The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band plus Armstrong Bearcat Band
Known as “one of the greatest porch bands in the world”, they are led by Reverend Peyton, who in his own right, may be the world’s premiere finger picking style player. Determined to be a source for that rootsy, country blues style that captured his imagination as a kid, Rev. Peyton and his band took to Mississippi to train under the likes of T-Model Ford, Robert Belfour, and David “Honeyboy” Edwards. That training has shown to have succeeded with their last record Dance Songs for Hard Times found itself at #1 on the Billboard, Itunes, and Sirius XM Blues charts. The record produced by GRAMMY winner Vance Powell, was critically acclaimed by Rolling Stone, Relix, Popmatters, Guitar World, American Songwriter, No Depression, Glide, Wide Open Country, Paste, American Blues Scene and many more! Their new record “Honeysuckle” is a collaboration between Peyton and Powell. With Peyton recording and producing the record, while Powell had his hand in mixing it. The record features many special guests, including gospel music group The McCrary Sisters on the song “Manger,” Blues Music Hall of Famer and Grammy-nominated harmonica player Billy Branch who plays on the Blind Lemon Jefferson song “Nell (Prison Cell Blues),” Grammy award-winning and IBMA’s 10-time Fiddle Player of the Year Michael Cleveland plays on “Freeborn Man” and Colton Crawford from The Dead South plays banjo on “The Good Die Young.” Armstrong Bearcat Band to open! Once you experience the searing brand of hard-driving, in-your-face classic rock and blues of Armstrong Bearcat, you will understand their demand. Scene Magazine describes Armstrong Bearcat this way: “With half the musicians but more than twice the talent of the Marshall Tucker Band, The Armstrong Bearcat Band wasted no time tearing it up with their hard-driving instrumental version of Steve Ray Vaughan’s “Love-Struck.” The amazing Butch Armstrong played a Gibson double-neck the entire set, and made it obvious from the start that he tells that guitar what to do. “They Call Me Mr. Clean Head,” a slow blues, featured the prettiest/meanest guitar solo I have heard in a long time. The bass was almost too heavy during Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads,” and no one else could have pulled it off, much less made it dangerously close to perfect the way Stutz Bearcat did. I found myself wondering, ‘My God, what is his thumb made of ?’! I could write volumes about why I liked these guys so much, but simply speaking, while I was taking notes during the band’s original “Roadhouse Jam,” the guy standing next to me in the crowd leaned over and yelled, ‘Quote me: ‘they’re f**king good!’ And he was right. I could have listened to this band all night.
Sam Grisman Project
Sam Grisman is a bass player, music appreciator, and bandleader who grew up in Mill Valley, California in a home where some of the great acoustic music of our time was being recorded on a regular basis. His father, legendary mandolinist, composer, and producer, David Grisman, was constantly having friends come over to his home studio for recording sessions and rehearsals. These friends, such as Doc Watson, Jerry Garcia, John Hartford, Mike Seeger, and Tony Rice all left an impression on the younger Grisman and inspired him to pursue a life making music with his many talented friends. Sam Grisman Project was created to shed light on the music that Sam grew up around, and highlight that music’s influence on the members of the collective and in the greater music community. The band’s shows create a safe space where the band and audience can bask in the shared love and reverence for the great music and musicians who continue to inspire us all. The friends who make up Sam Grisman Project are a rotating cadre of acousticians who are some of the brightest individual voices on their respective instruments. Members of this rotating cast of instrumental wizards include guitarists Max Flansburg, Logan Ledger, Sam Leslie, Henry Moser, Jesse Harper, and Jefferson Hamer, mandolinists Dominick Leslie, Joe K. Walsh, Matt Flinner, and Jesse Appelman, clawhammer banjo maestro Victor Furtado, fiddlers John Mailander, Alex Hargreaves, Nate Leath, Shad Cobb, and Phoebe Hunt, cellist Nat Smith, and Todd Livingston on the Dobro. The band also frequently collaborates with legendary singer, songwriter, and bluegrass pioneer Peter Rowan, a deeply meaningful connection for Sam and the band tying directly back to his father David Grisman and the Old and In the Way legacy. Over the years Sam Grisman Project has been joined by a wide range of spontaneous and exciting guests including David Grisman, John Sebastian, Tim O’Brien, Billy Strings, Maria Muldaur, Margo Price, and many more. This ever evolving collective of exceptional humans who happen to be incredible musicians is a testament to the abundance of joy, and wealth of experiences that growing up around this timeless music has brought into the younger Grisman’s life. Sam Grisman Project is committed to putting their love, gratitude, and individuality into the music that they share on stage each night, and to participating in the community effort of preserving, expanding, and appreciating great American acoustic music. To preserve the sonic integrity of their instruments and voices, SGP plays acoustic music into condenser microphones. The sound on stage is fully acoustic and sensitive, so we kindly ask that you save conversations for before and after the show or during the set break. Thanks for coming and thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the music.
Sister Sadie
Sister Sadie brings their All Will Be Well Tour To The Kent Stage February 20th, 2026 The Kent Stage is excited to welcome Sister Sadie for a stop along their All Will Be Well Tour in early 2026. The show is set to take place on Friday, February 20th at 7:30 P.M. Titled after their latest album, All Will Be Well, the show is all about Sister Sadie telling their truth – loud, fearless, and free. Expect the typical remnants of bluegrass, but with a much more raw and captivating country Americana feel with gospel grit and storytelling. Formed just over a decade ago at a Nashville Station Inn’s jam session in 2012, Sister Sadie has quickly risen to be one of the top groups in bluegrass, and don’t you dare label them all-female. It has never been about that label for Sister Sadie, it’s about the music, and in their case, that speaks for itself. The accolades have piled up for Sister Sadie, with 4 studio albums already, 2 Grammy nominations, and multiple IBMA wins. On top of becoming a Grand Ole Opry starring force, the band earned IBMA Vocal Group of The Year 3 years in a row from 2019-2021, while also taking home 2020’s IBMA Entertainer of The Year award. Sister Sadie’s Links: Website: https://www.sistersadieband.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sistersadieband Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sistersadiemusic/?hl=en Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWukLKbou-V4x0IXXhIPAWA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sistersadiemusic X: https://twitter.com/sistersadieband?lang=mr
Joanne Shaw Taylor
The Kent Stage announces a performance with one of the most coveted blues-rock guitarists Joanne Shaw Taylor for March 20, 2026. The show is set for Friday, March 20th, 2026 at 7:30 P.M.. Joanne promises the show will deliver a dynamic powerhouse performance, as she will feature songs from her latest studio album Black & Gold.Discovered at the age of 16 by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, Joanne’s remarkable guitar playing excited Stewart, as he immediately invited her to join supergroup D.U.P., marking the beginning of her musical career’s journey. Her prodigious talent began to amass Taylor accolades and recognition from industry giants such as Jimmy Cliff, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Wonder, and Annie Lennox. After several years in the industry, Taylor released her first solo album White Sugar in 2009. In just over 15 years since, she has released 10 more studio albums, each seemingly more successful than the last. All of which are critically acclaimed. Finally, in 2019 Taylor was able to crack the UK Top 20 charts with Reckless Heart, solidifying herself as one of the most important British Blues-Rock imports. Standing on that success, she would now team up for a significant collaboration with Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith for the Blues Album, which debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard Blues Charts. This was pivotal for Taylor as it now encased her as a leading figure in the blues industry. Renowned for her electrifying guitar performances and soulful songwriting, Joanne’s vocals shine as she blends blues, rock, soul, and pop. The show also includes standout tracks from earlier albums and heartfelt tributes to classic blues legends. As one of today’s most dynamic performers, Joanne Shaw Taylor promises an unforgettable night of music.
Donna The Buffalo
Donna The Buffalo is not just a band, rather one might say that Donna The Buffalo has become a lifestyle for its members and audiences. Since 1989, the roots rockers have played thousands of shows and countless festivals including Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, Telluride, Austin City Limits Festival, Merle Fest, and Philadelphia Folk Festival.They’ve opened for The Dead and have toured with the likes of Peter Rowan, Del McCoury, Los Lobos, Little Feat, Jim Lauderdale, Rusted Root, and Railroad Earth to name a few. They also toured with Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen to help raise awareness about increased corporate spending in politics.In 1991, the band started the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg, NY. The four day festival has become an annual destination for over 15,000 music lovers every year and was started as an AIDS benefit. It continues as a benefit for arts and education. To date, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and is now one of three Grassroots Festivals; the Bi-annual Shakori Hills Fest in North Carolina and Virginia Key Festival in Florida. In 2016 GrassRoots Culture Camp was introduced in Trumansburg, New York as four days of music, art, dance and movement workshops, including nightly dinners and dances.
Woodchoppers Ball – 2025
The Kent Stage is pleased to once again host Brian Henke’s Woodchopper’s Ball. The 24th Annual installment of the benefit for the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless is set to take place on Saturday, November 1st at 7 P.M.. Every year Brian Henke collects his all-star cast of characters that are among the very best on Earth in the genre. Consisting of veterans in the industry, as well as some up and comers, you’ll often see some familiar faces year after year. This year’s event will feature 9 performances across a vast array of musical styles that promises to make the night a star-studded event 2025 Lineup Brian Henke Michael Kelsey Tim and Myles Thompson Mark Sganga Patrick Woods Jesse Smith Kelly Zullo Red Door (Helen Avakian & Dave Irwin) Alberto Lombardi (Coming from Italy!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Woodchopper’s Ball Performer’s Links: Brian Henke: https://www.facebook.com/brian.g.henke/ Michael Kelsey: https://michaelkelsey.com/ Tim and Myles Thompson: https://timandmylesthompson.com/ Mark Sganga: https://www.marksganga.com/ Patrick Woods: https://pwguitar.com/ Jesse Smith: https://www.facebook.com/jessesmithguitars/ Kelly Zullo: https://www.kellyzullo.com/ Alberto Lombardi: www.albertolombardi.com Red Door: https://reddoorduo.com/
Preservation Hall Jazz Band – Creole Christmas
Preservation Hall Jazz Band – Creole Christmas Celebrate the season as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band returns with A Creole Christmas concert, Join us as the band performs New Orleans classics as well as some of our best-loved holiday selections – with at twist! At a moment when musical streams are crossing with unprecedented frequency, it’s crucial to remember that throughout its history, New Orleans has been the point at which sounds and cultures from around the world converge, mingle, and resurface, transformed by the Crescent City’s inimitable spirit and joie de vivre. Nowhere is that idea more vividly embodied than in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 50 years, all the while carrying it enthusiastically forward as a reminder that the history they were founded to preserve is a vibrantly living history. Preservation Hall Jazz Band At a moment when musical streams are crossing with unprecedented frequency, it’s crucial to remember that throughout its history, New Orleans has been the point at which sounds and cultures from around the world converge, mingle, and resurface, transformed by the Crescent City’s inimitable spirit and joie de vivre. Nowhere is that idea more vividly embodied than in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 60 years, all the while carrying it enthusiastically forward as a reminder that the history they were founded to preserve is a vibrantly living history. PHJB marches that tradition forward once again on So It Is. The album redefines what New Orleans music means today by tapping into a sonic continuum that stretches back to the city’s Afro-Cuban roots, through its common ancestry with the Afrobeat of Fela Kuti and the Fire Music of Pharoah Sanders and John Coltrane, and forward to cutting-edge artists with whom the PHJB have shared festival stages from Coachella to Newport, including legends like Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello and the Grateful Dead and modern giants like Beck, The Foo Fighters, My Morning Jacket, and the Black Keys. BEN JAFFE – Bass (upright), Tuba, Percussion CHARLIE GABRIEL – Saxophone (tenor), Clarinet CLINT MAEDGEN – Saxophone (tenor), Percussion RONELL JOHNSON – Trombone WALTER HARRIS – Drums, Percussion KYLE ROUSSEL – Piano, Wurlitzer, Organ BRANDEN LEWIS – Trumpet
RICK WAKEMAN – Wakeman & Son Tour
RICK WAKEMAN & SON Rick Wakeman & Oliver Wakeman RICK WAKEMAN CBE is pleased to announce he will be touring for the first time ever with his son, Oliver. Although they have occasionally performed together in the past, this will be the first opportunity to see the pair in their brand new WAKEMAN & SON show.Both former keyboard players with YES and the Strawbs, as well as being highly successful, award-winning musicians in their own right, WAKEMAN & SON will be performing music which ranges from their joint musical heritage to their latest recordings. Already one of the most in-demand session players of his generation before joining YES, after leaving the band, Rick became renowned for his prog rock extravaganzas, such as Journey To The Centre Of The Earth and The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table, as well his numerous tours with both his band, the English Rock Ensemble, and as a solo pianist. Oliver’s solo career encompasses several critically acclaimed solo albums, collaborations with highly regarded musicians like Clive Nolan (Pendragon/Arena), Steve Howe (YES/Asia) and Gordon Giltrap, a series of poetry CD’s which featured Shakespearean actor Derek Jacobi, and a variety of art and music projects with fantasy artist Rodney Matthews. While father and son have performed on the same stage in the past – most notably, at a performance of The Myths And Legends of King Arthur… at London’s O2 Arena, they have never toured together before. “It’s always an honour for me to share the stage with one of my wonderful children,” says Rick, “and for the first time, it’s a thrill to be actually doing a tour with my eldest son Oliver. I know it will be very special – especially if, on the odd occasion, he buys me dinner!!” Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see two legendary keyboard players in concert together!
Out Of Eden
Out Of Eden is 6 piece Tribute Band based out of Northeast Ohio who have replicated the music and vocal harmonies of the Legendary Eagles, Don Henley & Joe Walsh. All of The Eagles classic songs are performed with amazing talent, drive, and skill by the Out Of Eden band members. You can always expect a satisfying, professional performance at every show.
An Acoustic Christmas with Over The Rhine
One December, not long after Over the Rhine began recording and touring, we were invited to perform some seasonal songs on a public radio station in Cincinnati. It was Christmastime and apparently they thought we were up to the task. We worked up a few carols and traditional tunes. It actually felt really good and conjured up an unusual mix of feelings from childhood: innocence, loss, wonder, joy, sadness. I think we were surprised. People must have tuned into the radio broadcast, because we began receiving inquiries as to whether we had recorded any of our Christmas songs. I don’t think we had considered it at the time, but any young, struggling songwriter is open to the suggestions of the marketplace, and people were persistent. In December of 1996 – can it really be almost 30 years ago? – we recorded and released our first song cycle of some of the Christmas carols that still haunted us. We included a few original tunes and called our wintry mix The Darkest Night Of The Year. We played a special “darkest night” release concert on winter solstice in an old 1300-seat theater in Cincinnati. Every last seat was full. Folks began snatching up copies and seemed to agree that they hadn’t heard anything quite like it. We began playing concerts around the Midwest every December and found that the rooms were usually packed full of people who had bundled in out of the cold with prized compatriots. Hats and scarves abounded. If you stepped outside during intermission, you could make ghosts with your breath in the crisp night air. And it was dark – oh so dark: a time of year with its own music. A decade later, in 2006, we released our first full collection of original Christmas/holiday songs called Snow Angels. What is it about Christmas music and the undeniable gravitational pull it exerts on some songwriters? So many Christmas songs have already been written. I think we are genuinely curious about the ones that haven’t yet been written. We continued to tour every December and these special year-winding-down concerts began to feel like an annual tradition – gatherings of extended musical family, without whom, we’d be homeless. By the time we released our third holiday album of original songs, Blood Oranges In The Snow, in December of 2014, Karin suggested we had discovered a new genre of music: Reality Christmas. It’s true: if you’ve buried a loved one, or lost a job, or battled a chronic illness, that stuff doesn’t go away during the holidays. It can be a complicated season for many of us. And then there’s family. When Karin and I make the annual holiday pilgrimage home to visit family and pull into the driveway and turn off the car, one of us inevitably looks over at the other and says, “Tie a rope around my waist, I’m goin’ in.” In 2025, just shy of 30 years after releasing our first holiday CD, we are still at it. This year, we will be leaning into some harmonies and making an intimate but hopefully holy ruckus. It won’t be all Christmas music: we’ll certainly mix in tunes from many of our records along the way. But hopefully it’s still true: hopefully you haven’t heard anything quite like it.