Troy Breslow & The Company Band
Troy Breslow has been performing country music his whole life, with the same enthusiasm to audiences both large and small at any given venue. Starting in local coffee shops and school functions, Troy has performed at any kind of venue imaginable, including dive bars, dance halls, brewpubs, opry houses, local theaters and festivals. In 2018, amongst other accolades, Troy was recognized by VEER Music as “Country Artist of the Year” and nominated “Americana Artist of the Year” by the Tennessee Music Awards. Listen here.
In Layman Terms
In Layman Terms is a nationally acclaimed quartet that has played all over the United States. Their unique and diverse sound ranges from gritty, foot-stomping acoustic work, to that of an electrified big band with Americana undertones, funk, and a hint of modern flair. Their compelling, content-filled original music has had airplay worldwide, has ranked nationally on the charts, and has had rave reviews by reputable musicians and reviewers. Cole Layman, Logan Layman, Hamed Barbara, and Collin Hopkins are all distinguished, experienced, and extremely versatile multi-instrumentalists in their own right. Find their music here.
Nathan Lienard
Nathan is an example of how business acumen and musical talent should be combined to find success in any music market. A singer/songwriter from Williamsburg, he has grown an expertly cultivated career across the Hampton Roads area, establishing a well-deserved title of “local favorite", playing for local breweries like Williamsburg Alewerks, and Wineries like Saude' Creek Vineyards. His latest EP, "Livin' Check To Check” is a six track glimpse into the very soul of this family man and performer. Seek out his music here (or @nathanlienardmusic) and know that when you hear his originals, you’ll be raising your glass to this “local favorite” as well!
Jonny Cardigan
Scott Varney
A bass player from the age of 14 who played everything from punk & hardcore to funk and jazz, Scott’s current solo project is where he has truly found his way as a songwriter. a modern day one man band with the stylings of Victor Wooten, Ani Difranco and Bobby Mcferrin, Varney expertly showcases his musicianship with a six string bass guitar and various percussion instruments, “Looping” vocals ,percussion, and melody to create his signature full band sound. Scott takes his outlook on life and the world around him and lets it shine with his positive lyrics and upbeat arrangements, having performed live on 93.7 the Coast WKOC and on 106.1 The Bob FM WPYA. A true veteran of the Hampton Roads scene, Scott released his debut Cd “The Child’s Eye” in the spring of 2004, and today, Scott’s music is an ever evolving work in progress that is showing no signs of stopping. Find available music and a full schedule here.
Jacob Vanko
A singer/songwriter born and raised in the anthracite coal region of Northeast Pennsylvania. The blue collar town in Pennsylvania’s slice of the Appalachian mountains provided a compelling backdrop for Vanko’s narrative and observational style of songwriting. Finding his home in Norfolk, this soul/rock phenomenon demonstrates an honest approach to writing, describing that, “Playing blues and folk with my father quickly evolved into writing, composition and story-telling.” Most comfortable while performing, audiences across Hampton Roads yearn for the emotional depth and vulnerability provided by the lyrical and melodic symphony that Jacob, in either a solo or full band capacity consistently provides. Find, follow, and dive deep into Vanko’s music, finding his full schedule of Hampton Roads shows available online. Make sure you aren’t among the few who will find themselves saying, “I should have seen him back when...” www.jacobvanko.com
Tony Bob Merritt
With deep roots in rock, country, and blues, Tony Bob Merritt gives a nod to the busking culture of Nashville and Austin in his acoustic performances using a kick drum, soaring vocals, and acoustic guitar to deliver original music that engages and inspires. Merritt is a multi-instrumentalist, playing bass in the full band “Home by Fall” , and ensure the sound is on point as an engineer for his own band as well as for Bj Griffin and the Galaxy Groove. Online and across Hampton Roads, Tony Bob Merritt is a Songwriter you’ll wish you hadn’t missed!
ROEBUCK
After years of honing his abilities busking and touring, Phillip Roebuck (who was known for his raucous one-man band) has found new musical inspiration by teaming up with his wife Phoenix on upright bass. With Phillip on resonator guitar, kick drum & stomp board, and Phoenix adding vocals & low end, you now have ROEBUCK, the husband & wife three-piece duo. Learn more about ROEBUCK here.
The Fillmore Duo
Morgan and Phil's powerful vocals combine to guarantee goosebumps. You will find your self moving to Phil's passionate keyboard playing and Morgan's infectious percussive accompaniment! They are very versatile and can compliment any mood. Fillmore can have you chilling to some soft soul and jazz, or up on your feet dancing to your favorite funk/R&B tune! Learn more here.
Matt Thomas
A master of the acoustic guitar, Matt Thomas brings technical wizardry as well as a vibrant and poetic music making and it has made him one of the most distinctive finger style guitarists performing in the acoustic guitar arena today. Thomas has performed at some of most prestigious acoustic festivals in the nation including Merlefest, the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS) Convention, The Walnut Valley Festival (Winfield KS Main Stage), and the Annual Harp Guitar Gathering. Since then, he has performed at countless music festivals across the east and west coast and has also been voted the Best Overall Guitarist in the Hampton Roads area by Meona.net. Discover his talents here.
Big Mama Shakes/ Holy Roller
Holy Roller brings you songs of love, loss, hope, and heartache. Their early country twang and vivid lyrics meld with signature harmonies for a sound that is beautifully crooning.
Elijah Righter & The Flaming Shambles
The Flaming Shambles are a Roots Rock, Soiul, and Americana band out of Richmond Virginia. They are intact, not extraterrestrial microbial lifeforms wearing human suits trying to glean an understanding of earth culture... why would you even think that??
The People Collection
“The People Collection” is a group of lifelong musicians who found each other in late 2016. Although it is James Wright’s (guitar,vocals) songwriting and melodies at the core of the music, the incredible arrangements are brought to life by the meticulous and experienced craftsmanship of Joshua Hensley (bass, vocals) and Corey Pavlosky (drums). Their “collection” of music is a refreshingly eclectic blend of Pop/Rock/Funk/R&B, infused with contagious hooks and sing-a-longs that communicate a mature narrative with modern edge. “The People Collection” is currently in the recording process with Echodog Studios in Richmond, VA and planning to release their debut album late 2018. You can find their schedule and music available online here.
Clayton Perry
A musician and songwriter based in Williamsburg, this incredible talent developed a knack for performance, having been born and raised in Ocean City, MD. Playing gigs in local bars and restaurants during the summers between college, Perry stays true to his beach roots lending a fun, laid-back tone to his solo acoustic shows, where he blends smooth vocals over looped percussion and guitar. To keep things interesting, he adds tasteful guitar licks to his performances, proving his talents not only as a vocalist and songwriter, but an instrumentalist as well. Pulling inspiration from songs of every genre and generation, you’re sure to look for his performances across Hampton Roads, and chase down his music, which is available online, once you discover Clayton’s original and always authentic musical talents. www.claytonperrymusic.com
The Billy Joe Trio
The Jason Cale Band
The Jason Cale Band perform their own style of contemporary blues fusion along with a healthy helping of New Orleans funk. ALL members have been influenced over their lifetimes by numerous styles of music and this clearly shines through with the music they write and create on stage. Every show is unique, fun, and entertaining for all types of audiences. Take a listen here.
The Peculiars
The Peculiars began in 2017 as an idea in the mind of singer-songwriter Adam Perry. Having released a mostly acoustic album of songs a year earlier, he wanted to do something bigger. He imagined something a little harder edged, bombastic, something out of the ordinary.
That year, Adam invited some friends to form the band that would realize this vision. Ross Josey, front man of punk mainstays the Beatdowns, took on drums. Longtime friend Matt Mode (Moder) of regional act Boo Low came in for lead guitar. Canadian transplant Rob McCrady, formerly of Celtic rock band Enter the Haggis, tied up the low end on bass guitar. This combination of Adam’s introspective writing and raw vocal style, Ross’ no-nonsense punk sensibilities, Matt’s huge “drive it like you stole it” lead guitar lines, and Rob’s heavy and implacable bass work turned out to be alchemy. The result is hard driving rock, with hooks big enough to catch sharks.
In February 2018 the guys traveled to Orlando, Florida and recorded the tracks that would become their debut album. That album is finally in hand, and being released to the world. Look it up, give it a listen here.
Hoot&Annie
This is your introduction to ‘hillbilly jazz’. Grabbing inspiration from some of the greatest jazz and blues legends to the roots of country and everywhere in between. Vocalist Katie Boucher and musician extraordinaire Paul Todd bring an incredible original style for all ages to enjoy! Find where they are scheduled in Hampton Roads.
Kari Velandria
Paul Todd
This Williamsburg guitarist turned songwriter is well known for his "Chet Atkins style" or "Chickin Pickin" guitar playing, folk/blues/americana type lyrical storytelling, and gravel textured effortless bass vocals that has created a unique niche Todd defines as "Hillbilly Jazz" across Hampton Roads. A multi-instrumentalist, his recent breakout into the music scene had him working with and leading several groups like "Billy Jack" and "Hoot & Annie", and playing lead guitar in the group "The Way Back". These different projects highlight the expertise he wields and how adaptable his dynamic finger style approach truly is. Paul Todd's "Hillbilly Jazz" will not only impress and entertain, but will have you looking for his unique sound across Hampton Roads.
Laura Rice
A singer/songwriter with soul, This United States Marine Corps veteran has been chasing her dreams since she was a knee-high to a grasshopper. Making her bones in the industry, she competed on the show Nashville Star during its first season that aired on the USA network in 2003, and progressed through multiple elimination rounds. Though Rice didn’t take the top prize, she left the show undeterred, and continued her pursuit. Joining TypeCast, a Hampton Roads-based band, acted as a launch pad for the growth of her career and now has blossomed into a solo artist, recently signed with Heart Songs Records. Always looking to give back, Laura is a Veteran Ambassador for Heart Songs, and the co-host for the Project Lips Radio show, a program that showcases veteran artists and highlights worthy veteran causes. No stranger to achieving ambitious goals, Laura recently released a second single titled, “Just One Night” off her freshmen EP, and has been touring with Dana Parton while developing her upcoming Spring/Summer 2018 tour schedule. Her music is available online and you can find her schedule here.
Honeysucker
Honeysucker is a duo. Two women -Nadia Koz , and MaryBeth Ammons- who met one fateful night at open mic... and realized that there was no way they could not play music together. Mary sings with inspired soul well beyond her years, and Nadias depth range and blues/rock texture melds together for an epic combination. Two voices. Two guitars. the careful weaving of Mary on rhythm and Nadia adding dynamic lead licks creates a sound that stands on it's own and commands attention. You could call it "folk/punk"... call it whatever you want. Just know these two ladies are a force to be reckoned with!