Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $15 + fees.

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Shanna in a Dress is your quirky best friend who refuses to wear pants. She says what everyone has felt but no one else will say and you'll get an uncensored journey of clever humor and heartbreak, extreme candor, and a hefty side of entertainment at her shows. This witty wordsmith is known for taking you on an emotional roller coaster, sometimes within the same song. Think John Prine mixed with Ingrid Michaelson with a twist of Phoebe Buffay from Friends all wrapped up in a sweet voice accented by guitar, piano, and ukulele. She's as real as it gets, as anyone who follows her on FB or Instagram knows.

Shanna started her career at the University of Virginia, fell in love with Boulder, Colorado, and now keeps her fun music flowing out of Nashville unless she's touring the US or Europe. You can't get the same Shanna in a Dress show twice with her spontaneous banter and playful stage presence. She manages to teeter the line masterfully of taking on complex subject matters with smart, bold, and yet accessible lyrics. Her charisma and boldly honest songs are full of interesting language and wordplay and delight audiences of all ages.

Most recently, Shanna in a Dress was pronounced the winner of the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriting Contest and will be performing with a full band at the 2023 Rocky Mountain Folks Fest. In 2020 alone, Shanna was a winner in the Kerrville New Folk competition, winner of the Great River Folk Fest Song Competition, a finalist at Songwriter Serenade, and a Grassy Hill Emerging Artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.

During the summer of 2021, Shanna bicycled from Seattle to Boston while music-touring on her epic "Tour de Dress," playing over 60 shows from coast to coast and partnering up with the global non-profit Pangaea World Foundation.

In May 2022, her debut record "Robot" was released after a wildly successful crowdfunded campaign years earlier. She was the winner She has most recently been seen gracing the stages of Kerrville Folk Festival, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Black Bear Americana Fest, Great River Folk Fest, and the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Tom Prasada-Rao calls her "Kerrville's fastest rising star" and she's certainly delightfully unique and is one to watch in the future.

Website: https://www.shannainadress.com/home

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxGZZ6kutrE

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $15 + fees.

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Jesse Fox – a name that echoes within the realm of soulful artistry and immersive storytelling. Each performance is a gateway to an emotional landscape where heartfelt melodies and eloquent narratives seamlessly entwine, resonating deep within the core of one's being. Rooted in the musically diverse landscape of North Carolina, Fox emerges as a master craftsman of lyrics, weaving songs that stir even the most stoic of spirits.

​From his early musical explorations with the acclaimed folk band Love & Valor, Jesse embarked on a journey to define his voice as a singular singer-songwriter. Guided by the echoes of the past, he channels the timeless resonance of songsmiths like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. Concurrently, he embraces the sonic tapestry of modern troubadours like The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers, and The Civil Wars. The result is an enchanting fusion of Americana, folk, and deeply emotive ballads.

With a gift for delving deep into the human psyche, Jesse Fox's lyrics resonate with profound honesty. They navigate the intricate pathways of love, the hollow echoes of loss, the reflective inner gaze, and the relentless quest for personal evolution. His narratives are a rich tapestry of life's shared experiences, stirring a sense of collective authenticity among listeners.

​Complemented by a skilled ensemble of musicians, Jesse's live performances radiate with a distinctive energy that electrifies, while simultaneously nurturing intimacy. Each note and harmony fill the room, wrapping audiences in a tapestry of shared emotion and musical unity. Be it on the grand stage of a festival or the close quarters of a small venue, Jesse's empathic connection with the audience pervades every corner, creating a truly shared experience.

​As he steps forth into his solo career, Jesse carries the legacy of Love & Valor within his heart. Their final symphony together, 'Old Oak,' is an extraordinary portfolio of songs, reflecting the artistic zenith of their shared journey.

​Jesse Fox, with ambitions to stir hearts across the globe, extends an open invitation to you. Join him on this entrancing musical odyssey. Plunge into his endless well of melodies, immerse yourself in the depth of his lyrics, and feel the unfiltered passion of an artist who crafts each note with undying love and dedication. Let the captivating allure of Jesse Fox – a singer-songwriter of remarkable soulfulness – leave a lasting imprint within your heart.

Jesse will be performing with his 4 piece band at Ted's.

Website: https://www.jessefoxmusic.com/

Video: https://youtu.be/qheDHA2oteY?si=MwQNRUIt_eUII2qv

Doors open at 6pm, show 7-9pm. Tickets are $10 + fees.

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Wilmington Guitar Guru, Laura McLean, curates a night of local songwriters on the Ted's stage!
Artists performing:
Gaby Merediz
Evan Jabaley
Nell Dare
Camelcase
Laura McLean
This showcase is a longtime Ted's favorite and always such a fun evening. Come out and see for yourself!

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $12 + fees.

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Rupert Wates was born in London and studied at Oxford University. He has been a full time songwriter since the late 1990s, when he signed a publishing contract with Eaton Music Limited.  In London he worked with some of the best performers in the city.  Moving in 2001 to Paris, Wates formed his own quartet and began playing live regularly. In fall 2006 he came to the US. He is now based in New York City and Colorado.  Since coming to the US, he has won more than 50 songwriting and performing awards.

His music is an eclectic mix of acoustic, melodic art/folk, with flavors of jazz, vaudeville and cabaret. He has released twelve solo CDs. They have received outstanding reviews in the international online press and tracks from them have been played on radio all over the world. In addition, Wates' songs have been covered by other artists in the UK, Canada and the US. Two full length tribute CDs to his material have been recorded: 'Crazy Puzzle' (2015) by Nashville-based performer Roxie Rogers, and 'Wide Open Heart' (July 2017) by Los Angeles vocalist Susan Kohler. Both these CDs were initiated and funded entirely by the artists themselves, and comprise exclusively songs taken from Rupert Wates' back catalog. Over 20 recordings featuring Wates's songs by other artists were made in 2016, and more are scheduled for 2017.

Rupert Wates averages 120 live shows every year, in front of audiences totaling more than 3,500, in acoustic venues in every state in America, in Canada and in Europe. He performs sometimes alone, sometimes with his trio or his quartet. He prefers smaller listening rooms where the audience is up close and the emphasis is on the music.  He was voted an Artist Of The Year in both 2013 and 2016 by the international house concert network Concerts In Your Home, and for five years running he has been the most booked performer on their database of several hundred artists.  In 2018, Wates was a Finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Song Contest, and an Emerging Artist at Falconridge Folk Festival.  
 
Despite Wates' British background, and underpinning the universality of his music's appeal, Folk And Acoustic Music Exchange has called him "a prime figure in American music'' and goes on: "This is one gifted sonofabitch... If you're not hip to this guy yet you're missing out."

Audiences everywhere respond to Wates' brand of melodic art/folk—haunting songs that ring true.

Video: https://youtu.be/a4fpE2trFYA

Doors open at 3pm, show 4-6pm. Tickets are $10 + fees.

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Great music begins with great songs, and great songs are what The Brent Stimmel Band is all about. The band’s music has been described as “ fine mix of Southern Americana and everything in between”. Featuring the smooth vocals and rhythm guitar from Brent Stimmel, the searing guitar work from Leslie Britt, or the groovin' rhythm section of bassist Davis Canady Jr. and drummer Jeff Hunnicutt. Whatever it is, the sounds are quintessentially The Brent Stimmel Band. They not only know where they’re going, but have a rock solid history that put them here today. Their shows feature a compelling combination of rich layered vocals along with mixed styles of americana, blues, rock and soul. Melding hook-filled melodies within hard and heavy beats, they show a unique ability to combine a vast array of influences into a singular sound.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaIuqr75dHs

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $15.

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"Much like the duo themselves, the songs range near and far. From the sticky humidity of North Carolina to the dusty cellars of the West, The Turkey Buzzards tell simplistic stories that unravel through gritty vocals and thoughtful harmonies. The carefully crafted guitar riffs set against a solid bone bass stretch out across an American landscape with enough depth to sink well beneath the skin."

Dylan Nicholson (Greensboro, NC) and Eric Patterson (Lodi, CA) formed the The Turkey Buzzards in Morro Bay, CA and have shared stages with John R. Miller, Robert Earl Keen, Jeffery Martin, The Deslondes, Dawes, White Buffalo, Brothers Comatose, and frequently join Willy Tea Taylor as members of The Fellership.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r43HYoOpRU0

Website: www.theturkeybuzzards.com

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $20.

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Two bluegrass legends team up for an unforgettable performance!

Darren Nicholson is a Western North Carolina native who has taken his own brand of mountain music and entertainment around the world. He’s a Grammy nominated artist who has won 13 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards.

Shawn Lane is a three-time GRAMMY Nominee and 28-time IBMA Award winner with supergroup Blue Highway. A fan-favorite vocalist, instrumentalist, and songwriter, Shawn is as explosive on fiddle as mandolin and guitar, and has often lent his talents to the GRAMMY winning Earls of Leicester.

Video: https://youtu.be/ZJrcJ4A43JQ?si=mz_xal9Z2f3kyKqR

Doors open at 3pm, show 4-6pm. Tickets are $20 + fees.

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Sultry. Explosive. Intimate. SolTree Reign isn’t just a band—it’s a movement. A hypnotic fusion of poetry, music, and activism, we don’t just perform; we awaken, stir, and ignite. Our sound is raw emotion, our rhythm is resistance, and our message is truth.

At the helm is the magnetic Mahlaynee—vocalist, poet, and lyricist—leading a powerhouse of musicians who turn sound into storytelling. Royce Williams commands the keys with soulful precision, TKTurbo lays down basslines that throb like heartbeats, and Mike Hanson, an original Last Poet and Master Conga Percussionist, sets the pulse on fire. Junious Fulton locks in the groove on drums, while Robert Bellamy, known as ScaleHamHawk Da Poet, weaves spoken word into the flames of rhythm.

SolTree Reign isn’t just music—it’s movement and magic. We stand at the crossroads of art and revolution, fusing melody and message to inspire, challenge, and heal. Our sound bridges the ancestors and the future, vibrating with the urgency of change and the richness of Black artistry.

We've left our imprint on some of the most revered stages: the grandeur of Thalian Hall, the soul of the NAACP Banquet, the historic resonance of the Cameron Art Museum, and the electric energy of The Wilson Center. We've captivated audiences in the intimate, spellbinding space of Live at Ted’s, crafting experiences where every note lingers and every word resonates. And across a variety of Wilmington’s most dynamic venues, we continue to set the stage on fire.

Because when we sing, we don’t just perform—we tell the truth.

“When you sing, always tell the truth.” – Billie Holiday 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70go_fKAh0E

Doors open at 6pm, show 7-9pm. Tickets are $25.

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Songwriting duo Pete and Maura Kennedy make a strong return to the studio and stage after three years of weekly live-streamed lockdown-era concerts. They took the opportunity to explore classic songwriting in depth, performing over a thousand songs during the pandemic. That vast overview strengthened and refined their own writing and laid the foundation for this new collection of original, socially-conscious songs.

“After such a deep dive into American roots music, we felt like we had a new set of writing tools. We were ready to create this body of work, and there’s just SO much to write about,” says Maura. “During our five-year hiatus from writing and recording, America changed in massive ways, divisive ways that have shaken our whole foundation. That has to be addressed by creative artists, those of us who have a voice to speak for others. Our love of the great things about this country, things that are under threat, is the reason we decided to make “Headwinds” the title track of the CD. Political and social headwinds are making it hard to get back “home’ to our greatness as a nation. We want to push back in a positive way against those winds.”

In addition to singing and writing, Pete and Maura are multi-instrumentalists. The thirteen songs are cast in a soundscape that draws from the classic canon of American roots, in keeping with the theme of getting back “home” as a nation. Acoustic and electric guitars, a vintage steel guitar, a gospel-inflected piano/organ mix, and even a slide ukulele all add colors to a songbag of sounds that have drawn us together during hard times. Pete and Maura believe that those sounds still have the power to pull us through again. 

The Kennedys began their writing and touring life three decades ago as members of Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra, developing their own sound as a frequent support act on Nanci’s tours across America, Ireland, Scotland and England. Collaborations with Nanci continued, culminating in Pete and Maura producing her final album, “Intersections.” Along the way, they hosted a nationwide radio program, “The Dharma Cafe” on Sirius/XM, wrote and released sixteen CDs of original music, and have been core artists on folk radio, expanding their audience further with the inception of the AAA and Americana formats.

Website: https://www.kennedysmusic.com/home.html

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMS-9Arv26w

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $25 + fees.

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Characterized by No Depression as “the future of bluegrass”, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road twine innovation, tradition, and excellence into a unique musical experience. Though only in his 22nd year, North Carolina’s Liam Purcell has already established a name for himself in the world of American Stringband music. Growing up less than a mile away from the legendary guitarist Doc Watson, Purcell was steeped in Appalachian Old-Time and Bluegrass traditions from an early age. Taking inspiration from the local Deep Gap legacy, Liam began writing, performing, and storytelling from an early age.

Entering the professional bluegrass circuit during his teenage years, Purcell formed the stringband-supergroup Cane Mill Road. He would go on to lead the virtuosic ensemble through regional appearances, building a fanbase across the Southeast and bringing his homespun rapport to some of the most revered festivals in the scene. By the time Purcell was 17, the project had seen multiple entries on the Billboard Top 10 Bluegrass charts, performed in 25 states, and was recognized by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2019 as the recipient of their Momentum Band of the Year Award.

New paths emerged for Liam in 2020 when he was accepted to attend Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) on a full scholarship. However, plans quickly ground to a halt with the onset of a global pandemic. Using this time to write and record, Purcell began his studies remotely while multi-tracking a 10-song album released as “Roots” later that year. This independent project led to a widely anticipated tour and a recording contract with Pinecastle Records over the following years.

Departing his native Appalachia, Purcell took up residence in Boston while attending Berklee, following in the footsteps of Molly Tuttle, Infamous Stringdusters, Sierra Hull, Crooked Still, and many others who came out of the College’s famed American Roots Program. Despite the rigorous course of study, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road performed over 80 dates per year around an academic schedule. In 2022, Purcell shook the bluegrass world by sweeping the Rockygrass Instrumental Championships in Colorado, taking home first place honors on mandolin, banjo, and guitar. He is the only person to ever achieve a simultaneous victory in multiple championships.

Recording their latest album “Yellow Line”, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road dug deep into the writing and arranging facets of creativity. Purcell described the responsibility of carrying on a living tradition; “It was very important to me that I began this project the way I had learned from my heroes. Just us, telling stories in songs, building on the rich and diverse folk culture I had grown up in. However, I couldn’t simply leave it there. Everyone I’ve ever looked up to as an entertainer, Doc in particular, had never acknowledged boundaries between genre, style, origin, or influence. While I cared deeply about honoring the Appalachian Stringband music I loved, I also have my own songs inside, my own feelings to express, and my own innovations to contribute.”

Finishing his degree in String Performance, Purcell graduated from Berklee in May of 2024, promptly hitting the road for over two months of heavy touring. Relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, Liam maintains his Deep Gap roots, watering them on stage each night in front of new audiences, as if to transport listeners beyond the lights and curtains, to a front porch up in the mountains where the journey all began.

Video: https://youtu.be/1kiVxKrRIh8

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $12 + fees.

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The Rough & Tumble, a dynamic duo comprised of Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, have been captivating audiences with their unique blend of dumpster-folk and thrift store-Americana for over a decade. The Pennsylvania-born Graham and Central California's Tyler have a knack for weaving together elements of joy, sorrow, comedy, and drama in their music, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. 

“There are plenty of acoustic songscapes that will pleasure fans of the likes of Nanci Griffith... while other songs have an elegance and emotional craft to the lyrics which stand shoulder to shoulder with master songsmiths such as Gretchen Peters or Guy Clark."  

​---Americana UK, May 2023

Writing and performing together since 2007, Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler inevitably formed The Rough & Tumble in 2011 as the friends turned into bandmates. In 2015, after a bad Nashville landlord left them without heat for twelve days during an ice storm, the bandmates-turning-spouses decided to hit the road. They sold everything they could, bought a sixteen-foot camper (despite the warning of their families and the lot salesman), packed up their instruments, their dogs, and a couple of small trinkets shaped like elephants and mice that they couldn’t part with, and hit the road. They’ve been touring relentlessly ever since with their two 100 lb rescue dogs, Mud Puddle and Magpie Mae, in spite of multiple burnt up axles, busted tires, and consistent water leaks.

It takes determination and stamina to live this hardscrabble lifestyle, but not as much as it takes for them to stay still. With some luck and old-fashioned working together, you’ll be able to see The Rough & Tumble pull their camper into your town to do what they do best; speaking up until they’re heard. We suggest you do the same. 

Website: https://www.theroughandtumble.com/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mJJWSExNYA

Doors open at 3pm, show 4-6pm. Tickets are $20 + fees. Tickets go on sale Friday 1/24 at 10:00am.

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Established in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Palmyra captures the collective spirit of three Virginia natives: Teddy Chipouras, Mānoa Bell, and Sasha Landon. 
Palmyra straddles at least two musical worlds. They are, on one hand, a band from the South that plays traditional instruments and indeed once lived in the old-time locus of Floyd, Virginia. Comparisons to and a kinship with The Avett Brothers and even Old Crow Medicine Show are inevitable. On the other hand, Palmyra writes about grief, gender dysphoria and identity, and coming of age in songs that flirt with soul, post-rock, and even emo; the South, too, is the place of My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, Cat Power, and now, Palmyra. 

The band’s first full length LP, Restless, is out March 2025 on Oh Boy Records. Framed by moments of struggle, solidarity, and hard-won growth, Restless is an unqualified ringer for anyone who loves the space where the roar of indie rock collides with raw folk. 

Website:https://www.palmyratheband.com/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTs_OJX1eZc

with support from Clover Lynn

Pulled from the dense clay underneath Cahas mountain in South Western Virginia, Clover-Lynn dresses the sounds of her mountains upbringing with the veil of the Gothic. Blending 3 Finger, Clawhammer, and ballad singing she creates a unique sound that is both unsettling and familiar. 

Doors open at 3pm, show 4-6pm. Tickets are $25. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 6th at 10:00am.

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Liz Longley is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter celebrated for her stop-you-in-your-tracks voice and deeply emotional music. Known for her distinctive blend of folk, pop, and Americana, Liz has earned accolades from prestigious songwriting competitions, including the BMI John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship Competition.

Her self-titled debut album was praised as “stunning” (HuffPost) and marked by “cleverness and wit” (Dallas Morning News). The follow-up, Weightless (2016), was lauded as “a thing of beauty” by Pop Dose. Liz’s sixth album, Funeral For My Past, became a notable success after her fans raised over $150,000 on Kickstarter to fund its independent release, making her the #4 most funded solo female musician in Kickstarter history. The album received widespread acclaim, with Forbes calling it “stunning” and Billboard highlighting its diverse range from Americana to shimmering pop anthems.

Becoming a mother in 2022 profoundly impacted Liz’s songwriting, infusing her music with greater depth and perspective. Her upcoming album reflects this new chapter in her life, showcasing both her personal growth and her continued evolution as an artist.

Website: https://www.lizlongley.com/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK1_U7Ot1UY

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $15 + fees.

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Mesmerizing folk duo Ordinary Elephant has spent the better part of the last decade on a never-ending tour that’s earned married couple Crystal and Pete Damore widespread critical acclaim and made fans of luminaries like Tom Paxton and Mary Gauthier. In 2017, the pair took home the International Folk Music Award for Artist of the Year on the strength of their breakout album, Before I Go, and two years later, they returned with the similarly lauded Honest, which the Associated Press hailed as “one of the best Americana albums of the year.”

The band’s new stripped-down, self-titled collection is the purest distillation of their sound yet, showcasing the arresting power of the couple’s gorgeous harmonies and intricate fretwork. The songs are timeless, rooted in rich, character-driven storytelling, and the performances are similarly transportive, fueled by delicately intertwined banjo, guitar, and octave mandolin. Though the songs were born out of a period of deep uncertainty, the record itself is a work of profound self-assurance, one delivered by a duo whose personal and professional lives embody the limitless possibility of honest, organic collaboration. Press play on Ordinary Elephant and you’ll hear more than just a husband and wife; you’ll hear the sound of sincerity and commitment, of patience and gratitude, of learning to let go of expectation and revel in the simple beauty of the moment.

Website: https://www.ordinaryelephant.net/

Video: https://youtu.be/rSeHqDa2CH0?si=gRPGatYu4gdBQgVQ

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $15 + fees.

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At age 44, Wes Collins and his wife Anita made a pact to become writers: she started writing fiction and Wes penned his first song. A few years later, they were both multi-award-winners in their fields. Collins more than makes up for lost time with songs that dig deep and go to uncertain, sometimes scary places. Come for a haunting melody and some intricate fingerpicking and stay for the wit and deep literary intelligence. There is always more to find in a Wes Collins song.

Wes has played shows from coast to coast including: The Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville, TN; The Kerrville Folk Festival in Kerrville, TX; the Cary Theater in Cary, NC (opening for Dave Olney); and many more. He is a winner of the prestigious Grassy Hills New Folk Competition and a North Carolina Arts Council Songwriting Fellowship, and has been featured as a finalist in The Telluride Troubadour Contest in Telluride, CO; The Songwriter's Serenade Competition in Moravia, TX; and The Wildflower Performing Songwriter Contest in Dallas, TX.

Wes's recorded his third album Jabberwockies at Chris Rosser's Hollow Reed Arts Studio in Asheville, North Carolina, with special contributions by Ordinary Elephant and Jaimee Harris. Advance reviews for Jabberwockies are very positive and the album looks poised to surpass the success of his popular second album Welcome to the Ether.

Website: https://wescollins.com/home

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA5cONkBiu0

Andrew Delaney of Arlington, TX is an unorthodox singer/songwriter and storyteller who steadfastly refuses to pretend he is not writing this bio himself in the third person. Born to a Chinese American family, Andrew grew up as a suburban goth kid and his songs are informed as much by the lyrics-as-literature styles of Tom Waits and James McMurtry as they are by the camp and audacity of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Legendary folk DJ Rich Warren of WFMT Radio Chicago once called him “The Alfred Hitchcock of singer/songwriters”.

Website: https://www.andrewdelaneymusic.com/

Video: https://youtu.be/iU3Ic7wcw4c?si=JPuGGsRjZ7jbbyN2

Doors open at 3:00. Tickets are required but at no charge.

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Join us at Live at Ted’s for our first annual celebration of the Cape Fear Five Star Project. We are a private non-profit organization devoted to education about, and advocacy on, improvement in quality of healthcare at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. The Five Star Project has a single compelling mission: to ensure that every member of our community has access to the highest quality hospital care. We refuse to settle for mediocrity. The current two-star rating from Medicare isn't just a number; it's a wake-up call to action. The lives and wellbeing of our family, friends and neighbors are at stake. We envision a health care system committed to high reliability and zero harm - a future where every hospital encounter is marked by compassion and competence. That's why we're not just advocating for change; we're educating our community and holding our politicians accountable.

Activities will include a concert by the Turkey Buzzards as well as opportunities to meet and network with other supporters, a review of the first year of the project with a view to the future, and the kick-off of our annual fund-raising campaign.

Website: https://fivestarproject.org/

About our musicians

The Turkey Buzzards are a local duo but have a repertoire that range near and far. From the sticky humidity of North Carolina to the dusty cellars of the West, The Turkey Buzzards tell simplistic stories that unravel through gritty vocals and thoughtful harmonies. The carefully crafted guitar riffs set against a solid bone bass stretch out across an American landscape with enough depth to sink well beneath the skin.

Website: https://www.theturkeybuzzards.com/

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $10 + fees.

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Eclectic, familial folk-rock group, Striking Copper, effortlessly combines rhythm-driven rock, haunting vocal arrangements, and harmony-rich Americana. In doing so they deliver an unforgettable melodic sound their audience can’t stop dancing to.  Led by powerhouse copper-haired twins, iconic front-women Allie and Jacquie Lee are inspiring trendsetters and natural performers who own every moment of the limelight. Hailing from the hills of New York, the band formed in 2013 as a four-piece, blending the talents of these siblings with their creative counterparts Matthew Donnelly (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Frank Cacciutto (drums).  Finding their way to a new home on the Southern shoreline, they found themselves in the cultural hub of Wilmington, NC.  Seamlessly settling into a new dynamic, they have built an incredible fan base over the years with tours spanning the eastern shore board. An intriguing contrast of light and dark, feminine and masculine, their lyrics bleed passion, drawing from humanity with an undeniable vulnerability.  

Known for their passionate dedication to their music, the respected outfit has released and sold multiple full-length albums with a collection of cinematic music videos and a captivating narrative arc that beautifully accompanies their latest album, titled ‘A Trip Around the Sun’.  With boasting nominations, sold out performances and festival invitations, Striking Copper’s promising sound radiates sensitivity and strength, and authors homage to home.

Website: https://www.strikingcopper.com/

Video: https://youtu.be/UZQWd19ZUTQ?si=uUmkrnZidyVbchFa

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $15 + fees.

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The Bobby Falk group is a contemporary jazz group based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, performing original music and contemporary jazz. Bobby Falk is the drummer/leader since 2006, upon starting the group in Louisville, KY, and relocating to Dallas, TX in the summer of 2015. The group primarily focuses on material blending modern and traditional jazz, with fusion influences ranging from Pat Metheny, Kenny Garrett, Rick Margitza, Michael Brecker and Steps Ahead. In addition to Bobby’s acclaimed original music, the group features writing from the other band members on a consistent basis.

The Bobby Falk group has released four full-length albums of original material (Samuel street songs, A New day, With my Dallas friends, Coming to Fruition), and have performed locally and nationally, across the country at acclaimed events and festivals. In addition to local club/private performances, the group has been selected to perform at the Huntingburg Jazz fest (2013), Lexington library concert series (2014), Katy Jazz festival (2017), Durant jazz festival @ Southeastern Oklahoma State university (2018 and 2023), Fort Worth main street arts festival (2017-present), Denton Jazz and Arts festival (2016-present), Fort Worth library jazz concert series
(2017), Grapevine “Grapefest” (2022), Denison jazz festival (2022,2023) and Granbury Jazz fest (2022).

In addition to also performing at many esteemed music programs and University jazz programs, The Bobby Falk group also was invited to perform at the 13th annual JEN convention (Jazz Education Network) January 2022 in Dallas, TX. Music of the Bobby Falk group is available on Itunes, Spotify, google music, Amazon, CD baby, YouTube, and other streaming platforms. “Coming to Fruition” is the group’s most recent release in September 2023- accompanied by CD release tour throughout Texas, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana (October 2023).

Website: https://www.bobbyfalkmusic.com/

Video: https://youtu.be/rueGmjL6tuY?si=Qyr0A8f5TRNJ4Oc5

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $10 + fees.

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Here I Am, Nashvillian songstress Alice Wallace declares on her new album, released June 28, 2024, via Mule Kick Records.  It’s a title that hints at her deeply personal, confessional songwriting style, one that invites the listener to gaze at her beating heart as each intimate secret pours out, propelled by a powerful, expressive delivery that marks her as one of the true vocal talents of her generation. 

Alice does not hide behind the microphone, but uses it to amplify everything inside her champing to get out. She’s survived the highs and lows of life, love, and the music industry and finally produced the album she feels she was destined to make. Here I Am, she says, the real Alice Wallace.

Alice moved to Nashville four years ago after more than a decade in southern California, and Here I Am is the first of her albums to be recorded in true Music City style, backed by a lineup of world-class musicians and recorded in two whirlwind days with no rehearsal, just the way the best session players like to do it. Produced by Nick Buda (Taylor Swift, Martina McBride, Dolly Parton) the album features some of the most talented musicians Nashville has to offer. In addition to Buda on drums, the record features Grammy-winning guitarist Kenny Greenberg (Willie Nelson, Wynnona Judd, Hayes Carll), bassist Ted Pecchio (Doyle Bramhall II, Susan Tedeschi) and keyboardist Jimmy Wallace (The Wallflowers). And although Alice had never played with any of the musicians before, the combined talents in the room made for an electric experience that brought her songs to life in vibrant and unexpected ways.

Wallace was named 2017 Female Vocalist of the Year by the California Country Awards and her voice has been called “a powerful natural occurrence… an awe-striking wonder" by Saving Country Music. She previously released four solo albums, the latest of which, 2019’s Into the Blue, earned recognition from Rolling Stone Country with the title track being named one of the Best Americana Songs to Hear Now. This was followed by Lucky Break via Side Pony, a duo project with friend Caitlin Cannon that took the pair across the United States and Europe.

Website:https://www.alicewallacemusic.com/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRK4XkIwGmE

Doors open at 3pm, show 4-6pm. Tickets are $15 + fees.

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Courtney Lynn & Quinn, an Americana duo based in Wilmington, N.C., features married frontwomen Courtney Lynn Russell and Quinn Russell. They began their musical journeys separately in Charlotte, N.C.—Courtney with her indie-folk style and Quinn with her soulful voice. As they started performing together at open mics and songwriter nights, their musical chemistry became evident, leading them to form a duo in 2018.

Their debut EP, Remiss, came out in 2020, and they have continued to create and release music since. Their sound blends Courtney's folk influences with Quinn’s soulful touch, often drawing inspiration from artists like Brandi Carlile. Their songs tackle themes such as navigating toxic relationships and celebrating love.
Whether performing for small crowds or large audiences, Courtney Lynn & Quinn deliver energetic shows, mixing heartfelt songs with personal stories and playful marital banter. Their live performances reflect their genuine connection and commitment to their craft.

Courtney Lynn & Quinn are grateful for their many accomplishments over the years including their interview with NPR’s Amplifier Podcast and being featured in many regional publications for their live performances and recorded music. They have performed on NBC’s Charlotte Today and were winners of the national Songwriter Universe contest for "Best Song of the Month" for their original music.

About Soup to Nuts Live!: Well into its second decade, WHQR's Soup To Nuts LIVE! has become one of the Cape Fear region's favorite, live-listening experiences, featuring a wide array of musical genres on its stage. STNL!'s recording process reflects its commitment to high quality, ongoing success, and the hard work of its technical staff. Each performance is engineered, multitracked, and edited into a one-hour program for broadcast on an upcoming date. In addition, WHQR forwards and cross-promotes the live event (and the later broadcast) across their website, on-air, social media, and related platforms. Starting in 2023, Live At Ted’s joined in hosting and booking acts for the STNL! show, alternating hosting duties each month with WHQR. Ted’s listening room environment, recording capabilities, and commitment to showcasing original music made for a seamless partnership.

Website: https://www.courtneylynnandquinn.com/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qtj4YijE1c

Doors open at 6pm, show 7-9pm. Tickets are $10 + fees.

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Wilmington Guitar Guru, Laura McLean, curates a night of local songwriters on the Ted's stage! Artists performing include:

Moss Watts

Josh Youse

Kelly Zullo

Nathan Gerry

Laura McLean

This showcase is a longtime Ted's favorite and always such a fun evening. Come out and see for yourself!

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $15 + fees.

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Join us for an evening of acoustic jazz guitar duo music with Justin Hoke and Marc Siegel at Wilmington’s premier listening room. The concert will feature an eclectic blend of songs and styles arranged for guitar duo.

Justin Hoke is an active soloist, chamber musician, composer, and educator based in Wilmington, North Carolina. He has been featured as a soloist on classical and electric guitar with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, Panama City Orchestra, Florida State University Orchestra, and the Appalachian State University Guitar Orchestra. He currently performs throughout the region as a member of the North Carolina Guitar Quartet and the Cypress Duo. Justin Hoke currently serves on the music faculty at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Awards include first prize in the 2012 Florida State University Doctoral Concerto Competition, Florida State University graduate teaching assistantship 2010-2013, top prize in the 2010 Appalachian Guitarfest International Competition, top prize in the 2010 Music Academy of North Carolina Guitar Competition. His solo album Open Sky was released in 2015: “Superbly played… very highly recommended” –Marvin J. Ward, CVNC.org.

Dr. Hoke has previously served as a guitar instructor at Coastal Carolina University, Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College, Appalachian State University, and Emory and Henry College.

Marc Siegel is an accomplished guitarist and dedicated educator at Cape Fear Community College, where he combines his passion for music with a deep commitment to his students. As a longtime part of the CFCC community, Siegel has inspired countless aspiring musicians, always going above and beyond to ensure his students not only develop technical skills but also a lifelong love for music.

His teaching philosophy centers on fostering creativity, confidence, and personal growth, and he takes immense pride in helping his students succeed both in the classroom and on stage. Siegel’s genuine care for his students shines through, and his influence extends well beyond the notes he plays on his guitar.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AefqGth6sW8

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Join us for an evening of acoustic jazz guitar duo music with Justin Hoke and Marc Siegel at Wilmington’s premier listening room. The concert will feature an eclectic blend of songs and styles arranged for guitar duo.

Justin Hoke is an active soloist, chamber musician, composer, and educator based in Wilmington, North Carolina. He has been featured as a soloist on classical and electric guitar with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, Panama City Orchestra, Florida State University Orchestra, and the Appalachian State University Guitar Orchestra. He currently performs throughout the region as a member of the North Carolina Guitar Quartet and the Cypress Duo. Justin Hoke currently serves on the music faculty at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Awards include first prize in the 2012 Florida State University Doctoral Concerto Competition, Florida State University graduate teaching assistantship 2010-2013, top prize in the 2010 Appalachian Guitarfest International Competition, top prize in the 2010 Music Academy of North Carolina Guitar Competition. His solo album Open Sky was released in 2015: “Superbly played… very highly recommended” –Marvin J. Ward, CVNC.org.

Dr. Hoke has previously served as a guitar instructor at Coastal Carolina University, Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College, Appalachian State University, and Emory and Henry College.

Marc Siegel is an accomplished guitarist and dedicated educator at Cape Fear Community College, where he combines his passion for music with a deep commitment to his students. As a longtime part of the CFCC community, Siegel has inspired countless aspiring musicians, always going above and beyond to ensure his students not only develop technical skills but also a lifelong love for music.

His teaching philosophy centers on fostering creativity, confidence, and personal growth, and he takes immense pride in helping his students succeed both in the classroom and on stage. Siegel’s genuine care for his students shines through, and his influence extends well beyond the notes he plays on his guitar.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AefqGth6sW8

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $20.

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‘I knew at that time he would be an incredible force in music…he was always received with thunderous applause and standing ovations…’ - Tommy Emmanuel AM

‘likely the most influential acoustic guitar composer of his generation … publicly unsung, his pieces have shaped the progression of the art form since his emergence onto the world stage, only growing stronger through his dormancy … we’re excited to see what this master of the guitar presents in his renaissance’

Guitarist, Composer, Producer and Musical Director, Kyran Daniel began his career performing alongside Grammy Nominee Tommy Emmanuel on stages spanning the globe. His debut album ‘Per Se’ became a highly influential work in the acoustic guitar world, opening the door to his attendance of the prestigious Berklee College of Music studying under the greatest songwriting & production professors in contemporary music.

Following his time at Berklee, Kyran focussed on the roles of songwriter & producer for a cohort of Australian artists including G Flip, Gretta Ray, and Kingswood. His diverse musical palette and superlative musicianship saw him fast become one of Australia’s finest studio talents, and a go-to for artists & labels domestically & abroad, with credits including Gretta Ray’s ARIA Nominated Album ‘Begin To Look Around’ (EMI), G Flip’s #1 ARIA Charting Album ‘Drummer’ (4x ARIA Nominated), and Australian & European tours and televised performances with legendary rock group Kingswood.

2022 saw Kyran return to his most authentic musical form as a solo artist, with sold-out concerts including the opening of ‘The Picasso Century’ at NGV International, and a triumphant return to European and American stages alongside mentor Tommy Emmanuel.

Kyran is currently completing his renaissance solo album amidst a string of 2023 European performances. Expect a new chapter of emotive compositions drawing upon rich global influences, cinematic soundscapes, and virtuosic performances from the heart.

Website: https://www.kyrandaniel.com/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW1hHD9_oBI

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $10 + fees.

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RANDY MCQUAY is a talented singer / songwriter and roots musician from North Carolina. He performs around the country with his band and as a solo acoustic artist offering an eclectic mix of soulful sounds and rhythms. With sincere lyrics and accomplished musicianship, Randy is a masterful storyteller who plays from the heart. His set is one not to miss, blending Blues, folk, rock & roll, funk, and Americana roots music from behind his harmonic and guitar.

He has performed at festivals and on premier stages all around the US including local events such as the Cape Fear Blues Festival in Wilmington, NC, the Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival Kure Beach, and the GoodVibes Brewfest in Carolina Beach. He has won numerous awards including the International Blues Challenge (3-Time Finalist), the prestigious Lee Oskar Harmonica Award, Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence, Cape Fear Blues Challenge Solo (3-time winner!), and was voted ‘Best Musician’ in encore magazine’s Best of 2020.

A few years ago, he released his first solo album, “Solo.” In 2017 he released a followup, “My Kind of Blues.”

Do not miss this incredible Wilmington, NC musician!

Website: randymcquay.com

Video: https://youtu.be/OokrXbi54Y4

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $12 in advance + fees, $15 at the door.

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Blue Cactus got their start among the active honky-tonk circuit of North Carolina, developing an electrified twang that now branches out effortlessly into folk, alt-country, and psychedelic-tinged rock. Having released two records to critical acclaim, they have grown a cult following in the South and beyond, their introspective lyricism and blistering guitar techniques making the band potent in the studio and on stage.  Their songs are currently featured in NPR Live Sessions and Billboard with albums reviewed in Paste, American Songwriter, and No Depression who praised their ability to paint “beautiful pictures of limitless possibility” in roots music. Their third studio album, Believer, is set to release April 25 via Sleepy Cat Records.

Website: https://www.bluecactusmusic.com/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ns9ieUXsjo

Doors open at 3pm, show 4-6pm. Tickets are $20 + fees. This show is SOLD OUT!

Les Fontanelles of Wilmington, NC, have deep roots in the North Carolina coast, which probably explains their mixture of sweet, but salty sensibilities. Their style and harmony driven sound can be attributed to the influences of Townes Van Zandt, Dire Straits, The Byrds, and Blaze Foley, then rounded out with undercurrents of Bonnie Prince Billy, Mazzy Star, and Magnolia Electric Co. The music is made with the belief that life is filled with heartache, but laughter and love is what makes the journey beautiful. It's the perfect balance between "supper at grandma's" and "put the youngins to bed, so grown folks can visit." Be prepared to cry, cackle, and blush before it's all said and done.

The five-piece folk group is comprised of members of Wilmington's No Dollar $hoes (Carson Jewell, Jesse Jewell, Richard Welsh), Masonboro Sound (Shane Lippard), and The Barnraisers (Tiff Reece Jewell).

Recordings:https://open.spotify.com/album/01UiYNTfZDwpDJRDBGFcdP?si=9FH0QS0oSO2EhCSTWYplWA

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $10 + fees.

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Catesby Jones was born in Versailles, Kentucky and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio. As a young man, he began writing original compositions, playing in folk clubs in Boston, and touring on the fabled New York college coffeehouse circuit. He has held steady gigs in Cleveland, the Virgin Islands, a Kingsville, Texas honky tonk, the Rum Boogie Cafe in Memphis, and The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. He won the Kerrville New Folk Competition in 1982 and, as a staff writer in Nashville, co-wrote Travis Tritt's breakout hit 'Country Club'. In 1993, he moved to Wilmington, NC where he has performed extensively and pursues his prolific songwriting career, collaborating with talented local characters like Jamie Hoover, Jim Ellis, and others.

Website: https://catesbyjones.com/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjG2FC_rgBk

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $20 + fees.

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Co-Founder of Band of Heathens / member of Trigger Hippy / Singer-Songwriter

Facebook | Spotify | Instagram

Website: https://www.edjurdi.com/

Video: https://youtu.be/l-fTv6LlghQ?si=ajxJN6I_C_HmvJso&t=292

Doors open at 3pm, show 4-6pm. Tickets are $10 + fees.

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Soul-R Fusion is Tim Koehler (acoustic guitar / vocals) and Alex Goodell (fretless bass).  They started collaborating as a duo in 2015 and developed an original sound by blending diverse musical influences and unique approaches to their instruments and to songwriting.  Perhaps best described as modern bluesy-folk with a touch of singer-songwriter storytelling, Soul-R Fusion’s music highlights ethereal fretless basslines and rhythmic acoustic guitar, that together complement intelligent, heartfelt lyrics. ​

Based in Wilmington N.C., the duo are focused on writing and performing their own original music.  Soul-R Fusion’s music is optimistic and highlights the common experiences and connections people share.  Their songs and live performances are uplifting, positive experiences that will draw you in and make you feel good.

Website: https://soulrfusion.wixsite.com/website-2

Video: https://youtu.be/DFOfq1ht7EY

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $15 + fees.

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Fans have loved Welling’s music from the inception and it’s clear to see why. Her bold, sultry voice, reminiscent of Sheryl Crow’s grit, Tom Petty’s pen, and Stevie Nicks’ heart, is upstaged only by the genuine love and connection this natural performer has with her fans both on and off stage.

Welling’s latest album, Crack in the Chaos, invites listeners on a journey to search for the joy in the turmoil, a testament to the belief that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light to guide us. Each track is a reminder that the struggle itself is a part of that journey. In each “crack” we find confidence and hope - the energy that drives us. 

Melodies rich in Americana pop blend seamlessly with her singer-songwriter roots and empowered, honest lyrics. But while this new collection of songs maintain Welling’s signature raw vulnerability and authenticity - qualities that are essential to her creative process - fans will certainly take note of a more mature and evolved sound.

Fans are not the only ones who have seen Carrie for the brilliant artist she is. From touring with Delta Rae, Wyn Starks, Carbon Leaf, David Cook and Bowen Young to singing on the Melissa Etheridge Cruise and Sail Across the Sun Cruise with Train, Welling’s voice shines boldly and brightly the moment she takes the stage. Whether performing in The Netherlands and Germany, headlining Norwegian Cruises and the Meeting of the Minds Festival, or dazzling crowds at the Songwriter Island Showcase in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, Carrie Welling shows no signs of stopping. 

Website: https://www.carriewelling.com/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NDQokNqxcA

Doors open at 7pm, show 8-10pm. Tickets are $15 + fees.

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Inspired by their 1941 wooden Admiral radio, this South Carolina- based husband and wife duo creates an Americana sound rooted in tradition that touches the heartstrings of the modern-day listener. With tight vocal harmonies, endearing storytelling and authentic energy, Becca and Coty hold a presence that is palpable and real, both on and off stage. 

Admiral Radio has shared stages with critically-acclaimed acts like Del McCoury, Chatham County Line, Judah & the Lion, and more. The duo has two independently-produced albums under their belt, their debut original record 'Sounds Like You' in 2020 and 'Songs From The Vault' in 2022, an EP of songs from the public domain. 

Simply put, Becca and Coty aim to leave listeners better than they found them. With a personal sincerity and honest performance, you might shed a few tears and roll with laughter. The duo recently won first place at the 2024 Tucson Folk Festival Songwriting Competition and 2024 LEAF NewSong Songwriting Competition, and was a finalist in the legendary Kerrville New Folk Competition, International Songwriting Competition, and more. Admiral Radio is taking leaps of faith to share their songs and stories with listeners across the country, inviting you to gather ‘round the radio in modern times.

About Soup to Nuts Live!: Well into its second decade, WHQR's Soup To Nuts LIVE! has become one of the Cape Fear region's favorite, live-listening experiences, featuring a wide array of musical genres on its stage. STNL!'s recording process reflects its commitment to high quality, ongoing success, and the hard work of its technical staff. Each performance is engineered, multitracked, and edited into a one-hour program for broadcast on an upcoming date. In addition, WHQR forwards and cross-promotes the live event (and the later broadcast) across their website, on-air, social media, and related platforms. Starting in 2023, Live At Ted’s joined in hosting and booking acts for the STNL! show, alternating hosting duties each month with WHQR. Ted’s listening room environment, recording capabilities, and commitment to showcasing original music made for a seamless partnership.

Website: https://www.admiralradiomusic.com/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1KCXo98OnA