Eamon O’Leary and Jefferson Hamer (aka The Murphy Beds) present traditional and original folk songs with close harmonies and deft instrumental arrangements on bouzouki, guitar, and mandolin. In 2021 they released their second album, titled “Easy Way Down”, which The Irish Echo called “an incredible collection of songs delivered with grace and ease.” They have toured extensively […]
Taught by John Harrod and Blakeley Burger John Harrod has documented, recorded, and performed traditional music for more than 45 years. Born and raised in Shelby County, Kentucky, he has a B.A. from Centre College (1967) and an M.A. from Oxford University (1969) which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar. In the 1970s and ’80s, […]
Kentucky Wild Horse takes its name from an old Eastern Kentucky fiddle tune played by Wolfe County fiddler Darley Fulks. Kentucky’s older music traditions are the inspiration for this group of veteran singers and instrumentalists. Their repertory consists of old-time and bluegrass songs and fiddle tunes as well as newer original songs. Tickets available at […]
The Sheiks are Don Cassell, Nancy Brennan Strange, Don Wood, Nicolas Cassell, Barry “Po” Hannah, Brent Thompson, Michael “Crawdaddy” Crawley, Marcus Shirley, and Vince Ilagan. Taking inspiration from the jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, they describe their music as acoustic swing. The Sheiks’ members are known individually for their work with area bands and musicians in […]
The Laurel will host a fundraising benefit to support the East Tennessee Foundation's Neighbor to Neighbor fund in their work to help communities recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene. The Bearded, Legbeard, and The New Market Trainwrecks will play and an open old time jam will be hosted downstairs for the duration. Entry is […]
Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms are known to roots music fans across the globe for their soulful harmonies, driving dance tunes, classic original songs, and commitment to the raw truth of rural American music. Both originally from Washington State, they made a home in Portland, Oregon, where they are foundational to the exceptional old-time and […]
Born and raised in Knoxville, Tenn., Sally Buice and Molly Rochelson of songwriter duo The Montvales spent much of their formative years busking amidst the Elvis impersonators and musical saw players of the town’s Market Square, honing their uniquely boisterous harmonies and driving, joyful sound. Eventually they graduated to playing indoors on the local Americana […]
Knoxville-based Celtic band Red-Haired Mary delivers traditional and contemporary Irish and Celtic songs and tunes, sometimes in Irish and often in three-part harmony. Members of the band include Nancy Acuff, flute, tin whistle, and vocals; Alycia Petrone, fiddle and vocals; Terry Schomer, bouzouki, guitar, mandolin, bodhran, and bones; Margaret Scanlan, keyboards and vocals; and Tom […]
Establish in 2022 by UT College of Music Lecturer Sean McCollough, the UT student Appalachian ensemble now has enough members to form five bands. Mainly playing bluegrass, other genres may emerge during their performance. Event is free
Sarah Pirkle is a fiddler who also plays the clawhammer banjo, guitar, and mandolin; in addition to her instrumental work, she is a also singer and songwriter. She began playing the fiddle in 1991 with an emphasis on traditional southern fiddle styles.