This month we're excited to host 2 headlinging performers!
Billy King: Billy King is a seasoned performer, songwriter, and recording artist known for his original blend of rootsy folk/pop, often with a touch of country swing, in the independent music scene. A versatile multi-genre singer-songwriter, he is proficient on a wide array of instruments, including guitar, banjo, keyboards, and accordion. Whether performing in intimate acoustic settings, at major festivals, or at popular rural gatherings, King delivers his music with lightness, dynamism, and sincerity. Drawing inspiration from master songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Paul Simon, King creates melodically compelling songs that possess a timeless and classic quality. His music encompasses catchy folk/rock, powerful blues, and consistently direct and thoughtful lyrics, reflecting an original and authentic artistic voice.
Eric Moore: Eric Moore, a Midwesterner with roots in southwestern Pennsylvania, has resided in Michigan for over two decades (but still finds the local accent amusing). For 25 years, he played acoustic guitar exclusively, but eventually embraced electric guitar. Currently, Moore balances his acoustic fingerstyle performances with his involvement in the rock band GuyTalk. He also values opportunities to connect with audiences in a more intimate setting, sharing stories of life, love, and community. Moore has graced the stages of several prominent venues in the region, including the Village Tap, The Ark, Hollerfest, and Ann Arbor Summerfest’s Top of the Park. Outside of his musical pursuits, he enjoys baking, painting, cycling, and cross-country skiing with his dog.
The Carpenter Ants, a West Virginia rhythm & blues band known for their "chicken-fried gospel soul," features Michael Lipton (guitar), Jupiter Little (drums), Ted Harrison (bass), and Mark Bates (keyboard/vocals). Special guest John Ellison, who formed The Soul Brothers Six and was signed by Jerry Wexler to Atlantic Records, will join them. Their first release was "Some Kind of Wonderful," famously covered by Grand Funk Railroad and many others. As a solo artist, Ellison released "Welcome Back" and "Missing You," and his song "Back" received R&B/Soul Recording of the Year nominations. A recipient of five Lifetime Achievement Awards, Ellison has worked with artists like Patti LaBelle and Diana Ross. He regularly performs at international jazz festivals and was inducted into The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
Hailed by Detroit Metro Times readers as the city's best Americana act, The Whiskey Charmers have carved out a unique niche with their "Dusty Americana" sound. The core of the band, Carrie Shepard (vocals/acoustic guitar) and Lawrence Daversa (electric guitar/harmony vocals), create a captivating blend of melancholy guitar lines and emotionally resonant vocals, conjuring images of winding desert roads. Whether performing as an intimate duo or with their rhythm section of John Porter (drums) and Ozzie Andrews (bass), their distinctive sound has earned them Detroit Music Awards and accolades. William P Davis, former Deputy Director of the Country Music Hall of Fame, lauded their originality, stating they remind him of no one. This singular sound also led to their music being featured in a bar scene of the acclaimed video game "Detroit: Become Human" (2018), reaching millions of new listeners worldwide.