musicreporterblog

Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass

Author Archives: lsnedeker


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The Honeycutters poised to catch on with fourth studio album release

The Honeycutters may just be the best rock, country roots band out there that you aren’t listening to. That should change with this weekend’s release of the group’s fourth studio album, “On the Ropes,” on Organic Records.

MerleFest fans may remember frontwoman and principal songwriter Amanda Anne Platt from her stint as a finalist in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest in 2011.

The native of the New York village Hastings on the Hudson moved to Asheville, North Carolina, in January 2007 with the intention of literally making music – in the form of becoming a guitar builder – rather than writing and performing songs. Instead, she found a community  of like-minded musicians and the music, well, it just stuck. Like, uhm, honey.

And we’re all better for it. But don’t take my word for it. Listen for yourself.

Find out if the band is coming to a town near you here.

 

 

 


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Gears and Guitars kicks off with free concert in Winston-Salem on Saturday, May 21

I’m going to give Phuzz Phest founder Philip Pledger a shout out for this one because I think his success has shown the powers that be in Winston-Salem that music festivals can be successful in this city.

This weekend marks the kickoff of a new music festival, “Gears and Guitars,” being held in conjunction with the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic. The festival features The Band Perry, jam band O.A.R., Gin Blossoms, Better Than Ezra and Sister Hazel, among others.

Saturday’s show, Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, a Southern rock band from Atlanta that had a gold record in 1991 with “Fly Me Courageous,” will perform a free show at 7 p.m. Saturday on Trade Street between Sixth and Seventh.

Read more about the festival in the Winston-Salem Journal here and get out and enjoy some shows and support live music in the Camel City!


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On Huffington Post: Eight reasons not to miss Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival over Memorial Day Weekend

Rooster Walk 8 Music and Arts Festival set for May 26-29 near Martinsville, Virginia, is a week away and just in case you haven’t purchased a pass, I’m giving you eight reasons you don’t want to miss it. This also appeared on The Huffington Post entertainment blog here. Continue reading →


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Carolina Roots MusicFest makes debut May 13-14

The Carolina Roots MusicFest is set to make its debut May 13-14 in Statesville, North Carolina. The two-day celebration is being advertised as “diverse music styles performed by outstanding national and regional artists.”

Artists include Keller Williams Solo, The Black Lillies, Anderson East, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Major And The Monbacks, The Low Counts, Abe Reid and The Spikedrivers, JMTCB Band, Moose & Friends, Steel Fish & Incense,  Lacy Mandigo and three special appearances by Iredell Rhythm Experience “IRE”.

Organizers say, “Gather your music lovin’ friends and lawn chairs to join us for a weekend of rhythm and blues, soul, country rock and eclectic fusion music!”

Limited Tent & RV Camping can be purchased by Wednesday, May 11.

For tickets or to learn more, visit http://www.carolinarootsmusicfest.com/

Tyler Barham


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Tyler Barham with John Griffin to perform Friday, May 6, at Stonefield Cellars

Rising Country Star Tyler Barham will be performing in concert in the Stonefield Cellars Barrel Room at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 6, in Stokesdale, North Carolina.  Accompanied by John Griffin native of Madison, North Carolina, this duo presents the best of contemporary country music covers and a growing repertoire of impressive originals.   Barham’s concerts at Stonefield Cellars sell out, so advance ticket purchase is highly recommended.
Tickets are $15.
To learn more about Barham, visit  TylersWebsite.
Wine, Beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Click here to purchase or call the winery during normal business hours 1-336-644-9908.


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Red Wing Roots Music Festival offers fiddle workshop June 27-30

From the good folks at Red Wing Roots Music Festival in conjunction with the Shenandoah Valley Strings Camp at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia:”Calling all violin students! Join us this June for the Red Wing Fiddle Workshop! The workshop will take place June 27-30, from 1-3 p.m. each day. It is open to non-beginner violin students ages 5-19. Students will learn with Eastern Mennonite University’s Preparatory Music teachers and special guest Eric Brubaker, The Steel Wheels’ fiddle player.In addition to an end-of-camp performance, students will perform onstage with The Steel Wheels at the Red Wing Roots Music Festival Friday, July 8! Admission to Red Wing IV and a T-shirt are included for participating students. Parents are offered discounted festival admission. Learn more and register here or email fiddle@redwingroots.com or call 540-432-4277.


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Rooster Walk, Red Wing, FloydFest make Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s best Southern festivals list

Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival, Red Wing Roots Music Festival and FloydFest are three of my favorites. It seems Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine agrees naming two of the Virginia festivals as well as Black Mountain, North Carolina’s LEAF among 2016’s top family-friendly festivals to attend in the South. And FloydFest was named among the most adventurous. What are your favorites? Continue reading →


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MerleFest’s 29th year wraps on a high note

MerleFest 2016 ended its four-day run today on a high note with the unique musical stylings of Jason Isbell on the Watson Stage. I have so many stories to tell from this year’s festival, but you’ll have to wait a few days for me to process my interview notes. In the meantime, here’s the press release that gives a great synopsis of the weekend from the good folks at MerleFest to tide you over.

Continue reading →


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Will Overman Band premieres first single off debut album at MerleFest 2016

If you haven’t heard Will Overman Band (WOB), just wait. You will. And you can hear the first single, which is being released on Friday, April 29, at MerleFest exclusively here. From the band’s debut album, the self-titled “Will Overman Band,” the single, “All I Say,” showcases the band’s myriad talents and combines an upbeat tempo that belies the regret-tinged lyrics.


 

The album is set to be released June 4 at The Southern Cafe and Music Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The band is composed of Will Overman, on guitar and vocals; Daniel McCarthy, guitar; Brittney Wagner on guitar and vocals; J Wilkerson on bass; and Christopher Helms, drums.


Fresh off WOB’s first Northeast tour, you can to hear the band perform live at MerleFest, where it will make its festival debut at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 30, on the Plaza Stage as part of the second annual MerleFest Band Contest. The band also intends to play a lot in the Pickin’ Place, Overman says.According to the website, the music of WOB — call it “amped-up folk rock” — is as energetic as it is passionate. It can be haunting and evocative yet sincere, sweet. Musically and lyrically, the band draws from its Virginia roots, producing a rare combination of enticing harmony and straight-ahead, hard-charging rhythm and riffs.

Drawing comparisons to The Avetts and Jason Isbell, the band carries an unwavering commitment to its music — and to its fans. That music and those lyrics, as the Huffington Post wrote, seems to draw “ … from the experiences of someone much older.” Soulful and unforgettable. Addictive and sometimes playful. Meaningful and real. Those factors, plus a transcendent passion and unyielding commitment to craft, are what truly define this rising, must-see group of talented young musicians.