brother ben music stage
the secret sisters
tim higgins
debbie bond
golden shoals
brother ben music stage schedule
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
9:30-10:30am – Tim Higgins
11:00am-12:00pm – Haysop
12:30-1:45pm – Big Ray and the Ultra's
2:15-3:30pm – Golden Shoals
3:45-5:00pm – Rock Bottom String Band
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
10:00-11:00am – Lindy Urban
11:30am-12:30pm – Tom Rathe
1:00-2:15pm – Debbie Bond
2:45-4:00pm – The Secret Sisters
about the artists
artists listed in order of appearance
Lauded by Rolling Stone as a singer of “slow-burning (ballads) with a deep, rumbling baritone,” Tim Higgins writes and performs songs that spiral around issues dealing with love, loss, destruction, and history; his are personal songs that often carry broader social implications. Rooted in Southern Gothic poetry, Higgins’ music is instantly recognizable due to his distinctive style of guitar playing and deep voice.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and coastal Alabama, his Rust Belt meets Southern upbringing is channeled in his straightforward imagery and gravel-throated delivery. In November 2018, Higgins released his first single and music video, Blight, which was included on Rolling Stone's Best New Music list and touted for its ability to evoke the “dark, doomed beauty” of his hometown.
Read Tim Higgins Full Artist Statement Here
A band that performs regularly in the Central & West Alabama region. Listeners may remember hearing Haysop at a variety of local events such as Live at the Plaza in Tuscaloosa or Mom’s Basement in Birmingham.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, veteran instro rock trio Big Ray and The Ultras!
Have been serving up their unique blend of instrumental surf, spy, garage a go-go rock ‘n’ roll for the past three years. A dynamic trio of veteran instrumental rock aficionados guitar player CHRIS NEFF, ( a.k.a. BIG RAY) originally from the legendary surf rock trio, BIG RAY AND THE FUTURAS, of the East coast surf rock scene back in the 90s , And the invincible STITCH STETCHKIN on drums heralding from the amazing masters of southern surf rock, and Tuscaloosa spawned band THE PENETRATORS, together with veteran rocker Lt. Colonel Chuck “ SNAKESKIN” Miller on Bass guitar completes the trifecta of Instrumental excellence. Hang onto your haircuts for a wild ride! Their live shows is a soaring, dynamic blast through titillating highs and cosmic instrumental reflection … A journey you don’t want to miss!
Golden Shoals, an americana group from Nashville, Tennessee, is a fiddle and guitar duo with a “rousing old-time-style music that’s fureled by acerbic modern-day wit" (-No Depression Magazine). They are no strangers to traditional music, having placed in contests including Clifftop (3rd place 2023, 4th place 2022), Mount Airy, The Grand Masters Fiddlers Championship and Galax. Often switching instruments between fiddle, two guitars, and banjo, their original songs hae been compared to Gillian Welch, with the added edge of instrumental prowess informed by energetic bluegrass recordings.
Read Golden Shoals Full Artist Bio Here
Formed in Central Texas in 2013, Rock Bottom String Band coalesced from a series of backyard jams and carport hangouts. Driven by a DIY work ethic with an inclination toward the rowdier side of the genre, this 5 piece Indie Non-Traditional Bluegrass collective has carved out a sound of its own that they like to call “Boozegrass.” They’ve toured all across the United States, and a bit in Mexico, with a live performance that leaves a lasting impression some as described as “the Beastie Boys of Bluegrass” and “Hee-Haw on acid.” Over the course of their time together the band has recorded 2 full length albums of original material , with a third forthcoming. They’ve also opened for many notable acts, including Emmylou Harris and the Dead Kennedys. With three singer/songwriters and a multitude of musical influences, Rock Bottom String Band connects with a wide range of audiences-from concert halls to bar room brawls-with no signs of slowing down! Always forward, never Straight. RBSB til we die!
Lindy Urban is a singer-songwriter from a small town in Northwest Alabama. She has been singing her entire life and began playing ukulele at age 9 as well as began to write songs. She moved onto guitar at age 12. Now at age 16 she is a proficient songwriter, vocalist and guitarist. Lindy’s musical sound is a blend of folk, blues and rock and roll. Her vocals have been compared to Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell and Nora Jones. Her talent as an artist and her fashion sense will take you back to the 60s and 70s. Music runs through her veins, and it is her passion to share it with the world!
Tuscaloosa, Alabama songwriter Tom Rathe headed south from his home state of Virginia nearly a decade ago with homespun fingerpicked rhythms and melodies in tow. Inspired by a vibrant community of Alabama artists and musicians, he has continued to write and perform locally, and released his first EP in 2022. Tom’s songs seek to find light in the dark corners of southern landscapes and meaning in the mundane
Blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Debbie Bond got her start in the Alabama backwoods and has been paying her dues to play the blues for over forty years touring in the US and Europe. Her story includes years of working with older traditional Alabama blues musicians, including Johnny Shines, Sam Lay, Eddie Kirkland, Willie King Little Jimmy Reed and more. Her sound is traditional yet contemporary and original. She is the founder of the award winning Alabama Blues Project and a recipient of a KBA; nominations for Best Contemporary Blues Recording, Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist from the Independent Blues Awards 2022; nominated Best International Blues Artist 2023 from the UK Blues Federation. She is inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Blues Artist, and recognized by the Alabama Music Hall of Fame as a Blues Achiever.
Since their 2010 self-titled debut, The Secret Sisters have brought their spellbinding harmonies to songs that untangle the thorniest aspects of life and love and womanhood. In the making of their new album, Mind, Man, Medicine, Alabama-bred siblings Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle found their songwriting transformed by a newfound sense of self-reliance and equanimity, threading their lyrics
with hard-won insight into the complexities of motherhood, commitment, compassion, and self-preservation in an endlessly chaotic world. Centered on a kaleidoscopic sound that boldly blurs the edges of country-folk, the duo’s fifth full-length ultimately confronts many of modern life’s harshest challenges while leading the listener toward a more open-hearted state of mind.
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Read The Secret Sisters Full Artist Bio Here
why 'brother ben'?
The Brother Ben Music Stage is named in honor of folk artist B.F. Perkins.
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About BF:
Alabama farm boy, underage Merchant Marine, U.S. Marine and Presidential bodyguard, FBI agent, revival tent minister, celebrated folk artist from Fayette, Alabama. All are chapters in the remarkable life of Benjamin Franklin Perkins who, like his namesake, followed his curiosities, ambitions, and higher callings to explore the world, serve his country and free his soul. He attended the Kentuck Festival of the Arts for many years and his artwork is in many private collections and museum collections around the world.