Roots Rednecks and Radicals

Dom Flemons

Dom Flemons is an American singer/songwriter who has been recording albums and touring for the last 15 years. He rose to prominence with the African-American string band the Carolina Chocolate drops. Since then he has continued to work on musical and historical projects. His most recent album is the Grammy Award nominated “Black Cowboys.” The album tells the story of lesser known historical figures, people of color who helped settle the West. The album contains a pamphlet written by Dom that tells the background and stories of these prolific figures. I had a chance to chat with him recently about his album, and the history he has been uncovering over the last few years.

I See Hawks In LA

On January 11, the band I See Hawks in LA will play a date in Silver City, Nevada. The funky Silver City School House is a well-suited venue to see and hear a group revered as one of the best psychedelic, alt country bands working today. The Hawks are well-seasoned in the studio and on the road and have recorded eight albums over nearly 20 years of gigging. For a clear look ahead, Nevada Capital News musical arts correspondent Will Houk spoke with founding member Paul Lacques. The show begins at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:00. The Silver City School House is located at 385 High Street Silver City, Nevada 89428. Proceeds will benefit the Silver City Historic Preservation Society.

California Honeydrops

Over the past ten years, the Oakland-based California Honeydrops have recorded seven successful albums but the Honeydrops have a well-established reputation for dynamic and memorable live performances. The 11 piece ensemble is known for a rootsy, jazzy, funky, “New Orleans Vibe,” but there’s more to the story. I recently had a chance to chat with the band’s sax player Johnny Bones about the band and its ability to ignite a live audience.

Andy Hedges

I recently had a chance to talk on the phone with Cowboy Songster Andy Hedges. I first became aware of Andy at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko Nevada in 2019. I was impressed with his guitar playing, singing, and general knowledge of Cowboy and Western Culture. He was born in Lubbock Texas in 1980. The son of a school teacher, and a former rodeo Cowboy turned preacher, Andy grew up engrossed in the stories of the West. He currently records music, produces a podcast, gathers and performs Cowboy Poetry, and performs with legendary songwriters like Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Ian Tyson, and Dom Flemmons. We had a great conversation about his work.

Vandoliers

Brent Cobb

Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster

Willy Vlautin

Willy Vlautin is an incredible singer/songwriter/author who hails from Reno, Nevada. He headed up the band Richmond Fontaine, writes for his new band The Delines, and has written five books. While he currently calls Portland, Oregon home, his music and books focus on the geography and themes of the vast wild Nevada landscape. Whether he's writing about the stark urban Reno landscape or the vast open wilderness of Nevada, he approaches the people he writes about with a sense of honestly and earnestness that is rivaled by none. He'll be playing a short tour through Northern Nevada the second week of September in support of his most recent book "Don't Skip Out On Me." I was honored to have a conversation with him about his works and his upcoming show. I hope you enjoy this interview, and I encourage you to check out his books and albums. 

Dead Winter Carpenters

The Dead Winter Carpenter are a band from Lake Tahoe. They have been making music in Northern California/Nevada for ten years now, and have become an incredible live act. Their music draws from many influences including bluegrass, rock, and classic country. The last few years have seen them release incredible music, as well as grace the stage with well known Americana acts around the country. They are making a name for themselves as a stalwart live act and making fans wherever they go. They played a concert in downtown Carson City NV this last week and I got to chat with their lead singer Jesse before the show. We talked about their music and their history as a band, and where they are headed in the future. 

The Minks

I got a chance to chat with Nikki Barber of The Minks recently and we chatted about their newest release coming out on Cafe Rooster Records. It's a great album with a really unique sound. Nikki has all kinds of cool influences that you can hear in her songwriting ranging from Led Zeppelin to Patty Smith. The music has a 70s Rock Psychedelic feel that blends well with a modern alt-country sound. They're a really cool band, check em out!