The beautiful day began with incredible sunshine, but cool temps. No worries because I knew the day would definitely heat up with impeccable music and crazy running from venue to venue!
I began my musical enjoyment with a local band, based on a nice recommendation. Enen was unknown to me until my friend from the band McLeod (a Savannah local, I enjoyed at last year’s Stopover…playing guitar on far right) gave me the head’s up to check him out. Lucky me, it was so different and cool.
McLeod also has finished music and it is in engineering as I write this. I really look forward to listening soon.
Enen
I bumped into my new friends again. Amy and Matt. This is their fourth year at Stopover. It can’t be easy traveling from Pennsylvania, but they make it a priority each year. Yep, they say Stopover is THAT GOOD! They had a finely tuned, well curated list of must see bands, and we had so much fun comparing notes and sharing our listening appreciation. What a fun couple who make music a priority in their lives! Wish they lived closer! Already hoping I’ll see them next year!
Wilder Maker’
With a lead singer who had a seriously hurting back (she wrenched it just days before), they made quite an impression. They have a poetic singing/songwriting style that conjures up a throwback 60’s vibe. Wilder Maker is incredibly talented and have songs meant for savoring. They played a new song, “Closer To God” filled with poetic storytelling lyricism and jazzy guitar undertones. It was a sweet taste of what we hope is a new album.
A song that has been on repeat for me! I just loved seeing them perform it so beautifully! Check out my video clip.
Cicada Rhythm
An Athens fave, Cicada Rhythm has a strong Americana folk sound that resonates with all. They have a new album out in April and we had a nice glimpse of the great goods to come.
Grace Joyner
A successful singer/songwriter from Charleston, Grace Joyner, reminds me of the full circle world of bands and music. She began as a back up singer in the band Elim Bolt, and that was one of the first local Charleston bands I learned about when I began this blog. Now in Asheville, I believe, she has put out a lot of music on her own with the help of her friends and band mates and has created quite a buzz for her introspective songs of wading through difficult times to triumph.
I learned pretty quickly this weekend that it is all about the boots….So many stellar pairs and so much fun to meet the personalities and cuteness behind the fashion. Olivia Moore swears hers are so comfy! I think her smile speaks volumes.
Michael Nau
Below is the packed crowd waiting for Michael Nau. He is a guitar picking, singer songwriter with a smooth delivery and a passionate way for clever words and melodies.
The Muckers
A crazy fun jam band! I am loving the new space this year at Barrelhouse South. They have incredible lights, and space to dance or just sit and listen. Everyone was up and moving for The Muckers.
Ahead of the set up for Caroline Rose, I decided to check out the offerings at Ships of the Sea. A sofa for chillaxing, that I never found empty.
The longest bar with swift and efficient service and smiles all around.
A vodka tasting mixing area.
Food trucks with quick, easy eats that were delicious!
Caroline Rose
What a talented singer and musician! But more importantly, Caroline Rose captures a fun and breezy way that makes her interesting lyrics light hearted and totally relatable. Her show was so very very fun! Don’t miss her if she comes to a city near you!
Okay, the styrofoam head had me scratching mine. Maybe a mascot?
Honduras
My absolute favorite surprise of Stopover! Honduras played to a packed house. Their energy was insane! What power, what music, just wow! You need to listen to Honduras. They combine fast paced punk with shiny guitar work and steady driving beats. The vocal work is sometimes muffled and then powerfully jolts for emphasis and it gives it a Brit-band sound. The crowd was infused with energy from the band and their music, everyone was moving to the beat, even though we were shoulder to shoulder with minimal room. If you are a fan of Parquet Courts, or Ought then this band needs to be on your radar.
Illegal Drugs
Hearty rock and roll with a jammin’ beat. Illegal Drugs played a powerful set.
Public Access TV
Public Access TV provides an 80’s retro sound with a modern twist. These guys can seriously bring down the house! Infectious energy combined with fun new songs full of sweet guitar skills handed us a dance worthy, sing along show.
Boots…Boots…It is all about boots! En Pointe, these gals (Rachel and Kassie) rocked it all weekend! Loved seeing them at most of the shows I attended always bringing their stellar fashion game.
New Madrid
A Georgia fave for sure. New Madrid has the expertise to pull off a last minute show, and we are all thankful. They bring it big time with their perfected psych rock sound. David Barbe even added a guitar at the end of their set.
Sara Shook & The Disarmers
Music is everything for me, but sometimes a singer can banter with the crowd and make the show even more fun. Witty and talented Sara Shook and the Disarmers, did just that. Good ol’ country tunes with a twang and a bit of personality & sparkle.
Kemba
So many happy people at this late, late hour. We waited and anticipated the beautiful world of words by Kemba. We were not disappointed and found his set included other rappers he respects. He shared a vivid expression of deep emotions and the impressive ability to overcome so many difficulties. Wow!
For all of us that witnessed this amazing rapper….I will never forget his name! Tyrone, Tyrone, Tyrone!
Another amazing day completed. I am having so much fun reliving the experience. Please stay tuned for my photos and commentary for the last day of Stopover.