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.

It was June of 2010 when Filthy Still was born in the drunken depths of Providence, Rhode Island in the neighborhood of historic “Federal Hill”. Jesse Roderick, Dylan “Sleazy D” Wolk, Jeremy Garland, and Matt Olson began jamming out to old Country songs in a small office space of Jeremy’s 3rd floor apartment. After playing their first show July 13th, 2010 with The Goddamn Gallows in Providence, Filthy Still quickly started to gain recognition in the New England region for their unique “bluegrass/punk” sound, with influences ranging from Hank Williams and Townes Van Zandt, and the other end of the spectrum, from The Circle Jerks to GG Allin. On December 12th 2010, washboard player and brother, Dylan “Sleazy D” Wolk unexpectedly passed away in his sleep after a fully packed show at their neighborhood bar. His untimely death shocked everyone and nearly put the band to rest. Several weeks later, it was decided that Filthy Still would continue to play in memory of Dylan. In February of 2011, Filthy Still returned to the stage in New Haven, CT opening for Hick’ry Hawkins, playing for a full capacity crowd.
Having trouble keeping a steady bassist, and going through some minor lineup changes, Filthy Still soon aquired friend Artie Elmer on washtub bass, while touring with “Hick’ry Hawkin’s and the Panty Sniffers” in the Winter of 2011. As of Fall 2011, they have played hundreds of shows all around the country, and have no plans of taking much time off. They use traditional bluegrass instruments and play with a punk rock intensity. They currently have one album under their belt titled “All Bottled Up” which was recorded and released DIY style and consists of 13 original songs. Filthy Still will be releasing there sophomore album on Farmageddon Records in 2012.

The Blind Staggers play the kind music that rattles around your brain at 4am after a long, lonely night at the bar. Singing songs of heart ache and hangovers, the Blind Staggers have been impressing live audiences with the knockout dynamic between Damien Christian Wilburn and Laura Loo as the band plays heart felt rock Americana that captivates and haunts while rocking you in the now. Check out their new EP “This Times a Charm” on Seven Dead Arson Records.

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.

Fort Defiance is high-energy, front-porch-folk trio, from Nashville, Tennessee; born from the solo careers of folk singer Jordan Eastman and Virginia based heart-throb Laurel Lane. A month after meeting, the two took to the road; living in the back of a truck and playing shows across the country. After being met with great response, they recruited drummer and long-time friend, Dave Martin (to carry the luggage), continued touring, recorded a 100% crowd-funded album, and the rest, as they say, is history. They’ve even moved from the truck to a tow-behind-trailer; into what feels to them like mighty fancy livin’…

Pick up their debut album “Worry Has No Home”
available March 3rd, 2015