Blue Cactus w/ Fancy Gap
Rooted in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Blue Cactus got their start among the active honky-tonk circuit, developing an electrified twang that now branches out effortlessly into folk, alt-country, and psychedelic-tinged rock. Having released three records to critical acclaim, they have grown a cult following in the South and beyond, their introspective lyricism and blistering guitar techniques making the band potent in the studio and on stage. Their songs are currently featured in NPR Live Sessions and Billboard with albums reviewed in Paste, American Songwriter, and No Depression who praised their ability to paint “beautiful pictures of limitless possibility” in roots music. Their third studio album, Believer, is out now via Sleepy Cat Records. Fancy Gap, the debut album by Stuart McLamb (The Love Language) and Charles Crossingham, captures life’s essence in a country-tinged, radio-ready sound. From poignant reflections on life, death, and love to celebrations of joy and triumph, each track delves into universal themes. Their heartfelt songwriting, honed through their experiences, takes center stage. During the pandemic, McLamb and Crossingham retreated to Crossingham’s cabin in Fancy Gap, Virginia, where they nurtured their musical collaboration. Inspired by ’90s radio rock and classic country, they crafted the album over two years, blending their influences into a cohesive sound.
Panes, Fifth Floor, Blankstate, and Liam Martin
Proto Giraffe
Proto Giraffe is a jazz fusion band that blends the improvisational spirit of jam bands with the precision and sophistication of jazz, creating a sound reminiscent of iconic 70s legends like Steely Dan. Proto Giraffe brings a unique style that’s both smooth and intricate, with a groove that’s hard to forget.Their music combines tight arrangements with free-flowing improvisation, offering a refreshing take on fusion that keeps audiences coming back for more. With a nod to the past and a vision for the future, Proto Giraffe is carving its own path in the world of jazz and beyond.
Dance From Above Presents: Tomas C (Magic City Discos, Miami)
An Evening With Jim Lauderdale
Singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale helped lay out the blueprint for the Americana movement of the ’90s and has since continued to earn high critical marks for an eclectic series of albums that have spanned hard country, slick pop, rootsy rock & roll, blues, folk, R&B, and bluegrass. Stylistically restless, Lauderdale’s roots were in hard country and bluegrass, but his first album to be released, 1991’s Planet of Love, was a savvy blend of rock, blues, and traditional country influences. It scored rave reviews, but with 1999’s I Feel Like Singing Today, a collaboration with Dr. Ralph Stanley, he revealed he was also a first-rate bluegrass vocalist. Over the next two decades, Lauderdale would move back and forth between electric and acoustic projects, always steeped in roots music (such as on the eclectic 2021 LP Hope, 2023’s bluegrass themed The Long and Lonesome Letting Go, and 2024’s moody and heartfelt My Favorite Place), while he also built an estimable reputation as a songwriter, as his compositions were recorded — often with considerable success — by a number of country stars, including George Strait, Patty Loveless, Vince Gill, Mark Chesnutt, Kathy Mattea, and George Jones.
A Tale Of Two + A Different Thread
A Tale Of Two Oozing an infectious stage presence and chemistry that carries over from the music to the backand forth banter between songs, A Tale Of Two offers a different kind of Americana storytelling by aswampy pair of retro raconteurs spinning blues arias with soul, intrigue, and power. A Different Thread Their sound is transcontinental, Jackson’s folk rock background blends with Best’s alt-country melodies. Informed by their life experiences (navigating visas, vanlife, love across oceans) and commentary on environmental and social justice topics, the album mixes electric guitars, Appalachian dulcimer, gospel-tinged vocals and honky-tonk fiddle. While inspired by artists like Gillian Welch, The Avett Brothers, and John Prine, A Different Thread maintain a distinct sound that is all their own.
Jack Blocker w/ Charles Walker
Jack Blocker is an Americana singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in sincerity, storytelling,and a deep love for his home state of Texas. Drawing inspiration from Texan legends likeTownes Van Zandt, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson, Jack describes his music as “friendly,honest, and Texan”— a reflection of both his lyrical style and the atmosphere of his live shows.Whether he’s jumping around on stage with a full band or singing solo with just an acousticguitar, Jack’s performances are captivating and compelling. “My goal is to give some new life toeach song that only exists in that moment,” he says. One particularly memorable show inNashville was performed completely unplugged after lightning took out the power at the venue.The crowd stayed, lit the room with phone lights, and Jack played the full hour-long set withoutany mics or production. “It was a really special evening,” he says.After releasing his debut single “Big Jefe” in August 2023, Jack competed as a contestant onseason 22 of American Idol. First appearing on the show with a memorable performance of hisoriginal song “I Was Wong,” Jack continued to impress the judges and delight audiences,ultimately placing third on the nationally televised show.With a much-anticipated debut album coming this fall, Jack is focused on building a lastingcommunity around his music, staying true to his voice, and writing songs that will beremembered when people look back on folk/country music from this era. “I feel like we’re at thestarting line of a race and we’re about to jump off the blocks,” Jack says. “I’m really excited.” Charles Walker With roots in North Carolina and now calling Nashville home, Charles Walker embodies the essence of the modern singer/songwriter. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Noah Kahan, Ryan Adams, and James Taylor, he has quickly carved out a niche for himself in the Americana scene. To promote the release of his most popular single Caught In The Current in August of 2023, Charles headlined two sold out dates at The Evening Muse in his hometown of Charlotte NC. These led to support slots for national acts A Thousand Horses, Caroline Jones, Kashus Culpepper, and more. Charles has played over 400 shows in North Carolina and Tennessee since 2020.
Justin Cody Fox
Justin Cody Fox is a Blues/Rock powerhouse with a double threat vocal and guitar prowess that’s been forged in fire since his early jump into the music industry at just 15 years old. Justin began honing his skills at a young age on late night family jams and developed an early appreciation for songwriting exploring his parents record collection. By the time Justin had formed his first band he was already gaining regional attention as one of the premiere performers on the NC coast. Some of Justin’s early influences included guitarists Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix, as well as Rock bands The Black Crowes, Humble Pie, The Faces and Tom Petty. Over the years Justin has written and recorded six albums and toured up and down the East Coast, Southern US and The Virgin Islands, sharing the stage with many great national acts. New Southern was produced by Justin, Audley Freed (Black Crowes, Sheryl Crow), and Tommy Brother (Medusa Stone.) Their efforts resulted in a potent collection of honest songwriting with the focus on the songs and melodies rather than playing to show off. “I wrote all the songs from real life experiences and really tried to take a looking glass approach to my life and the lives around me. We can only see through our own eyes but that doesn’t mean we can’t relate those stories to the human condition and curate them onto a sonic canvas.”
Chloe Kimes w/ Wild Roots
Chloe Kimes is a Michigan born singer, songwriter and bandleader currently based in Nashville, TN. In 2022 Kimes independently released her self titled debut album — voted “Listener’s Choice Album of the Year” by WYCE Radio as well as landing her a spot on NPR Music’s Top Ten Nashville Artists on the Rise. In 2024 she released her latest single “Coors Light” following its immense viral popularity. Kimes’ spirited alt-country outfit offers a striking live show with a timeless sound, her tireless voice leading the way, her sentiments forging their own new space in the country americana scene. Wild Roots is an independent, women-led band based in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.
Big Fur w/ Fescue
BIG FUR cultivates an original sound that takes southern rock, country, and bluegrass to its highest dynamic peaks, and most electrifying psychedelic edges. The quintet formed in late 2023 and have since performed at many celebrated venues and events including The Orange Peel, Salvage Station, The Pour House, The Grey Eagle; North Carolina Folk Festival, AVLFest, and Shakori Hills Festival of Music and Dance. ** fescue is a folk trio from Danville, Virginia. Comprised of Nick Johnson (guitar, banjo, vocals), Hunter Applegate (mandolin, vocals), and Chris Stockard (bass, vocals), they create a new take on an old classic. Inspired by bluegrass and old time Appalachian music, mixed with rock, jazz, and R&B, they create a sound that is uniquely their own.
