WILL HOGE
08/03/2012
Visulite Theatre (16+ (Must have ID) - Under 16 with Parent Only)
Doors Open: 8:00 - Headliner Begins: 9:45
Born and raised in Tennessee, songwriter Will Hoge made his name honing a blend of soulful Americana and heartland rock & roll. After spending his childhood in the Nashville suburb of Franklin, he left Tennessee to study history at Western Kentucky University. Music drew him back home, however, and he relocated to Nashville to assemble a band that included former Georgia Satellites guitarist Dan Baird. Hoge then cut his teeth on the Southern bar circuit and issued a live release, 1999's All Night Long, before inking a deal with Atlantic Records. With the label's support, he entered Memphis' famed Ardent Studios to record his official debut, Carousel, with engineer John Hampton (the Replacements, Gin Blossoms). The album was released in 2000, and Blackbird on a Lonely Wire followed in 2003 (albeit without Baird, who'd left due to the band's demanding tour schedule). Record sales were slim, though, and Hoge found himself receiving minimal attention from his label. Requesting release from his contract, Hoge was made a free agent.
Following his departure from the Atlantic roster, Hoge combined a relentless tour schedule with a string of independent releases, from live albums and brief EPs to a full-fledged studio effort (2006's The Man Who Killed Love). Rykodisc took note of Hoge's work, particularly his 200-plus shows per year, and signed the artist. Draw the Curtains, Hoge's fourth studio album and first effort for Rykodisc, was released in October 2007, followed by -- what else? -- an aggressive fall tour. Recording sessions for another record began in 2008, but work was temporarily postponed on August 20th, when a scooter accident left Hoge severely injured. Months of physical therapy followed. Hoge focused on his recovery for the remainder of 2008, eventually returning to the studio project in 2009 and releasing The Wreckage later that year. Hoge put out his seventh studio album, the appropriately titled Number Seven, in September 2011. ~ Andrew Leahey, Rovi
CROWFIELD
Start Time: 8:30
Crowfield's journey to the national stage has been accompanied by breakups and breakdowns, tempered by successes and letdowns, and defined by the act of giving a little more when there was nothing left to give. Since the band's creation in 2008, their music has evolved from a vintage Americana sound that reflected their Heartland roots to a more modern and slightly edgy style of Rock and Roll.
Indiana natives Tyler Mechem and Joe Giant formed the band that would come to be known as Crowfield when they relocated to Charleston, SC in 2005. In 2008, they caught the ear of acclaimed producer Rick Beato. Crowfield's premier album "Goodbye, Goodnight, So Long Midwestern" (Ten Star Records) soon followed. The addition of drummer Parker Gins and guitarist, Micah Nichols, and a frenetic touring schedule led to bigger crowds and more illustrious venues.
Throughout this evolution, however, the sincere and often heart wrenching lyrics of lead singer Tyler Mechem have continued to resonate with listeners.
It was this charisma that drew the attention of several major labels in 2009 and 2010. The band eventually signed with Universal Records and the William Morris Endeavor Agency. While the record deal was short lived, as the record company's size conflicted with the intimate grassroots approach which led Crowfield to their initial success, the future is bright for this young band which enjoys a strong connection to a passionate fanbase.
A recent Kickstarter.com campaign raised nearly $20,000 towards a third album which will be released in Charleston on June 22nd and 23rd at The Windjammer. The band anticipates a busy touring schedule in the fall and has already lined up a major sponsor for the CD release tour. With new management and a new focus, Crowfield is well positioned for a breakthrough year in 2012 on the national scene.
