The Hooten Hallers

Columbia, Missouri trio The Hooten Hallers are a high-energy blues, rock, and soul band known for hard-traveling and wild live shows, with a seemingly endless tour schedule. The myriad of influences in their music range from pre-war blues to rock’n’roll to honky tonk and a hint of jazz, with a thematic penchant for the strange and the unexplained. In the same vein, the Hooten Hallers’ music isn’t quite Americana and it’s not quite punk, but a bit of both, fused together in a drunken tangle. Their live shows take the listener on a seamless ride from unapologetically raucous blues on the lap steel and bass sax, to a sweet three part harmony country ballad, to a romping dance number.

The Hooten Hallers’ new self-titled album, out April 21, 2017 on Big Muddy Records, is the culmination of their experiences from 10 years of performing and traveling together. They’ve injected the album with the stories and characters they’ve been meeting on the road all this time. Produced by Johnny Walker (Soledad Brothers, All Seeing Eyes) and Kristo Baricevic (Big Muddy Records), the Hooten Hallers’ latest effort showcases their evolution as musicians and songwriters. It garnered attention by Noisey – “This album rules”; Rock’N’Reel (UK) – “This is a band that really understands and exudes the history of rock and roll”; Impose Magazine – “another stunner of a music collection”; New Releases Now – “one of the most dynamic live shows around”; AXS – “This album is sheer madness in the best way”; Ground Sounds – “gritty, groovy, and bluesy”; No Depression – “evokes images of Tom Waits tending to a trotline at Lake of the Ozarks”, amongst others.

John Randall’s demonically-tinged vocals and blues-inspired, manic guitar, and Andy Rehm’s screaming falsetto vocals and steady, pounding drum beat keep the band focused on their unique blend of deep blues and country punk. Kellie Everett brings the power with the deep rumble of her baritone and bass saxophones. When The Hooten Hallers come to town, you know it’s gonna be a party!

THE GRASSTRONAUTS

The Grasstronauts have never fit neatly into one specific genre. While bluegrass may be the basis, it’s clear their sound is anything but traditional. Blending elements of bluegrass, rock, jazz and a number of other influences they bring a high energy sound of their own.

Armed with guitar, banjo, mandolin and bull fiddle, The Grasstronauts create a powerful sound that is constantly evolving. “We’re always trying to work new things into our sets,” says guitarist Lee Syrjanen. “There are songs that have evolved quite a bit since the first time we played them.”

Based out of Chicago, The Grasstronauts have been fortunate enough to play various music festivals, clubs and bars. Their unique sound draws people in quickly and engages them until the very last note. With each member having different backgrounds, The Grasstronauts are able to bend genres and provide an experience unlike any other.

NATE GORDON

Nate Gordon is an americana blues guitarist from the rolling hills and muddy creeks of the “heck yes, midwest” lands of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Regionally, Gordon has made a name for himself playing various music houses, cafes, and larger indie-rock venues like the barnstormer shows at the Codfish Hollow Barn. He’s shared bills with a range of acts from blues chuggers The Ghost Wolves, to backcountry rockers The Deadstring Brothers, and even folk rock wonders Mark Mulcahy and Pieta Brown.

Gordon’s original sets often include a mix of blues tunings, as his influences are varied, ranging from traditional greats like Son House and Blind Willie Johnson to modern alt-rock bands like Dawes and These United States.

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