Blind Boys of Alabama with Shemekia Copeland
The Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music. Celebrated by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and The Recording Academy/GRAMMYs with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and winners of six GRAMMY® Awards, they have attained the highest levels of achievement in a career that spans over 70 years. The Blind Boys are known for crossing multiple musical boundaries with their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material by songwriters such as Eric Clapton, Prince, and Tom Waits. They have appeared on recordings with many artists, including Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Susan Tedeschi, Ben Harper, Patty Griffin, and Taj Mahal. Blind Boys of Alabama released ‘Echoes Of The South’ on Aug 25, 2023, which finds the Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees coming home to honor those they’ve lost on a bold declaration of how far they still plan to go. The eleven-song collection is a portrait of perseverance from a group well-versed in overcoming incredible odds – from singing for pocket change in the Jim Crow South to performing for three different American presidents, soundtracking the Civil Rights movement, and helping define modern gospel music as we know it. Recently, the group’s decades-long mission of spreading light and love has taken on even deeper context as they’ve reckoned with the loss of two of their own, Paul Beasley and Benjamin Moore, both longtime members of the Blind Boys’ tight-knit family. ‘Echoes Of The South’ is released in their honor – as well as for the group’s recently-retired leader, Jimmy Carter – and keeps the Blind Boys’ long-held mission statement at its core: “As long as everybody gives all that they have to give and we sing songs that touch the heart, we’ll live on forever.” In 2022, the group had a collaborative recording with Béla Fleck, nominated for a Grammy. The nominated collaboration, “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free,” powerfully reimagines the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement, originally made famous by Nina Simone. They also have had collaborative recordings and coinciding tours with both Marc Cohn and afro-pop duo Amadou & Mariam. In 2023, Blind Boys garnered another Grammy nomination for Best Americana Single for ‘The Message’ featuring Black Violin.2024 started off the year with a return to the GRAMMY® Awards with three nominations and one win for Best Roots Gospel Album – ‘Echoes Of The South.’ This was followed by a sold-out tour in Australia and a sizzling performance with Sir Tom Jones during the Bluesfest Byron Bay (Australia), where video of their rehearsal reached 750K + views in 48 hours on social platforms. The definitive book, titled Spirit of the Century, was released in March 2024. It’s an insider history of the Blind Boys of Alabama, the longest-running group in American music, and the untold story of their world written with band members and key musical colleagues. Shemekia Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time. The multi-GRAMMY nominee is beloved and honored worldwide for the fearlessness, honesty and humor of her revelatory songs, as well as for her winning, engaging personality. The Chicago Tribune says, “Copeland is the greatest female blues vocalist working today. There’s no mistaking the majesty of her instrument, nor the ferocity of her delivery.”
Here Come The Mummies
Here Come the Mummies is an eight-piece funk-rock band of 5000 year-old Egyptian Mummies with a one-track mind. Their “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” is sure to get you into them (and possibly vice versa) Since their discovery, HCTM has been direct support for P-Funk, Al Green, Mavis Staples, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Cheap Trick; rocked Super Bowl Village; become a regular on The Bob and Tom Show; appeared on That’s My Jam with Jimmy Fallon; played massive festivals like Summer Fest, Summer Camp, Common Ground, Musikfest, and Suwannee Hulaween; and sold tickets by the thousands across large swaths of North America. Maybe that’s why the ladies (and some dudes) can’t stop losing their minds over these mayhem-inducing mavens of mirth. Some say they were cursed after deflowering a great Pharaoh’s daughter. Others claim they are reincarnated Grammy-Winning studio musicians. Regardless, HCTM’s mysterious personas, cunning song-craft, and unrelenting live show will bend your brain, and melt your face. Get ready! Here Come The Mummies. HCTM is: Mummy Cass – guitar, vocals Eddie Mummy- drums, vocals K.W. TuT- bass, vocals Spaz- keys, vocals The Pole!- bass Midnight Mummy- bari & tenor sax, keys, percussion, talk box, vocals Dr. Yo- saxes, vocal, tambo Highlander- tenor sax “H-POD” (High Priest of Death)- trumpet
Enter The Haggis
For over two decades, Toronto’s Enter The Haggis has combined bagpipes and fiddles with a rock rhythm section to create a distinctively eclectic sound, praised by The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, and Canada’s Globe and Mail. Their songs offer singalong melodies and deep, meaningful lyrics which tell the stories of everyday hard working people, often faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Signature songs like “One Last Drink”, “Gasoline”, “Down With The Ship” and “Lancaster Gate” have been streamed millions of times, have appeared in Hollywood movies, and have been performed and recorded by artists around the world. Enter The Haggis is clearly comfortable on the stage and develops an easy rapport with audiences, sharing the stories behind their songs and laughing through tour anecdotes. Their show is exciting and dynamic, featuring unpredictable and spontaneous moments. One song might feature Brian Buchanan and Rose Baldino trading fiery fiddle lines, while the next song highlights Craig Downie taking a trumpet solo or ripping through a bagpipe reel. Sometimes during an encore, the band will leave the stage entirely to perform acoustically standing on chairs in the audience. Enter The Haggis’ commitment to putting on a great show every single night has made them a favorite at festivals and performing arts centers across the US and Canada. As a result, ETH shows have become an annual tradition on some of the most prestigious stages on the continent. The band has also brought hundreds of fans on eight tours of Ireland and two of Scotland, forging deeper friendships with their supporters while exploring ancient landmarks and natural wonders across each country. Enter The Haggis has appeared on “Live with Regis and Kelly” and “A&E’s Breakfast With The Arts”, and was the feature of an hour-long PBS concert special which aired for months on more than eighty affiliate stations across the US. The band’s legions of die-hard fans (the self-described “Haggis Heads”) have crowdfunded the last five ETH albums, helping to propel their releases to the top of Folk Radio and Billboard Heatseekers charts. The band is currently touring in support of its latest single, a blistering true story sea-shanty called “Swallowed By A Whale.”
Noah Reid
The Kent Stage is very excited to announce a performance on Thursday, May 1st featuring powerful vocalist and Screen Actors Guild Award winning actor Noah Reid. Perhaps best known for playing Patrick in Emmy Winning comedy series Schitt’s Creek, Reid’s music has garnered enormous attention as well. With over 145 million streams and 2 Canadian Folk Music nominations for Songwriter of The Year and New/Emerging Artist of The Year. Reid’s powerful vocals and honest delivery are sure to bring energetic life to The Kent Stage. Tickets for the show will go on-sale to the public beginning Friday, February 28th at 10 A.M. EST online only at kentstage.org.
The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show
America comes together in the music of Martin Sexton. Our hearts mend, our political and philosophical differences melt away, and the various strains of our roots music entangle. Of Sexton, The New York Times says: “His unpretentious heartiness helps him focus on every soul singer’s goal: to amplify the sound of the ordinary heart.” Sexton has remained true to his mission of sharing peace and harmony throughout his 10 albums, and in countless incendiary live performances. He has thus built a loyal following of fans, including critics and superstar artists. He is without a doubt what Billboard calls: “The real thing.” These days, people are coming together to revel in Sexton’s musicality for his Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show. This is a live show extravaganza in which he performs the iconic Beatles’ album in its entirety followed by a set of mainly original music. Currently, Sexton is also working on his 11th album, which will be his first full-length album in 10 years. Sexton is a songwriter’s songwriter, with a multi-octave voice that knows no bounds. Acoustic Guitar Magazine calls him a: “Master of dynamics, reducing a room to silence with his blustering baritone, then teasing that silence with a fluttering falsetto.” Sexton’s career in music has unfolded like the stories in one of his sweetly redemptive songs. He got his start busking on streets and performing at open mics. Since then, he has gone on to be praised by modern legends such as John Mayer and Dave Matthews, who calls him one of his favorite singer- songwriters. Sexton’s songs of grappling and gratitude were the soundtrack to John Mayer’s early gigging years, and made an indelible impact on the budding songwriter. Mayer says: “This is the music of my LIFE.” Sexton has headlined venues from The Fillmore to Carnegie Hall, and his songs have appeared in television series such as Scrubs, Parenthood, Masters of Sex, and in numerous films. His dynamically emotive live show has earned him critical raves and an engaged and loyal following. The Wall Street Journal says: “Mr. Sexton as an impassioned performer can bring women and men to tears when they see him live.”
The Summit FM’s Thankful Thanksgiving Concert with Southern Avenue and Fruition
Southern Avenue, the high-voltage, roots-infused powerhouse hailing from the legendary musical haven of Memphis, Tennessee, has been setting stages ablaze since their explosive Stax Records debut in 2017. Boasting a magnetic energy and a soul-stirring repertoire, this dynamic ensemble has mesmerized audiences worldwide with their heart-pounding performances and emotionally charged compositions. Their meteoric rise in the music industry is underscored by a coveted GRAMMY® Award nomination for “Best Contemporary Blues Album” and multiple nods at the Blues Music Awards, where they are currently in the running for “Band of the Year” in the 2024 edition. In 2018, they clinched the title of “Best Emerging Artist,” solidifying their rapid trajectory to stardom. The band, consisting of lead vocalist Tierinii Jackson, guitarist Ori Naftaly, drummer Tikyra Jackson, and the versatile Ava Jackson on vocals, percussion, and violin, forms a musical juggernaut. The harmonious blend of Tierinii, Tikyra, and Ava’s voices creates an unparalleled sound that resonates deeply with audiences, adding an extra layer of soulfulness to their performances. The familial bond within the band not only enhances their on-stage cohesion but infuses their music with an intimate authenticity that is unmistakable. ”Playing our music around the world, sharing our story through our own artistic expression is something that every artist dreams of…and there is no greater feeling as a family than making your dreams come true together,” says Tierinii. “Music is our inheritance, we are blessed and honored to uphold the tradition.” Drawing inspiration from their Memphis roots, Southern Avenue seamlessly fuses blues, soul, and gospel influences into a distinctive sound that pays homage to the city’s rich musical heritage. Their impact extends far beyond the music, as they’ve graced stages at renowned festivals around the globe, including ACL Fest, Electric Forest, Byron Bay, and Bonnaroo, leaving an indelible mark on audiences. Having toured with luminaries such as Sheryl Crow, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Jason Mraz, Southern Avenue just concluded the prestigious Outlaw Music Festival Tour in Fall 2024, joining the lineup alongside Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, and John Mellencamp. Additionally, the band just finished recording their fourth LP and Alligator Records debut at Memphis’ legendary Royal Studio. Produced by Multi-GRAMMY® winner John Burk (Ray Charles, Melissa Etheridge, George Benson) and recorded by Multi-GRAMMY® winner Boo Mitchell (Bruno Mars, Cedric Burnside, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram), Southern Avenue continues to solidify their status as trailblazers in the realms of Contemporary Blues and Roots music.
ZZ Ward – The Dirty Sun Tour with Special Guest Liam St. John
ZZ Ward is back on tour! Join ZZ Ward as she takes her electrifying Dirty Sun Tour across the US. You won’t want to miss this incredible show coming to a city near you! ZZ Ward is set to be joined by Special Guest Liam St. John! Liam St. John is a chart topping blues singer + songwriter out of NASHVILLE, TN. Liam’s debut full-length project, “stripped back” reached #1 in Top Blues Albums globally on Apple Music, followed up by a successful nationwide tour, HITTING 67 CITIES. At the crossroads of the blues and rock & roll, St. John commands his truest form by combining lyrics that embody the blues with their piercing and painful truth, and delivering a captivating performance with vibrancy true to the spirit of rock and roll. VIP Upgrades Available The Ultimate ZZ Ward Experience – $550 + ticket face + sales tax + service fee The Mother VIP Experience – $150 + ticket face + sales tax + service fees The Dirty Sun VIP Package – $50 + ticket face + sales tax + service fees
An Evening With The Riders In The Sky
40 years. It seemed to go by in a blur, pounding the road, seeing the world, raising babies and sending them to college, mowing lawns, romances, marriages, high school drama, endless airports, the nights at the Hollywood Bowl, the night at the Red Barn in Louisville dodging various barroom projectiles, frozen diesel lines, blast furnace desert heat, hours of practice, late nights and early mornings, and lots and lots and lots of laughter. 40 years ago. No laptops, no cellular phones, no Google, no downloads, no Skype, no Tweets, no Apple, no Microsoft, no texting, no electric cars, no Uber. A different world. But there were three young men with drive and wit who wanted to keep a special music alive. They believed in preserving the heritage of Western Music and presenting it to a new generation. They believed in entertaining, and they did so… entertaining themselves as well as the audience! And they believed in creating original Western Music to continue the tradition, not just seal it in amber as a museum piece. What they did not realize at the time was that they would be doing the same thing 40 years later. Ranger Doug, Too Slim, Woody Paul and Joey the Cowpolka King… 40 years on, “The Cowboy Way.
An Evening With The Clarks
Early on, The Clarks were once described as a bunch of out of tune country hicks. The band took irreverent offense to the comments, saying they were never country hicks. Eleven studio albums and a couple of guitar tuners later, The Clarks have struck again with Madly In Love At The End Of The World, a lively ride down a rural lane, laced with love, mourning, and questions about where it all goes from here. The band recorded the eleven song album in a converted A-frame church, which helped highlight a series of warm, rock and Alt-Country tunes. The four original members, Scott Blasey (vocals, acoustic guitar), Rob James (6 and 12-string electric guitars, vocals), Greg Joseph (bass, vocals) and David Minarik (drums, vocals) are joined by fellow touring mates Gary Jacob, Skip Sanders and Noah Minarik, tossing out some spanking pedal steel, Hammond organ and tasty guitar. “We’ve never had more fun composing and recording songs,” says bass player Greg Joseph. “With our storied recording history, it’s really heartening to know that music can still captivate the band as much as it has on this album.” With a highlight reel that includes the Late Show with David Letterman, The Simpsons, and others, The Clarks are enjoying their stage time together now more than ever. “It’s one big extended family,” says guitarist Rob James. “Dave’s son Noah plays on this album, and with us live, so saying that isn’t just a metaphor, it’s fact!” Singing and playing the songs of Madly In Love At The End Of The World has rekindled a fire in The Clarks’ sometimes broken, sometimes mended hearts. The Clarks are (L-R): Greg Joseph: Bass Guitar, Vocals Scott Blasey: Lead Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars Robert James: Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Vocals David Minarik, Jr.: Drums, Vocals.
JD Simo & Luther Dickinson – Do The Rump Tour!
Celebrated guitarists, producers, band leaders and sonic shamans Luther Dickinson and JD Simo join forces in a trailblazing collaboration. The duo, known for their individual successes, mutual admiration, and deep friendship, have finally come together to create a musical project that transcends genres. Luther Dickinson, one half of the 5-time Grammy-nominated North Mississippi All Stars and former Black Crowes lead guitarist has extensive production and session credits for artists like John Hiatt, Cedric Burnside, and William Bell. JD Simo, the leader of his own solo project, boasts session and production credits for Jack White, Beyoncé, Chris Isaak, Stevie Nicks, Phil Lesh, and Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie. United by shared loves and a strong friendship, Luther and JD found themselves collaborating in the winter of 2022. The creative alchemy unfolded in JD’s House Of Grease studio in Nashville, TN, where they were joined by JD’s longtime partner, Adam Abrashoff. Together, they delved into a rich musical tapestry of old spirituals and hill country blues, infused with Afrobeat rhythms and psychedelic abandon. – melodies that float on the edge of danger in a beautiful and mystical dance. Luther expresses the profound connection, stating, “We found our tribe in each other,” while JD adds, “It’s like turning on a faucet. It’s so easy for us because we have the same sensibilities and influences, but we play nothing alike somehow. It’s so beautiful and special.” What sets this collaboration apart is the dynamic interchange of bass, baritone, and guitar duties between Luther and JD, creating a unique sonic landscape, at once daring and seductive. JD predicts, “It’s gonna be a fun show to watch, with these fat grooves and Luther and I switching instruments and such!” The project will debut with digital singles in the spring of 2024, offering a taste of the magic these two maestros have conjured. A full-length album is set to follow later in the year, promising a musical experience built on love, truth, and GREASE! Join Luther, JD, and Adam on this extraordinary journey – keep it greasy!