Taylor Hunnicutt w/ Ben Sutton
Taylor Hunnicutt makes old-school southern music for the modern world. She’s a proud daughter of Alabama, writing songs that nod to the state’s tradition of country storytelling, rock ‘n’ roll rebellion, and guitar-driven grit. Sharpened by a touring schedule that’s kept her on the road for roughly 200 days a year, she makes her full-length debut with Alabama Sound — an album that unfolds like a love letter to the American South, written by a road warrior who’s spent most of the decade far away from home. “It’s a little country, a little singer/songwriter, a little Americana, and a lot of soulful southern rock,” says Hunnicutt, an opera-trained vocalist who began writing songs after dropping out of music school, landing a waitressing job at a blues juke joint, and sitting in with the bands that came through town. She’s no longer the guest artist, though — she’s the main act, and Alabama Sound showcases her high-energy, hellraising brand of southern stomp, country-rock twang, and amplified attitude.
Jacoozy with Oceanic and Daytona (album release)
Jacoozy is a improvisational, funk, and alternative band formed in Boone, NC in 2021. Featuring guitarists Killian Wright and Will Fentress, on the keys Isaac McMurry, and drummer Pauly Scott, all members of the band contribute vocals. With a vast range of influences ranging from classic improvisational bands to pop, Jacoozy shows are known for their high energy, precision, and unpredictability.Oceanic is a versatile indie pop band based in Charlotte, NC. Heavily influenced by a number of genres, they aim to create original music with diversity that enables the listener to see the world in a new way. Even before Oceanic was formed, each member of the band was well-versed in performing arts. The band works together during shows to create a high-enthusiasm experience focused on personality, musical interest, and artistic visual effects. In January of 2023 Oceanic released their debut album, ‘No, Human’. Since then the band has been playing the album at live shows all over the U.S. and working on their next record.Daytona is a 4-piece rock and roll band from Boone, NC that blends alternative country, blues, and pop sensibilities to enrapture audiences with their captivating storytelling and raw performance.
Big Daddy Love
As you can probably tell by their name, Big Daddy Love is no gentle string quartet. Their music has been described as “a blend of rock, bluegrass, southern soul, and psychedelic jams.” One reviewer characterized them as “a band with teeth” (fortunately in both a literal and metaphorical sense). Identifying a single genre for Big Daddy Love is nearly impossible; all four members are comfortable playing almost any type of American music. Collaboratively, the band produces a unique sound that they have long referred to as “Appalachian Rock.” Big Daddy Love (BDL to many fans) has released four CDs, most recently Live at Ziggy’s and This Time Around. One reviewer wrote, “Big Daddy Love is a force. The festival scene has been eating them up. If you haven’t been able to check them out yet, then you are missing out. It’s a foot-stomping good time at every single show, and they are the nicest guys I have met in music.” The quartet–– based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina–– has played well over a thousand shows over most of the country. Members include: Matteo “Joey” Recchio on electric guitar and vocals, Brian Paul Swenk on banjo, Ashley Sutton on bass guitar, and Scotty Lewis on drums Along the way, they have played venues of all sizes, from listening-room coffee houses to the 20,000 seat PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. Their festival resume ranges from local favorites like The Big What to larger regional festivals such as Bristol Rhythm & Roots and the premier southeastern festival, FloydFest. In 2010, BDL won FloydFest’s “Under the Radar” contest, which recognizes the best up-and-coming band of the festival. The music is only one aspect of the BDL experience. A close-knit community of fans has developed into an extended BDL family, many of whom travel throughout the southeast for multiple shows and are a huge part of what makes Big Daddy Love successful. “We’re constantly amazed by how many people have jumped on board with us and do so much to help us in every way possible,” says banjoist Brian Paul Swenk. “Whether it’s Kickstarter donations, giving us a place to stay on the road, or even giving their CDs away to friends and coming back to buy another, we’ve learned that it takes hundreds of people to help a band find success in today’s music industry.”
Abby Bryant w/ Chris Hedrick and Michael Feeney (The Wright Ave)
A music minister’s daughter turned fierce frontwoman, Abby Bryant has cemented her presence as a standout in Americana and soul with her band’s debut album Not Your Little Girl. The 13-track LP features Bryant’s raw vocal talent supported by the confident and dynamic backing group The Echoes and establishes a strong foundation for the band in the world of vintage-inspired Americana and soul rock. Playing for church services under her father’s direction, Bryant recalls early memories of singing a solo as an angel in a nativity play and backing up the church band in her small-town community near Charlotte, North Carolina. It wasn’t until she attended Appalachian State University that Bryant began to seriously consider a professional career in music. Forming the beginnings of the group with her friend from back home Bailey Faulkner, Bryant merged her love of the sound of soul and American roots music embodied by artists like Etta James and Bonnie Raitt with Faulkner’s similar passion for American blues and Faces-style rock. With these inspirations, Bryant and Faulkner began co-writing songs that would eventually appear on Not Your Little Girl.
Leilani Kilgore and Mia Morris
Leilani Kilgore:“Like Joan Jett but shreds.” Mai Morris:Mia Morris is an alt-pop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She’s released over 40 original songs, has over 400K followers across all platforms, and has played hundreds of shows including opening for Collective Soul and Candlebox in 2023. Mia was featured by American Songwriter, had two national live-television performances of her original songs on America’s Got Talent, and is known for her impressive one-woman band and looping prowess. As a highly sought after touring musician on multiple instruments, she’s also played all over the US and UK with numerous artists contributing to her showmanship, charisma and comfort on any stage.Her catalogue of work also includes the release of over 200 YouTube videos garnering over 20 million views and 85K subscribers. Mia’s unprecedented versatility and talent shines as she not only writes original songs and plays all the instruments, she also records & produces the songs and music videos.Since moving to Nashville in 2017, Mia has become well-known as a touring musician playing multiple instruments across several genres for artists including The Dead Deads, Beth Nielson Chapman, Pam Tillis, Lindsay Ell, G-Love, Jamie O’Neal, The Ataris, and GRLwood. Additionally, she has co-written and recorded projects with dozens of hit songwriters and well-known artists that include members of The All-American Rejects and Fountains of Wayne.While her first love is the drums, her musical talents continue expanding and include the bass, guitar, cajon, keys, ukulele, harmonica, and melodica. She has parlayed her unique multi-instrumentalist skills into a looping, one-woman band production captivating audiences everywhere she performs. Keep your eye on Mia. At only 19 years old, it’s fair to say that her music career has only just begun.
Anon Trio Ft. Felix Pastorious with Lemon City Trio
Felix Pastorius is a highly regarded American bassist, celebrated for his innovative contributions to jazz and fusion music. Born on July 7, 1982, Felix carved a niche for himself in the music industry through his exceptional talent and dedication to the craft. From an early age, he demonstrated a keen aptitude for the bass, quickly mastering its complexities and developing a unique style that blends jazz, funk, and fusion, creating a sound that resonates with a broad audience. His professional career, which took off in the early 2000s, saw Felix becoming a sought-after musician, collaborating with a diverse array of artists and bands. He significantly contributed to the jazz ensemble Yellowjackets, where his creative bass lines and musical versatility shone, adding a fresh dynamic to the band’s evolving sound. Besides his work with established acts, Felix is also known for his involvement with Hipster Assassins, and The Social Experiment, showcasing his ability to navigate through various musical genres with ease. Felix Pastorius has been celebrated for his technical skill, musical intelligence, and emotive playing, making significant contributions to contemporary music. Beyond performing, he is committed to musical education, sharing his passion and knowledge with aspiring musicians. His career is a testament to his individual artistry and the transformative potential of dedication to music, establishing him as a distinct and influential figure in the music world. Born on July 7, 1982, into a family steeped in musical legacy, Felix is the younger son of the legendary jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius, whose groundbreaking work left an indelible mark on the jazz genre.Lemon City Trio formed as a soul jazz organ trio, and has since evolved into a band with its own sound and unique repertoire. The band hails from Miami, Fl and has made a name for itself throughout the state, and up the east coast. Ranging from edgy fusion grooves, to dreamy space Rock, and everything in between, LCT takes its audience on a journey from start to finish.
¡Tumbao! The Home Sweet Home Tour
The Electrifying Latin Fusion Phenomenon ¡Tumbao! returns in 2024 for its biggest year yet. Coming off from a record-setting tour for the nine person Psychedelic Latin Fusion ensemble – having shared the stage with Grammy Award winning acts like Kabaka Pyramid, Proyecto Uno, and legend Mavis Staples, with performances at stages such as the Grassroots Festival Circuit, The Smithsonian, a featured artist at Jazz in the Garden in Washington, DC – the band has reached a new height of popularity, expanding its fanbase beyond its original Latin American and East Coast roots. Bringing the sounds of Latin America and the world with what many have described as Psychedelic Latin Fusion, the band is adding dates throughout the United States east coast and South America for what is to be their biggest tour year to date. ¡Tumbao! makes its way to Greensboro on May 9th for a Psychedelic Salsa Dance Night at the Flat Iron.
Eliot Lewis- CANCELED!!!
A singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Eliot Lewis has toured the world over as a member of the Daryl Hall & John Oates band, as well as a former member of The Average White Band. Eliot has also been the only musician to appear on every episode of Daryl Hall’s popular, “Live From Daryl’s House” show all while keeping his own solo career going at a seemingly impossible pace. Over the course of his career he has worked with the music business’ elite including, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Joe Walsh, Sammy Hagar, Todd Rundgren,Train, Cheap Trick, Grace Potter, Squeeze, Rob Thomas, Jason Mraz, Darius Rucker, Gavin DeGraw and many, many others. Having mastered four instruments over the course of his career; guitar, keyboard, bass and drums, Eliot’s shows will find him moving from one instrument to another. Equally at home in front of 100 or 15,000, Eliot has performed on the worlds most legendary stages, including Madison Square Garden, Japan’s Budokan, Red Rocks, The Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall as well as Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Conan O’Brien, The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live and many others. Eliot has carved out his own distinctive musical brand and sonic landscape and has written, performed and produced ten solo releases. There are many who shaped Eliot’s music and writing. As a guitar player, definitely Jeff Beck who I’ve been listening to all my life, as well as Billy Gibbons who I had the great fortune of working with recently, and Peter Frampton who I actually jammed with when I was 14 yrs old. I had the amazing experience of meeting and seeing many influential artists when I was a kid mainly at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
A Tribute Concert Celebrating Bruce Piephoff, Greensboro’s “Father of Songwriting”
A Tribute Concert Celebrating Bruce Piephoff, Greensboro’s “Father of Songwriting” Live at Flat IronSunday, March 3, 20242-6pm$20 Suggested Donation **All donations will be collected at door upon entry. JOIN US Sunday, March 3, 2pm-6pm at The Flat Iron, 221 Summit Ave, Greensboro for a tribute concert and silent auction fundraiser to support Bruce Piephoff in his battle against some serious health issues. The concert has an all-star cast of NC songwriters who have known and admired Bruce’s work throughout the decades. The concert will include performances by Scott Sawyer, Sam Frazier, David Childers, Martha Bassett, Daniel Ayers, John Rees, Mark “Budyro” Harrison, Kristy Jackson, Rebecca Newton & Barry Gray, Violet Bell, and Sandy Blocker. It will include call in tributes from all over the USA & Ireland. Bruce Piephoff has been a songwriter for 50+ years and has recorded 25 original albums. Join us as we honor Greensboro’s “Father of Songwriting” in a 4 hour special tribute concert, produced and curated by Mark “Buddyro” Harrison and Peg Parham.
Jason Damico
Damico’s “amalgamation” writing style, high energy, deep, powerful, baritone vocals in the vein of Jim Morrison (The Doors), Peter Steele (Type O Negative), and Johnny Cash, blended with blistering guitar riffs in the styles of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Zakk Wylde, and Jimi Hendrix, results in an undeniably, soulful swagger of a satisfyingly “new blue” sound.
