection, Dulci brings an ageless, classic style to pop music, with her smooth vocals and warm melodies. This big-sound-band harbors members of Holy Ghost Tent Revival, The Moon and You, and Tina and Her Pony, creating a rich soundscape spanning a range of genres from old-school soul to modern-day pop. Expect to hear lots of vocal harmonies decorated with sparkling horn and synth lines, grooving bass, and electric guitar licks held together with intricate rhythms that will keep your head bopping. Dulci’s upbeat original tunes combine her Appalachian roots in story-telling with impeccable musicality, while the carefully chosen covers highlight divas through the decades like Dionne Warwick, Amy Winehouse, and Emily King. This all-star cast of band members has been collaborating for over a decade, bringing a comfort and ease to their presence that makes the audience feel right at home whether in a theatre or around a campfire. Connecting with people and taking audiences to a happy place is at the center of every performance.https://www.dulcisings.com/ Hannah & The Wistfuls is an indie Southern folk band featuring the songwriting of Hannah Kaminer, the bass and harmonies of Melissa Hyman (The Moon & You, Tina & Her Pony), the keys and harmonies of Kevin Williams (Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Fwuit, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters), drums by Ross Montsinger (Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Fwuit, Tina & Her Pony and more), and steel guitars by Asheville’s inimitable Jackson Dulaney (Alexa Rose, Alex Krug, Pretty Little Goat, and more). Kaminer is an Asheville, North Carolina-based artist who is known for her poignant songwriting, clear voice, and often comedic stage presence (full bio here). As a full band, Hannah & The Wistfuls swirls together Appalachian, 70s songwriters, pop, and Southern rock sensibilities into their arrangements, and often includes special guests on banjo and fiddle. The band released the album Heavy on the Vine (under the artist name Hannah Kaminer) in January 2024. Since then, Heavy on the Vine has garnered play and a Studio B session at WNCW as well as reviews and mentions by the NYTimes, Americana-UK, AltCountry.NL, and The Bluegrass Situation.
Josh Morningstar Album Release/Listening Party w/ Special Guest Michael C. Parris
Josh Morningstar Album Release/Listening Party w/ Michael C. ParrisJune 27, 2024Doors 6pmListening Party 7pmShow 8pmA curious and fresh combination of grit and humor, Josh Morningstar is knocking down stereotypes everywhere he goes with his worn boots and unforgettable raspy voice. Growing up outside of Baltimore, Maryland, he carries those roots in a suitcase with him everywhere he goes. His small-town charm is evident in the way he greets people, and in the conversational way that he weaves the stories of his life into his music. Named 2018 Texas Radio Songwriter of the Year, he and his Kristofferson signed guitar have knocked out melodies in dark clubs and dingy hotels all across the country. He’s written songs alongside Kendell Marvel, Channing Wilson, Autumn McEntire, and many more. Morningstar was also the writer of several Cody Jinks songs, including his #1 hits “Must Be The Whiskey” and “Ain’t A Train.” His lyrics force listeners to sit up and pay attention, and his songs are always full of truth-bearing stories. The familial connection Morningstar forges with people continues long after his shows are over. Josh Morningstar has shared the stage with some of today’s most sought after folk and country artists, including Shooter Jennings, Cody Jinks, Tyler Childers, Todd Snider, Colter Wall, and Ward Davis. Morningstar continues to lead the charge on the front lines of a new wave of country music – one full of soulful honesty, the familiar and true twang of an old guitar, and provoking melodies.Singer-songwriter Michael C. Parris is from Millboro, N.C., most famous, perhaps, for where Daner Johnson taught Charlie Poole to play banjo. One fine day in 2021, Michael got his big break when Todd Snider asked him to open for him in Charleston, S.C. Soon after Will Kayuk agreed to fund and produce Michael’s solo project, assembling an amazing group of Nashville musicians known as The 9 Finger Chicken String Band that included Will Kimbrough, Chris Donahue, Benjamin Bynum, Court Clement, Steve Brewster and Andy Leftwich. The album “HoneyBee” blends roots music styles, including country, bluegrass, roots-rock and folk with simple lyrics and beautiful imagery, harkening back to Michael’s Randolph County beginnings.
Condado, Fifth Floor, and Blankstate
The Weasels w/ Sweet Dream, and Flux
The Weasels are a 5 piece Rock and Roll band hailing from the Mountains of Appalachia in Boone, NC. In 2021 these five friends started crafting their sonic blend of rock music in a cinderblock garage. Drawing from influences that span across decades – from the heavy backbeats of the 1970s and energy of the 1980s hair metal legends, to the the riff based rock of the 1990s and 2000s, combined with unhinged live performances, The Weasels are set to make their mark as honest, true-to-form rock and rollers.
Benefit for Marc Meeker
Hey folks. Last November Josh, Bunk and I had the chance to play with our friend and former bandmate Will Little. Since that night we’ve been talking about reuniting our old band Loop for a show sometime this year. In that time another friend and former band mate, Marc Meeker, has been experiencing some severe medical problems that have set him back both physically and financially. In the spirit of extended community and friendship we’ve decided to book a benefit show from 3pm – 9pm on Sunday June 9th. The owners (Josh King and Abby Spoon) of the Flat Iron in Greensboro have generously agreed to host the event. The band lineup will feature a Loop reunion set as well as several current and former musical projects featuring members of The Ends. The full lineup will be released over the next week. All proceeds will go directly to Marc’s GoFundMe. If you’ve enjoyed us in the past or present, we hope you can attend. Sincerely, Keith Ingalls Here is some more information about Marc’s situation. Marc has been faced with a series of health challenges that have significantly impacted his life and ability to pursue his dreams. Marc has been diagnosed with diverticulitis, a painful and debilitating condition, and has lived with this disease for 20 years, which have caused repeated emergency hospital visits and stays. Last year, he experienced a medical emergency when his liver became infected, leading to hospitalization and undergoing several major surgeries to address this critical health issue. These surgeries have been lifesaving but have also placed a tremendous financial burden on Marc. As an independent contractor and the owner of Meeker Audio, Marc relies solely on his work in the music industry to make a living and support himself. The mounting medical expenses, and loss of income has put his livelihood at risk. Bands:- Carri Smithey & Keith Ingalls- The Ends- Old Heavy Hands- Deep River (reunion) – Loop (reunion) – Talking Heads Tribute
