Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy is a high-energy “Brass ‘n’ Grass” sextet from Wichita, KS. The band, whose sound has been described as “…a stagecoach in overdrive”, has brought their eclectic blend of punk, bluegrass, and dixieland to packed bars, basements, and festivals across the US since their inception in the spring of 2007.

With a lineup of great musicians, the band’s live show is never the same twice. Brothers Jarrod and Zachary Starling provide acoustic guitar and drums/washboard; along with Dallin Bulkley on standup bass to round out the rhythm section. Garrett Briggeman adds to the energy with 5-string banjo, while Josue Estrada’s trumpet provides layers of jazz and Western to the sound. Tyler Grubb holds down double solo duties, playing both mandolin and trombone. This blend of influences and instrumentation ensures a unique and interesting show each night.

CNS plays hundreds of dates a year hitting 47 states and 5 countries. The band has built a dedicated following with their energetic live show and ability to fit on the bill with acts ranging from bluegrass to rockabilly; punk to ska. Breakneck mandolin solos melt into blaring trombone and trumpet lines, while the standup bass and feed-bucket-trap-set churn out driving rhythms that carry the force of a Kansas freight train.

Thoughtful songwriting that explores deeper, more interesting themes is what sets this band apart from the multitudes of acts content with singing about Whiskey and Women. From social satire to labor union songs to Civil War Ballads to existential journeys that explore life, death, despair, and indulgence, CNS’s songs will provoke thought, incite riots, and lure your children into a life of travel and debauchery.

With 2 original LP’s (2010 Self-Titled, 2013 Hatchetations) and 1 split EP ( 2012 Liberty, Solidarity, Responsibility w/ Cletus Got Shot), CNS has built a repertoire of original songs that continue morph with the progression of the band. Another 2017 full-length is on the horizon that will prove to highlight the band’s musical growth, and maturity of writing.

The band’s DIY mentality is shown through their self-recorded albums, self-published music, self-booked tours, and a community of local and regional visual artists that show the band’s distinctly grassroots approach. CNS has been pounding the highways and byways of this great country for 8 years now, bringing their songs and stories to thousands. Always providing a high energy, drink’em down atmosphere to any place they play, CNS has proven a dedication to their live shows with a solid understanding of what entertainment really means.

Singer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist Joseph Huber is a founding member of, and also had spent 6 years of playing banjo and heavy touring with the Milwaukee, WI based “streetgrass” group, the .357 String Band–a group that, despite it’s abrupt break-up, still continues to gain popularity, is known as one of the most influential groups in the recent insurgent underground country and bluegrass movements. Hard living put together with plenty of downtime has offered more than enough motivation and opportunity for his songwriting, and Huber has continued moving onward and upward captivating folks with his sincere and well crafted songs.

“Bury Me Where I Fall”, Huber’s introductory solo album was an unseen side to his writing–less high-octane and blistering as his known work, “Bury Me…” reveals multiple, new landscapes, ranging anywhere from desolate, world-weary ones; to brooding and ominous ones. His 2nd release “Tongues of Fire” is much the flip-side to that–joyful, light-hearted, and laughing even in the face of hard times. Being a multi-instrumentalist, Huber performs all the tracks on his records on his own…fiddle, banjo, guitar, harmonica, percussion, and bass. Huber can be seen playing with a backup band, or also opting for a “one-man-band” setup–singing and playing banjo/guitar/harmonica and opting for a trusty ol’ Samsonite suitcase as a kick-drum. In his solo career he has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with many great performers including Hellbound Glory, Bob Wayne, Graham Lindsey, Robert Earl Keen, Keller Williams, and more.

His lyricism and introspective writing style has received high acclaim from many Americana enthusiast looking for a more substantive substitute to much of today’s modern country. Maintaining a solid touring schedule, playing all throughout both the U.S. and all around Europe, he has steadily gained ground and gotten much positive press, and has shown himself a sincere and influential member of the growing roots movement. Huber has a planned release of his 3rd solo album ‘The Hanging Road’ featuring 10 new tracks, which will be available on Nashville’s ‘Muddy Roots Recordings’ in Spring 2014.

pigeon pit is a collection of stories wrapped in sunburned skin and a brave heart from a small beach town.

Cult favorites WhiskeyDick blow minds with a double barrel blast of dreadnaught shredding and hillbilly bellowing that makes you want to knock back a shot!

Blues/Folk fit for the rainiest of days.

Soulful, genre-bending Americana music.

Violinist of 22 years, classically trained with experience in scottish/celtic, metal, punk, bluegrass and folk music.

I improvise and play by ear, so sitting in with new bands is one of my favorite things! If you ever want to add violin for a show or recording hit me up 🙂

Austin Possum is an alt folk artist from Knoxville Tennessee. Bringing a one man band guitar/banjo, percussion combo, with the occasional harmonica lead slipped in there. Austin Possum writes songs about the struggles with depression, alcoholism, and some touching on subjects like dysphoria, anarchism, and loving your friends. “Brown Eyed Recluse” album coming out soon!

Folk band from the Midwest

International touring & recording artist, Dylan Walshe, was born & raised in Dublin, Ireland. Dylan went on to hone his craft, as a solo acoustic performer, in London, then Europe, before eventually moving to Nashville, Tennessee. Currently residing in the southern highlands of Black Mountain, in western North Carolina, Dylan has headlined tours around much of the US, Europe & the UK & has been billed alongside many pioneers in music, as well as touring as the opener for artists as diverse as Flogging Molly, The White Buffalo & Avatar. This year, AVLFest invited Dylan to close out Saturday night at the Wortham Theatre, for their inaugural festival event in Asheville, North Carolina. Primarily a singer-songwriter, Dylan also sings traditional songs of the working classes & reinterprets a wide spectrum of songs in his own authentic inimitable style. Dylan has received plaudits from such greats as Christy Moore, who nominated Dylan’s work for the Irish Folk Music Awards saying, “Dylan’s a wordsmith & a fair chanter, it does my heart good to hear him sing, I love his voice & the way he’s using it, he is a true Irish ballad singer & I admire his work”. While Dylan mostly identifies as a Folk & Roots Singer-Songwriter, his solo acoustic performances have also been brought to Punk, Ska, Celtic & Heavy Metal audiences throughout his 27 years of being a performer. With his most recent album of original compositions, All Manner Of Ways (featuring James Fearnley of The Pogues, Andy Gibson of Hank III, Micah Hulscher of Emmylou Harris, John Mailander of Bruce Hornsby), there is a depth & a timelessness in his writing & voice, which is rare to find in contemporary art & music. The Irish Edition had this to say on the album, “Dylan Walshe has taken up the reins from the likes of Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt, with poignant, poetic lyrics and memorable tunes..”, while No Depression said “His voice is so strong and expressive, at once so holy and damned it can shake heaven and hell simultaneously. This suggests the old soul of a true roots artist, to be sure..”. In a world of imitation, image & revivalism, Dylan has lived what he sings. It’s music that you will feel first & foremost, then think on it later..

Texas Outlaw music from deep in the heart of Texas