Heather Mae and Crys Mathews
A troubadour of truth, Nashville resident Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. An award-winning, prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews blends Americana, folk, blues, and bluegrass into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics. She is made for these times. Of Matthews, ASCAP VP & Creative Director Eric Philbrook says, “By wrapping honest emotions around her socially conscious messages and dynamically delivering them with a warm heart and a strong voice, she lifts our spirits just when we need it most in these troubled times.” Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation adds, her gift is a “reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides.” Her hope-fueled, love-filled, social-justice album called Changemakers was released March 26, 2021, and the title track was named the International Folk Music Association’s “Song of the Year” in May of 2022. HEATHER MAE ISN’T JUST WRITING SONGS—SHE’S WRITING REVOLUTIONS. A GENRE-DEFYING ARTIST-ACTIVIST, SHE FUSES THE GRIT OF ALTERNATIVE ROCK, THE INFECTIOUS HOOKS OF INDIE POP, AND THE STORYTELLING DEPTH OF FOLK TO CRAFT ANTHEMS FOR THE OUTSIDERS, THE SURVIVORS, AND THE SEEKERS OF RADICAL JOY. HER MUSIC IS AN UNFLINCHING MIRROR REFLECTING THE RAW REALITIES OF MENTAL HEALTH, QUEER LIBERATION, SURVIVOR EMPOWERMENT, AND THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE.
Abigail Dowd’s Songwriter Series w/ Ruth Wyand + The Rough & Tumble
Ruth Wyand – Ruth Wyand has achieved a level of diversity that has exceeded the expectations of audiences around the world. Her guitar virtuosity is demonstrated by dynamic fingerpicking, bottleneck slide and a warm alto voice. Her songwriting is timeless, relatable, emotionally resonant, sometimes witty, sometimes serious but always human and genuine. Her lyrics and stories along with her sense of humor will bring a smile to your face or a tear to your eye and her skillful command of the fretboard never ceases to amaze audiences of all ages. Rough & Tumble – The Rough & Tumble aren’t casual road dogs, but they aren’t letting on, either. From their upbeat, commanding stage presence and sharp banter to their earworm-inducing melodies and heartstring lyrics, this thriftstore-Americana duo refuses to bring the haggard road-worn stereotype to their audience– even though they’ve earned it. The Rough & Tumble, a duo composed of Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, have been captivating audiences with their unique blend of folk music for over a decade. Graham and Tyler have a knack for weaving together elements of joy, sorrow, comedy, and drama in their music, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.Forming in 2011, they spent 8 years full time in a 16ft camper with two big dogs, playing roughly 150 shows a year, before moving to the foothills of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. They still spend at least half the year touring and are at home at festivals, listening rooms, and house concerts across the country. In 2023 they received recognition for their work in New England as recipients of Club Passim’s Iguana Music Fund. Only This Far, the band’s most notable work, was released in 2023 and has been described as “quality songs, well written, well played, well sung and arranged, and a pleasure from start to end.” In November 2024, The Rough & Tumble released Hymns For My Atheist Sister and Her Friends To Sing Along To, a collection of deeply personal, unifying and uplifting, humanist gospel songs. Abigail Dowd – Our fearless host who still enjoys music most when it’s embedded in real life, sitting around a fire, singing harmonies around an old family piano, or every third Tuesday night at the Flat Iron. Each month Abigail invites musician friends to fall into space with her and the audience for what she describes as an evening in her adopted living room. They collaborate, share new songs, play old favorites, make things up, make you cry, make you laugh and most of all make you glad you came.
Abigail Dowd’s Singer-Songwriter Series: ft Wes Collins + Ordinary Elephant
Wes Collins – At age 44, Wes Collins and his wife Anita made a pact to become writers: she started writing fiction and Wes penned his first song. A few years later, they were both multi-award-winners in their fields. Wes writes songs that dig deep and go to uncertain, sometimes scary places. Come for a haunting melody and some intricate fingerpicking and stay for the wit and deep literary intelligence. There is always more to find in a Wes Collins song. A former librarian and avowed record nerd, Wes can imitate the sound of outmoded computer voice simulations. He hasn’t found a way to make that pay yet. Ordinary Elephant – Mesmerizing folk duo Ordinary Elephant has spent the better part of the last decade on a never-ending tour that’s earned married couple Crystal and Pete Damore widespread critical acclaim and made fans of luminaries like Tom Paxton and Mary Gauthier. In 2017, the pair took home the International Folk Music Award for Artist of the Year on the strength of their breakout album, Before I Go, and two years later, they returned with the similarly lauded Honest, which the Associated Press hailed as “one of the best Americana albums of the year.” The band’s new stripped-down, self-titled collection is the purest distillation of their sound yet, showcasing the arresting power of the couple’s gorgeous harmonies and intricate fretwork. The songs are timeless, rooted in rich, character-driven storytelling, and the performances are similarly transportive, fueled by delicately intertwined banjo, guitar, and octave mandolin. Though the songs were born out of a period of deep uncertainty, the record itself is a work of profound self-assurance, one delivered by a duo whose personal and professional lives embody the limitless possibility of honest, organic collaboration. Press play on Ordinary Elephant and you’ll hear more than just a husband and wife; you’ll hear the sound of sincerity and commitment, of patience and gratitude, of learning to let go of expectation and revel in the simple beauty of the moment. Abigail Dowd — Our fearless host who still enjoys music most when it’s embedded in real life, sitting around a fire, singing harmonies around an old family piano, or every third Tuesday night at the Flat Iron. Each month Abigail invites musician friends to fall into space with her and the audience for what she describes as an evening in her adopted living room. They collaborate, share new songs, play old favorites, make things up, make you cry, make you laugh and most of all make you glad you came.
Abigail Dowd Songwriter Series w/ Demeanor & Scarlet Tantrum
Demeanor – Justin Harrington (aka Demeanor) is an MC, banjo and bones player from Greensboro, North Carolina. Justin studied at the College Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati before leaving school to join his aunt, Rhiannon Giddens, as part of her Freedom Highway Tour. He has been playing the banjo for several years, crafting an unconventional fusion of hip-hop and American roots music in an effort to break down the wall separating black Americans with their own ancestral tradition, while celebrating American folk music as an African American art form. Justin is dedicated to developing an impactful body of work, and curating empowering environments, striving to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors while establishing a new musical legacy. Scarlet Tantrum- Scarlet blends today’s pop with yesterday’s rock. Growing up, her family always had 90’s and 2000’s alt-rock playing, and its mark is heard in her music’s electric guitar riffs and catchy melodies. Also influenced by the likes of Hayley Williams, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Halsey, the artist delivers bold, emotional statements with her lyrics. Music is Scarlet’s emotional outlet. Whether listening to her favorite artists or writing her own songs, it helps her heal. She hopes that her audience can find solace in her music, that she can give to others what other artists give to her. Abigail Dowd — bOur fearless host who still enjoys music most when it’s embedded in real life, sitting around a fire, singing harmonies around an old family piano, or every third Tuesday night at the Flat Iron. Each month Abigail invites musician friends to fall into space with her and the audience for what she describes as an evening in her adopted living room. They collaborate, share new songs, play old favorites, make things up, make you cry, make you laugh and most of all make you glad you came.
Abigail Dowd, Jason Adamo, and Lakota John
Jason Adamo – Jason Adamo is a singer/songwriter. Currently residing in Raleigh, NC, Adamo has lived in New York City and Nashville immersing himself in each cities music and songwriting scene. Adamo sharpened his chops in the NYC subway system, as a street performer, developing a powerhouse sound, that can only be bred on train platforms underground. With his distinctive voice and personal performance, Jason Adamo proves not only his ability to provide a solid body of acoustic work, but couple that with the force of his personality and you are left with the knowledge that you can’t ignore him or his music. Jason has also received Gold and Platinum plaques for his songwriting work on country artist Brett Young’s debut album. (USA & Canada) Lakota John- Lakota John is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from North Carolina with Lumbee and Oglala Lakota roots. Influenced by his dads music collection, he picked up the guitar at 7 years old and since has toured nationally and internationally. Lakota John blends elements of Folk, Jazz, Rock, & Blues, to create his sound while learning alongside mentors. Abigail Dowd Our fearless host who still enjoys music most when it’s embedded in real life, sitting around a fire, singing harmonies around an old family piano, or every third Tuesday night at the Flat Iron. Each month Abigail invites musician friends to fall into space with her and the audience for what she describes as an evening in her adopted living room. They collaborate, share new songs, play old favorites, make things up, make you cry, make you laugh and most of all make you glad you came.
Songwriter series with Abigail Dowd ft: Roberta Lea and Acisse Jay
Roberta Lea – American Songwriter Magazine describes Roberta Lea as “a compelling artist” while The Nashville Scene praises her ability to “score hits with her catchy, textured and beautifully sung originals.” The award-winning singer/songwriter released her debut album “Too Much of a Woman” to critical acclaim and punctuated her presence in the industry with a coast to coast tour. Described as “country-neo-pop” with a “delicious, folky flare”, the Virginia native is known as a powerful songwriter and engaging storyteller. Listeners turned fans describe her style as one that fits comfortably between Shania Twain’s fun and catchy pop-country singles and Tracy Chapman’s heavy weight, cinematic chokeholds. As a touring member of The Black Opry, one of CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2023 and a voting member of The Recording Academy, Lea is steadily building a successful, sustainable artist career that will be etched in Virginia’s history and beyond. Acisse Jay – Acisse Jay (äkēsā jā) is a captivating rock/blues/Americana singer-songwriter from Norfolk, VA, known for her electrifying performances and soulful, genre-blending songwriting. Her sound—a fusion of rock, blues, country, gospel, and Americana—has earned her the moniker “the soul of rock,” bringing a fresh voice to classic styles. In 2024, she recorded her second EP, Experimental Phase Vol. 2 – The Evolution of A Thang, live at Live At Ted’s in Wilmington, NC. This EP captures her artistic growth and live energy, promising fans yet another thrilling chapter in her musical journey. Acisse Jay is pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a formidable force in today’s music world. From stages big and small, she continues to redefine her craft and is undoubtedly an artist to watch in the coming years. Abigail Dowd Our fearless host who still enjoys music most when it’s embedded in real life, sitting around a fire, singing harmonies around an old family piano, or every third Tuesday night at the Flat Iron. Each month Abigail invites musician friends to fall into space with her and the audience for what she describes as an evening in her adopted living room. They collaborate, share new songs, play old favorites, make things up, make you cry, make you laugh and most of all make you glad you came
Songwriter Series w/ Abigail Dowd: ft. Karla Davis + George Hage
Karla Davis is a soulful singer/songwriter originally from Monroe, North Carolina. Having performed on the stages of NBC’s The Voice, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Grand Ole Opry, and the Ryman, Karla has certainly found her voice. Often described as having a “country blue-eyed soul” sound, it’s no surprise that Davis’ inspiration is rooted in artists like Roberta Flack, James Taylor, and Bonnie Rait. You can find Karla’s recently released unique cover of the Bruce Springsteen classic “Dancing in the Dark” on all platforms now. www.karladavismusic.com George Hage – George Hage is a self-taught, published artist and songwriter based in North Carolina. He’s the frontman and songwriter for Jack The Radio who has shared the stage with The Avett Brothers, Hall & Oates, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, George Thorogood, and American Aquarium to name a few. Their music has been featured in commercial, film, and TV projects including Modern Family and NASCAR, NFL programming. http://www.george-hage.com/ Our fearless host, Abigail enjoys music most when it’s embedded in real life, sitting around a fire, singing harmonies around an old family piano, or every third Tuesday night at the Flat Iron. Abigail invites musician friends to fall into space in her adopted living room. They share new songs, play old favorites, make things up, make you cry, make you laugh and most of all make you glad you came.
An Evening With: Scott Miller
“Long before co-founding that dapper twangpop outfit [The V-Roys], Miller logged many miles on the singer-songwriter trail as kind of a cross between John Prine and Loudon Wainwright III.” (No Depression) “Scott Miller’s songwriting has always balanced wit with woe.” (Relix) Recently inducted to the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame, fiery roots-rock singer/songwriter SCOTT MILLER returned to his native Virginia to tend the family farm while continuing to release and perform new music informed by that rural area, history, and Appalachia. The Staunton native first made a name for himself in the 90s as guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter with the superb pop/rock band the V-Roys before establishing himself as a gifted and eclectic solo artist, first with his ad hoc group the Commonwealth and later on his own. “[Miller combines] the emotional honesty and intelligence of a singer/songwriter with the swagger and enthusiasm of a rock & roller… a gifted and eclectic solo artist.” (AllMusic.com). As seen on tour with Patty Griffin, Robbie Fulks, Paul Thorn and American Aquarium.
Songwriter Series hosted by Abigail Dowd ft: A Different Thread, and Chris Moyse
Chris Moyse – Winner of the Kerrville New Folk songwriting competition, Chris Moyse is a Nashville-based folk songwriter. He has shared the stage with troubadours like Joe Ely, Mary Gauthier, and members of Old Crow Medicine Show. In 2020, Chris released his debut album Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers, garnering critical acclaim with American Songwriter calling it “roots-thick and shadowy.. guided by velvety vocals. A delicate ebb and flow.” He continues to tour in support of this album. A Different Thread – British-Americana troubadours A Different Thread create a richly emotive tapestry of transatlantic folk. Lead singers Robert Jackson (Midlands, UK) and Alicia Best (North Carolina) first met busking in Ireland. Backed by Mike Seal on double bass, their original songs weave Celtic balladry and Appalachian blues, featuring fiddle, harmonica, and an abundance of honeyed harmonies. Following in the footsteps of Johnny Cash and June Carter, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, and Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, A Different Threadʼs unique sound has earned them acclaim for their powerful storytelling and moving live performances. They have garnered support slots with the likes of The Milk Carton Kids, Native Harrow, and Jody Stephens (Big Star), as well as features with NPR and the BBC. Catch them part of this year’s Merlefest lineup. Abigail Dowd – Our fearless host enjoys music most when it’s embedded in real life, sitting around a fire, singing harmonies around an old family piano, or every third Tuesday night at the Flat Iron. Each month Abigail invites musician friends to fall into space with her and the audience for what she describes as an evening in her adopted living room. They collaborate, share new songs, play old favorites, make things up, make you cry, make you laugh and most of all make you glad you came.
Songwriter Series hosted by Abigail Dowd, featuring: Mark Kano, and John Gillespie
Abigail Dowd, our fearless host, enjoys music most when it’s embedded in real life, sitting around a fire, singing harmonies around an old family piano, or every third Tuesday night at the Flat Iron. Each month Abigail invites musician friends to fall into space with her and the audience for what she describes as an evening in her adopted living room. They collaborate, share new songs, play old favorites, make things up, make you cry, make you laugh and most of all make you glad you came. Mark Kano’s introspective storytelling is driven by soaring melodies and thoughtful production. As the former frontman of Athenaeum, he made waves in the late ‘90s with his evocative songwriting and unmistakable voice, crafting songs that resonated deeply with listeners. His solo work builds on that foundation, blending openhearted emotion with polished musicianship to create soundscapes that feel both intimately familiar and refreshingly new. Whether weaving nostalgic anthems or quiet reflections, Kano’s music invites you in—to a space where memory and melody intertwine. John Gillespie is a singer-songwriter raised in Chapel Hill, NC. Best known as half of the folk duo Nikki Meets The Hibachi, John is also a member of several Triangle area bands: Nantahala, The Drowning Lovers, The Marigold Collective, and Pillow Foot.
