Nat Myers

Nat Myers is a Korean American blues musician and poet whose raw, raspy vocals and masterful fingerpicking evoke the spirit of early Delta blues. Raised in Kentucky, Myers blends deep-rooted storytelling with the rhythms of pre-war race records, drawing inspiration from legends like Charley Patton and Sylvester Weaver. His music, infused with poetic lyricism and social commentary, explores themes of identity, civil rights, and cultural heritage. With a resonator guitar in hand and a swagger that commands attention, Myers carries the blues tradition forward while making it distinctly his own.

Weirs

Weirs is a traditional and experimental music group based in Orange County, North Carolina. The band consists of Justin Morris and Oliver Child-Lanning, who blend elements of folk, ambient, and country music to create a unique sound that honors traditional roots while embracing modern experimentation. Their 2020 album, "Prepare to Meet God," features interpretations of classic songs like "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Bright Morning Star." In 2024, Weirs collaborated with Magic Tuber Stringband on "The Crozet Tunnel," an album recorded live in Virginia's Crozet Tunnel, capturing the raw energy of their performance in a unique acoustic environment. Weirs continues to contribute to North Carolina's vibrant music scene with their innovative approach to traditional music.

Nicholas Edward Williams

Nicholas Edward Williams is a Chattanooga, Tennessee-based multi-instrumentalist, storyteller, and host of the roots music history podcast American Songcatcher. Dedicated to preserving and "playing it forward," he explores the songs, stories, artists, and styles that have shaped American music, including ragtime, Piedmont blues, early country, traditional folk, and old-time. Over the past 15 years, Williams has toured extensively across the United States, the United Kingdom, Western Europe, and Australia, blending various roots music styles into his unique performances. His critically acclaimed 2021 album, Folk Songs for Old Times' Sake, has been praised by notable figures in the roots community, such as David Holt, Oliver Wood, Dom Flemons, and JP Harris.

The Wilder Flower

The Wilder Flower is an all-female trio from the Carolinas that blends folk, Americana, bluegrass, and old-time influences into a unique and fluid sound. They thrive on three-part harmonies, whether performing a two-chord old-time ballad or a modern, minor-filled melody. Instrumentally, they feature bluegrass banjo tunes, fiddle and clawhammer string-band songs, flatpicking guitar, and everything in between. Since forming in 2021, The Wilder Flower has toured extensively across North and South Carolina and performed at festivals nationwide. They released their debut album, If I Wait Anymore, in September 2024.

Tyler Dodson

Tyler Dodson is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Born in the foothills of the Sauratown Mountains in Stokes County, his music blends Americana, soul, and country influences, drawing inspiration from artists like John Prine, Tom Petty, and Otis Redding. Dodson's debut album, "Live at the West Salem Public House," was released in 2024, capturing his soulful performances and storytelling prowess. He has performed at venues such as The Stage on Broadway in Nashville and has opened for musician Sam Lewis. Dodson continues to captivate audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and dynamic musicality.

Mike Gangloff

Mike Gangloff is an American musician renowned for his contributions to experimental and traditional Appalachian music. He is a founding member of the drone ensemble Pelt and the old-time band The Black Twig Pickers, where he showcases his skills on fiddle, banjo, and vocals. Throughout his career, Gangloff has collaborated with artists such as Steve Gunn and the late Jack Rose. His solo work includes the album "Evening Measures," released in 2022. Gangloff continues to explore the intersections of traditional and avant-garde music, enriching the American folk landscape.

Shelton Powe

Shelton Powe is an American musician celebrated for his authentic interpretations of Piedmont blues and gospel traditions. Born in 1957 in Charlotte, North Carolina, he was immersed in a family rich with musical talent. Although his mother gifted him harmonicas and guitars during his youth, it wasn't until the late 1980s, following the passing of his parents, that Powe deeply connected with the music of his upbringing. He began playing guitar as a tribute to his mother, delving into the old-time blues and gospel songs he remembered from his childhood. Relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, Powe became an active figure in the local blues scene, collaborating with notable artists such as Cora Mae Bryant, Neal Pattman, and Frank Edwards. His discography includes the album "Carolina Blues and Gospel," released through the Music Maker Foundation. Powe's performances are characterized by sincere vocals and adept fingerpicking guitar, transporting listeners to the heart of the Piedmont blues tradition.

Artists-at-large TBD

Roving artists and fireside artists throughout the weekend