Acoustic Stage Performers (2021)

Trailblazing singer songwriter Bruce Mahin augments his solo performances with a wide variety of pre-recorded and spontaneous musical instruments. The combination of traditional folk music influences, live improvisation, and interactive technology has prompted his music to be called New Wave Americana. It has something for every generation and every musical taste.

The award-winning and versatile Appalachian-folk-fusion singer-songwriter, teacher, and arts program designer Ash Devine is based the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina and Blacksburg, VA and has been referred to as one of the last ‘true folk troubadours’. Devine is known for her unique finger-style ukulele and guitar capabilities, and for her participation in activism through music, education, and the arts. In addition to producing several albums of original music, Ash has performed and studied along side Nobel peace prize nominee Patch Adams M.D., Smithsonian folk ways award winner Sheila Kay Adams, Grammy award nominee David Holt, and a number of other renowned folklorists, musicians, and social activists. Her versatile Appalachian folk revival-fusion sound is bursting with stylistic variety, relatable story, and historical facts. Her music is infleunced in style by Traditional Appalachian, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Jean Richie, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Maybelle Carter, Leslie Riddle, Ani Difranco, Kate Wolfe, Bob Dylan, and reggae/world music influences such as the Wailers, Jimmy Cliff, and west African traditional music. F.M. Turner is a long time musical collaborator of Ash Devine. The two have been recording together and performing as a duo since 1998.

American Roots is a father and son (Fred & Jon Benfield) guitar and harmony vocals duo that have been performing in the region for about 25 years. Included in their repertoire are delta and piedmont blues, traditional Appalachian ballads, folk tunes, hot fiddle tunes (played on guitars), swing tunes, rags, and a little jazz.

SUN V SET, based in Richmond, VA, is the musical expression of Linnea Morgan. Their songwriting is grounded in nature elements and paints a dreamy landscape interwoven with siren melodies and mystical chords. A spellbinding fusion of folk, mysticism, and self reflection.

The Jugbusters are bringing their signature mountain music back to Blacksburg for Stepping Out! The Jugbusters have been a staple of the New River music scene, playing dances and stages in various forms since the 80s. Perhaps best known for their multi-year runs at the Floyd Country Store (FCS) and as The Cellar's Honkytonk Thursday house band, they have re-emerged recently with appearances at the Newport Jamboree and The Floyd Country Store. Their authentic mix of Old Time, Honkytonk, and Original music always brings good time dance crowds to their feet. The Jugbusters unique Flatfoot and Two-step dancing music can be heard on two studio albums: No Easier Way and Honkytonk Hymnal; their BandCamp site also has two re-mastered live shows: Live at the Rex and Keep the Crows Out from the FCS.

Saturday

Cocobolo, a Southwest Virginia based music duo, tailors its show to any stage with clear vocals, original, story based lyrics, intricate guitar leads and weaving rhythms that combine into something truly unique. This inspired pair brings to you an irresistible mix of acoustic tunes that are soulful and gritty. From the well known music hub of Floyd County, Virginia, comes Singer/Songwriter Stella Trudel (vocals, guitar) and Bob Dillard (guitar, vocals) for an astonishing blend of imagination, years of late night writing, thousands of practice hours, and a shared love of sound that solidly adds up to creativity at it’s best. You’ll be glad you stopped to listen!

Virginia Hollow is a mixture of Americana, Bluegrass, Country, Indie, and Rock. A singer-songwriter band that performs songs written by lead singer Carrie Hinkley, along with an occasional handpicked cover or two.

Carrie Hinkley: Vocals & Acoustic Guitar

Alan Graf: Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin

Sue Winchester: Upright Bass & Harmony Vocals

Kat Mills is a singer-songwriter, wife, mother, and activist based in Blacksburg and known throughout the region for her down-to-earth style and powerful voice. With a vintage Martin guitar, bell bottoms, and soulful original songs, Kat Mills reminds you of another era--but her work is for the here and now. She has four studio albums, has been a regular at Steppin Out and Floyd Fest, and has shared stages with Pete Seeger, Dar Williams and Sarah Lee Guthrie. Join Kat for a relaxing, inspiring set—and be ready to sing along!

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We play Bluegrass from across the tracks.

Annie Stokes is a dark Americana songstress from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by a wide array of musicians including Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, The Replacements, and Nick Cave, she started putting her poetry to music in college and quickly started playing cafes, festivals, wineries, nightclubs, holes-in-the-wall, and nationally-renowned venues. She recently released her third album, "The One That Gets Away", to critical acclaim. When she's not performing music, she's gardening, making handcrafted espresso, and trying to keep her baby from eating crayons.