Artist Roster
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ABOUT CROSSOVER TOURING was founded by Barron Ruth & Patrick May to provide customized touring for multi-genre artists. With over 30 years of combined experience, a lifelong passion for music, talented staff, and a constant utilization of new technology and creative strategies, we offer exceptional service to our clients on both sides of the deal. CROSSOVER TOURING was created to hand-craft a roster of artists demonstrating a capacity to ‘crossover’ narrow genre boundaries in their touring and performance appeal. As music evolves, genre lines are becoming more blurred. The opportunity for creative music to gain traction with multiple demographics is growing. A typical Crossover artist can play in several different configurations at events ranging from the most genre specific festivals to Bonnaroo, from the 9:30 Club to Carnegie Hall. Our roster is as diverse as American roots music has the potential to be, but even though it covers many styles, there remains a common thread: exceptional musicianship, phenomenal live shows, and the ability to cross boundaries and appeal to music fans of all types.
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THE TRAVELIN’ McCOURYS
BLUEGRASS BALL
JEFF AUSTIN
Chances are if you have been to a bluegrass festival, the memories most prevalent in your mind are not so much that of the “scheduled” performers, but more of the impromptu superjams and unscheduled collaborations. It’s with that spirit that the McCoury family decided to embark on a traveling bluegrass festival that they have called “The Bluegrass Ball”. Ask most string musicians young or old and they will mostly likely tell you that sharing a stage with The McCourys is at or near the top of their list…if they have not already. The McCourys are known for not only their ability to play with just about anyone, but also for actually doing it! Anyone who has attended the McCourys’ highly acclaimed DelFest can tell you that the McCourys are on stage all throughout the day and night playing with many of the bands in attendance. These jams are what make DelFest unique, and The Bluegrass Ball will be akin to the epic late night jams that have become a DelFest highlight. The SPRING 2015 lineup will feature The Travelin’ McCourys, Jeff Austin Band, Billy Nershi from String Cheese Incident plus local and regional support act(s). Count on some phenomenal collaborations and each show will certainly be unique from the next!
BILLY NERSHI
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DEL MCCOURY BAND The Del McCoury Band is the most awarded bluegrass band of all time! Their most recent release Streets of Baltimore took home the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, adding to their already impressive 2006 Grammy win for The Company We Keep and over thirty International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, including Entertainer Of The Year nine times. The Del McCoury Band continues to cross genres and in 2015 will release a full length CD of new music Del has composed using previously unrecorded, unreleased lyrics written by Woody Guthrie. Del will of course continue to perform the tunes that fans love and enjoy like “Beauty of My Dreams”, “My Love Will Not Change”, “1952 Vincent Black Lightning”, “Can’t You Hear Me Callin”, and “High On A Mountain”. *PACs booked by Ted Kurland Associates
DISCOGRAPHY The Streets Of Baltimore (2013) Old Memories The Music Of Bill Monroe (2012) Celebrating 50 Years (2009) Family Circle (2009) Moneyland (2008) The Company We Keep (2005) The Cold Hard Facts (1996) Blue Side Of Town (1992) HOMETOWN: Nashville TN TOP 5 MARKETS: 1) Nashville TN 2) Washington DC 3) Baltimore MD 4) Asheville NC 5) Chicago IL “Del McCoury is a National Treasure.” – The Washington Post MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 35-65+ years old
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DEL & HOT RIZE
It didn’t take long after Tim O’Brien, Pete Wernick, Nick Forster, and Charles Sawtelle first appeared onstage together in 1978 for the bluegrass music world to realize that the Colorado band, Hot Rize, was something special. And by the time they bowed off the stage as a full-time act in 1990, they’d not only climbed to the top of that world as the International Bluegrass Music Association’s very first Entertainers of the Year, but their stature was recognized across the board, with a nomination for a then-new bluegrass Grammy, a four-star album review in Rolling Stone, tours across four continents, and a legion of up-and-coming, broad-minded young musicians ranging from String Cheese Incident to mando monster Chris Thile learning their songs and singing their praises. In 2014 they released an eagerly-
awaited studio album, their first in 24 years. “The most formidable bluegrass outfit inexistence” [Billboard] and “the Godzilla of bluegrass bands” [Lexington HeraldLeader] are just some of the tags applied to the Del McCoury Band. They’ve won more IBMA honors than any other artist in history; earned numerous Grammy nominations—and multiple awards—and been honored with membership in the Grand Ole Opry. Blending a veteran’s mastery of the “high lonesome sound” with the youthful energy of a new generation, the Del McCoury Band has taken bluegrass to places it’s never been before – from prime time national TV to rock clubs and jam band festivals – and brought uniquely diverse audiences to every show, including their very own DelFest, held each year in Cumberland, MD.
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HOT RIZE Hot RIze has been astounding the bluegrass world with their fresh, contemporary approach to traditional music ever since their formation in 1978. The band’s unique and progressive style of bluegrass, powerful original songs, tight-as-a-drum ensemble playing, and dynamic stage show quickly made them stars on the major festival circuit and far beyond. In 1990, Hot Rize won the International Bluegrass Association’s first Entertainer of the Year Award. Since 1990, this all-star band has kept their legend alive by performing at only the most prestigious festivals (like Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Telluride, Bonnaroo, and Grey Fox) and a few select venues. In 2014, they released their music anticipated studio album, their first in 24 years. A crazy thing happens when you hire Hot Rize – everywhere they go, the ever-popular Red Knuckles a& the Trailblazers shows up as well. Invited or not, at some point during the night, they are going to take the stage and wow the crowd with their classic honky tonk and western music.
Hot Rize’s show has something to attract a very diverse fan base- from the traditional Bluegrass fan, to those that prefer the Colorado string band scene, to those that can appreciate the vaudeville stylings of the Grand Ole Opry in the sixties and earlier. “Hot RIze is the great modern bluegrass band. They’re the connective tissue that links the great foundres of bluegrass with the modern tradition.” – Steve Martin “If this set was any indication, Hot Rize has made a mighty comeback, dazzled the crowd with sheer music wizardry, pulling soul and feeling out of every moment.” – Jambands.com “[Hot Rize is] one of the most influential and beloved bluegrass bands of the past thirty years.” – Boston Globe
The combination of these two bands (who bear some resemblance) makes this one world-class evening of entertainment, a rare event not to be missed.
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JEFF AUSTIN BAND Former Yonder Mountain String Band mandolinist & frontman Jeff Austin is unstoppable. He is celebrated for his fleet fingers and penchant for improvisation, but those qualities also speak volumes about how he chooses to live. Austin has cultivated his natural musical abilities and allowed himself to be driven by his boldest instincts. In this way, he has been able to build positive, exciting momentum around his life’s greatest passion. With his debut solo project, Austin’s songwriting remains rooted in Americana inspiration and the frantic energy of the jam genre, but also reaches even further weaving in more mainstream themes, reminiscent of his co-write contribution “Fiddlin’ Around,” that was featured on the 2010 Grammy nominated Dierks Bentley album, Up on the Ridge. Austin will release his yet-to-be-titled debut CD on Yep Roc Records in February 2015, featuring his new band of Danny Barnes (banjo and vocals), Eric Thorin (bassand vocals) and Ross Martin (guitar and vocals).
DISCOGRAPHY
(as part of Yonder Mt String Band and solo)
New Album Coming (in 2015)* The Show (2009) Mountain Tracks Vol. 5 (2008) Yonder Mt. String Band (2006) Mountain Tracks Vol. 3 (2004) HOMETOWN: Blackhawk CO TOP FIVE MARKETS: 1) Boulder CO 2) Denver CO 3) Chicago IL 4) San Francisco CA 5) St. Louis MO MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 18-54 years old
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MARDI GRAS JAMBOREE Crossover Touring brings the vibrant street culture of New Orleans’ biggest holiday to your venue with the Mardi Gras Jamboree — a package of two of the most iconic musical representatives of the Crescent City, the Grammy Awardwinning REBIRTH BRASS BAND and legendary Mardi Gras Indian funk experience, CHA WA. Whether seen on HBO’s Treme or at their legendary Tuesday night gig at The Maple Leaf, Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band is a true New Orleans institution. Formed in 1983 by the Frazier brothers, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing all over the world. While committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands, they have also extended themselves into the realms of funk and hip-hop to create their signature sound.
The infectious music and dazzling stage show of Cha Wa has been described as “funk with feathers.” The band’s sound, rooted in traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian music (whose history in the Crescent City dates from 1885) is mixed with funk and soul, creating a non-stop groove machine. Cha Wa, meaning “We’re coming for ya!” is a slang phrase used by every Mardi Gras Indian tribe. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself on the corner of Second and Dryades on Mardi Gras Day, you will hear “Cha Wa” chanted in celebration throughout the streets. “After Mardi Gras, you thank GOD that you made it.” – Larry Bannock (Big Chief)
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MISSISSIPPI CROSSROADS FEATURING CEDRIC BURNSIDE PROJECT, BOB MARGOLIN & TINSLEY ELLIS The b lues has evolved over the years to include a wide variety of styles and expressions. C edric Burnside, Bob Margolin and Tinsley Ellis are evidence of this vast sonic landscape-- their varied and unique upbringings shaped their stylistic approach and application of the blues. M ississippi Crossroads brings these three living blues legends together for a very special night of music that celebratesthe wide range of America’s greatest musical contribution. Cedric Burnside is the grandson and drummer of the late R. L. Burnside. His drumming was an integral part of many great R. L. Burnside albums. He and his duo are keeping the Hill Country sound alive and well. His duo has toured with the Big Head Todd Blues Club, a collaboration which led to them jointly record the album 100 Years Of Robert Johnson in 2011, which marked the centennial of the birth of Robert Johnson. In May 2014, Cedric won his fourth overall, and third consecutive, Blues Music Award in the category of “Instrumentalist – Drums.” Gary Burnside, R. L.’s son, joins the Project as a multi-instrumentalist. Bob Margolin is a household name among Blues guitarists and aficionados. Bob was guitarist for Muddy Waters from 1973 to 1980, performing with Waters and The Band in The Last Waltz. There is not a Blues artist you can name, from Muddy to Eric Clapton, that Bob has not played with. As a solo recording artist, he has recorded albums for Alligator Records, Blind Pig, Telarc, and his own label, Steady Rollin’. Tinsley Ellis is a Blues rocker who hails from Atlanta, GA. He has recorded for major Blues labels such as Alligator, Telarc, Capricorn, and his own Heartfixer Music label. A frequent stage guest of icons such as The Allman Brothers Band, Gov‘t Mule, and Derek Trucks, E llis has toured the world non-stop for more than 30 years. His song “A Quitter Never Wins” was covered by a young Jonny Lang on his major label debut and has sold two million copies. Mississippi Crossroads features these three legends playing both separately and together, each bringing his unique flavor to America’s own, wonderful blues music. This historic collaboration will take the audience all the way from the Mississippi foothills and juke joints, to the Chicago blues club and Georgia roadhouses. Don’t miss it!
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PEYTON ON PATTON During his lifetime and for nearly a quarter of a century afterward, Charley Patton was regarded almost universally as the preeminent Delta bluesman. He spent his formative years at Dockery Plantation near Ruleville, Mississippi, where he influenced future blues and gospel stars including the aforementioned Robert Johnson, as well as Son House, Pops Staples, John Lee Hooker and Howlin’ Wolf. His flamboyant performance style was widely emulated and his songs frequently covered. Reverend Peyton’s Peyton on Patton show features a number of Patton’s best-loved blues songs including “A Spoonful Blues,” “Mississippi Boweavil Blues” and “Tom Rushen Blues,” as well as Patton-penned spirituals like “Prayer of Death, Part 1” and “You’re Gonna Need Someone (When You Come to Die)” and is nothing less than a celebration of the music of the Mississippi Delta.
Longtime fans of the Reverend are well aware of his profound devotion to rural blues in general and Charley Patton in particular. “This is a very personal for me. Most of the songs are just me and a guitar, paying tribute to a hero,” Peyton concluded. “It’s as it should be: Just Peyton on Patton.” “[Rev. Peyton’s] Kindred spirits are John Lee Hooker and R.L. Burnside...reminds one of the early days of ZZ Top.” – Washington Post
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REBIRTH BRASS BAND Rebirth Brass Band have continued their innovative, contemporary approach to New Orleans music following up 2012’s Grammy Award-winning album Rebirth of New Orleans with 2014’s Move Your Body which was released on Basin Street Records this past June. Since its release, the record hit #1 and has been at the top of both the CMJ & Jazz Week Radio charts. Whether seen on HBO’s Treme or at their legendary Tuesday night gig at The Maple Leaf, Rebirth Brass Band is a true New Orleans institution. Formed in 1983 by the Frazier brothers, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing festivals and stages all over the world. While committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands, they also extend into the realms of funk and hip-hop to create their signature soul moving sound. Their signature brand of heavy funk has not only won over several generations of music lovers, it has become the soundtrack to an entire city.
DISCOGRAPHY Move Your Body (2014) Rebirth Of New Orleans (2011) 25! - The 25th Anniversary Album (2008) Never A Dull Moment: 20 Years of Rebirth DVD (2007) Throwback (2005) Rebirth For Life (2004) Hot Venom (2001) Main Event: Live At The Maple Leaf (1999) We Come To Party (1997) Rollin’ (1994) Take It To The Street (1992) Rebirth Kickin’ It Live (1991) Do Whatcha Wanna (1991) Feel Like Funkin’ It Up (1989) Here To Stay (1984) HOMETOWN: New Orleans LA
“Just saw THE REBIRTH BRASS BAND, unbelievable. hard as hell, free as a ray of light, there is not a band on earth that is better. stunning.” – @flea333 Flea, Red Hot Chili Peppers via Twitter
TOP FIVE MARKETS: 1) San Francisco CA 2) New York NY 3) Washington DC 4) Boston MA 5) New Orleans LA MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 18-54 years old
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SCYTHIAN Named after Ukrainian nomads, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) merges thunderous energy, technical prowess, and storytelling songwriting, beckoning crowds into a barn-dance, rock concert experience. Dubbed by The Washington Post as “DC’s most energetic and eclectic band” these classically trained musicians are natural showmen who transport an audience across the globe with the alluring and dramatic strains of gypsy fiddles, the bounce of a Celtic reel, and then cross back over the border to pick up a klezmer hook and some good old-fashioned bluegrass licks. Scythian are masters in their use of crowd participation. Nashville’s Music City Roots says Scythian is “what happens when rock star charisma meets Celtic dervish fiddling,”. iHeartRadio’s Arroe Collins praises new album Jump at the Sun for “reinvent[ing] folk rock in America.”
DISCOGRAPHY Jump At The Sun (2014) It’s Not Too Late (2013) American Shanty (2011) Live, Vol. 2 (2010) Live, Vol. 1 (2009) Immigrant Road Show (2008) Dance At The Crossroads (2007) Aiden’s Orbit (2005) HOMETOWN: Washington DC TOP FIVE MARKETS: 1) Washington DC 2) Philadelphia PA 3) BaltimoreMD 4) Charlotte NC 5) Ann Arbor, MI “In concert, Scythian proves to be one of Washington’s most energetic and eclectic bands… Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around, or hoisting glasses.” – Washington Post MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 18-65+ years old
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THE TRAVELIN’ MCCOURYS The Travelin’ McCourys do not stand still. They are entertaining audiences with live shows that include some of the best musicians and singers from all genres. It’s always different, always exciting, and always great music. No other band today has the same credentials for playing traditional and progressive string band music. As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Rob McCoury on banjo continue their father’s work—a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people’s lives. With fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful. But the band is now combining their sound with others in order to create something fresh and rejuvenating. They’ve performed with Phish, The Allman Brothers, Yonder Mountain String Band, Keller Williams, Billy Nershi of String Cheese Incident and more. They can push forward so far because their roots are so deep. The band has a confidence that only comes with having paid their dues with twenty years on the bluegrass road. Other groups and new fans hear this immediately—the tight rhythm, the soulful material, and the confidence in taking bluegrass from the safety of the shore into uncharted waters.
DISCOGRAPHY Streets Of Baltimore (with Del McCoury) (2013) Pick (with Keller Williams) (2012) Old Memories: Music Of Bill Monroe (with Del McCoury) (2012) Moneyland (with Del McCoury) (2008) HOMETOWN: Nashville TN TOP FIVE MARKETS: 1) Chicago IL 2) Madison WI 3) Washington DC 4) St. Louis MO 5) Nashville TN “The Travelin’ McCourys put on quite an exhibition in musicianship that goes beyond genre. They are, quite simply the best at what they do.” – Louisville.com MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 18-54 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICES: $18-$25
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VICTOR WOOTEN Five-time Grammy Award-winning musician Victor Wooten is most recognized for his ground-breaking bass contributions as a founding member of Bela Fleck & The Flecktones. However, his solo efforts and collaborations with luminaries such as Prince, Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Dave Matthews, Branford Marsalis, India Arie, Bruce Hornsby, Keb Mo and others have led him to be regarded as the most influential bassist since Jaco Pastorius, revered by his fans and peers alike for his uncanny skills on the instrument. His book The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music is now available in 4 languages and is being used in curriculum at learning institutions around the world. Wooten is equally passionate about nature and music education, hosting a series of Music/Nature camps at his own Wooten Woods, a non-profit learning center located on a 150 acre facility just outside of Nashville. Victor Wooten’s live show is a forward motion, backwards peek at the greatest funk, jazz and soul music of our time.
DISCOGRAPHY Sword & Stone (2012) Words & Tones (2012) The Music Lesson Soundtrack (2011) Palmystery (2008) Soul Circus (2005) Live in America (2001) Yin-Yang (1999) What Did He Say? (1997) A Show of Hands (1996) HOMETOWN: Nashville TN TOP FIVE MARKETS: 1) New York NY 2) Washington DC 3) Philadelphia PA 4) Boston MA 5) San Francisco CA “Every player in the Flecktones is a master, but when Wooten busts out a solo at a concert every jaw in the audience drops to the ground [...] Victor Wooten is one of the top ten bassists of all time.” – Rolling Stone MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 18-54 years old
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AJ’s music embodies southern soul. His songs are the alchemy of family-inspired guitar work, deep-pocket funk and stories that speak on love, life, relationships, changes, hardship and trouble. Through it all, he aspires to inspire. In his quest for “the sound”, AJ discovered his passion for the steel guitar -- a love that would carry him on a never-ending journey. AJ’s introduction to the instrument came from a decade of stories spoken by members and witnesses from the church his great uncle, grandfather, and father played in for many years. His forefathers and great uncle were considered Masters of the steel guitar and they all introduced a unique approach to the instrument which rendered an incomparable sound. “It’s like I was birthed into a family of kings, and chosen to one day take the throne,” says AJ. HOMETOWN: Atlanta GA MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 18-44 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICES: $10-$15
AJ GHENT BAND
“The Ghents bring the table, the whole table. And AJ – good God. Yeah, he is gonna be the next Hendrix.” – Bruce Hampton WEB: ajghentband.com facebook.com/ajghentband twitter.com/ajghentband
Billy Strings is a 20 yr old, tattoo-sportin’, flat-pickin’ singer blessed with the voice of an old soul from the mountains, a gentlemanly air, and the ability to sling hundreds of notes with razor-crisp precision at the speed of a machine gun. Billy Strings’ talent seems almost beyond comprehension, especially given his youth. Don Julin has built a 30 year reputation as one of the most eclectic and versatile mandolin players today. His original mandolin compositions have been licensed by HBO, VH1, MTV, NBC, Showtime, Bravo, National Geographic Explorer, Fox Sports, and others. Julin is the author of the best-selling Mandolin For Dummies (Wiley & Sons 2012) and is an in-demand mandolin teacher giving mandolin workshops and master classes around the world. Together they play EXTREME American string band music with energy levels usually associated with a box of dynamite. A typical set includes haunting Appalachian songs, righteous gospel standards, and blazing bluegrass instrumentals that honor the musical traditions of Doc Watson, Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, but delivered with a pedal to the metal intensity of a possessed moonshine runner.
BILLY STRINGS & DON JULIN
HOMETOWN: Traverse City MI MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 18-54 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICE: $10 - $15 “…Strings and his mandolin-toting cohort Don Julin wowed crowds at the Kansas Citybased conference with their high-flying act of steel string virtuosity.” – The Bluegrass Situation WEB: Billystrings.com facebook.com/billystrings1
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“We’re very sensitive men,” notes Tom Wilson, who with longtime compatriots Stephen Fearing and Colin Linden comprises Blackie and the Rodeo Kings’ singer-songwriterguitarist triumvirate. “And when we’re not sensitive, we’re loud.” The fabled Canadian rootsrockers are a virtual institution in their home country, where they’ve been crafting bracing, catchy, introspective music for nearly two decades. Yet they’ve managed to maintain a relatively low profile in the United States. That situation seems likely to change with the U.S. release of the band’s eighth album, South, a fresh creative step for Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, while embodying the qualities of rootsy musical uplift and quirky lyrical depth that have long distinguished the ensemble’s varied output. The album’s largely acoustic yet reliably punchy arrangements showcase the three songwriters’ multiple strengths, while their organically energetic performances maintain the vibrant chemistry that’s kept Blackie a consistently vital and distinctive musical force.
BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS
HOMETOWN: Hamilton ON MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 35-55 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICE: $25-$35 “Simply put, Blackie And The Rodeo Kings’ South is the work of some talented vets – confident, yet passionate. You’ll double dang swear you’ve heard many of these songs before, but you haven’t.” – Relix Magazine WEB: Blackieandtherodeokings.com Facebook.com/blackieandtherodeokings Youtube.com/user/blackieandtherodeokings Twitter.com/therodeokings
Cabinet is a band with roots firmly planted in the Appalachian tradition. They wear their influences like badges, honoring the canon of roots, bluegrass, country, and folk, weaving these sounds into a patchwork Americana-String-Rock quilt. The steady aim of their harmonies gives voice to the story of each song. Their music takes the long way home, treating its listeners like passengers on a ride through a scenic mountain pass. Their live shows are inclusive, celebratory, and community-building. This is music that might have its roots in the past, but it is current and vibrant, energized with the power of now! HOMETOWN: Scranton PA MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 18-44 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICE: $15-$25 “When it comes to the music of Cabinet, the essential bywords are soul, simplicity, and serious musicianship.” – The Washington Press Release
CABINET
WEB: Cabinetmusic.com Facebook.com/cabinetmusic
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Cha Wa merges the sounds of Mardi Gras Indians chanting on the streets of New Orleans with the meditative drone of early blues and an unmistakable backbeat. Featuring legendary Mardi Gras Indian singers Eric “Yedi” Boudreaux & Irving “Honey” Banister on vocals, Cha Wa is a must-see group for fans of the special music that is born in the Crescent City. The band’s name comes from a slang phrase used by Mardi Gras Indian gangs in New Orleans. If you’ve ever walked the infamous street corner of Second & Dryades on Mardi Gras Day, you may have heard the call of the spy boys confidently yelling “Cha Wa” meaning “We’re coming for ‘ya!”. HOMETOWN: New Orleans LA MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 25-44 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICE: $10-$15 “They are musicians that literally create a wall of sound. Part Mardi Gras Indians / part funk machine. I’m on the Cha Wa bandwagon.” – WWOZ host Ryan Casey
CHA WA
WEB: chawaband.com facebook.com/ChaWaBand
Revered as one of the most energetic and innovative mandolin players on the newgrass scene today, Drew Emmitt’s “inestimable talents” (An Honest Tune) don’t end with just the instruments that can be picked. Holding the wheel steady on acoustic and electric slide mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar and mandola, Emmitt’s superlative storytelling and versatile vocal abilities are incomparable. After over a decade of success with Leftover Salmon, Emmitt released his first solo effort, Freedom Ride, drawing on the talent of peers John Cowan, Peter Rowan, Sam Bush, Ronnie McCoury, Vassar Clements, Stuart Duncan and Randy Scruggs. Critics and fans loved the collaboration, and Emmitt relished the chance to record with some of the giants with whom he’d shared festival stages. Recently touring as the Emmitt-Nershi band with Billy Nershi of The String Cheese Incident for the past few years and making several reunion appearances with Leftover Salmon, Drew Emmitt’s solo work is rejuvenated and once again takes the contemporary, live gig, fresh-every-time approach to bluegrass music.
DREW EMMITT
HOMETOWN: Crested Butte CO MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 25-44 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICE: $15-$35 “Drew Emmitt delivers his strongest solo record to date and he continues to innovate hisstyle and inspire ‘Newgrass’ acts for decades to come.” – Glide Magazine WEB: Drewemmitt.com Facebook.com/drewemmitt Twitter.com/drewemmittband
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Floodwood was born out of a life-long friendship between Al Schnier & Vinnie Amico of moe, and desire to chart new destinations in acoustic music. Joining them on this journey are three of the most in-demand players in the Central NY, an avant-garde bassist, a rock mandolinist, and traditionally trained fiddle/banjo player with a voice ready-made for the Opry, each injecting their own unique style into the final polished sound. HOMETOWN: Utica NY MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 25-44 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICE: $15-$25 “They are a band not simply to be heard, but one to be seen…The spin they put on traditional form isn’t the only thing that characterizes Floodwood as progressive.” – Upstate Live
FLOODWOOD
WEB: Floodwoodmusic.com Facbook.com/floodwood Twitter.com/floodwoodmusic
There’s a reason that musical trailblazers from Galactic to DJ Logic have recently chosen to collaborate with High and Mighty Brass Band! and legends such as Dr. John, Rebirth Brass Band, and Trombone Shorty have chosen them to share the stage. Co-mingling band members from New Orleans, NYC, and a host of other cities across the globe, this dynamic crew has the unique ability to combine classic New Orleans Funk and R&B with more modern Afro-Beat and Hip Hop influences. Their live performances are both fiercely entertaining and refreshingly inspiring, connecting the band with each and every audience member. Just catching a single performance will make it abundantly clear why HMBB! is known as “a party in progress!”
HIGH & MIGHTY BRASS BAND
HOMETOWN: New Orleans LA / Brooklyn NY MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 18-34 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICE: $10-$20 “High and Mighty Brass Band has the kind of one-for-all vibe that’s characteristic of the Crescent City, and that Second Line flavor that makes even the sourest of people smile.” – Spin Magazine’s Best of Governor’s Ball 2014 WEB: highandmightybrassband.com facebook.com/HighMightyBrass
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Two-time Grammy nominee Jeff Sipe brings together the incredible young virtuosos Mike Seal on guitar and Taylor Lee on bass to form the Jeff Sipe Trio. An alumni of Berklee College of Music, Jeff has established himself as one of the greatest drummers and most respected musicians around. His ability to fit cohesively within many different genres has made him one of the most sought after drummers for touring and recording. He has toured and/or recorded with highly renowned artists such as Bela Fleck, Phil Lesh, Trey Anastasio, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Leftover Salmon, Keller Williams and Jazz is Dead just to name a few. He is most recognized by artists and fans alike as the founding drummer with Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit. This ensemble has been referred to as one of the greatest jazz/rock fusion bands ever, featuring Jimmy Herring, Oteil Burbridge, Matt Mundy, Count M’butu and Col. Bruce Hampton. True to Jeff’s prolific creativity and passion for nurturing and educating, he has amalgamated the talents of Mike and Taylor and their chemistry of youthful energy and artful experience, making The Jeff Sipe Trio one of the brightest groups on the scene today with their debut record due out in late 2014 on Abstract Logix.
JEFF SIPE TRIO
HOMETOWN: Brevard NC MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 25-54 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICES: $15 - $25 WEB jeffsipetrio.com/ facebook.com/JeffSipeTrio
Sprouting from the musical foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, led by guitarist Jesse Harper, are six seasoned virtuoso string players fused together by wood and wire to become LOVE CANON.
LOVE CANON
With a passenger van and a trucker’s atlas, LOVE CANON has been touring the mid-Atlantic since 2010 bringing their own raucous blend of bluegrass to the masses. The band’s diehard fans are music lovers first and foremost, drawn to the beautiful high-lonesome stylings of Harper’s guitar and vox paired with banjo master Adam Larrabee, mandolin pickin’ by Andy Thacker with Darrell Muller holding down the low-end on standup bass. The band is augmented with the sweet sounds of renowned fiddle player Nate Leath and resonator guitar king Jay Starling on the Beard MA-6. LOVE CANON has previously shared the stage and studio with David Grisman, Ricky Skaggs, Bruce Hornsby, Josh Ritter, and The Infamous Stringdusters. They have played big festivals around the country; including LOCK’N and GOTV, and have played live on the BBC and RTE radio recently. HOMETOWN: Charlottesville, VA MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 25-55 AVERAGE TICKET PRICE: $15-$20 Love Canon was named one of the top 30 wedding bands in the US by Martha Stewart Weddings. WEB: lovecanon80s.com/ facebook.com/lovecanonmusic twitter.com/lovecanon80s
Naughty Professor, an instrumental sextet that sprung from the musically fertile ground of New Orleans in 2010 while the core was attending Loyola, describes its music as funk, but there’s a lot more to it than that. The nimble rhythm section lead by drum prodigy Sam Shahin executes dizzying time changes; the three-piece horn section can go from in-unison soul riffs to pretzel-logic jazz soloing; and the guitarist is just as comfortable with muted, Wes Montgomery-style picking as chunky syncopation. In other words, it’s not just funk, it’s complex and sophisticated, but make no mistake: we are talking down-home-n-dirty New Orleans funk! Naughty Professor’s has quickly earned their peers respect with their chops and vibe, sharing the stage with artists such as Galactic, Rebirth Brass Band, Fitz and the Tantrums, Snarky Puppy, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Victor Wooten, Papadosio, The Revivalists, George Porter Jr., The Soul Rebels, and many more. HOMETOWN: New Orleans LA MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 18-34 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICES: $10-$15
NAUGHTY PROFESSOR
WEB naughtyprofessormusic.com/ facebook.com/NPFUNK
Take old time music off the back porch, throw out the hillbilly reputation, and put it in the hands of a group of guys that like to work hard and play even harder. Pert Near Sandstone rejuvenates American string band music with raw energy; they play tightly-crafted original material that lends itself to the modern audience, as well as being stewards of the old-time and bluegrass traditions. They are just as at home playing fully acoustic in the traditional style as they are plugged in at an indie rock venue. From saloons to theaters, hollering into a single microphone and laying thick rhythm on driving fiddle melodies, their sweat-inducing, foot-stomping live performances keep crowds begging for more all night long. With previous appearances at Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Prairie Home Companion, Woodsongs OldTime Radio Hour, Music City Roots and the International Bluegrass Music Conference plus four well received full-length original records and a 7” single under their belt, Pert Near Sandstone continues to build momentum with the release The Hardest Part of Leaving
PERT NEAR SANDSTONE
HOMETOWN: Minneapolis MN MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 18-44 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICES: $12-$25 “[Pert Near Sandstone] joins the ranks of Minneapolis alumni of such lauded roots musicians as The Jayhawks and Bob Dylan.” – KEXP Seattle WEB: Pertnearsandstone.com facebook.com/pertnearsandstone twitter.com/pertnearmusic youtube.com/pertnearsandstone
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The Big Damn Band is on the road 250 dates a year and they are a living breathing embodiment of the traditions and hard work ethic native to their Brown County, IN home. The last few years have seen such highlights as the Vans Warped Tour, Bonnaroo, ACL Fest, Telluride Bluegrass, as well as tremendous press. Their latest record Between The Ditches was produced by Paul Mahern (John Mellencamp, Iggy Pop), and mastered by Brian Lucey (Black Keys, Dr. John, Shins). Between The Ditches set the standard for the genre and debuted at #1 on the iTunes Blues Chart, #2 on the Billboard Blues Chart, receiving glowing praise in the US and internationally, video play from CMT and MTVu, charting at both CMJ and AAA radio and song placements in the hit Showtime series Shameless as well as on the shows soundtrack. Last year they toured with Shooter Jennings, Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters) and lead their own Big Damn Blues Revolution Tour with Alvin Youngblood Hart and Jimbo Mathis. This year they headline The Big Damn Roots Revolution Tour with Dom Flemons (Carolina Chocolate Drops). They are also breaking into Europe, playing the WOMAD Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival and The Edinburgh Jazz Festival last year and this year they play the Glastonbury Festival. New record out this fall on Shanachie Records.
REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND
HOMETOWN: Bean Blossom IN MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 18-54 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICES: $15-$25 “These guys are a hillbilly blues throwback ensemble, though, and no amount of refinement can really push them off their mark. Peyton’s voice still croaks, shouts, and roars, and his unique, kinetic slide guitar playing, whether it’s a ‘30s National guitar, a cigar-box guitar, a Gibson flattop 1929 L2, or an Airline Map electric guitar, still drives and churns like a runaway train.” – Allmusic WEB: Bigdamnband.com facebook.com/bigdamnband twitter.com/bigdamnband youtube.com/user/ReverendPeyton
SMOKE FROM THE KITCHEN
After spending most of his life with an instrument in his hands, and 27 years of professional touring and recording with Rollin’ In The Hay as well as many other famous artists, Barry Waldrep is now getting national recognition for his own artistry, original music and style with Smoke From The Kitchen. This original project featuring Barry on banjo, mandolin & acoustic guitar, Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band) on bass, Paul T. Riddle (Marshall Tucker Band) on drums, and Benji Shanks on electric slide is a cross of bluegrass with rootsy, Southernflavored rock. The various combinations of all these talents make for a full, fluid sound that is cleanly produced but maintains a relaxed, organic realness to the recording – everyone shines, but no one shows off. Except perhaps Waldrep, but it’s his spotlight, and he dazzles in it. The result of this “dream team” pairing is an album that will make you dance, tap your feet and maybe drive your car a little fast, but will also relax you as much as a nap under a southern shade tree. It’s a true southern sound, but one that has never been done quite like this before. Barry exposes his traditional bluegrass roots along with his influences from the southern rock bands he listened to growing up in Alabama. With Smoke From The Kitchen, Barry has created a masterpiece of southern music, with the banjo as the centerpiece instrument, that is completely original. HOMETOWN: Atlanta GA MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 34-64 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICES: $20-$35 “ A cross of bluegrass with rootsy, Southern-flavored rock, the various combinations of all these talents make for a full, fluid sound that is cleanly produced but avoids overt slickness.” – Stomp and Stammer WEB: barrywaldrep.com/ facebook.com/smokefromthekitchen
Soule Monde (pronounced SO-lay MON-day) is Ray Paczkowski and Russ Lawton, long time members of the Trey Anastasio Band (TAB). The name is inspired by Lawton’s middle name (Soule) and Paczkowsk’s first name (Raymond) and is purportedly a Haitian Creole term, loosely translated, meaning “smashed world.” Lawton has been a member of TAB since its inception in 1998 and is credited with co-writing several songs with Trey that made their way onto Phish’s 2000 album Farmhouse including, among others, “Gotta Jiboo”, “Sand”, and Grammy-Nominated “First Tube”. Paczkowski has played in every iteration of the Trey Anastasio Band since he was added on keyboards in 2001. Trey discovered Ray acting as the cornerstone to another great Vermont band, Viperhouse. Ray was also invited to join Trey on tour with Dave Matthews and Friends and subsequently opened up for The Rolling Stones. Soule Monde’s eponymous debut CD contains eight groove-laden tracks that originated as improvisational jams, came together as finished compositions in the studio, and were named after important or influential musicians in Ray and Russ’ lives.
SOULE MONDE
HOMETOWN: Burlington VT MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 25-45 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICES: $15-$30 “In both conception and execution, Soule Monde is deliciously simple from start to finish… a sound that is simultaneously dense, open and spacious.” – AllAboutJazz.com WEB: Soulemonde.com Facebook.com/soule.monde.rr
Tinsley Ellis wears his Southern roots proudly. Born in Atlanta in 1957, he grew up in southern Florida and first played guitar at age eight. He found the blues through the back door of British Invasion bands like The Yardbirds, The Animals, Cream, and The Rolling Stones. He especially loved the Kings — Freddie, B.B. and Albert. His love for the blues solidified when he was 14. At a B.B. King performance, Tinsley sat mesmerized in the front row. When B.B. broke a string on Lucille, he changed it without missing a beat, and handed the broken string to Ellis. Tinsley’s fate was sealed; he had to become a blues guitarist. And yes, he still has that string. Averaging over 150 live shows a year, Ellis has played in all 50 states, as well as Canada, Europe, Australia and South America. Whether he’s out with his own band or sharing stages with major artists like Buddy Guy, The Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule or Widespread Panic, he always digs deep and plays, as Guitar Player says, “…as if his life depended on it.” Ellis’ most recent tour with Blues At The Crossroads II: Muddy & The Wolf with the Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson, James Cotton, Jody Williams and Bob Margolin was by all accounts one of the best shows of 2013.
TINSLEY ELLIS
HOMETOWN: Atlanta GA MOST POPULAR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC: 45-64 years old AVERAGE TICKET PRICES: $18-$30 “Ellis is a master of tone as he uses familiar themes to explore the depths of his guitar playing, vocal abilities and lyrical expression.” – No Depression WEB: tinsleyellis.com facebook.com/TinsleyEllis
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INFO@CROSSOVERTOURING.COM | WWW.CROSSOVERTOURING.COM ONE WEST COURT SQUARE | SUITE 750 | AT LA N TA , G A . 30030 | 404. 79 3 . 7 0 2 3