Party: Rocko Wheeler + Grits & Soul - [americana]

Party: Rocko Wheeler + Grits & Soul - [americana]

Genre: Americana
Cover: $5
Doors: 9PM
Show: 10PM
Ages: 21+
Event Listing: http://ashevillemusichall.com/music-schedule/rocko-wheeler/

ROCKO WHEELER:

His debut effort, "The Book of Rocko Wheeler," dropped earlier this spring, and the songwriter has a tour with Kyle Cox in the works this month that will kick off a The 5-Spot. Though now a Tenessee resident, Wheeler's music remains true to his Sunshine State origins. Dripping with organ, fiddle, and slide guitar, there's a vintage quality to his sound, and there are a few moments in the album that pay homage to the ghost of Gram Parsons. There's also some handy wordsmithing at play which makes for and engaing and ever-changing listen as new turns of phrase surface. For instance, the last refrain of "Emmanuel, your well's run dry-" in the first track "Time to Change," has a satisfying ring to it.
-Terra James-Jura The Deli - Nashville

Hear some music: https://soundcloud.com/rocko-wheeler/time-to-change

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/rockowheelermusic/timeline

Check out a video: https://youtu.be/N9HDKI4J6cU


Grits & Soul

At the heart of Grits & Soul are songcrafters Anna Kline and John Looney.

Based Asheville, North Carolina, they continue to make their mark, not defining themselves by genre but bending the rules to create their own distinctive sound.

As the name suggests, Grits & Soul represent the best parts of their Southern heritage by taking the influences of mountain bluegrass and classic countryand fusing it with those of Mississippi soul and blues.

On the heels of their 2013 Merlefest IBMA showcase and the release of their debut album, the duo continues to attract the attention of audiences in the Southeast.

Over the past year they received coveted invitations to perform at Merlefest, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Albino Skunk Festival, and Suwannee Springfest, to name a few.

Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine gave the team a glowing review for their debut effort, calling Flood Waters "intriguing and enveloping." The recording highlights the collaboration of a gifted lyricist with a talented arranger, both with a shared sensibility of stirring melodies and powerful story lines.

Working together for four years now, they continue to hone their sound and songs onstage together, logging thousands of highway miles and hundreds of performances.

Anna's powerhouse voice is “mesmerizing -- growling, slurring, soaring, swooping, note-bending, word-bending...they're all a part of her power-packed technique," says Bluegrass Unlimited.

John is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, setting the tone with his interpretation of classic melodies, while his skills as arranger shine through their original material.

This combination of talented musicianship and compelling songwriting proves Grits & Soul are a memorable musical team. Their voices blend together in seamless harmony. Their collaboration forges a powerful connection between hard-driving bluegrass, barroom honky tonk, Celtic, Southern gospel, and slow-burning blues.

Check out a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36rchwauvKg

Website: http://www.gritsandsoul.com/