Happy New Year, LKN readers!
I hope that everyone enjoyed the recent holidays and were able to spend quality time with family and friends!
Now, the music scene was wide open this holiday season, and I got to enjoy the best live music collaboration this side of the Mississippi.
To start the New Year right, we will begin with the Charlotte Bluegrass Allstars and, although only one member is in the Charlotte city limits, all but one member, Jake Joines, is within a 30-minute drive. My introduction to the band was through the lead guitarist of the four-member team.
Direct from their EPK…charlottebluegrassallstars.com/epk.
Formed in October 2022, Charlotte Bluegrass Allstars is a genre-defying powerhouse hailing from the heart of Charlotte. This unique collaboration brings together a diverse ensemble of musicians, each drawing from distinct musical backgrounds, including rock, blues, classical, jazz and jam band influences. United by a shared passion for Bluegrass, they’ve woven a tapestry of sound that defies traditional boundaries and expectations.
Chad Andrew Harris (Guitar)
Chad’s mastery of the guitar and soaring vocals and harmonies create a captivating sound that is both soulful and powerful. His inventive and melodic playing elevates the band’s music to new heights, adding a touch of magic to every performance.
Steven Davidson (Mandolin)
Steven’s mandolin skills and powerful vocals and harmonies bring a mesmerizing energy to Charlotte Bluegrass Allstars. He seamlessly weaves intricate melodies that not only pay homage to the roots of Bluegrass but push the boundaries of the genre, as well.
Jake Joines (Dobro)
Jake’s nimble fingerpicking and soul-stirring solos on the dobro provide the backbone for Charlotte Bluegrass Allstars’ sound. His instinctual understanding of the genre shines through in his playing, and he brings an undeniable passion to every note. On a side note, I know Jake’s father, Tony, from high school. We lived in the communities of Boomer and Moravian Falls in Wilkes County, and Tony is an outstanding musician and artist in his own right. I am sure Jake has spent many a night picking with his dad.
Dennis Contreras (Bass)
Dennis holds down the low end with his skillful bass playing, providing the steady foundation that drives the band’s rhythm. His rich and resonant tones perfectly complement the band’s overall sound, lending depth and texture to their music.
I was lucky enough to enjoy this band and several other local bands that we will cover in the coming year, with next up, the Ladies Roundtable from the 2nd Singer Songwriters’ festival in Statesville November 16th-19th at the Arts Council building at the Old Jail in historic downtown Statesville!
Go out, LKN readers, enjoy the local music scene and take in live music to support local musicians!
Happy New Year, and look out for my February Music Stage group!
