Songs from the Road Band
September 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
$25.00
The Yadkin Arts Council will welcome Songs From The Road Band, to the Willingham Theater on Saturday, September 7th at 7:30pm.
Songs From The Road Band is an Asheville, North Carolina based bluegrass supergroup featuring Mark Schimick (mandolin), Charles Humphrey III (bass), Sam Wharton (guitar), James Schlender (fiddle), and Gabe Epstein (banjo). The band takes flight with virtuosic picking, singing, and Grammy award winning songwriting. Several of their most recent singles have gone to the top of the Bluegrass Today Grassicana chart. They have 6 studio albums available at all musical outlets.
“The Western North Carolina quintet is this band of melodic pirates, roaring down the highways and backroads of Southern Appalachia in search of a stage to play, perhaps another kindred spirit to collaborate with in the sacred art of songwriting and creating something (beautiful and permanent) from nothing (thin air and momentary inspiration).
– GARRET K. WOODWARD, Smoky Mountain News (Nov 24, 2021)
“SFTRB are unique somehow, and it’s a challenge to define exactly how. The best way I can describe it is that they’re sort of a bluegrass chamber orchestra. They’re a quintet of first chairs. Know what I mean? They’re each better than anyone else on their instruments, so they don’t turn in and compete with each other. They’re incredibly collaborative, seamlessly so, and it comes across. They don’t waste energy trying to out-do each other, the way most bands do.” :JOHN JOBE, OAKRIDGER (SEPT 15, 2022)
MEET THE BAND:
MARK SCHIMICK (mandolin, vocals)
Mark Schimick is one of the most underrated, and without a doubt best mandolin players ever. He has championed his way to the highest heights of the jamgrass scene while holding on to his traditional bluegrass roots. He has performed alongside legends Tony Rice, Larry Keel, Vassar Clements, to name a few. He plays every instrument and is an accomplished songwriter. His greatest allure is his signature voice. Listening to just a few seconds you know exactly who it is!
SAM WHARTON (guitar, vocals)
Sam Wharton is a founding member of the SFTRB with one of the best voices in bluegrass. He is the ultimate ambassador for the music. Along with developing his own unique style of rhythm guitar, he is one of the finest harmony singers in the world! He grew up singing barber shop quartet in Alabama. He honed his chops in Telluride, but now calls Western NC home!
CHARLES R HUMPHREY III (bass, songwriting)
Charles Humphrey III is a Grammy award winning songwriter and producer, a Kentucky Colonel, a twice nominated bluegrass songwriter of the year, and IBMA award recipient, a North Carolina Music Hall of Fame member, and he recently had a song he co-wrote recorded by Willie Nelson. He also owns a fly-fishing charter company (Beast Coast Anglers) and is an ex ultra-marathon runner! Father of 2 his biggest passions in life are spreading joy through music and fishing!
JAMES SCHLENDER (fiddle, vocals)
James Schlender, is a 2 time National Fiddle Champion. He plays the 5 string fiddle and studied music performance at the University of Miami. He has shared the stage with Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, and George Benson. He is a master harmony singer. You never know what James is going to play, but he’s for certain one of the top 10 bluegrass fiddle players in the world.
GABE EPSTEIN (banjo)
Gabe Epstein is a graduate of the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass program. He’s a multi-instrumentalist. Gabe is innovative, hard driving, and has an excellent tone on the 5 string banjo!
More Info About the Band: https://www.
The Yadkin Arts Council is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to transforming lives in our community through the arts by offering opportunities to encounter, create, and participate.. We believe art is transformational. Arts open minds, frees imagination, and helps people see the world from different perspectives.
