This four-member band, based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is rooted in musical styles that explore the territories between blues and bluegrass, old-time sing-alongs, and foot-stompin’ fiddle tunes. A truly Americana band, these deft musicians are subtle innovators, respecting the past but decidedly forging a new sound. Dirty Linen writes, “The Steel Wheels travel along a path through the listener’s ears and aim directly for the heart.” There is a purity and a power in their sound that few others come close to tapping. Their songs recall a more familiar time and yet sound fresh and creative. Lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist Trent Wagler has been a scene staple in Virginia for nearly a decade. Multi-instrumentalist Jay Lapp was born there and, after touring with several successful Midwest bands, began a musical partnership with Wagler that showcases his remarkable and unmistakable mandolin style. Rounding out the group are upright bassist Brian Dickel and fiddler Eric Brubaker. 2010 was a breakout year for The Steel Wheels with five nominations from the Independent Music Awards and numerous placements on “Best of the Year” lists. Their song “Nothing You Can’t Lose” won the 2010 IMA “Country” Song of the Year. The band has quickly built a following across the U.S. and Canada that appreciates its honest and deceptively simple sound, and it has headlined at such well-known venues as NPR’s Mountain Stage, Eddie’s Attic, The Ark, Bluebird Café, and Club Passim among others. The band shines exceptionally in its live shows with a charisma that causes toes to tap and audiences to hang on every word
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Undeniably the hottest young band on the acoustic scene, The HillBenders have been winning over audiences from coast to coast with an “all their own” style, original compositions, and relentless drive. These five buzz-worthy bluegrass whiz-kids are quickly rising above many of their peers and gaining international recognition for their aggressive combination of contemporary influences with traditional inspiration and instrumentation, as well as their infectiously energetic stage performances. Some say it’s newgrass, some say it’s bluegrass, some say it’s neither, but everyone says that whatever it is, it’s incredible! Claiming the championship title at the 2009 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition helped put The HillBenders on the map, and their victory at the 2010 National Single Microphone Championships proved that they continue to be a force to be reckoned with. Formed in the spring of 2008, The HillBenders hail from distant corners of the U.S. but now base themselves in Springfield, MO. Band members include Mark Cassidy on banjo, Gary Rea on bass, Jim Rea on guitar, Nolan Lawrence on mandolin, and Chad “Gravy Boat” Graves on dobro. This will be a truly unique experience far from the typical bluegrass fare.
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THE SWEETBACK SISTERS
FRIDAY, APRIL 27
7:00 PM, $15
GOSHEN THEATER
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Sweetback Sisters Emily Miller and Zara Bode may not be blood relations, but their precise, family-style harmonies recall the best of country music from the Everlys to The Judds – as well as the spirited rockabilly energy of Wanda Jackson, one of the band’s role models. Like the artists they admire, the Sweetbacks are concerned with the traditional subjects of heartbreak, revenge, remorse, and staying strong in the face of relationships gone wrong, albeit with a contemporary sensibility. “We’re a renegade retro band that mixes up country, swing, and honky tonk,” explains Bode. “Sometimes what we deliver is straight out of the 50’s; other times it’s BR549 meets the B52s.” Included in this sextet of musical geniuses are Stefan Amidon on drums, Peter Bitenc on doghouse bass, Jesse Milnes on fiddle, and Ross Bellenoit on electric guitar. Roger Lilly of the Charleston Gazette calls the music “…basically retro-Western swing on amphetamines.” Blogcritics.com writes, “…think Indigo Girls meet Sweethearts of the Rodeo and get possessed by the ghost of Patsy Cline while riding shot gun with Bob Wills in a 1939 Ford Pickup.” How can you not want to hear music like that?
Opening for the Sweetback Sisters is Michiana-based band Everyday People. Playing a mix of country and country-rock, this four-member band includes new and contemporary tunes along with classics by the pioneers of country music. They’ve opened for country music legends Loretta Lynn, Neal McCoy, Randy Travis, and Terry Clark and been the headliner at numerous local events.
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