THURSDAY, JUNE 5

THE SENTIMENTAL GENTLEMEN

+ THE WILD SHOATS

Hailing from the heart of East Nashville’s thriving music scene, THE SENTIMENTAL GENTLEMEN are a powerhouse collective that seamlessly blend deep-rooted traditional bluegrass with fresh, contemporary influences. When they’re not on the road backing the West Virginia songbird, Sierra Ferrell, the band’s members are busy crafting a sound that is as diverse as it is electrifying, drawing on years of professional stage and studio experience.

Characterized by the plaintive sound of fiddles and mountain singing, THE WILD SHOATS call on their collective background of Appalachian old-time fiddling, folk songs, and the high-lonesome to reimagine the songs and sounds of their home.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

PRENDS COURAGE

+ THE FAUX PAWS

Hailing from the heart of Lafayette, Louisiana, PRENDS COURAGE conjures the essence of Cajun music’s past, present, and future. Jamie Lynn Fontenot’s guitar and vocals, Luke Huval’s accordion and angelic vocals, Elise Riley’s drums, Jo Vidrine’s bass, and Kelli Jones’s fiddle and vocals blend in a joyful celebration of life, love, and resilience.

A FAUX PAWS live show is an explosive roller coaster ride that brings the audience along. Virtuosity on the fiddle, mandolin, guitar and saxophone, sure, but also vulnerability, personal lyrics, tight 3-part brother harmonies, playful interplay, intricately arranged details and soaring improvisations.

THURSDAY, JULY 3

MACKENZIE ROARK & THE HOTPANTS

+ RANFORD ALMOND BAND

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MACKENZIE ROARK & THE HOTPANTS are an Americana rock band from Richmond, Virginia, known for energetic and engaging live shows that bridge the gap between Americana charm and rock ‘n’ roll grit.

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.

THURSDAY, JULY 17

HOPE CLAYBURN'S SOUL SCRIMMAGE

+ SHMAZZ

Soul-Jazz-Funk saxophonist and vocalist HOPE CLAYBURN is on a mission to move the people. Her unique and energetic style has allowed her to perform with an eclectic mix of artists around the world, including The Temptations, The Allman Brothers Band, Snarky Puppy and James Brown. She has appeared on notable TV programs such as PBS’s Sun Studio Sessions and Austin City Limits with Grammy nominated artist Valerie June.

Digging into the SHMAZZ song catalog feels like rummaging through the vintage vinyl section at a disorganized record shop. Expect to hear funk, jazz, soul, and R&B mixed with their own unique take on other genres like country, hip hop, etc.

THURSDAY, JULY 31

NEFESH MOUNTAIN

+ THE EMPTY BOTTLE STRING BAND

The New York based Progressive Americana group NEFESH MOUNTAIN has been hailed as one of the formative boundary-pushing ensembles in roots music. The band’s creators and dynamic husband and wife team of Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff have created a world and sound all their own; blurring the lines between Americana, Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz and Blues with a masterful hand as songwriters, instrumentalists and composers alike.

THE EMPTY BOTTLE STRING BAND specializes in playing toe-tapping, highly danceable old-time Appalachian music and are known for their upbeat tunes and feel-good music. Their sound is inventive, while still staying close to the old time string band tradition of the 1930’s.

THURSDAY, AUG. 14

DAN TYMINSKI BAND

+ SARAH KATE MORGAN

Throughout his 30+ year career, DAN TYMINSKI has left his mark in every corner of modern music. His voice famously accompanies George Clooney’s performance of the Stanley Brothers’ classic song, “I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow,” in the film, Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? and his vocal collaboration with Swedish DJ Avicii on the song “Hey Brother” was a global smash, having been streamed more than a billion times to date. His diverse solo projects and years of work with Alison Krauss and Union Station have yielded troves of award-winning music.

Singer and songwriter SARAH KATE MORGAN is widely respected as one of the leading experts of the mountain dulcimer. Her earthy and poetic lyrics embrace the highs and lows of southern Appalachian life while her voice does the same – moving between alto and soprano parts with ease. Her crystal-clear but rootsy vocal style combines the best of country, old time, bluegrass, and gospel influences who, like Morgan, foreground their cultural roots. All of this goes hand in hand to create a musical experience akin to a sonic baptism.

THURSDAY, AUG. 28

NEW DAWN STARKESTRA

+ SAM FRIBUSH ORGAN TRIO

Hailing from rural Southwest, VA, and currently based in the hills of Western, NC, Isaac Hadden is a young, genre-smashing guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader. His cutting-edge playing style and animated stage presence, combined with his passion and talent, have helped him build a supportive fanbase in the United States and abroad. His touring unit, NEW DAWN STARKESTRA (with Rebekah Todd – vocals, Quinn Sternberg – bass & Jeff Sipe – drums) is a heavy-hitting funk-rock quartet that has quickly gained notoriety on the music festival circuit and the east-coast jam-band scene for high-energy performances and tight, dynamic improvisation.

SAM FRIBUSH epitomizes the old soul with a youthful spirit. Having grown up immersed in the sounds of everything from Dr. John to Tommy Jarrell, his musical sensibility has an incredibly intuitive flow, and his touch on the piano has always been beautifully unique.