Evan Stepp & the Piners
J.R. Rund
“Hello everybody”. The band launches into a raucous groove. Brown boots stomping and jacket fringe swinging, J.R. Rund moves as if he’s directing a gospel choir with the neck of his slope-shoulder Gibson. The energy is palpable. “I’ve been down low in the valley, and high as a kite but from where I’m sittin’, I think I’m doing all right”. He exclaims in the chorus of the song ‘Cheeseburgers’--It’s a resurrection of sorts. No… no one died. But hanging your songwriting spurs up for the better part of the twenty-tens and entering a new chapter of life to build a family can make a music man wonder: What do I still have to offer?The weight of 2020 afforded J.R. a new lens through which to see life, balance, and music. The relentless uncertainty conjured up thoughts on mortality, belief, duality, and the maturity to sort through it all. Once a songwriter, always a songwriter. One by one, the songs showed themselves as if they were always there just waiting to be dusted off. But this batch of songs was special and needed to tell a different kind of story.In 2022 J.R. popped the cork on his most ambitious musical project to date. He whittled away at a group of songs, painstakingly piecing together the puzzle that would become his first full-length release, From Where I’m Sittin’. J.R. recalls the process of making the record with Caleb Neff at Juniper Recordings as “organic and raw”. With a mix of classic-leaning country, folk, and rock and roll, this session would produce 10 sonically diverse small plates, thoughtfully prepared and perfectly seasoned with his trademark ‘I don’t take myself too seriously’ aesthetic. Sometimes sad and sometimes sweet but always with tongue planted firmly in cheek, From Where I’m Sittin’ is an infectious new addition to the burgeoning country-roots scene.The Georgia-bred songwriter brings a unique perspective to a genre that has often been reduced to the mention of whiskey and the spiral of unrequited love. J.R. is decidedly more poet and Prine than crooner and Cash. His humble songs are chocked full of conversational lyrics—often humorous, other times gut-wrenching but always delivered honestly. Loaded for bear with his band and new LP, J.R.’s knocking on Americana’s Palace door. But he doesn’t need to be the new King in the castle, he’s happy to be the Jester with a heart of gold.
Clawad
With their high-energy performances and powerful sound, folk trio Clawdad is quickly earning their reputation as Atlanta's most original & charming stringband. Led by Grant Marshall on banjo and vocals, the trio also features virtuoso fiddle player Jonathan Park and driving bassist Sam Kempe. Together, they bring a fresh energy to traditional folk and bluegrass music, infusing it with modern sounds and catchy melodies.Clawdad writes songs that run the full spectrum of emotion from heartache, drunken nights & the glory of their favorite snack - boiled peanuts. Whether performing upbeat barn-burners or soulful ballads, they always deliver a high-energy, foot-stomping performance that's sure to get audiences on their feet.Clawdad has played all around the city of Atlanta at breweries, bars, concert halls, & even weddings. The band seems right at home playing alongside other folky acts, but have also been known to shine on the same stage as alternative & psychedelic rock bands. The group released their first EP in the spring of 2023, as well as several singles in the fall.Clawdad is quickly making a name for themselves in the Atlanta music scene, and they show no signs of slowing down. Don't miss your chance to see “Atlanta's Loudest Stringband” live and experience their powerful sound for yourself.