Emanuel Wynter + Kay Marion
Hailing from Charlotte, classically trained violinist and songwriter Emanuel Wynter is taking ears and stages by storm with a distinctive sound and a lively, high-spirited stage presence that is infectious to everyone in the room. Taking influence from artists such as Anthony Hamilton, Leon Bridges, and Gary Clark Jr., Emanuel’s sound is a unique, vibrant, and expressive blend of R&B and Rock that manages to be raw in emotion and refined, sonically. He finds a way to sing, not only through rich and soulful vocals, but through his electrifying violin playing that is, at times, quite reminiscent of electric guitar. With dynamic musicianship and sincere lyricism, Emanuel Wynter is sure to keep your toes tapping and your soul singing.
Hustle Souls w/ Africa Unplugged
Hustle Souls, based in Asheville, NC, masterfully blend Retro-Soul, New Orleans Brass, and Singer-Songwriter Americana into a unique and captivating sound. Lauded by American Blues Scene as a “generation-jumping mashup of new school second line funk with old school vintage soul, ” and described by Bluestown Music as “intimate soul…with a Curtis Mayfield like warmth,” the band has earned a spot as one of Music Connection Magazine’s “Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists & Bands” and No Treble shared the band saying “I hadn’t heard them before, but I’m glad I have now… Must See”Overflowing with energy and spontaneity, Hustle Souls features roaring B3 organ and jubilant trumpet and trombone, balanced with three-part vocal harmonies and a passion for songwriting. Their music has been praised by Aldora Britian Records as “worthy of being included in that brilliant soul music canon, a heritage that features some of the greatest performers and writers that have ever graced this earth. Africa Unplugged is a dynamic group, led by djembe master, guitarist and songwriter, Atiba Rorie. The band uses traditional percussion instruments from West Africa in combination with guitars and bass to play traditional rhythms while drawing from influences across the world. Their creativity results in a funky, soulful blues and dance music that keeps you moving as they tell stories from the old world and the new!
Ric Robertson w/ Mark Catalano
Ric Robertson crafts songs that are as colorful and unpredictable as life itself, the kind of music that doesn’t ask for your attention — it quietly earns it. One note, one image, one breath at a time. He’s a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and visual artist — but mostly, he’s just trying to make sense of the absurd beauty in being alive. These days, Robertson is mostly out on the road solo, carving out his own odd little orbit, hauling a real upright piano from town to town — a heavy, creaky companion that makes every show a little less predictable and a lot more alive. It’s an old-school, seat-of-the-pants kind of operation: no playback, no safety net, just songs, stories, and a whole-hearted belief that the good stuff doesn’t need a middleman. Raised in the American South but never easy to pin down, the music floats somewhere between timeless folk wisdom and psychedelic backroom vaudeville. A strange, beautiful blend , he has a gift for turning personal detours into universal truths, and turning heartbreak, hilarity, and hallucination into something you can hum along to. Robertson has lent his voice, songs, and musical curiosity to projects with artists like Lucius, The Wood Brothers, and Sierra Ferrell, but it’s in his solo work where his vision comes fully alive and his voice shines most true. His latest album, Choices and Chains, is a crooked little odyssey of transformation- following the technicolor psychamericana on his breakout album “Carolina Child”. Quietly radical, unabashedly grassroots, and fiercely human, you may find Ric Robertson somewhere past the edge of the map — alone on a small stage, an upright piano, a spellbound crowd, and a kind of music that cuts through the noise and reminds you why any of this matters at all. There’s a tenderness here, and a little madness too. But mostly there’s honesty — the kind you don’t come across every day, and the kind that sticks with you long after the music fades out.
Mutlu w/ Justin Reid
A Philadelphia musician who proudly carries a torch for the city’s soul legacy, Mutlu makes a connection with every audience. Coming up in the Philly scene, he played around town and in area clubs before landing his first tour opening for Joe Jackson. Since then he’s toured across the U.S. and Europe with his musical brother, Amos Lee, who discovered Mutlu’s music just as both of their careers were taking off. In addition he’s found an advocate with Daryl Hall & John Oates, who invited Mutlu to support a national theater tour. Mutlu (pronounced moot’-lu) is a first-generation American whose parents moved from Turkey to the United States in the 1970s. He discovered the strength of his voice in high school while singing in a Broadway revue. He liked being on stage but didn’t anticipate pursuing it as a career. However, while earning a marketing degree from Drexel University, he spent innumerable hours practicing guitar, writing songs, and playing open mic nights. Now roughly fifteen years into a career as a professional musician, he believes that his Turkish heritage informs his perspective as an artist. “From a writing standpoint, having that multicultural background from a young age fuels your creativity in a different way,” he believes. “It makes you empathize with things differently than you would have.” Whether crooning a love song like “Caramel” (which echoes the Gamble & Huff output of the ‘70s), spreading optimism in “Lifeline,” or sharing a look into his own life as in “Scarred,” Mutlu can bring his diverse catalog together through the power of his voice. He’s been recognized by the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and The Philadelphia Inquirer for his sweet, silky tone. Bruce Warren of WXPN once described Mutlu’s music as “a mix of soul, reggae, world music and folk, all tied together in the singer-songwriter tradition.” “The vocal connection, that’s the cornerstone of everything I do,” he says. “Everything else is in service of that, performance-wise and production-wise. In R&B and soul music, singers try to really emotionally connect, vocally. It’s about that special thing that can happen when you really dig down deep and give a performance that moves people.” Mutlu launched his music career on Manhattan Records with the 2008 album, Livin’ It, produced by mentor and friend T Bone Wolk. Since then, he’s developed his international audience through touring, multiple appearances on Live From Daryl’s House, and a steady stream of independent singles and EPs, most recently 2019’s Good Trouble. He cites songs like “Livin’ It,” “Hello Morning,” and “One Life With You” as staples in his set, yet he believes that the show experience is far more than just playing the same material every night. “For people who know the songs, it’s about giving something more than they would get on the record,” he says. “I tour a lot solo, and for me it’s about going beyond just playing the songs. It’s about creating a community and finding a way to connect with people.
Florencia & The Feeling w/Duck
Johnson City, Tennessee based pop-funk fusion band Florencia & the Feeling independently released their debut album, ‘Birthday’ in March 2023 which Vents Magazine called, “pure, unadulterated fun.” With a crowdsourcing campaign that raised over $10,000, and a growing legion of fans, Florencia & the Feeling delivers an amazing live show that has been resonating with music lovers since their conception in April 2021. This quintet has been impressing listeners with their upbeat funky grooves, heartfelt songwriting, soaring 4 part harmonies, and all-around good vibes, culminating in a unique sound with hints of jazz, and Latin roots. The members of the band draw on a myriad of genres from their musical backgrounds – funk, jazz, Nu Soul, jam, pop, indie rock, roots, and more – to create a distinctive blend of musical magic. This fusion has earned the group recognition and esteemed performances, including Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in Tennessee/Virginia, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival in North Carolina, and an opening slot for The Mavericks. Radio Bristol praised the band’s “tight rhythmic jams and groovy guitar riffs,” while the Bristol Herald Courier called their sound “happy music” and “joyful noise,” and went on to say “their songs compel smiles on faces and dancing from feet.” Check out quintet’s tour dates & music on their website, as well as on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube or any other music listening platform.
Sugar Bomb ft: Rebekah Todd
Joslyn & The Sweet Compression w/ Katie Blvd
Joslyn & The Sweet Compression are bona fide, and they want the world to know it. A rising force out of Lexington, Kentucky, the band led by Joslyn Hampton come out swinging on their sophomore album, ready to uplift and inspire through their singular and stirring soul-funk sound. 2019’s critically acclaimed debut album made them a favorite headliner at regional clubs and music festivals. After a grueling and relentless tour schedule – one that saw them supporting Tower of Power at New York’s Sony Hall and Tyler Childers at Colorado’s legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre – the band are back with Bona Fide, a sonically and emotionally charged record that captures their breathtaking live energy as well as their humanity. Released August 25, 2023, Bona Fide is a resounding testament to Joslyn & The Sweet Compression’s unparalleled talents, as well as an homage to the band’s co-founder (and Joslyn Hampton’s step-father), Marty Charters, who passed away in 2022. Musically, Bona Fide blends soulful and smoldering neo-funk with elements of ‘70s and ‘80s R&B. Hampton pulls from her inspirations – Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey – as well as from the opera singers she studied in college. “I find myself applying all of the things I’ve learned to my passion now, and placing it in my music,” she shares. The result is a unique, hooky style that helps Joslyn & The Sweet Compression stand apart from their contemporaries. To Hampton, Bona Fide is a record about a ride she calls “the human rollercoaster.” “You have falling in love, getting cheated on, celebrating this life – you only get one,” she says. “We go through so many human emotions on this album, and that’s what I want to bring to life: The ride of being a human! I want to take you to the moment you found the love of your life when you looked across the room. This album is literally meant to take you to every human emotion you have.” “I want them to see themselves in my songs and inspire them to be the best version of themselves.” Joslyn & The Sweet Compression are Bona Fide, ready to bring their love and joy to audiences everywhere.
Victoria Victoria w/ Noah Dane
Breakout artist Victoria Victoria is praised for her proficient songwriting, bewitching vocals, and celebratory live performances, inviting audiences into a communal experience. Named a “rising act” by RollingStone Magazine, Victoria’s playful yet insightful lyrics and lush harmonies leave listeners entranced. Victoria’s songwriting is what first caught the attention of GRAMMY award-nominated producer and guitarist, Charlie Hunter. After passing demos back and forth in the pandemic, the two teamed up to write and record their album, To the Wayside. Since the release of their debut collaborative effort in 2022, the two have toured along the east coast, playing NPR’s Mountain Stage, The Kennedy Center, the Rochester Jazz Festival and more.
Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast (Album Release Show) w/ Florencia & The Feeling
After the unexpected death of her mother in 2023, ‘Blueprints’ is an introspective reflection on the waves of emotion that follow such a loss. Caitlin Krisko delivers soaring melodies while simultaneously pouring her soul into the center spotlight of the album. Gut wrenching ballads like “Haunted By You” performed to near perfection, sit comfortably next to groove heavy rock anthems like “Piece of You”. Blueprints puts the listener in the front seat for the Krisko experience as she turns to the music to capture her grief in songs like “Have To Say Goodbye” and “Blue Monday”. Uplifting the listener with songs like “Devil On Your Side” and “Operator”, her songs are celebrations with storytelling lyrics that take you for a full spectrum ride. Powerful drums, driving bass, and raw blues and rock guitar are hand squeezed into every nook and cranny of the album, delivering a saturated roots rocks experience done with a masterful and heartfelt touch. Born in Detroit, raised in New York City and currently living in Asheville, North Carolina, Caitlin Krisko has been influenced by the sounds of East Coast rock and roll, Motown, and roots music. Krisko has been stunning audiences across America and Europe touring relentlessly with her own brand of roots-rock filled with soaring vocals, powerful grooves, emotional lyrics, and undeniable songwriting. The band consists of Caitlin Krisko (lead vocals), Aaron Austin (guitar, background vocals), Michael W. Davis (drums), and William Seymour (bass, background vocals). Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast have shared the bill with artists such as Mavis Staples, Marcus King, Blackberry Smoke, Margo Price, The Avett Brothers, Greta Van Fleet, and Robert Jon & The Wreck. Last fall, the band released “Haunted by You” which was placed at the top of Spotify’s “Blues Ballads” playlist, garnering critical acclaim for its soulful blues and Krisko’s captivating performance. w/ Florencia & The Feeling: Since their conception in April 2021, Florencia & the Feeling has been impressing crowds and getting folks on their feet. With their up-beat funky grooves, heartfelt songwriting, and all-around good vibes, this jazz-laden, pop-funk fusion band with Latin roots has hit the scene running with no plans of slowing down.
Jeremy Short w/ Joel Henry & Friends
“Funner than eating an ice cream cone!” – Millie Gilkerson With an orange mustache, golden voice and cherry red Gibson ES-335, National Touring Act and Appalachian Space Funk artist, Jeremy Short has quickly risen to the top shelf of must-hear players on the scene. Having garnered significant recognition for his masterful, yet seemingly effortless guitar playing “Kentucky’s Jeremy Short is one of the top 30 blues guitar players in the world. Don’t take it from me — take it from the judges at Memphis’s International Blues Challenge, where Short semi-finaled in 2016 and 2017. Short is known for his guitar pyrotechnics and commitment to groove” (No Depression), “Jeremy is one of several slide players that I’d match their skills up against anyone in the world” (Capture Kentucky) “A little bit Marvin Gaye, a little bit Pink Floyd and a little bit Tyler Childers, Jeremy Short’s jam-fueled Appalachian soul music proves that there’s a lot more than country and bluegrass music radiating from the Eastern Kentucky mountains. Short’s epic tales will leave you dancing with jubilation one moment and crying the next. His unique blend of Appalachian soul music is incredibly effective and authentic because Appalachia is such an integral part of his own soul, and always will be.” (Matt Wickstrom) With radio ready hits like “Trance”, “Happy Trees”, and “Rock of Ages”, Short encourages you to forget the stress of life and get lost in his music. “Sometimes, you just gotta dance to get it out. So if you feel like dancing, dance. If you feel like singing along, do it. Do what feels right.” Short has been touring, singing and playing his guitar for nearly 20 years. Having shared the stage with many notable acts (Tyler Childers, Kingfish, Marcus King, Taj Mahal, Rev Peyton’s Big Damn Band), and notched his belt with festivals like Bonnaroo, Floydfest, Mountain Music Festival, Master Musicians Festival, & Healing Appalachia, the future for Short is looking bright.
