Your Custom Text Here
A tasty No Dollar $hoes, Jewell Brothers, & Salt Mullet stew...
Adam Fenton is a local musician and music instructor in Wilmington who's been playing covers (as well as original music with his group Happy Pill) for the past 3 years. He's passionate about Jazz music and is excited to bring tunes from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" to the Ted's stage. Please join us for this annual holiday treat!
Featuring Coleman Williams on Drums, Jessica Coppola on Vocals, and Rahsaan Lacey on Bass.
Seth Walker is often cited as one of the most prolific contemporary Americana artists on the scene today. He’s a multi-dimensional talent who combines a gift for melody and lyric alongside a rich, Gospel-drenched, Southern-inflected voice with a true blue knack for getting around on the guitar. His new studio album, I Hope I Know, produced by Jano Rix of The Wood Brothers, and a string of singles, including “We Got This,” “Spirits Moving” and a cover of Van Morrison’s classic “Warm Love” further build upon this reputation.
In 2021, Walker added published author to his oeuvre with his first memoir, ‘Your Van Is On Fire.’ A riotous and charming melange of a touring musician’s life, the book is comprised of many short essays, poems and paintings he’d accumulated over a near 30-year career. Written during the pandemic lockdown, Walker offers a first hand account of an artist in perpetual motion who’s dedicated his life to chasing the muse wherever it may lead.
Growing up on a commune in rural North Carolina, the son of classically trained musicians, Seth Walker played cello long before discovering the guitar in his 20s. When his introduction to the blues came via his Uncle Landon Walker, who was both a musician and disc jockey, his fate was forever sealed. Instantaneously, Seth was looking to artists like T-Bone Walker, Snooks Eaglin, and B.B. King as a wellspring of endless inspiration. The rest is history. He’s released ten albums, broken into the Top 20 of the Americana Radio Charts, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Blues Album Chart and received praise from NPR, American Songwriter, No Depression and Relix, among others.
In addition to extensive recording and songwriting pursuits, Seth is consistently touring and performing at venues and festivals around the world. Along with headline shows, he’s been invited to open for The Mavericks, The Wood Brothers, Raul Malo, Paul Thorn and Ruthie Foster, among others.
Seth Walker is currently based in Asheville, NC after previously residing in Austin, New Orleans and Nashville. He’s used those experiences wisely, soaking up the sounds and absorbing the musical lineage of these varied places. With a bluesman’s respect for roots and tradition, coupled with an appreciation for—and successful melding of—contemporary songwriting, Seth sublimely incorporates a range of styles with warmth and grace. Perhaps Country Standard Time said it best: “If you subscribe to the Big Tent theory of Americana, then Seth Walker –with his blend of blues, gospel, pop, R&B, rock, and a dash country—just might be your poster boy.”
Website: https://sethwalker.com/
Ted’s favorites, Port City Trio, wrap up our performance calendar for 2024! Based in Wilmington, NC, the Port City Trio has been pleasing audiences for years. Featuring standards from The Great American Songbook, a little blues and strong originals.
Video: https://youtu.be/4YlNwAVbqBM
Wilmington Voices presents Noël; The spirit of the holidays comes alive through the magic of music. This captivating concert celebrates the warmth, joy, and beauty of the holiday season, inviting audiences of all ages to gather and share in the festive cheer. Experience the power of live performance as Wilmington Voices takes you on a journey through beloved holiday classics. Join us in spreading the message of peace and goodwill.
These concerts are not ticketed and are FREE. Please join us!
December 13th - Little Chapel on the Boardwalk @ 7:30pm
December 14th - First Presbyterian Church @ 7:30pm
For more information about Wilmington Voices, please visit: https://www.wilmingtonvoices.com/
Join Randy for some fresh stories, unique guitars, and an extra special treat- him on keys!
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
Local bluegrass favorites, Massive Grass, make their way back to Ted’s for a fun evening of stories and music.
“Their uniqueness isn’t just limited to the musical sound, but also in the lyrical content. Massive Grass combines their sometimes dark and witty, and sometimes sorrowful and yearning lyrics over driving, energetic, rock and roll chord progressions and still delivering the appeal of bluegrass. ” — Layla Sutton, Beach Buzz
Website: https://www.massivegrass.com/home
Hailing from Durham, NC, Jon Shain is a veteran singer-songwriter who’s been turning heads for years with his words, his fiery acoustic guitar work, and his evolved musical style – combining improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime. Jon has released nine solo albums to date, along with two albums with duo partner FJ Ventre, a Jon Shain Trio live album, and one album of co-writes with Joe Newberry. Shain’s newest album, Restless Soul Syndrome, recorded at Good Luck Studio this past year, will be released April 9, 2024. Shain is also the author of the music books Gettin’ Handy With the Blues – a Tribute to the Legacy of W.C. Handy and Jon Shain’s Fingerstyle Guitar Method, both published by Mel Bay Publications. In 2019, Shain won the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN in the solo/duo category.
Jon grew up in Haverhill, Massachusetts, a Merrimack River mill-town that had already seen its better days by the time he was a child in the 1970s. His family’s business was a small textile dyeing company, and he worked in the factory during the summers throughout his teens. At the same time, Shain began to discover his love of American roots music and songwriting, specifically drawn to the narratives about regular people and themes of social justice.
Shain headed south to North Carolina in 1986, to study American History at Duke University and to continue his musical journey, as well. In addition to studying with jazz professor Paul Jeffrey, he also had the good fortune to learn the piedmont blues tradition firsthand by playing in Big Boy Henry’s backing band. It was at this time that Shain also got to meet and play with John Dee Holeman and a number of the great older NC blues players. Shain's classes in school were heavily concentrated in southern history, English, and world religions. That mixture of the academic environment and the real-world blues music is what has most informed his musical direction.
Shain cut his touring teeth from 1989-1998 founding the Chapel Hill, NC folk-rock group, Flyin' Mice and their spin-off group, WAKE. The band performed with acts such as David Grisman, Tony Rice Unit, Hot Tuna, and the Dixie Dregs, released four CDs, and played clubs, schools, and festivals up and down the East Coast, building a legion of fans.
After the band’s breakup, Shain went solo, returning to his roots by touring in the folk and blues circuit. Shain has also become a sought after guitar teacher and studio producer. In 2021, he produced Donna Herula’s blues radio chart-topping album, Bang at the Door.
Over the last several years, Shain has headlined listening rooms both as a solo and with duo partner FJ Ventre throughout the US and he's done two solo tours in Europe. He has opened shows for John Hiatt, Keb’ Mo’, Little Feat, and many other roots legends. When Shain is not recording, producing other artists, or performing, he stays busy giving private instruction in guitar, and teaching group workshops in songwriting and blues guitar.
FJ Ventre began playing music with Jon in 1982 when they met in high school and have developed a brotherly connection that continues to this day. Ventre went to University of Massachusetts-Lowell, earning a B.A. in Music Performance and Sound Recording and remained for some time in the Boston area, performing in the city's vibrant music scene. Since relocating to Chapel Hill, NC in 2000, Ventre has performed with his own group The Swang Brothers, as well as with Chris Stamey, Wes Collins, Huzzah, and a who's who of NC music groups. In addition to being a sought-after bassist, Ventre spends his time behind the mixing board, producing and engineering at his own Good Luck Studio as well as writing his own songs.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj3klop8pGk
Website: https://www.jonshain.com/
‘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/
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.
Website: https://www.admiralradiomusic.com/
Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers are a 4-piece bluegrass sibling band born and raised in Wilmington, NC. The band was formed in 2021 by the siblings, when they decided there was no reason not to! The band is composed of Isabella on the fiddle, AnnMari on the guitar, Pete on the banjo and Chris on the mandolin. They just couldn't get enough classic bluegrass, and folk music.This group is set to serenade your soul with their harmonious melodies and foot stomping fun. With music rooted deeply in the Blue Ridge Mountains and feet planted firmly in the Carolina sand, their style is not just a sound, but a journey through family ties and tradition.
Join them in celebrating their debut album release by streaming their EP, Magnolia, on all streaming networks. Join them for a live performance and get ready to be swept off your feet as they infuse their performances with a blend of music, faith, kinship, and a whole lot of heart.
Video: https://youtu.be/ozPPIOGvcSw
Website: https://dearmaribella.com/
Justin Cody Fox is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Wilmington, NC. Justin gained regional notoriety for his guitar skills at the age of 15 and has been performing professionally since then. Over the years Justin has written and recorded multiple albums and toured up and down the east coast and Virgin Islands, sharing the stage with many great national acts including: Damon Johnson (Brother Cane, Alice Cooper, Whiskey Falls, Thin Lizzy) Vince Neil (Motley Crue) Mother's Finest, David Lee Roth (Van Halen), Blackfoot, Cowboy Mouth, Joe Bonamassa, Frank Bangs (Buddy Guy) American Minor, The Steepwater Band, The Trews, Will Hoge, Hubert Sumlin, Sonny Landruth, Chris Duarte, Zoso, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Three Doors Down, Rusted Root, Candlebox, Marshall Tucker Band, Shooter Jennings, Blackberry Smoke, Buddy Guy, Gregg Allman Tab Benoit, Donna the Buffalo, Audley Freed, Ford Thurston and many others.
Justin signed with Spectra Music Group in 2017 to release his sophomore album "Go Down Swinging". Justin's latest singles are a well balanced showcase of smart songwriting and polished musicianship For his latest group of recordings Justin teamed up with Legendary Guitarist Audley Freed to record what would be known as the "Three Days in Nashville" EP. The project was Produced by Mr. Freed and enlisted the Allstar talents of Audley himself(guitars), Robert kearns(Bass/Vocals), Jen Gunderman(Keys) and Fred Eltringham(Drums). Hear the tracks here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5s5QDgs3iRk3fFi5XlY9qG?si=0f1f12d8aecb459d
You can find more info on Justin here: www.justincodyfox.com
Social media: facebook.com/justincodyfox
instagram.com/justincodyfox
Live in the studio:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvLZ-_MKKjU
Over the last few months, Wilmington, NC songwriter David Dixon has been balancing live performances with writing & recording new music. His latest release, “Before It Gets Too Cold” recently hit 100K streams on Spotify. Dixon was awarded a 2023 Artist Support Grant by New Hanover County. He was also a finalist for the NC Artist Fellowship Award (NC Arts Council). Dixon studied guitar performance at the acclaimed Berklee College of Music in Boston. His musical styles consist of pop, rock, blues & soul. Think John Mayer meets Derek Trucks, with some Ed Sheeran sprinkled on top. Dixon's self-titled album was Mastered by Grammy Award-winner, Brian Lucey (The Black Keys, Beck). His 5-song EP, “The Game” was released in August of 2021 and features his most popular song to date, “Across the Room”, along with a guest appearance by Korey Riker on horns (John Legend) on “Better With You By My Side”.
Dixon performs solo shows while “looping” multiple guitar, percussion & vocal parts. He also plays violin, bass, piano & mandolin. Dixon regularly performs at music festivals, on college campuses, songwriting showcases, house concerts, weddings & corporate events. He opened for Phillip Phillips (American Idol Winner) at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater to a sold-out crowd. Dixon has performed at the NC Seafood Festival in Morehead City, the Beaufort Music Festival, & the Wilmington Wine & Food Festival. He has toured South Korea twice, performing on US military bases for the troops. Dixon has also performed in the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, & all over the US
Website: https://www.daviddixonmusic.com/
Video: https://youtu.be/8UOsszMBuy4
As a four-year house engineer for legendary producer, Johnny Sandlin, Jim has worked at the top of the music business as an audio engineer for groups such as Widespread Panic, Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit & The Dixie Dregs on releases by Capricorn Records and Warner Brothers Music.
Additional projects and artists include Scott Boyer, Tommy Talton, Chuck Leavell, Butch Trucks, Eddie Hinton, Loretta Lynn, Roger Hawkins, Randall Bramblett, T Lavitz, David Hood, John Hiatt, Ry Cooder, Gladys Knight, Kelvin Holly, Spanky Alford, and many others.
As an independent producer and engineer, Jim worked has with Jupiter Coyote, Chief Jim Billie, Sarah McCulloch, Jeannie Fitchen, Mindy Simmons, Raiford Starke, Joey Errigo, Clyde Walker, Sam Pacetti, Vassar Clements. John McEuen, Bela Fleck, Upsala, and hundreds of other Indie artists.
As a writer and performer, Jim has released three albums of his music, including some of the best musicians in the business.
Jim retired in June, 2023 and has leaned into performing and production full-time again with current projects in the works by Seminole, Cowbone (Paul Buster) and Sarah McCulloch, now booking solo performances for 2024 & 2025.
Website: https://jimbickerstaff.com/home
Video: https://youtu.be/pUgthDW8XjE
SHAKEY- AN EVENING WITH NEIL YOUNG.....ALMOST!
Imagine seeing Neil Young perform solo at Massey Hall or The Cellar Door in 1971. Songs like; "Cowgirl in the Sand", "Down by The River' "Cinnamon Girl", "Needle and the Damage Done", "After the Gold Rush", "Heart of Gold", “"Ohio", "Helpless" and “Harvest Moon” are just a few of the many songs Briz performs at his “Shakey” shows. Don’t miss a chance to see this intimate solo acoustic show….on Neil Young’s BIRTHDAY, of all days!
Website: https://brizartandmusic.com/shakey
Video: https://youtu.be/B70xLCD8p_o
Whether with his backing band, The Fustics, or performing as an acoustic artist, Brad Heller has established himself as a credible force among current songwriters. Honing his craft for over a decade and a half the Wilmington, North Carolina, transplant has built a reputation as a thoughtful songsmith who tackles a wide range of personal and social issues. Bouncing between a myriad of genres, Heller finds creative drive in honoring musical influences that inspired him, while never abandoning his own unique sound.
With the forthcoming 2024 release of his sixth album, From What You’ve Built, Heller continues to build his audience with constant touring and spirited live shows. Heller’s music centers on middle-class characters while exploring themes of loss, self-imposed alienation, abandonment of faith, and addiction. Voted Wilmington’s “Best Original Rock Band,” look for upcoming shows by Brad Heller & the Fustics and Heller’s acoustic duo.
Website: https://www.bradhellermusic.com/
For 24 years, Mac & Juice have continued to make tremendous evolutionary strides from their days as a dynamic acoustic duo. Now performing as a full band, their vast stylistic range is seamlessly translated into every original song. The sound is personally described as “Jammy-Soul-Rock & Roll”- Organically crafted Rock music that isn't afraid to jam out and improvise, but with a Bluesy touch of Soul sweetness to smooth out the edges.
MJQ consistently prove to audiences across the southeast that they are indeed a force to be reckoned with onstage. In addition to an extensive repertoire of original songs, they also have an equally diverse collection of covers that adds to the dynamic of the live performance. Alternating set lists further ensure that every show played is its own unique and fresh experience.
Whether listening to the albums or experienced live, the end result is a sound all its own that lends itself to a very broad range of listeners.
Website: https://macandjuice.net/upcoming-shows
Video: https://youtu.be/NCBeU_hRhRo
Artist Statement: SolTree Reign’s name was birthed a decade ago as my lyrical ego. The band is A testament to the undeniable musical syzygy shaped by the laws of lyricism, harmonical, and musical vibration. Rooted in the acknowledged artistic prowess of Mahlaynee Nicole AKA Carrie Assata, has blossomed into a full-fledged 6-piece band. Their unique sound and poetic narrative encapsulate themes of love, resistance, truth, and exposure, navigating the complex tapestry of the human experience.
As a vocalist, poet, and lyricist, Mahlaynee Nicole stands at the forefront, channeling the essence of the band's expression. The "SolTree" sound, characterized as seductive, is crafted through the creative musical genius of Royce Williams on keys, James NewKirk, a soulful bass guitarist, Mike Hanson original last poet, also a Master Conga Percussionist , Junious Fulton smoothly brings the heat drumming in the pocket and completing the ensemble is Robert Bellamy, known as ScaleHamHawk Da Poet, a rhythmic percussionist player and wordsmith.
In the spirit of Duke Ellington's wisdom, SolTree Reign plays from the heart, using music as their primary mode of expression. Their 6-piece constructive collaboration invites audiences to experience the depth of their original compositions, enriched with a touch of finesse when interpreting covers. Let SolTree Reign "Reign" on you, inviting you to feel the roots of soul and groove to the melodic smoothness of their captivating sound.
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZQWd19ZUTQ
"Hell, I don’t know where I’m going in life, but I know where I’m going tonight" is a sentiment that Michael Paul Lawson has grown accustomed to. It also serves as the hook on the opening track of his forthcoming LP, Love Songs For Loners, a collection of eight distinctive songs about drifters, eccentrics, and those who never quite found their place. Produced by Ken Coomer (Wilco, Will Hoge, Arlo McKinley), Love Songs For Loners is swaggering yet subtle, toeing the line between classic country and the darker folk sound of his 2019 release Some Fights You’ll Never Win. Lawson stares down his own base instincts the way Raymond Carver might — with sparse, economical short stories tangled up in hopelessness and the last legs of youthful optimism.
With its focus on storytelling through characters, Love Songs For Loners hints at being a concept album without coming across as overly contrived. There’s a nod to the late Justin Townes Earle and John Prine, but it never once feels derivative; rather, it confirms Lawson’s place as one of the most promising artists working under the Americana banner today.
Lawson tapped Coomer — who had been interested in working with Lawson since 2018 — for production duties as well as handling percussion on the record. The studio band was rounded out by aces Laur Joamets (Sturgill Simpson, Drivin' N Cryin') on guitar and Billy Mercer (Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams) on bass. Working out of Coomer’s Cartoon Moon Recording Studio in East Nashville, the record was tracked in just over five days, capturing the live energy of the performances and evoking a warmth that recalls the sonic leanings of Wilco’s Being There. It’s a perfect compliment to Lawson’s flourishing baritone voice. He croons, twangs, growls, and shouts his way through Love Songs For Loners, always finding the right touch for each song.
There’s a natural tendency to associate country music with the south or with Texas. Lawson, who lives in Austin, holds true to these roots while simultaneously paying homage to where he grew up — Central New York. "When I started writing the songs for this record, I knew I wanted to make something reflecting the full-color palette of country music, from traditional to western swing to alt-country," Lawson notes. "I wanted Love Songs For Loners to feel like the three places I’ve called home: New York, Virginia, and Texas." Lawson deftly navigates the juxtaposition, blending alt-country and hill country twang with Mohawk Valley scenery — closing factories, townies, changing maple trees, and navigating I-90 in a whiteout blizzard.
These scenes, while not necessarily biographical in nature, are drawn from Lawson’s lived experiences. The son of two music teachers, Lawson’s parents divorced a few months after he was born. His father relocated to Texas and settled in Austin while Lawson remained with his mother in New York. “As a child, I felt this connection to Texas because my father was there,” Lawson reflects. “I would visit Austin and then go back to New York and feel out of place.” But that Texas draw faded as Lawson’s relationship with his father soured.
After earning an MBA from Long Island University, Lawson made his way to Norfolk, VA, crediting the sleepy Atlantic town for igniting a spark within him that would become the music he’s creating today. In a twist of fate, Lawson found himself back in Austin recording his debut album and reconciling things with his father in the process, helping prompt a full-time move to Austin. Now, he returns with his sophomore effort, written and recorded on more certain footing. The resulting work is transportive — a showcase of Lawson the auteur.
Right from the opening count-in on “I Know Where I’m Going Tonight”, Lawson finds the peaks and valleys of human emotion and lays them out matter-of-factly. “I’ve been learning how to manage, how to mitigate the damage when nothing goes the way you planned it; oh, damn it all, Lucille,” Lawson sings on “Lucille,” an infectious heartland ripper that sticks in your head like an old flame. It all comes full circle on “Varick Street,” as the final lines of the record ring out over an acoustic guitar and the faint buzz of cicadas: “It’s so easy to dig up the past, so hard to love where you’re at, and no amount of living changes that … until you love what little bit you have.”
Love Songs For Loners spans time, place, and the full spectrum of the human experience across its succinct eight tracks. It’s a triumph of the spirit — a reflection on heartbreak, unmet expectations, and feeling out of place.
For Lawson, this new album is a culmination of over a decade of trying to figure it out — unfulfilling jobs, failed relationships, and his multiple moves around the country in search of anything that felt good. But it’s far from a “woe-is-me” saga; instead, Lawson strikes the tone of someone who has learned that joy and pain are invariably intertwined and that ultimately “there’s no love songs for loners.”
Website: https://michaelpaullawson.co/
Video: https://youtu.be/Jwlo6ozsEP8
IT’S THE FABULOUS NITE-LIFE BOOGIE BRINGING THE SWINGIN’ SOUNDS OF 1940–1960 AND BEYOND TO THESE MODERN TIMES. JUMP, JIVE, ROCK-N-ROLL, STRAIGHT-UP SWING AND EVEN A RIGHT TURN INTO THE BLUE NOTE ERA OF JAZZ.
THIS IS NOT A COVER BAND, NOT AN OLDIES ACT BUT A LOVE LETTER TO A SOUND THAT KEEPS TOES TAPPING, FINGERS SNAPPING AND THE CROWD YELLING “HEY BARTENDER! MAKE IT DOUBLE!”
IT’S THE NITE-LIFE BOOGIE IT’S THE ALL-NIGHT BOOGIE FOR JOY!
Website: https://www.nitelifeboogie.com/
This last minute special Wednesday night show is help Asheville, NC Singer Songwriter, Millie Palmer, keep life moving while evacuated here from WNC. Let's help support her by coming out and hearing some of her incredible music, along with local artist and singer songwriter, Justin Lacy!
Not just a singer-songwriter, Justin Lacy is an arranger, stop-motion animator and music video filmmaker. In 2018, Lacy premiered “Weeds” — a construction-paper music video he stop-motion animated entirely by hand, frame by frame, for 2,609 frames. His oddball vocal delivery of imagery steeped in sweeping orchestral folk arrangements has earned him a signature sound difficult to pin down.
Lacy grew up in Carteret County, on the coast of North Carolina. After moving to Wilmington, NC, Lacy performed in several bands, eventually forming Justin Lacy and the Swimming Machine, a nine-piece folk outfit utilizing all manner of odd instrumentation (there was even a tap dancer on some nights), and in 2012, he released his debut full-length album, “Overgrown,” an almost seamless album that, according to Encore Magazine, “frolics and bows, flits and exaggerates, whispers and screams.”
In April 2017, Lacy released his second full-length album, “Control Burn.” With a bright ensemble of synthesizers, glockenspiels and celestas fashioned around Lacy’s chiming nylon-string guitar, quirky voice and imaginative yet vulnerable lyrics, the album is at-times dark, but ultimately optimistic. As album art creator Jonathan Guggenheim put it, it’s the sound of “bittersweet blossoms that somehow seem to sting … It feels like a break-up album that pieced itself back together with bubble gum and baby bird eggs.”
Lacy has completed 2 film scores, 3 EPs, and 4 albums. Today, he often performs with an orchestral ensemble of clarinets, mandolins, strings and voices, sometimes cramming up to 12 musicians on stage. These orchestral arrangements are the basis for his newest full-length, “Carousel.”
Website: http://www.justinlacymusic.com/
Video: https://youtu.be/hPHr3OZdrww
Millie Palmer was born and raised in Asheville, NC. She began singing and playing piano and guitar at a young age, and began playing professionally in her early teenage years. Palmer's treatment of her music is that of a sensitive and intuitive artist.
Website: https://www.milliepalmermusic.com/
A new series in 2024 - we're giving Ted the reigns again! Come join us for an evening of music all decided on by our former owner, Ted (Kelly Jewell). He'll play us some tunes and have some special guests join him. Whatever Ted decides, goes for this show!
Jay Killman has been a professional musician for eleven years. He performs with a wide array of acts including jazz ensembles, singer songwriter acts, hip hop groups, and fusion bands.
Over the years Jay has studied and played with numerous greats including Keith Ganz, Joey Calderrazo, Ralph Bowen, Branford Marsalis, Isaiah Sharkey, Peter DiCarlo, Jerald Shynett and more. He has acheived a BA in Music from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a MM in Jazz Composition from North Carolina Central University.
Jay has released 2 albums of original music - Rene & Jay Nice Sounds Collection no. 1 and Jay Killman Cycles. https://open.spotify.com/album/0yDP6i7ajTd2RtadJejFyF
In addition to performing, Jay is an avid composer, arranger and teacher.
Website: https://jaykillmanmusic.com/
Video: https://youtu.be/OEeD-ZJF4V4
Whether he's solo or with his band, Carlos Rising creates an unforgettable experience for all listeners with his soothing tone and diverse repertoire of original music. For the past 10 years Carlos has been playing shows and releasing songs that reach a plethora of audiences, including fans of Soul, RnB and Pop. In 2023, Rising was a featured contestant on Season 23 of NBC's the Voice, where he showcased his vocal ability, artistry and genre versatility on Team Blake. Not only does Rising have the ability to connect with large audiences on a national scale, but also can thrive in intimate small environments where he encapsulates audiences with his original songs. Now based out of Wilmington NC, Carlos continues to play shows and write music, all in an effort to make his songs make a difference the lives of his listeners.
Website: https://www.carlosrising.com/
SHHH... HEAR THAT?
IT'S THE AWKWARD SILENTS.
This self-described super group uses an assortment of mildly eclectic instruments to play an equally mild, somewhat eclectic song list. The duo of Jim Ellis and Doug McFarland musically jump from 2024 to 1941 to several other years in between - all while literally jumping nowhere. While they perform as solo singer/songwriters and in other groups, this project is a chance to go in some new directions and explore the auditory atmosphere in creative ways... play around with whatever instrumentation suits the song. In any given selection you might hear a cajon, shuitar, keyboard, guitar, bass, banjo, shaker, looper, kazoo, vocals and who knows what else. You might hear all that at once or you might not hear anything at all. That would be The Awkward Silents.
Arguably one of the three most influential kazoo players in the history of Western music, Doug McFarland inarguably is a singer songwriter and guitarist as well. He is known far and wide for acoustic awesomeness and sincere (occasionally clever) songwriting. He plays locally upwards of 110 dates per year and has released multiple CD’s in the last 15 years.
Jim has been on the Wilmington area music scene since 1996. He and his piano have been featured on many local recordings and in live performances of artists like Catesby Jones, Jeff Reid, John Fonvielle and others. His own discography includes the album release Long Goners, which features legendary slide guitarist, Sonny Landreth and his band. This rhythm section has backed up John Hiatt as “The Goners” since the late 1980’s, and Sonny’s slide guitar can be heard on recordings from Jimmy Buffett to Dolly Parton. Jim performs solo and with other local projects like The Awkward Silents.
Video: https://youtu.be/Qja6oNghBrc?si=Ipia2hlDnx1VWrrs
Website: https://www.thedougmcfarlandone.com/the-awkward-silents
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 songs and live performances are uplifting, positive experiences that pull people in and make them feel good.
Soul-R Fusion’s large repertoire of original music ranges from the humorously quixotic Slack Cat Blues to the elegant poignancy of Simple. The duo has three studio album recordings, all recorded in Wilmington, NC: their eponymous debut Soul-R Fusion, (2016) with drummer Roger Manning, a double CD Like a Circle ‘Round the Sun, (2019), and their newest release, Everybody Knows, (2023). And they have a whole new batch of songs that they are looking forward to recording soon!
Website: https://soulrfusion.wixsite.com/website-2
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmun54kfVic&list=PLgPFIIlOrbUWp4E1O_TOTFBggw-A4b7RU&index=5
House of Hamill owes its existence - almost entirely - to a series of cancelled flights.
Rose Baldino and Brian Buchanan first found themselves onstage together at the 2014 Folk Alliance International conference in Kansas City.
Rose’s band Burning Bridget Cleary was scheduled to perform, but inclement weather prevented two of her bandmates from flying. Desperate to salvage the showcase, Rose approached Brian, who she knew fronted Canadian celtic rock band Enter the Haggis. She thrust a guitar into Brian’s hands, pulled him onstage, and the two just clicked.
Four years and hundreds of shows later, the duo was booked to play a closing slot at a Colorado festival, so they hired a bass player and drummer to fill out their sound. By the oddest of coincidences, their hired bandmates’ flights were canceled the day of the show. A frantic Facebook post introduced Brian and Rose to local musician Caroline Browning, who joined them on bass for the weekend. Once again, the chemistry was undeniable, and House of Hamill became a trio.
The band's upcoming release, “Wildfire,” marks House of Hamill's most compelling work to date. Featuring their strongest and most exciting songwriting, “Wildfire” is filled with lyrical depth, sophisticated vocal and instrumental arrangements, and hooks that are simply irresistible. This album captures the vibrant energy and creativity that have become the hallmarks of a House of Hamill live show.
Whether they’re ripping through a set of original jigs and reels, adding lush three-part harmonies into traditional folk ballads, or cracking up an audience with stories from the road, House of Hamill puts on a show that captivates audiences from the very first note.
Website: https://www.houseofhamill.com/home
Video: https://youtu.be/eAsFJiAUbBA
Local musician, Laura McLean, curates an afternoon of local and regional songwriters. A Ted's favorite - ya'll come!
Featuring:
Elena Rogers
Anna Nichole Kareiva
Elena Woodard
Laura McLean & The New Riders of Calamity with Joan Travis and Jeff Hunnicutt
The Paper Stars embody an image of the opening of the eyes and the taking-in of light. Illustrated otherwise, they are a catalog of human emotion punctuated by visions of a man taking responsibility for what is his.
Altman’s songs are vast – in sonic dimension and lyrical aptitude. Without a doubt, Altman has a grasp on that mysterious place where the words and music intersect. At once earnest in that ultra-human pursuit of making things right – and making an attempt at anything honest, The Paper Stars is a collection of sounds and stories; perfunctory calls to everything elevated. Both transcendent and secular. Altman’s lyrics wind through western canyons of love lost and every dawn of solace washed in bright lights.-Denver Syntax
Video: https://vimeo.com/151256802
Website:https://www.thepaperstars.com/
Led by songwriters Steph Stewart and Mario Arnez, 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. Blue Cactus has supported a diverse set of artists over its eight-year history (The War & Treaty, Town Mountain, and Junior Brown, among others), Stewart’s introspective lyricism and Arnez’s skill for lush arrangements making the band potent in the studio and on stage. Blue Cactus has since grown a cult following in the South and beyond. Praised by No Depression for their ability to paint “beautiful pictures of limitless possibility” in roots music, Blue Cactus has drawn comparisons to Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris.
Their sophomore album, Stranger Again, released in 2021 on Sleepy Cat Records, nabbed enthusiastic attention from tastemakers including No Depression, American Songwriter, FLOOD Magazine, Talkhouse, and INDY Week. Following their critically acclaimed 2017 debut and a string of singles in 2020, Stranger Again saw the band taking their sound to an ambitious new plane, where country-rock and light psychedelia mingle, vocals soaring over twangy slide guitars and propulsive basslines.
Between the comfort of classic country and the glamor of 70s rock, Blue Cactus resuscitate a fleeting style of honest-to-goodness country music considered valueless to a “new” country music where songwriting is officiated by financial analysts and teams of marketing plutocrats instead of woebegone troubadours. With a high lonesome twang, a sweet southern drawl, and blistering guitar techniques, Blue Cactus firmly bear the flag for a new generation of country and Americana.
An intimate evening of stories and songs from one of Wilmington's prolific songwriting duos. Selections from their solo recordings Rodeo (2015), Windows (2020) and their collaborated releases Radio Ranch (2021) and Mainline America (2022), will be performed and recorded for a live release. Guest musicians will include Joel Lamb on piano, Jason Moore on bass and Brian Mason on drums.
Recordings: https://johnfonvielleandjeffreid.bandcamp.com/album/mainline-america
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.
Newly formed Iowa folk duo, Weary Ramblers bring years of experience to the stage with award-winning songwriting and chemistry. Chad Elliott and Kathryn Fox showcase multi-instrumental performances with tight harmonies and great storytelling.
“That man’s music is as honest as was Woody Guthrie’s.” - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
Chad Elliott blends folk roots and soulful writing to deliver an original sound with over two decades of being on the road.. Elliott is lauded as “Iowa’s Renaissance man” by Culture Buzz Magazine. He has penned more than 1,500 songs in his career while also cultivating his skills as a painter, sculptor, illustrator and author. Elliott’s career demonstrates a love of folk, roots and singer-songwriter music. He has worked with and shared the stage with artists of the highest caliber, including Odetta, Tom Paxton, Loudon Wainwright III, Ruthie Foster, Greg Brown, Bo Ramsey, etc.
“When listening to Fox for the first time, one might wonder, how can a young woman make a violin sound so good?” - Cityview Magazine
Deemed “fiddler extraordinaire” in Cityview Magazine, Kathryn Fox is a DownBeat award winning artist. She played on the Grammy-nominated track “All My Tomorrows” with Kate McGarry. Kathryn toured internationally with fiddle troupe, Barrage 8, with shows in Europe, the U.S. and Canada. She has performed, recorded PBS specials and recorded with George Benson, The Beach Boys, The Eagles, Pharrell Williams, Natalie Cole, Gloria Estefan, Osmond Brothers, Gloria Gaynor, Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Kenny Loggins, Mark O’Connor, Ryan Montbleau, Seth Walker, Edgar Meyer and Joshua Bell.
Website: https://www.wearyramblers.com/
The Asheville Mountain Boys consists of Asheville based musicians John Duncan, Zeb Gambill, Jacob Brewer, and Marshall Brown. Each of these musicians has a unique background of musical influences, but they share a love of traditional bluegrass music. Their influences span from first-generation bluegrass musicians, like Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers, through the 1960s with acts like the Kentucky Colonels and Red Allen, up to Tony Rice and The Bluegrass Album Band. The Asheville Mountain Boys highlight instrumentation as well as the emotionally charged harmonies of traditional bluegrass music.
Website: http://ashevillemountainboys.com/
Video: https://youtu.be/3X7uWaF21v0
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this show is cancelled. We will work with Luke to get a rescheduled date soon. Ticket holders will be refunded shortly, so no further action is needed. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience!
Travis Shallow (is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and recording artist.[1]He is best known for his steady solo career, with the single "Hard Time With The Truth" released on Pearly Girl Records March 31st, 2023. "Hard Time With The Truth" follows the release of "Let It Pass" that was released on Cavity Search Records.[2]
Shallow said "I wrote Let It Pass last year and recorded it in late January (2020) right before the quarantine and COVID thing got into full swing here in the states. I was watching a friend of mine going through a divorce and it was hard on her, and I could see her trying to hold onto to something that was already long gone, and she was holding onto more of the idea of how it used to be instead of how it actually was. It’s like holding onto an electric fence waiting for it to stop hurting you, when all you have to do is let go. I’ve had to keep learning this lesson over and over, so I’m singing it to myself just as much as documenting her story too."[3]
Shallow debuted "Let It Pass" on his livestream series "Live from Shallow Chateau" that he created during quarantine in response to all live shows being cancelled due to the pandemic. He has live-streamed over 125 episodes during quarantine since March 2020.[4] The "Live from Shallow Chateau" livestream series was also broadcast on JamBase as one of their weekly Featured Livestreams.[5]
Shallow also live-streamed on Breedlove Guitars social media during November 2020 as Shallow followed Jeff Bridges as their Featured Artist of the month.[6] Shallow initially became an endorsed artist with Breedlove Guitars in January 2019.[7]
Shallow was also a former member of alternative country band A Few Good Liars, with whom he recorded one studio album in 2011 titled, Battered Wooden Body. "That album showcases the harmony vocal power of the group and Shallow sings songs that can be tender and those that traffic in darkness. In all he does so with restraint, whether on country tinged acoustic ballads (the excellent "Amen") or aching confession-drenched numbers"[8] "Battered Wooden Body" was recorded in Oxford, Mississippi at Tweed Recording Studio and was engineered by Andrew Ratcliffe whose discography includes (Will Hoge, The Damnwells, American Aquarium)
In 2012, Shallow left A Few Good Liars and started writing and recording songs that would later be released as his first solo self-titled album, Travis Shallow, to regional critical acclaim in the southeastern United States.
Shallow went back to Tweed Recording Studio with Andrew Ratcliffe engineering to record his solo debut album. This solo album was acoustically driven with an accompanying band to highlight the songwriting and lyrical prowess. "Shallow is a singer whose vocal personality is ultimately a category unto itself, like a Willie Nelson, an Otis Redding. He could sing anything and make it sound great, make it well worth listening to. His self-titled album has seven songs like that."[9] Shallow's solo album has a maturity to it that catapulted Shallow into bigger rooms and a wider audience.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QkLc5VFHt0
Website: https://www.travisshallow.com/
Songs From The Road Band is an Asheville, North Carolina based bluegrass supergroup featuring Mark Schimick (mandolin), Charles Humphrey III (bass), Sam Wharton (guitar), James Schlender (fiddle), and Gabe Epstein (banjo). The band takes flight with virtuosic picking, singing, and grammy award winning songwriting. Several of their most recent singles have gone to the top of the Bluegrass Today Grassicana chart. They have 6 studio albums available at all musical outlets.
“The Western North Carolina quintet is this band of melodic pirates, roaring down the highways and backroads of Southern Appalachia in search of a stage to play, perhaps another kindred spirit to collaborate with in the sacred art of songwriting and creating something (beautiful and permanent) from nothing (thin air and momentary inspiration).”
- GARRET K. WOODWARD, Smoky Mountain News (Nov 24, 2021)
"SFTRB are unique somehow, and it’s a challenge to define exactly how. The best way I can describe it is that they’re sort of a bluegrass chamber orchestra. They’re a quintet of first chairs. Know what I mean? They’re each better than anyone else on their instruments, so they don’t turn in and compete with each other. They’re incredibly collaborative, seamlessly so, and it comes across. They don’t waste energy trying to out-do each other, the way most bands do."
-JOHN JOBE, OAKRIDGER (SEPT 15, 2022)
This workshop is being RESCHEDULED due to inclement weather.
*Live at Ted's is only hosting this event- any further questions should be directed to Emily Burdette with Voice & the Pen. Her email is emily@voiceandthepen.com.
If you’re looking for some amazing music, Whitney will be performing with the Wilmington Voices!
Saturday, September 21st - 7:30 PM 8:30 PM at St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church
Sunday, September 22nd - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Wilmington Voices presents Music for a Sacred Space, an evening of choral music that is not only a celebration of artistic excellence, but also a testament to the enduring power of music. We seek to create a sense of peace and reverence in the hallowed confines of a sacred sanctuary, transcending boundaries and uniting hearts in a shared journey through sublime music. Whether one seeks solace, inspiration, or simply an opportunity to bask in the beauty of choral harmonies, this concert promises to be a memorable and uplifting experience for all who attend.
For more information about Wilmington Voices, visit their website here: https://www.wilmingtonvoices.com/
