Evan Blackerby & The Bandwagon w/ The Ghosts Of Liberty

EVAN BLACKERBY & THE BANDWAGON 

NC FOLK FESTIVAL 2025 “NOT YOUR AVERAGE FOLK CONTEST” WINNER 

Evan Blackerby has something to say. With his rollicking full band, “the Bandwagon,” he has been relentless in working to cultivate his own musical voice and sound – a sound that can only be described as alt-bluesy Americana, folkish-rock-esque singer-songwriter. Over the past few years with his band, he has found a sweet spot where unpolished honesty can still create a groove. The Bandwagon includes Brett Morgan Thompson on guitar, Lelan James Estes on bass, Ralph Butcher on drums and percussion, and Michael Van Patter on keys. 

Blackerby’s debut full-length, full-band album “Hop on the Bandwagon (https://open.spotify.com/album/2Y50b9cUMVdCYLC0DSt0YM?si=Sb57C46IR8OZIZkmp_kgsw)” was released in January 2025 (recorded in Winston-Salem, North Carolina by Doug Williams / Electro Magnetic Recorders and mastered by Grant Livesay / 68 Sound). 

As a part of the Evan Blackerby Trio, he won the North Carolina Folk Festival’s 2025 “Not Your Average Folk Contest” and the Bandwagon performed on the main stage. 

Also in 2025, he performed with the trio as guests on The Martha Bassett Show in Elkin, NC and as a part of the Emerging Artist Series hosted by Greensboro’s Flat Iron. 

After writing songs for decades, in 2022 Blackerby turned forty-one years old and lost his job. Deciding he was tired of waiting around for someone to stumble upon his songs and decide they were good enough, he personally declared himself to be a full-time musician and sought to fill his entire schedule with music. He has since played over 750 shows. 

While Blackerby continues to evolve sonically and as a songwriter, his incessant commitment to bringing people together through music has never shifted. He still has more to say.

Also, THE GHOSTS OF LIBERTY

Americana folk-rock act based in the foothills of North Carolina- The Ghosts of Liberty comprises husband & wife duo Emma Millard (Lead Vocals, Keyboard) and Tyler Millard (Vocals, Guitar). They bring together their combined influences of roots, blues, rock and soul, delivering a truly original package that could only be born of two people living and working under the same roof. Tyler discovered his passion for music while losing his vision to RP, a degenerative retinal disease- and Emma comes from a background in multi-genre vocal performance, beginning with classical training at an early age. Ty’s steady and cool nature balance Em’s gutsy emotionality, and together they are a musical force. They have been playing and writing music together for over a decade, and through many of life’s challenges have maintained a deep and abiding appreciation for how music and love can truly overcome any obstacle. Emma and Tyler currently reside in Oak Ridge North Carolina with their two ambitious toddlers who are eager to join the band as soon as their attention spans will allow.