Flat Iron Crossroads

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
2022-10-21 18:30 - 21:30 UTC
$20.00
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest album from Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band was written by candlelight and then recorded using the best technology available . . . in the 1950s.
But listeners won’t find another album as relevant, electrifying and timely as Dance Songs for Hard Times.
Dance Songs for Hard Times conveys the hopes and fears of pandemic living. Rev. Peyton, the Big Damn Band’s vocalist and world-class fingerstyle guitarist, details bleak financial challenges on the songs “Ways and Means” and “Dirty Hustlin’.” He pines for in-person reunions with loved ones on “No Tellin’ When,” and he pleads for celestial relief on the album-closing “Come Down Angels.”
Far from a depressing listen, Dance Songs lives up to its name by delivering action-packed riffs and rhythms across 11 songs. The country blues trio that won over crowds on more than one Warped Tour knows how to make an audience move.
“I like songs that sound happy but are actually very sad,” Peyton says. “I don’t know why it is, but I just do.”
Of course, the greatest front-porch blues band in the world found itself sidelined from a relentless touring schedule because of the coronavirus pandemic. Peyton says he was surprised when his mind and soul unleashed a batch of new songs in March and April of 2020.
“I think it was the stress of everything,” he says. “At the time, we were watching everything we know crash down. I didn’t know what was going to happen with our career, with our house, with food, with anything.”
Peyton wasn’t alone in uncertainty. It’s a feeling that gripped the world. Added to Peyton’s concerns were a lingering illness — perhaps undiagnosed COVID-19 — affecting “Washboard” Breezy Peyton, his wife and Big Damn Band member, as well as a cancer diagnosis for his father. A metaphorical wallop arrived when unpredictable weather in the rustic wilds of Southern Indiana knocked out power at the Peytons’ 150-year-old log cabin. For multiple days.
While Breezy rested and recovered, Peyton crafted songs in near darkness.
“It’s been a struggle the entire time,” he says. “Nothing’s been easy. Other than the music. The music came easy.”
“Too Cool to Dance” might be interpreted as the album’s centerpiece for its message of not taking things for granted. The seize-the-moment anthem offers the chorus, “We may not get another chance. Oh, please don’t tell me you’re too cool to dance.”
“I was thinking about all the times where I’ve been somewhere and felt too cool to dance,” Peyton says. “I didn’t want to be that way. Not being able to do anything last year, I had this feeling of, ‘Man, I’m not going to waste any moment like this in my life — ever.’ ”
Peyton, the cover subject of Vintage Guitar magazine’s January 2020 issue, showcases his remarkable picking techniques on “Too Cool to Dance.” It’s rare to hear a fingerstyle player attack Chuck Berry-inspired licks with index, middle and ring fingers while devoting his or her thumb to a bass line. Yet the multi-tasking Peyton has made an art of giving the illusion he’s being accompanied by a bass player, despite the Big Damn Band’s roster featuring no one beyond himself, Breezy on washboard and Max Senteney on drums.
“Too Cool to Dance” heats up thanks to Peyton’s 1954 Supro Dual Tone electric guitar. Once known exclusively for playing acoustic guitar in the country-blues tradition of Mississippi icons Charley Patton and Bukka White, Peyton has seemingly migrated north and plugged in with Chicago giants Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters.
“It’s crazy,” Peyton says of “Too Cool to Dance.” “It almost feels like a song from the 1950s that’s been lost. At the end of the day, it still somehow feels like us.”
To document the livewire immediacy of Dance Songs for Hard Times, the Big Damn Band — including a healthy Breezy — made a pandemic road trip to Nashville to record with producer Vance Powell (four-time Grammy Award winner whose resume includes work with Chris Stapleton and Jack White).
Peyton embraced Powell’s suggestion to turn back the clock and record no more than eight tracks of audio to analog tape. Minimal overdubs are heard on Dance Songs for Hard Times, and Peyton sang while playing guitar live in the studio.
“Vance likes the gear that I like,” Peyton says. “And he has a bunch of cool gear I would only have in my wildest dreams.”
Visually, Dance Songs for Hard Times is led by a video to accompany the song “Ways and Means.” Defined by pastel colors and confident dance moves, the video was made at an old-school laundromat to match the song’s Bo Diddley-boasting on a limited budget: “My knife is sharp, my guitar never flat … king of the laundromat.”
As Peyton says, it’s difficult to create blues music that isn’t personal.
“The song ‘Ways and Means’ was written for all those folks who have the moves, the style, the substance, the talent, but maybe not the seed money or the famous last name,” Peyton says. “All those people who had to work extra hard because they didn’t get to start way ahead. Folks who have been playing catch-up since they were born and had to get really good just to make it to zero.”
As 2020 progressed, Peyton’s father was declared free of cancer following surgery. A new Patreon page (http://www.Patreon.com/bigdamnband) helped the band connect with fans and make up some lost wages.
And Big Damn Band supporters around the world checked in monthly for pay-what-you-can livestream performances that originated at the Peytons’ log cabin.
Conditions aren’t ideal when compared to pre-pandemic adventures that allowed the Big Damn Band to play for audiences in nearly 40 countries. But those days will return, and in the meantime we have Dance Songs for Hard Times.
“Despite the hardships of this moment in history, it created this music that I hope will maybe help some people through it,” Peyton says. “Because it helps me through it to play it.”

$20.00
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Weekend Plans - Halloween Party - RESCHEDULED
2022-10-29 18:30 - 21:30 UTC
Unfortunately, the Halloween Party for this year has been canceled. However, the band, Weekend Plans, has been rescheduled to a later date, to be announced later.
Join us for Flat Iron Crossroads’ 2nd annual Halloween party with Weekend Plans. Prizes awarded for best costumes.
Weekend Plans creates an electrifying blend of funk, hip-hop, jazz, and soul that has captivated audiences since 2016. Hailing from Richmond, VA, this eight-piece group has come together to express their love of music, old and new, in a way that adds a brand new flavor to the musical melting pot of their hometown. After releasing their debut album “State of Nine” in 2019 with Elephant Ear Studios, their latest songs illustrate their sonic evolution as they embark on their second album.

The 19th Street Band
2022-11-05 18:30 - 21:30 UTC
$20.00
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The 19th Street Band has entertained crowds at festivals such as, DelFest, Charm City Bluegrass Festival, National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival, The Washington Folk Festival, Iowa Irish Festival, Annapolis Irish Festival and Maryland Irish Festival. The band has been featured as a regular artist at the Open House Festival in Bangor, Northern Ireland and the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in Co. Waterford.
Having performed well over 200 shows a year steadily for the past 8 years, the band has packed the house at venues such as the 9:30 Club, The 8×10, The Hamilton, The Soundry, Jammin’ Java, The Birchmere, State Theatre (DC), The Avalon Theatre, Shepherdstown Opera House, The Black Box in Belfast, and Hill Country BBQ in NYC & DC. They have had the honor of opening for country music stars such as Rodney Atkins, Craig Morgan, and Chuck Mead, as well as for Grammy Award-winning Western Swing icons, Asleep at the Wheel. The 19th Street Band has shared the stage with Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, Larry Keel, Kitchen Dwellers, Town Mountain, I Draw Slow, Spirit Family Reunion, and Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers and have performed in DC for presidential galas.
The band’s newest album, Diamond in the Rough, is currently receiving air play on a hundred different radio stations throughout the UK, including BBC Radio. It was chosen as ‘Album of the Month’ on West Norfolk Radio and has been featured on radio programs in Ireland, Canada, Europe and the US. The band does an annual tour of Ireland where they have performed live on BBC Radio Ulster. Diamond in the Rough has received raving reviews from all the leading music magazines throughout the UK and Ireland, which are available to browse from the band’s webpage (www.19thstreetband.com/reviews) in addition to magazines in Canada and Western Europe. Stateside, the album and the band were chosen as Finalists for the Washington DC Area Music Awards (aka ‘The Wammies’). One track from the album, “Nothing To Do (All Day To Do It)”, was featured in the Jan/Feb 2021 issue of Relix Magazine’s Artist Sampler Playlist.
Diamond in the Rough was self-released in 2020 and includes three songs that were co-written by Philip Donnelly and John Prine. Donnelly invited the band to record these songs with him at a studio in Ireland where he produced the tracks and performed as a guest musician on the album.
The band’s first album, The Things That Matter, also received air play on BBC Radio and multiple
stations throughout Europe & the UK with one track being featured on Relix Magazine’s Artist Sampler in 2018. Reviews are on their web page.
Characterized by high energy and strong vocal harmonies, The 19th Street Band brings together a constellation of Americana, country and rock with a taste of punk. They ignite an audience with their passion for music, their magnetic presence and enthusiasm. The charismatic vibe that Caolaidhe (pronounced “Cally”) Davis (guitar/harmonica/vocalist) blends with fiddle/mandolin/vocalist and partner-in-crime, Meghan Davis, creates a joy-filled chemistry that no crowd can resist. Add to the mix the very talented rhythm section, Greg Hardin (bass/vocals) & Patty Dougherty (drums), and this band will have every crowd enthralled. Bridging the musical traditions of bluegrass and roots from Ireland to the Appalachian, their eclectic gypsy-rock spirit literally leaps from the stage and engages the crowd in the music. Their clever turns of phrase and unexpected syncopation teases the audience into wanting more from every song and set. They are addictive.

$20.00
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The Ron Holloway Band
2022-11-26 18:30 - 21:30 UTC
$25.00
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Ron Holloway is one of the busiest tenor saxophonists on today’s music scene in any genre! Recently, Ron toured extensively with The Warren Haynes Band, in support of two critically acclaimed releases on the Stax Records label. Holloway is a frequent guest of Gov’t Mule, Tedeschi Trucks Band and The Allman Brothers Band. Over the years, he has been a member of an eclectic roster of groups, including; The Warren Haynes Band, the Susan Tedeschi Band, the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet, Gil Scott-Heron and Root Boy Slim.
The Ron Holloway Band is a 6-piece saxy, funk machine out of Washington DC. Combining sax driven jams along with soaring female vocals, intensely emotive guitar, and hard hitting grooves to deliver a full on funk, rocking show. Pulling from influences such as Sly & the Family Stone, Parliament Funkadelic, and other funk masters, RHB provides a blend of rock, funk, soul, and r&b grooves to hit you with a high-energy sound and presence. A relatively young band, this group has quickly made waves on the festival scene, having the pleasure of being joined on stage by greats such as Warren Haynes, Jack Pearson, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, as well as members of Gov’t Mule and Tedeschi Trucks Band.

$25.00
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Harvey Dalton Arnold Band
2022-12-03 18:30 - 21:30 UTC
$18.00
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Harvey Dalton Arnold is known by most music fans as a previous member of The Outlaws. He is featured on several releases, such as Hurry Sundown, of which he has songwriting credit as well as being featured vocally on other studio and live releases from 1976-1980.
The other side of Harvey, is his love of the Blues and traditional music of the South. Born in Rose Hill, NC he was surrounded by Piedmont and Down East style music from local, as well as traveling musicians. Equally adept at guitar as he is on Bass, Harvey can effortlessly shift style from Blues to Gospel to Southern Rock.
The Harvey Dalton Arnold Band showcases Harvey’s talent on vocals and guitar, along with members Greg Germino on guitar, Darrell Young on Bass and Tim Carey on Drums. Each member having decades of experience in local and regional bands. The core of this band has been playing since 2010, and the newly reformed HDA Band is geared toward the rocking side of Blues and crowd pleasing performances.
The band is touring to promote Harvey’s latest release “Stories to Live Up To” . Be sure to catch them and be prepared for
evening of great music.

$18.00
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Blues-a-Palooza
2022-12-17 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
$30.00 – $55.00
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Kick off the winter season with the 2022 Holiday Blues-A-Palooza! Featuring The Nighthawks, Moonshine Society, Bobby BlackHat, and The Honey Larks.
The Nighthawks celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year with their latest release, “Established 1972”. On this landmark anniversary, founder, lead singer, and harpmaster, Mark Wenner, is still at the helm, while drummer Mark Stutso, guitarist Dan Hovey and bassist Paul Pisciotta all share vocals and songwriting, making this lineup on the strongest ever. Decades of gigs and countless rabid fans have earned them the name “The Best Bar Band In The World.” More than a bar band or blues band, as they’re frequently labeled, this is a band that played with Carl Perkins in addition to Muddy Waters.
You can call their music blues, soul, roots music…or, as Sonny Boy Williamson said: “You can call it your Mama if you want to.” With a sound that spans all genres while still somehow sounding like a Chicago blues band is so many respects, the Nighthawks have remained one of the top-rated bands in the U.S. and beyond.

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“Moonshine Society- [An] act known to eat headliners alive…Jenny Langer is the kind of cultured blues shouter you could watch all night.” – Classic Rock Magazine. “One of the fieriest rhythm & blues bands on the current scene.”- Echoes Magazine (UK). Moonshine Society is the offspring of three Berklee alumni delivering a searing blend of soulful roots music. Johnny Winter, Gov’t Mule, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Tower of Power, John Mayer, Jason Ricci and Ron Holloway count among the legends the band members have accompanied/opened for. Winners of the 2020 International Blues Challenge (IBC)- Best Album, double Wammie Award winners, and fronted by Blues Hall of Fame artist Jenny Langer.

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Bobby BlackHat, Virginia’s Blues Ambassador, award winning recording artist, harmonica player, vocalist, songwriter, comedian, producer has been playing harmonica for over 46 years.
He has opened for music legends: B.B King, Taj Mahal, Delbert McClinton, Patty Labelle, Ramsey Lewis, and Maze. BlackHat is also a judge for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Bobby BlackHat blends the influences of Chicago, Memphis, Piedmont, and Delta style blues along with a little Gospel into a Toe Tappin’, Finger Poppin’, Hip Shakin’ Blues experience. You Never Know What’s Gonna Happen at a Bobby BlackHat Show!

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Meet The Honey Larks. Roots music with fabulous vocal harmonies and uncensored girl chat between tunes.
In 2020, despite the lock down that took away so many live concert experiences, three best friends came together to share their love of blues music. What was intended to be a fun, one- off show turned into a female super-group with immediate fans requesting more performances.
Shows are designed to be a safe space for all music lovers, celebrate blues history, and inspire viewers. Featuring Carly Harvey (DC’s Queen of the Blues), Jenny Langer (Blues Hall of Fame), and Holly Montgomery (Blue Elan Records).

$30.00 – $55.00
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Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos
2022-12-31 21:00 - 2023-01-01 00:00 UTC
$75.00 – $130.00
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Come celebrate the New Year with one of the best bands in the area! Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos will rock us into 2023 at Flat Iron Crossroads. Tickets include music, dancing, heavy hor d’oeuvres and champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are limited, so purchase yours today.
The Billboard and iTunes Chart toping Blues Rocker Anthony Rosano has drawn comparisons to a wide variety of Artists. From SRV and Rory Gallagher to Led Zeppelin and Bruce Springsteen, with a fiery live show and songwriting depth that is refreshing to fans of American Blues Rock.
Rosano’s 2017 self released record “Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos” debuted at #9 on Billboard and made #1 on the iTunes blues chart, dethroning The Rolling Stones. The record was produced by Mike Zito and featured guest performances by Zito, Anders Osborne, and Johnny Sansone. Extensive touring and live shows followed, culminating in 2019 With Rosano and his “Conqueroos” joining the legendary Bob Seger for a string of opening shows across the eastern United States and Canada.
“I want to be an on ramp to the Blues.” Drawing from his influences Rosano mixes traditional Blues and Roots elements with a modern Rock delivery. “You see all sorts of music fans at the shows, from Blues Aficionados to long hairs with Metallica T-shirts. If I can get that dude in a Metallica shirt to listen to Muddy Waters, I feel like I am working off a debt to the genre.” This Diversity in appeal has led to slots at LOCKN, Western Maryland Blues Fest, and Madison Square Garden. Opening for artists like Samantha Fish and Tab Benoit to Bob Seger , ZZ Top, and Gov’t Mule.
During the 2020 lockdown Anthony continued to live stream acoustic shows to his fans through Facebook. “I did it at first just to stay sane, performing live is something I NEED to do… It’s part of my makeup. I hoped it would help others get some sort of comfort and forget about what was going on for a little bit.” The streams were a success and one of the new songs “Isolation Blues” ended up being used by NPR for “Voice of America”. Other songs followed and along with a new trio, an EP is in the works for 2021. “I’m really digging the Power Trio format” says Rosano, “These guys are great to play with and the live shows have been straight FIRE!”

$75.00 – $130.00
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Buffalo Rose
2023-02-11 19:30 - 21:30 UTC
$18.00
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Buffalo Rose is a wildly charismatic six-piece modern folk/Americana band from Pittsburgh, PA. They take the singer-songwriter tradition to a new level by crafting original songs which are emotive, meticulously arranged, and inspired by a world of idiosyncratic influences that never let a dull or predictable moment creep in.
The band released their debut album, The Soil and the Seed, in 2018 and established themselves as a vocal, instrumental, and creative force. Since then, Buffalo Rose has dropped two EPs, 2019’s Big Stampede and 2020’s Borrowed and Blue, opened for the Wood Brothers, Mipso, Pokey LaFarge, Tyler Childers, Infamous Stringdusters, and shared a festival stage with the legendary Sam Bush. The band’s upward trajectory continues into 2022 with their latest EP Rabbit, created in collaboration with Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Tom Paxton, followed by a new full-length LP scheduled for release later in the year.
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Buffalo Rose’s lineup of Lucy Clabby (vocals), Margot Jezerc (vocals), Bryce Rabideau (mandolin), Malcolm Inglis (dobro), Jason Rafalak (upright bass), and Shane McLaughlin (guitar, vocals) pushes itself and each other far beyond their perceived limits and blends their diverse and atypical approach to songwriting with the desire to see how unique a song can get and still feel like home. They use powerful vocal harmonies, strong playing, and an original vision to operate at every possible emotional level and put on dynamic live shows that are unforgettable experiences. They go from up and moving to sad and sweet and back again, bringing the entire audience along.
This combination of artistry and enthusiasm makes Buffalo Rose one of the most vital and important groups working today. Rather than play the folk music of the past, the band gleefully combines genres and ideas together to move acoustic music forward to a new, contemporary place without ever losing sight of its roots. Fans of Lake Street Dive, Nickel Creek, and Punch Brothers will find much to like in this crew. Anyone seeking compelling new acoustic music needs to join Buffalo Rose in the future right now.

$18.00
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Corey Arceneaux & the Zydeco Hot Peppers
2023-02-25 18:30 - 21:30 UTC
$15.00
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Corey Arceneaux is a Louisiana born and bred zydeco accordionist and band leader. He learned the accordion at a young age and formed his first band while still in high school. His great-uncles, musicians Rodney Bernard and the legendary Fernest Arceneaux, were his inspirations. As he found his style, Clifton Chenier and Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural, Jr. became his favorites, and Buckwheat also became a mentor and friend.
Corey and the Zydeco Hot Peppers performed internationally and domestically – wowing dignitaries and crowds at special events, festivals, clubs and Mardi Gras balls through the years. They also recorded five studio albums. Simultaneously, Corey has been a radio DJ for about 30 years, which has allowed him to promote Zydeco and the Creole culture of Southwest Louisiana to a larger audience. Currently, he hosts “Hot Sauce Saturday” on KFXZ/Z105.9 FM/www.z1059.com on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central time.
After moving to Virginia, Corey connected with area musicians with experience in and a passion for Zydeco music. They jammed, and everything came together like a pot of gumbo. The talented Zydeco Hot Peppers are Ben Holmes (drummer), Doug Bell (guitar), Gene Monroe (bass) and Pat Clark (scubboard/frottoir).
Ben Holmes started playing Zydeco in the 1980s. He’s toured and recorded with Al Rapone and the Zydeco Express and the Grammy-winning Queen Ida and the Bon Temps Zydeco band. He’s taken Zydeco on the road from Australia to Africa. Ben plays various genres, but he has a genuine love for Louisiana music styles.Since 1995, Ben has played with DC favorites, such as The Hula Monsters, King Soul, Zydeco Crayz, Savoir Faire Cajun Band, The Canecutters, Canebrake Cajun Band and The Longtimers.
Doug Bell is a veteran musician in the DC area and has performed across the eastern U.S. for nearly 25 years. He has played in bands such as Zydeco Crayz, The Louisiana Sugar Kings, Charlie Sayles and Union Mission Blues, Savoir Faire Cajun Band and Canebreak Cajun Band. His passion is for authentic southern American roots music, especially the dance styles of south Louisiana.
Gene Monroe comes from a musical family and has been a working bassist for the past 30 years. He has performed with artists such as Billy Thompson, King Soul, The Grandsons, Skyla Burrell, Daryl Davis, Shrimp City Slim, Little Bit A’ Blues, Mike Westcott, J.B. Beverley, Deane Kern and Hard Swimming Fish, to name just a few. He has played well-known clubs and festivals both in the DC region and up and down the Atlantic Coast, Memphis, Chicago, San Diego and Japan.
Pat Clark is a professional drummer, guitarist, and private music teacher from Silver Spring, Maryland. As a kid, he went to New Orleans, Louisiana every year for Jazz Fest so Zydeco is in his bones. Pat has been influenced from artists such as Taylor Swift, Dashboard Confessional, Stanton Moore and Los Lobos.

$15.00
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Low Water Bridge Band
2023-03-11 18:30 UTC
$20.00
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There’s a sound the Shenandoah River makes as it rumbles over old stones in the shallows. It sings songs the way they used to be – plain and honest. No frills, buckle that belt before you head to the hills and hollers. It’s there under a Virginia moon that you’ll find the Low Water Bridge Band.
Forged by firelight picking, the band’s romping, stomping, country-grass Americana ain’t for the faint of heart. Since their founding in 2020, they’ve gone from barnstorming the Shenandoah Valley to festival stages along the East Coast. Venues from the Carolinas to Kentucky and, yes, Nashville, Tennessee ring with their sound and are asking for more.
They’re led by guitarist and lead singer Logan Moore’s searing melodies. The precision thump of brothers Alex and Riley Kerns’ bass and drums and their pitch-perfect vocal harmonies fill out the sound. Justin Carver’s pedal steel and banjo swirl through songs like smoke from the campfire. And it’s all brought together with the crunch and crackle of James “Chainsaw” Montgomery’s electric guitar riffs.
From the first time you see them, your boots will be worn from kicking up dust. By the time a second chorus comes around you’ll be hooting and hollering their memorable originals alongside their die-hard fans. You’ll join a crowd who travels far and wide, bringing the party to your town. If you’re a fan of good music done right, be sure to keep a lookout for this fast-rising outfit from Clarke County, Virginia. Chances are, they’ll be blowing through your way one of these days soon.
You can check out the latest Low Water Bridge Band news, information, and merchandise at www.lwbbmusic.com. And give them a like and follow on Facebook, Instagram, Tinder, and Tik-Tok. Their music is also available everywhere you stream or download your favorite music.

$20.00
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St. Patrick’s Day Party with Poisoned Dwarf
2023-03-17 19:00 - 21:30 UTC
Unfortunately, at this time tickets have been sold out for this event.

Poisoned Dwarf is a Celtic music group that plays virtuosic, innovative and passionate renditions of traditional Irish and Scottish music on acoustic instruments. Five talented musicians create a driving sonic energy that has been captivating audiences for over a decade with whistles, flutes, violin, guitar, percussion, and Uilleann pipes together with exciting and lyrical vocals. Poisoned Dwarf performs at a wide variety of musical venues from highland festivals to theaters, from churches to sophisticated listening venues throughout the East Coast, to the occasional pub just for fun.
Thomas DeRose
Thomas DeRose has been playing Irish flute for about 20 years. Tom’s music career began at the age of ten when he joined the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corp as a fifer. He learned to love music from the British Isles at the Corp and in 1998, he tried his hand at the Irish flute. He quickly found out that even though the fingering was the same as the fife’s, the breathing was different. So he launched into a self-guided search for technique. His love of the instrument lead him to listen and learn from the best. The Chieftains, Dervish, Lunasa, The Bothy Band, Conal O’Grada, Nomos, Boys of the Lough, Matt Malloy, Kevin Crawford, Cathal McConnell were his inspiration and mentors. In 2002, Thomas decided to start a Celtic Band with banjo player Eric Hunter. Soon, Stewart Pittman joined them on pipes and whistles, Poisoned Dwarf was born. Personnel has developed and changed through the years but the band carries on and continues to play traditional Celtic music in a fun and engaging way.
Mei-Li Garcia
Mei-Li was born in Sevilla, Spain to a musical family and began playing Suzuki violin at age 3. Her earliest musical experiences included singing and dancing flamenco with her talented musical family and running around Europe with the other band children as her father’s rock band, Smash, went on tour. She began studying violin formally with theSuzuki method at age 3, and as an older child, studied violin and voice at the Conservatory of Seville, Spain eventually going on to Major in Music at the Mason Cross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and the College of William and Mary from which she holds a double Bachelor of Arts in Music and History.
Wayne Hill
Wayne Hill has had the good fortune to enjoy a lifetime of music making with family and friends. Along the way his love for chamber music led to a decades long passion for folk music in general and Traditional Irish Music in particular.
A stroke of luck had him cross paths in early 2005 with a few colleagues at Colonial Williamsburg and their band, Poisoned Dwarf. Thomas, Stewart, Lance, Eric, and Cassie were all helpful and patient (!) with his continuing development as a folk musician, all of whom remain lifelong friends. That trend continues aboard Admiral DeRose’s ship with Patrick and Mei-Li.
Wayne is always 100% “in” regardless of the project: teaching for the Williamsburg Montessori School, performing, recording, composing, or for his music related work since 1992 for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (including winning two Emmys).
Inspired by the fiddling of Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Tommy Peoples, the piping of Willie Clancy, and the Irish Flute playing of Matt Molloy, Wayne’s personal quest to develop as a traditional fiddler continues while also enjoying the pleasure of music making with PD’s members and their listeners.
Lance Pedigo
Lance Pedigo got his start in his musical life as a young drummer in the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums. After graduating from the program, he continued his musical studies at James Madison University graduating with a major in Music, percussion. After some years in New York performing in broadway and jazz venues, Lance returned to Williamsburg, VA and took over leadership of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums Corps for 25 years and manager of the Music Department at Colonial Williamsburg. Lance is a truly versatile musician performing throughout the country as a percussionist with a rock band, London, a Klezmer band, Bagels and Fralox, and various jazz and Baroque musical ensembles. Lance is a founding member of Poisoned Dwarf breathing life and energy into old tunes with his masterful bodhran playing.
Patrick Rooney
Despite being a native of upstate New York, Patrick found his musical oasis in Williamsburg, VA. Prior to his introduction to the tidewater area he worked as an actor in regional theaters and also worked in film/tv production out of NYC. His musical life began early in church choirs, but was truly sparked when he was introduced to the electric bass at 14. Rock n roll was his language until opportunity called him down to Virginia. Within a short time, he was introduced to Poisoned Dwarf and he hasn’t looked back. With fire in his belly and melody in his heart, Patrick provides a raw, driving energy on the guitar and mandolin.
Stewart Pittman
Born in Williamsburg and joined the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums in 1990 as a snare drummer. During his time as a juvenile performer he played for notable individuals such as Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in 1993 and for the arrival and visit of Jiang Zemin, the Premier of China, in 1997. After his tenure as a performer with the Fifes and Drums, Stewart worked for nearly eight years as a military history interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg’s Public Magazine while attending nearby Christopher Newport University. In the summer of 2006, Stewart was hired as drum instructor for the Fifes and Drums and as an event coordinator for the department of Historic Area Events. Stewart comes from a family of bagpipers, and he is a master at all manner of bagpipes and Celtic wind instruments. He can usually be found surrounded by tin whistles, low whistles and his particular favorite, the Uilleann pipes. He is one of the founding members of Poisoned Dwarf and is a sought after performer on the bagpipes and whistles with various Virginia Celtic ensembles.

Clayton Williams and Garifuna Drummers
2023-03-25 18:30 UTC
$22.00
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Musician, singer, songwriter, percussionist and guitarist, Clayton Williams is the new voice of Garifuna Music, and the youngest Parandero. As a member of the Millennial Generation, he represents the present and future of Garifuna Music. His goal is to preserve the Garifuna culture’s unique language and extraordinary sound, while moving Garifuna Music forward. The Garifuna are an ethnic group of mixed ancestry–descendants of Carib, Arawak and African people living along the Caribbean Coast in Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Clayton’s debut album “GarifunaNuguya” (I am Garifuna), took top honors for Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best New Artist, and Best Music Video at the 2016 Garifuna Music Awards in New York City. Clayton was born in the Garifuna village of Hopkins, Belize.

$22.00
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Weekend Plans Free Concert
2023-04-15 18:30 UTC
Free!
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Weekend Plans creates an electrifying blend of funk, hip-hop, jazz, and soul that captivates any arena. Hailing from Richmond, VA, this eight-piece group has come together to express their love of music, old and new, in a way that adds a brand-new flavor to the musical melting pot of their hometown. After releasing their debut album, “State of Nine”, in 2019 with Elephant Ear Studios, their latest songs illustrate their sonic evolution as they embark on their second album.

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LadyCouch
2023-04-21 18:30 UTC
$22.00
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A southern-rock jam band fronted by Thompson and co-founder Keshia Bailey, LadyCouch brings together a lineup of songwriters, horn players, harmony singers, and first-rate instrumentalists. The result is a larger-than-life sound inspired by the revue bands of the 1970s, bringing a contemporary approach to the timeless influence of Delaney & Bonnie, Little Feat, and Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen. Funky and fiercely loyal, LadyCouch’s members are a community unto themselves, writing optimistic songs about the struggles and triumphs that connect us all.

$22.00
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Caleb Dillard
2023-04-29 18:30 UTC
$10.00
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Caleb Dillard grew up on a healthy dose of Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson and those alike, with inspiration from Billy Strings, Tyler Childers, and Zach Bryan. Caleb currently plays all over the country sharing his music and top originals including “Run Away”, “Son of an Angel”, “Bullet Proof & Ten Feet Tall” and many more. His intricate guitar playing and old soul voice give him a sound like no other. Come hear the music & join us as he prepares to release his first single on Spotify & Apple Music!

$10.00
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Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos FEATURING Ron Holloway
2023-05-05 18:30 UTC
$15.00
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Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos, featuring special guest Ron Holloway for Cinco de Mayo!
“Rosano is a top notch triple threat; guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter”
– Paul Shugrue, WHRV Out of the Box
The Billboard and iTunes Chart toping Blues Rocker Anthony Rosano has drawn comparisons to a wide variety of Artists. From SRV and Rory Gallagher to Led Zeppelin and Bruce Springsteen, with a fiery live show and songwriting depth that is refreshing to fans of American Blues Rock.
Rosano’s 2017 self released record “Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos” debuted at #9 on Billboard and made #1 on the iTunes blues chart, dethroning The Rolling Stones. The record was produced by Mike Zito and featured guest performances by Zito, Anders Osborne, and Johnny Sansone. Extensive touring and live shows followed, culminating in 2019 With Rosano and his “Conqueroos” joining the legendary Bob Seger for a string of opening shows across the eastern United States and Canada.
“ I want to be an on ramp to the Blues.” Drawing from his influences Rosano mixes traditional Blues and Roots elements with a modern Rock delivery. “You see all sorts of music fans at the shows, from Blues Aficionados to long hairs with Metallica T-shirts. If I can get that dude in a Metallica shirt to listen to Muddy Waters, I feel like I am working off a debt to the genre.” This Diversity in appeal has led to slots at LOCKN, Western Maryland Blues Fest, and Madison Square Garden. Opening for artists like Samantha Fish and Tab Benoit to Bob Seger , ZZ Top, and Gov’t Mule.
During the 2020 lockdown Anthony continued to live stream acoustic shows to his fans through Facebook. “I did it at first just to stay sane, performing live is something I NEED to do… It’s part of my makeup. I hoped it would help others get some sort of comfort and forget about what was going on for a little bit.” The streams were a success and one of the new songs “Isolation Blues” ended up being used by NPR for “Voice of America”. Other songs followed and along with a new trio, an EP is in the works for 2021. “I’m really digging the Power Trio format” says Rosano, “These guys are great to play with and the live shows have been straight FIRE!” Anthony is looking forward to taking the Trio on the road with select festivals booked for 2021 and more on the horizon.

$15.00
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JD Simo
2023-05-13 18:30 UTC
$22.00
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JD Simo’s talent has no boundaries. His love of music is just that – a love of ALL music – and he has mastered every genre he’s explored. His remarkable talent and versatility has led to recording sessions with artists including Beyoncé, Dolly Parton, Tommy Emmanuel, Jack White, Joe Bonamassa, The War and Treaty, Chris Isaak and Stevie Nicks. He’s also been blessed to share the stage with folks like the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and collaborate with BlackBerry Smoke, Luther Dickinson and Anson Funderburgh. As a further testament to the depth of his talent, the world of film came calling when JD was chosen to flesh out and perform every single guitar note on the soundtrack to Baz Lurhman’s film “Elvis”.
Like many artists and creators during the COVID shutdown, JD found a liberating outlet through social media, releasing a relentless treasure of exploratory jams from “The House of Grease”. With each installment he reached a growing audience of roots music fans as well as guitar gearheads wanting the latest on that JD Simo rig rundown. While this tour will feature songs from his recently released album, Songs From the House of Grease, fans will also be rewarded as Simo digs deep into the inspiration he has found in everything from Afrobeat to Maxwell Street era Chicago Blues, from soulful funk jams to psyched out jazz-rock. Come early, stay late…the show will show will be presented in two sets.

$22.00
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Fireside Collective
2023-05-27 18:30 UTC
$25.00
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A quintet who cheerfully disregard every kind of one-dimensional label that might be attached to their music, Fireside Collective has been on a roll since emerging from the fertile roots music scene of Asheville, North Carolina. In quick order, the progressive bluegrass group released its debut album, won the 2016 Band Contest at MerleFest, earned an International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Band of the Year nomination and embarked on an ambitious touring schedule that’s earned an enthusiastic reception from traditional bluegrass to wide-ranging, eclectic music festival audiences alike.
​Blending the characteristic interplay of bluegrass instrumentation and harmonies with strong original material and exuberant energy, Fireside Collective has drawn on folk, blues, funk and a wide variety of bluegrass sounds to create a distinctive body of work that’s all their own.
Each member—Joe Cicero (guitar); Alex Genova (banjo); Jesse Iaquinto (mandolin); Tommy Maher (resonator guitar) and Carson White (upright bass)— brings a strong, original voice to his instrument, and the unique contributions of different lead and harmony vocalists complement the variety in the group’s many original songs. “Depending on where you come from and your experience with folk music, you may think we’re very traditional, or on the other hand, consider us a progressive act,” says Iaquinto. “We appreciate both ends of the spectrum and may lie on a different end on any given night.” But whether they’re bringing the classic sound of bluegrass or exploring new musical territory, Fireside Collective delivers a fresh, energetic approach and a blast of enthusiastic creativity that’s electrifying audiences across the country.

$25.00
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Urban Soil
2023-06-03 18:30 UTC
$20.00
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Hailing from North Carolina, Urban Soil weaves Americana, rock and soul into their explosive live shows and polished recordings. Their studio albums reflect the uncompromising energy that Urban Soil consistently delivers live and are a stimulating representation of the band’s skillful-yet–visceral sound. Urban Soil has the unique ability of capturing the energy of their live shows and translating it to their studio recordings, resulting in an electrifying experience with every listen.
Influenced by early roots elements, Urban Soil uniquely fuses those sounds with a fresh take, delivering a blend of raw, nostalgic sounds with a modern and glistening slant.
Sarah Reinke fronts the band on vocals, guitar and percussion including an occasional electrified washboard. Guitarist and vocalist, Eric Chesson, delivers forceful and driving components with every lick, and offers steadfast vocals. Greg Meckley’s skillful violin, vocals and percussion playing blends tight layers and bright sounds that solidify the band smoothly against driving guitars. Holding down the rhythm section, Jonathan Wilson and Leo Kishore provide a concrete foundation on drums and bass respectively.

$20.00
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The Boneshakers
2023-06-09 18:30 UTC
$20.00
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In partnership with the Gloucester Arts Festival and The Cook Foundation, Flat Iron presents The Boneshakers!
No holds barred funk, blues, and rock that marries the sounds and spirits of Detroit Rock City, Memphis, and Muscle Shoals. In the remarkable 25 years of The Boneshakers, the iconic band has always been led by celebrity guitarist Randy Jacobs of Was (Not Was). The band and members have toured and recorded with Bonnie Raitt, BB King, Keb Mo, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Bootsy Collins, Tears 4 Fears, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Gov’t Mule, and Iggy Pop…just to name a few.
The Boneshakers have built a substantial following among blues, jazz, and funk audiences with their powerhouse style. In 2022, their album One Foot In The Groove hit #1 on UK Blues charts and #1 on US Soul Blues charts. Featuring Jenny Langer, a powerhouse singer inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame (NYC and VA) at the age of 28 who won the 2020 Int’l Blues Challenge for Best Self-Produced Album.

$20.00
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The English Channel
2023-06-17 18:30 UTC
$20.00
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The English Channel performs the extraordinary British hits of the mid 1960’s and 1970’s…classic rock, pop & prog from The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, The Who, Herman’s Hermits, The Zombies, the Moody Blues, ELO, Petula Clark, Yes, The Kinks, Lulu, Queen, ELP, the Dave Clark Five, Deep Purple & many, many others.
Each song The English Channel performs is faithfully recreated to sound just like the original recording and just like you remember it. You’ll hear a tight rhythm section, lush harmonies, shreddin’ guitars, rich orchestration and some songs you NEVER thought you’d hear a band play live! Their songlist is constantly evolving and is filled with familiar fan favorites as well as deep album cuts.
Since 2001, The English Channel has entertained capacity crowds across the mid-Atlantic states and beyond, headlining concerts, performing arts centers, festivals and music venues of all sizes.
The music The English Channel plays has clearly stood the test of time. People of all ages and backgrounds – from millennials to baby boomers – know and love these songs! The members of The English Channel perform with energy and joy which audiences find contagious. You’ll find yourself singing along with them the entire night!
Tune in to The English Channel…they’ll take you back to where you once belonged.

$20.00
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Harvey Dalton Arnold Band
2023-06-24 18:30 UTC
$18.00
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Harvey Dalton Arnold is known by most music fans as a previous member of The Outlaws. He is featured on several releases, such as Hurry Sundown, of which he has songwriting credit as well as being featured vocally on other studio and live releases from 1976-1980.
The other side of Harvey is his love of the Blues and traditional music of the South.

$18.00
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The Deloreans
2023-07-08 18:00 UTC
$25.00
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The Deloreans are a seasoned showband comprised of 6 distinct vocalists that cover the most memorable artists and nostalgic songs of the ‘80s. Each band member is featured throughout the show, making this band’s most notable attribute its unmatched variety. The Deloreans is known for their dynamic ‘80s costumes, unstoppable energy, and their ability to bring down the house EVERY time.
From small intimate weddings to city events drawing tens of thousands, the Deloreans have performed all over the East Coast since 2007. With a playlist of songs topping 10 hours, the Deloreans can tailor their show to a variety of settings and meet the needs of any crowd. No matter the size or venue, the Deloreans always leaves the crowd chanting, “one more song!”
The Deloreans’ members are professional, seasoned performers. Collectively, they have performed in over 6 countries, for several heads of state, and for three sitting US Presidents. With over 2,000 shows under their belt, their talent is finely tuned and their show is time-proven.
The Deloreans carries its own state-of-the-art sound and lighting production and also travels with its own professional sound and lighting engineers. The band also coordinates all of the details for each event with the venue and event contacts.
Get ready for the time of your life!

$25.00
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Good Shot Judy
2023-07-15 18:30 UTC
$20.00
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THE SWING AND THE SWAGGER…
It’s hard to nail an exact moment when Good Shot Judy came to life.
It could have been when brothers Brett and Jeff Cahoon stepped away from the success they’d achieved with their punk band Ten Years from Now and chose instead to see what they could do with the old-time jazz standards they’d admired for so long. The brothers Cahoon formed a small combo, and – wouldn’t you know it? – plenty of others felt the same groove.
Or maybe it was when an inside joke made a name for itself. Their mother, Judy Cahoon, is an avid golfer, and just as common as pars and birdies were three words of encouragement shouted by a supportive friend, who pumped a fist and hollered across the fairway every time she took a swing: “Good shot, Judy!” It became a funny family warble among the Cahoons – and as it turns out, a solid band name, too.
Or perhaps that moment of creation arrived when Good Shot Judy freed their potential energy. Keen to give the classic melodies the respect and attention – as well as the power – that it deserved, the Cahoons filled out Good Shot Judy with a full complement of horns, percussion and vocals. And magic happened: an ensemble that was bigger than the sum of its parts.
In a sense, Good Shot Judy was already in the stars long ago, during those formative decades from the 1930s on, when small jazz combos, big brass bands and the crooners who sang on top of them were forging an enduring style and repertoire that would be written into the DNA of American music.
But really, all these had a hand in making Good Shot Judy what is today: a big amp jazz band that sets stages aflame nationwide.
Audiences may never consider that the Good Shot Judy show they’re seeing has been an evolution. They’re too captivated by the sound and spectacle of music that reaches through the time. They’re too caught up in performance that has one foot dancing in the past and one in the here and now.
A Good Shot Judy show offers all those tunes you know just from growing up an American – songs you can at least hum along to, if you don’t outright know most of the words. But the music itself is only part of the band’s allure; there’s something electric in the execution, and it’s that vigor that carries the day as much as the pull of recognition.
So, yeah, there’s a history. And it’s a big one. Bigger than any one person. Bigger than any one band, for that matter. But Good Shot Judy is as close as it comes to an intersection between an era’s defining sound and the pleasure of enjoying it the way it was meant to be heard.
LET’S SWING IT, BABY…

$20.00
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Isaac Hadden Project
2023-07-22 18:30 - 21:30 UTC
$20.00
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Isaac Hadden Project is a heavy-hitting improvisational funk-rock quintet hailing from the mountains of Southwest VA. Led by young up-and-coming guitarist Isaac Hadden, the band features some of the region’s hottest players including Jake Dempsey (Bass), Foster Burton (Rhythm Guitar/Vox), Paul Tressel (Keys), and Matt Leonard (Drums). Known for genre-hopping and off-the-cuff inventiveness, the band combines fresh, grooving original material with unique cover tunes, tying it all together with tight, dynamic improvisation. Their musicianship, passion, and energy have gained them attention on the festival circuit and earned them the opportunity to support and perform with legendary musicians. With every performance, Isaac Hadden Project strives to transform the audience into a tight-knit community and routinely leaves listeners clamoring for more.

$20.00
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RapJack and Wolph
2023-07-29 18:00 UTC
$20.00
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RapJack is a collaboration of musicians from in and around Williamsburg, VA. The band gravitates towards Grateful Dead heavy jam music that makes people dance! With extremely “high” energy, the band puts their spin on familiar songs as well as original tunes. We dare you to try and stay seated when the band gets ramped up!!!
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Wolph is made up by 4 musicians. Joshua Wright 16 (guitar, vocals) and Dylan Stickle 16(guitar, vocals) the boys put the band together when they found Jacob Spence 29(bass) and Sam Navarre 35 (drums, vocals). They all have a love for the Grateful Dead and love playing together.
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$20.00
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SPANK
2023-08-05 18:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York)
$20.00
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SPANK is the product of 150 years of collective experience at performing live rock, rhythm, and blues. Veteran performers Mike Edwards and Robert Turner (Mike Edwards and The Banned) have toured and played together since the Dead Sea was sick. Hailing from the Triangle region of North Carolina, Mike Edwards and The Banned was known in the 90’s as “the east coast’s favorite cover band”, playing in a seven-state region and nailing high-production works by the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Steely Dan, etc. Bassist George Johnson (Badly Bent Blues Band, Red Mountain T, Rockfish) has performed with Mike in rock bands and acoustic duos since the 70’s. Drummer and outstanding vocalist Allen Diffie (Fathers and Sons, Corky Jones Band, String Theory) brings gobs of talent and experience (and a very infectious laugh) to the table. This core has united with Marie Grimsley, a Fayetteville area singer with unparalleled strength and range, to produce SPANK, a band that is big on variety and big on FUN! Marie has been wowing the Sandhills area for over two decades (Joyner, Young, and Marie, Seal the Deal, Beautiful Dangerous) with stellar vocal performances on classic and current rock and soul hits, from Arethra to Zeppelin. Check out SPANK and find out why Old School is still the best school!

$20.00
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Sol Roots and Bobby Blackhat
2023-08-12 18:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York)
$20.00
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The Sol Roots Band performs a mix of New Orleans influenced funk, deep blues, energetic rock, greasy soul, and hypnotic rhythms. Sol is a fierce guitarist and soulful vocalist who has toured around the world with many musical legends.
The Sol Roots Band has shared the stage with acts such as Jon Cleary, Cory Henry, Soulive, Victor Wainwright, The Wood Brothers, Sonny Landreth, Roosevelt Collier, Eric Lindell, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Shemekia Copeland, New Orleans Suspects, Jackie Greene and many more.
Paying homage to the greats, and with a love of Universal Music as the guiding light, Sol steps out on a path with his own unique, powerful voice and a talented band of musicians.
Sol Roots is an official Home-Grown Music Network artist and a “Next Generation” Music Maker Foundation artist.
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Bobby BlackHat, Virginia’s Blues Ambassador, award winning recording artist, harmonica player, vocalist, songwriter, comedian, producer has been playing harmonica for over 46 years. Bobby is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander with 27 years of distinguished service which included serving as Military Aide to the President and being awarded the Coast Guard Medal for Heroism.
He has opened for music legends: B.B King, Taj Mahal, Delbert McClinton, Patti Labelle, Ramsey Lewis, and Maze. He has also performed with Eddie Shaw, Kenny Neal, Ruthie Foster, Tas Cru, Jason Ricci, Slam Allen, Mick Kolassa, Fernando Jones., Memphis Gold, and Lurrie Bell. BlackHat is a judge for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
In 2017, Bobby won the USAA/We Are The Mighty Mission: Music nationwide competition. In 2016, the Bobby BlackHat Band advanced to the finals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Bobby has won two Blewzzy Awards for “Song of the Year” (I Hear Mama’s Voice, 2012 and Please Mr. BlackHat, 2015). He was also awarded two 2016 VEER Music Awards for “Best Blues” and “Song of the Year” (HRBT Blues).
Bobby BlackHat blends the influences of Chicago, Memphis, Piedmont, and Delta style blues along with a little Gospel into a Toe Tappin’, Finger Poppin’, Hip Shakin’ Blues experience. You Never Know What’s Gonna Happen at a Bobby BlackHat Show!

$20.00
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Big Daddy Love
2023-08-19 18:30 UTC
$20.00
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As you can probably tell by their name, Big Daddy Love is no gentle string quartet. Their music has been described as “a blend of rock, bluegrass, southern soul, and psychedelic jams.” One reviewer characterized them as “a band with teeth” (fortunately in both a literal and metaphorical sense). Identifying a single genre for Big Daddy Love is nearly impossible; all four members are comfortable playing almost any type of American music. Collaboratively, the band produces a unique sound that they have long referred to as “Appalachian Rock.”
Big Daddy Love (BDL to many fans) has released four CDs, most recently Live at Ziggy’s and This Time Around. One reviewer wrote, “Big Daddy Love is a force. The festival scene has been eating them up. If you haven’t been able to check them out yet, then you are missing out. It’s a foot-stomping good time at every single show, and they are the nicest guys I have met in music.”
The quartet–– based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina–– has played well over a thousand shows over most of the country.
Members include: Matteo “Joey” Recchio on electric guitar and vocals, Brian Paul Swenk on banjo, Ashley Sutton on bass guitar, and Scotty Lewis on drums.
Along the way, they have played venues of all sizes, from listening-room coffee houses to the 20,000 seat PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. Their festival resume ranges from local favorites like The Big What to larger regional festivals such as Bristol Rhythm & Roots and the premier southeastern festival, FloydFest. In 2010, BDL won FloydFest’s “Under the Radar” contest, which recognizes the best up-and-coming band of the festival.
The music is only one aspect of the BDL experience. A close-knit community of fans has developed into an extended BDL family, many of whom travel throughout the southeast for multiple shows and are a huge part of what makes Big Daddy Love successful. “We’re constantly amazed by how many people have jumped on board with us and do so much to help us in every way possible,” says banjoist Brian Paul Swenk. “Whether it’s Kickstarter donations, giving us a place to stay on the road, or even giving their CDs away to friends and coming back to buy another, we’ve learned that it takes hundreds of people to help a band find success in today’s music industry.”

$20.00
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String Fest
2023-08-26 15:00 (America/New_York)
$30.00
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Featuring artists Arkansauce, Into The Fog, and Palmyra. Doors open at 2, music starts at 3!
Established in the Shenandoah Valley, Palmyra’s set explores the fusion of traditional folk string instruments, three part harmonies and foot percussion. The trio captures the collective spirit of three Virginia natives, Teddy (he/him), Manoa (he/him), and Sasha (they/them), often described as a distant cousin of the progressive folk band, Punch Brothers, mixed with elements of Oliver Wood or the Avett Brothers. Palmyra’s songs are intimate and contemplative, with arrangements that allow them to create the illusion of a full, larger-than-three ensemble. The trio’s sound is a nod to Appalachia and Midwestern Americana, apparent through their stirring craftsmanship and dedication to a folk-driven, innovative experience throughout each live performance.
In 2022, Palmyra made their Newport Folk Festival debut, were named the FloydFest 2022 On The Rise Winner, and performed over 150 tour dates on acclaimed stages up and down the east coast, including a support tour with national headlining act, Illiterate Light. They are currently working on writing and recording new music in their new home of Richmond, VA and will be touring all of 2023.
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Winners of the 2021 MerleFest Band Competition, Into The Fog is a genre-jumping string band based out of Raleigh, North Carolina. With its members having various backgrounds ranging from bluegrass, country, rock, to funk, Into The Fog creates a musical melting pot of sounds in an acoustic/newgrass setting. The band is made up of Brian Stephenson(Acoustic guitar, Vocals), Winston Mitchell(Mandolin, Vocals), Derek Lane(Bass, Vocals) and Connor Kozlosky (Electric guitar, Vocals).
Originally formed in Wilmington, NC, Into The Fog immediately hit the ground running as a band by heading across the country to compete at the 2018 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition only a few months after coming together. That cross country trip was recorded by friend of the band and videographer Mason Godwin in his documentary Band #7:The Ride to Telluride.
After the Telluride trip, the band got to work playing as much as they could around North Carolina. Becoming a mainstay at over 30 different breweries around the state Into The Fog started to quickly make a name for themselves. Then in November of 2018 the band went to a cabin outside of Waynesville, NC and spent a week recording their debut album Wishin’ It Would Rain, which was released on February 22, 2019.
“The trio crafts a dynamic mix of songs and sounds, from the gypsy feel of “Caawphonation” to the running-from-Johnny-Law feel of instrumental “Cedar Island Rendezvous.”- Brian Tucker(Star News)
With their debut album under their belt Into The Fog started to pick up momentum exchanging brewery gigs for music venues and festivals with opportunities like playing Shakori Hills, Rooster Walk, FloydFest, MerleFest, NC Homegrown Music Festival, IBMA, and Front Porch Fest along with opening slots for national touring acts Sam Bush, Ghost of Paul Revere, Jon Stickley Trio, Keller & The Keels and Town Mountain. Into The Fog solidified their sound further with their 14 track sophomore album Runnin’ Blind and Chasin’ Time which was released in May of 2021.
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Arkansauce calls forth melodies of the Ozark Mountains’ rolling hills and raging rivers with their distinct blend of newgrass. This progressive string quartet features Tom Andersen on bass, guitarist Zac Archuleta, Ethan Bush on mandolin, and Adams Collins on banjo. Their music features improvisational string leads matched with complex melodies, intriguing rhythms, and deep thumping bass grooves. Each member sings lead and harmony parts as well as contributes to the lyrics, which offer authentic, intelligent songwriting with hard-hitting hooks.
Music Mecca’s Spencer Nachman calls them a “fiery, finger-picking string band… What is apparent at any Arkansauce show is their positivity and desire to uplift the audience’s spirit, no matter the circumstance.”
They are a band inspired not only from their home state of Arkansas, but also throughout their travels. “We are a band that spends most of our time in the back of a van hurtling toward long nights, good times, and a destiny unknown,” says Ethan. “Our inspiration is gathered by events unfolding in our own adventures in real time. These days, the desire to create, inspire, and redefine within our scene seems to be the main driving force behind our music. From a young age we were huge fans of live music and were introduced to a lot of great music by our families.”
Arkansauce independently released their 5th album, OK to Wonder, on April 21, 2023. With 11 original tracks—ranging from upbeat and stimulating to contemplative and encouraging—the collection is filled with songs of revelry, wonder, insight, and whimsy.
The album was met to critical acclaim with reviews in Bluegrass Today (“a truly inspired effort”), Ameriana Highways (“this is high-octane stuff, meticulously rendered & with lots of spirit”), Americana UK (“that’s a bluegrass line-up right there – but this isn’t your grandpappy’s bluegrass”), and Blog Critics; premieres by The Bluegrass SItuation and Glide Magazine. Songs from the album are in two official Spotify Playlists: “Indie Bluegrass” and “Fast Grass” and have received airplay on SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction.
They’ve also interviewed and performed a few of the new tunes in studio in their homestate with Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Little Rock’s THV11.
The band was founded in 2011 after Zac and Ethan, who had grown up across the street from one another in Johnson County, Arkansas, moved to Fayetteville. Tom and Adams were slowly introduced to them through the tight-knit Fayetteville music community. During a fateful gig at a Riverstomp Music Festival in 2014, the band was down a couple of members, and Adams and Tom filled in on the fly—magic was made on the stage that night, and the lineup was forever changed.
Having played shows from California to Connecticut over the last several years in addition to two tours in Europe, the band is no stranger to the road. They supported Yonder Mountain String Band for a leg of their summer tour in 2019, played mainstage spots on festivals with bands (including but not limited to) Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, The Del McCoury Band, Billy Strings, Leftover Salmon, Tauk, The Wood Brothers, and shared the stage with the legendary Sam Bush as a guest.

$30.00
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