Where: Stage is located on West Main St. Downtown Brevard, North Carolina
Get ready to "Go Nuts!" And best of all... it's Free!

2:00 pm............................. Barnacle
3:00 pm............................. Carolina Blue featuring Roy Chapman
4:00 pm............................. Julie Lee
5:00 pm............................. Ethos
6:00 pm............................. Shannon Whitworth
7:00 pm............................. The Jeff Sipe Trio with special guest Jeff Coffin
9:00 pm............................. Patrick Smith Band


2:00 pm............................. Brio
3:00 pm............................. Moon Shine Babies
4:00 pm............................. Odd Meters
5:00 pm............................. Nikki Talley
6:00 pm............................. Balsam Range
7:00 pm............................. Beth Wood & Chris Rosser
8:30 pm............................. Edwin McCain

Dates and times are subject to last minute change. Be sure to come back and visit often. Also, be sure to check our White Squirrel Blog for last minute details!

Edwin McCain

Blending equal parts folk, soul and rock, platinum-selling singer/songwriter Edwin McCain has signed with Vanguard Records and will release a new studio album next spring. Currently in the new OMG Studios of Greenville, South Carolina, which he co-owns, McCain is working with producer Noel Golden (Messenger, Scream and Whisper) and band members Craig Shields (keys, sax); Larry Chaney (lead guitar); Pete Riley (guitar, vocals); Dave Harrison (drums); and Lee Hendricks (bass).
Since his 1993 debut, McCain has garnered the attention of millions with the top 10 smash "I'll Be," and the Diane Warren-penned top 40 hit "I Could Not Ask For More." He is a tireless troubadour whose rapturous live performances have captivated many audiences. In May 2005, McCain performed "I'll Be" on The Dr. Phil Show, which was voted the "Best Wedding Song" by over one million viewers.
The seeds for McCain's blend of southern soul and acoustic storytelling were planted in Greenville, South Carolina, where he was born and raised, and still resides. In 1993, he formed the Edwin McCain Band and released Solitude. A quartet of albums on Lava/Atlantic Records followed, starting with Honor among Thieves (1995), the breakthrough album Misguided Roses (1997), which featured "I'll Be," and Messenger (1999), which included "I Could Not Ask for More," also featured in the film "Message in a Bottle," which drove Messenger to RIAA Gold Certification. In 2001, Edwin's last recording for Lava/Atlantic, Far From Over, was released. In 2003, McCain teamed with ATC Records to release Austin Sessions, and in the summer of 2004, DRT Entertainment released Scream and Whisper.

The Jeff Sipe Trio with special guest Jeff Cofin

Jeff Sipe is the consummate drummer. His talents and his thoughtful nature have made him a highly respected and sought after musician. He was a founding member of the Rock group Aquarium Rescue Unit, which featured current members of Wide Spread Panic and the Allman Brothers Band. Then he toured with Grammy nominated Susan Tedeschi, Leftover Salmon, and Keller Williams to highlight just a few of the projects and artists he performs and records with.
He is at the core a musician of free expression. In this realm of Jazz/Fusion he has teamed up with virtuoso bassist/composer Jonas Hellborg (John McLaughlin) and the late Shawn Lane (Black Oak Arkansas).
He continues his pursuit of free musical expression with the likes of virtuoso guitarist Alex Machecek and bassist Matthew Garrison (John McLaughlin, Paul Simon) collaborating on the recording іImprovisionІ on Abstract Logix. They will have a new recording this summer.
Jeff's current project is true to this theme of improvisation with his group the Jeff Sipe Trio, in which he called on the young talents of Knoxville guitarist Mike Seal and bassist Vince Ilagan.
The trio will be joined by Jeff Coffin, two time Grammy award winning saxophonist best know as a member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

Patrick Smith Band

Patrick Smith's music is heavy with tradition, beautifully well crafted, and performed. His music is full of place, bringing all that the Mississippi River melting pot has to offer with it. He deftly fuses various influences that rolled in on that mighty river to his hometown of Vicksburg, Mississippi, weaving into his songs delta blues, barrelhouse rocking piano riffs, wailing jazz, underbelly soul, heart-wrenching gospel, and the funkiness of a New Orleans brass band. Patrick's throaty, warm voice ties his sound tightly together. It easy to see why many great artists like the North Mississippi Allstars, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Jimbo Mathis have all utilized his talents. Patrick will be joined by some great musicians who reside in the area like Brevard native Noel Felty on Drums who has been part of many outstanding groups such as Jupiter Coyote and Col. Bruce Hampton and the Fiji Mariners, Asheville resident Mark McDaniel on bass and virtuoso sax player and Brevard native Marcus Henderson who has had a very successful career with King Johnson, Charlie Wooten and many others.

Beth Wood and Chris Rosser

Two dynamic performing songwriters come together for a special appearance. Singer-Songwriter Beth Wood is an artist with immense talent. Beth has the unique combination of great songwriting, inventive musicianship, and superb vocal ability. If you havenít heard of her or heard her music you will probably wonder why. She has seven cds to her credit with a new release due out this spring. All of which display the creativity, growth and evolution of an artist who is not dissuaded by the main stream music industry. With numerous accolades to her credit, including Winners of Lyons Folk Fest, Kerrville Folk Festival, 2004 Wildflower Festival Songwriter Contest, and having a song featured on the popular TV show "Party of Five," Beth is something special.
Chris Rosser is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, composer and producer. As a solo singer-songwriter and as a member of the world-jazz instrumental trio Free Planet Radio, he plays a variety of instruments, including the Indian dotar, Turkish cumbus oud, guitars, melodica, and piano. As a producer, he has produced about forty recordings for various artists in his Asheville, NC based studio Hollow Reed Studio including Beth Wood's "Marigolds," which he also performed on many of the tracks.
He has won songwriting contests at the Rocky Mountain Folks and Merle Watson festivals, and been selected as a New Folk Finalist. With the help of a 1999 WNC Regional Artists grant, he continued his studies of Hindustani classical music and the sarod (a 25-string fretless Indian lute) with world famous Indian musician Ali Akbar Khan in San Rafael, CA. He was awarded a 2003 Songwriter/Composer fellowship from the NC Arts Council.

Shannon Whitworth

Shannon Whitworth currently lives in the mountains of western North Carolina, where she has spent the last ten years focusing on mountain, bluegrass and country music. Her talent as a singer and songwriter enabled her to spend the last 4 years touring the United States with a band she co-founded, The Biscuit Burners. On claw hammer banjo and guitar, Shannon's compositions contributed depth to the bands material and have helped her gain respect as a truly talented singer and songwriter. "No Expectations" features ten of Shannon's most recent compositions accompanied by an all-star cast of musicians. "No Expectations" is one of the finest and freshest Americana/Country roots records you will hear today. Great singing, great writing, and great picking makes Shannon Whitworth's first solo project unforgettable.

Nikki Talley

Nikki recently relocated back to WNC from her three year stint in Canada. Nikki Talley, a self taught musician with a powerful voice & strong emotional lyrics, was awarded the prize of "Carolina Star." іTELLING LIES," a full length album that Nikki wrote, recorded, mixed and performed was released in 2007. The CD consists of melodic stories all carried by the soft strength of her voice, drawing comparisons to Sarah McLaughlin, PJ Harvey & Natalie Merchant. From pretty piano tunes to guitar-based acoustic rock songs, each is a part of her.
Looking to capture her roots as a daughter of a folksinger herself, she is currently working on her 3rd album to be released in late spring of 2008! Guest appearances will include Brevard's own Annie Talley (Nikki's mom & muse), Michael Guggino of the Steep Canyon Rangers and Tim Gardener of the High Windy Band.

Balsam Range

This ensemble based in Haywood County, North Carolina is an amalgamation of Bluegrass, Gospel and Country Music. All members of the band grew up in the rich musical heritage of the Appalachian South. Marc Pruett (Banjo), Caleb Smith (Guitar), Darren Nicholson (Mandolin), Tim Surrett (Bass), and Buddy Melton (Fiddle) all have impressive resumes.
Most notably of the members, Marc Pruett, who played banjo on five albums with Ricky Skaggs including Rickyís first record in 1974 and the Grammy winning "Bluegrass Rules." He has been featured with acoustic artists like Rhonda Vincent, James Monroe, Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, Peter Rowan, Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice, Bryan Sutton, Emmy Lou Harris, and a host of bluegrass friends. For a dozen years, his music was used as the featured theme for the square dances in the highly acclaimed Native American drama, "Unto These Hills."
Darren Nicholson is a recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association's - Album of the Year award, and has appeared countless times on WSM's Grand Ole Opry and at the Ryman Auditorium. For three years he toured with Rounder recording artist Alecia Nugent as a full time member of her band. He has shared the stage was such greats as Merle Haggard, George Jones, Marty Stuart, Doyle Lawson, Jon Randall, Raymond Fairchild, Rhonda Vincent, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Sam Bush, and Vince Gill. This group is another example of the rich musical heritage here in WNC.

Ethos

This emerging band of Brevard locals has been evolving over the last two years. Their sound is shaped in reggae infused rock and roll with a smattering of pop. This is their first appearance on the main stage. The melodies are catchy and the rhythm inspires the feet to move.

Julie Lee

Julie Lee landed in Nashville five years ago with the idea of a career in music performing her own material and showcasing her powerful yet angelic voice. Little did she know she would be writing songs for and with the likes of Alison Krauss or Ron Block. Julie has three songs on Alison Kraussí latest collection "Hundred Miles or More" and the title track to Ron Blockís latest release "Doorway."
This singer/songwriterís music is Americana, an amalgamation of country, bluegrass, blues, old time and a bit of jazz reminiscent of the 50's. She writes from the inspiration of many instruments from ukulele and guitar to banjo or mandolin which attributes to the various influences in her music. She performs regularly with her band Old Black Kettle and in various other configurations and is a mainstay in the Nashville songwriter scene.

Odd Meters

The Odd Meters are a unique, instrumental duo whose music blends various genres into compelling modern compositions. Their high-energy performances can include styles such as Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Pop, Fusion, Reggae, Indian Classical, and Funk. The majority of the bandнs tunes are original, written by guitarist Jon Morrow and fused with the touch of Shane Parreco on drums and percussion. Although the Odd Meters are a duo, they have the sound of a trio thanks to the 8-string guitar (created by Ralph Novak) that Jon plays.

Bobby Powell, Tim Jones & Carolina Blue featuring Roy Chapman

Transylvania County natives Bobby Powell and Tim Jones are yet another example of the mountain music tradition that is rich here. They cut their teeth under the tutelage of Roy Chapman as part of his band "True Bluegrass." Roy is known locally as the person keeping the torch of bluegrass alive in Transylvania County. He has undoubtedly influenced the thriving bluegrass scene here. Bobby and Tim are continuing to keep the tradition going. They will be featuring Roy Chapman on fiddle as a tribute to their mentor.

Moon Shine Babies

Brevard resident singer/songwriter Suzanne Schmitt is joined by brothers Jerry and Jim Trapp delivering their authentic folk tunes. These fine ambassadors of the local music scene draw on life experiences for their lyrics and music. They are back in the area to bring their thoughtful songs to Brevard.

Brio

Fronted by Brevard's own Nash Roberts, this Chapel Hill based Pop/Rock quartet is a new group on the musical horizon. Their influences are diverse ranging from the Beatles to Bob Marley.

Barnacle

Barnacle is an acoustic/electric trio (two acoustic guitars, one electric bass) that has been a fixture around Brevard the last four years. Originally a duo founded by Michael Babb and Naren Schoenacher as a side project to their primary groups (Electro Dog and Marsupial respectively), Robert Jones (formerly of the band Peace Jones) was asked, early last year, to join them on bass. Their sound is derived from a long, diverse list of influences. Given the variety of sounds Barnacle draws from, there is bound to be something for everyone in their original material. Generally speaking, their own sound might be described as folk-rock with elements of funk and blues.