Jacoozy and Ranford Almond
Jacoozy is a band that thrives on connection, both with their audience and each other. Formed in 2021, the band emerged from the underground house show scene in Boone, North Carolina, blending Southern rock, jam traditions, and modern sensibilities. Their sound is built on live energy, with each performance capturing the raw spirit of their music—no studio tricks or polished layers. Jacoozy’s songwriting is deeply rooted in introspection, capturing moments of time and self-reflection while celebrating their Southern roots and the communities that have shaped them. The band’s approach to music is collaborative, shaped by their basement jams and experimental spirit. With a unique blend of influences and a clear mission to create authentic, live-driven music, Jacoozy’s future looks as promising as the stories they are telling. Bringing the soul from Greensboro, North Carolina, Ranford Almond is a young singer/songwriter and troubadour that has begun to make his mark across the Southeast. Raspy fresh vocals meet the Appalachian strings of Ranford’s guitar, reminiscent of John Prine and Townes Van Zandt with his own unique stamp.
The Hypnotic Conquest
Organ Fairchild
Hailed as a “fast-rising NY band” by Live For Live Music, and a group that’s “making waves in the scene” by JamBase, Organ Fairchild craft their organ-trio-meets-rock-band sound — described as “adventurous, vital and alive” by Glide Magazine — by synthesizing influences ranging from Soulive and Medeski Martin & Wood to The Grateful Dead, Steely Dan and the Meters. And when they’re on stage completely captivating an audience without a bass player – and nobody singing – there is no confusing them for any other artist on today’s scene. As FunkCity.net writes, “Get ready to be bowled over by this terrific trio – old school funk fusion with new era notions of jam.”
Marvelous Funkshun (Lettuce After Party)
Featuring soaring guitar and pedal steel over a heavy groove, Marvelous Funkshun is a venue and festival favorite. The band has graced the stage with artists such as George Porter Jr. of the Meters, Eric Gales, the late Kofi Burbridge of the Derek Trucks Band, Snoop Dogg and more. Recently, they have gained attention for a smoking tribute to Jimi Hendrix with funk and sacred steel influenced versions of classic hits and deep cuts. Look for their new release “Instru-Mental” on all streaming platforms. Highlights of 2025 include a late night performance during New Orleans Jazz Fest at the Howlin Wolf, Instru-Mental debuting at #10 on the Relix charts and a tribute to the Meters featuring George Porter Jr. and Joe Marcinek at the legendary Ziggy’s club in North Carolina.
MINKA
“If you have a pulse, you’re going to love MINKA. If you don’t have a pulse, I’m really worried about you.” Funky, electronic, rock…dance..jazz..sexy..Japanese inspired…well, there’s really no way to fully capture the experiences and sounds of Philly-born band, MINKA. But if you want to let your imagination run wild…let’s pretend some scientists got in the lab and crossed Bowie with Prince, and then sprinkled in some Talking Heads.
The Keith Allen Circus + Solar Circuit w/ The Wright Ave.
The Keith Allen Circus is exactly what it sounds like. A high flying, death defying, trapeze act of sound led by multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and ringmaster, Keith Allen, with Kevin Purcell, Brian Tyndall, and Bradley Turner. Solar Circuit is a Philadelphia-based jamtronic quartet blending live instrumentation with electronic, synth-pop, and trance influences. Known for a “controlled chaos” sound, the group features members Becca LeVan (keys/vocals), Taylor Jamison (bass/vocals), Nick Orlove (guitar), and Rob Fray (drums). They deliver high-energy, dance-driven live shows The Wright Ave is a quartet that brushes through the genre palette and delivers wormhole funk out of Greensboro, NC, The Wright Ave. comes to take listeners on a ride.
Home For The Holidays ft: Chris Hedrick, Casey Cranford, Julian Sizemore, and Jackson Weldon
New Dawn Starkestra
New Dawn Starkestra is a new collaboration between four heavyweights of the Western North Carolina music scene: vocalist and songwriter Rebekah Todd, guitarist Isaac Hadden, bassist Quinn Sternberg, and drummer Jeff Sipe, a veteran of the jam and jazz worlds known for his work with Aquarium Rescue Unit and beyond. Together, they’ve formed something that feels less like a supergroup and more like a conversation — one that’s unfolding live, night after night. At its core, the band is rooted in trust: each member brings original songs to the table, but there’s no fixed destination. Their sets blend composed material with extended improvisation and unexpected detours. One moment might feel like Southern soul, the next like spacey fusion, and the next like something you’ve never quite heard before. It’s not genre-hopping — it’s just what happens when four players actually listen to one another. What separates New Dawn Starkestra is their ability to stretch out without losing the thread. The musicianship is airtight, but it never gets in the way of the emotional core. They’re not afraid of silence, or space, or slowness — and when the energy builds, it feels earned. Their shows aren’t about replication; they’re about discovery. In their short time together, they’ve already begun turning heads at venues and festivals throughout the Southeast, with performances that feel more like experiences than sets. There’s no spectacle here, no posturing. Just four artists showing up, tuning in, and chasing whatever spark happens to catch that night.
Frute w/ Ajeva
Frute is a psych rock collective based in Atlanta, GA. The group features Alo Ver’s etherealvocals, which perfectly complement the band’s deep grooves and shimmering soundscapes.With a strong focus on live improvisation, their music blends crisp, catchy synthesizers,unconventional guitar tones, and a dynamic rhythm section. Whether performing live orrecording in the studio, their sound strikes a captivating balance between atmospheric depthand infectious danceability
Big Shrimp w/ Royal Jelly
Big Shrimp, the young and hungry quartet formed in 2024 and based in Bridgeport, CT, delivers a unique blend of masterful, high energy guitar work and well-crafted songwriting. Their extensive repertoire includes over 100 original songs that balance complexity with a straightforward appeal. The band builds on the foundation laid by its now inactive predecessor, Baked Shrimp. The musicians in their mid-20’s have performed at major festivals like Peach Music Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Northlands Live, and Mile of Music, and have shared the stage with notable acts such as Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, The Disco Biscuits, Dopapod, Twiddle, and Andy Frasco & The U.N. w/ Royal Jelly (Greensboro)