Hosted by L.A. Preston
The Spot on Kirk has a monthly open mic comedy show! There will be a chance to get up on stage and then the show will begin with featured comedians every month.
Doors @ 7:00 PM | Open Mic @ 7:30 PM | Starts @ 8:00 PM
No cover charge - Tips & donations appreciated
Please RSVP if you plan to attend. If you would like to inquire about the open mic, please contact the host at LA@lapreston.com for more information.
Dogwood Tales hails from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Beginning in the basements of Harrisonburg as a duo in 2016, Ben Ryan and Kyle Grim started with the intention of writing, playing, and singing as one, grounded in a love of working together. Upon releasing their first album and beginning to tour more frequently in 2018, Dogwood Tales expanded into a full band, joined by their best friends and collaborators, Jake Golibart, Danny Gibney, and Stephen Kuester on the drums, bass, and pedal steel. Influenced by an eclectic local DIY scene of lo-fi, shoegaze, and country acts, as well as songwriting staples like Neil Young and Jason Molina, Dogwood Tales present their own alt-country sound with Grim and Ryan singing away their valley blues to the backdrop of lush steel and humming electric guitars. Their new EP, “13 Summers 13 Falls” was released in fall of 2022 via WarHen records, with the follow EP “Rodeo” set to release in Spring of 2023 alongside a vinyl pressing of the two EPs.
Rebecca Porter is a singer-songwriter based in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Rebecca Porter balances her distinctive storytelling with the dynamics of her commanding voice in a unique display of soulful classic country. A singer-songwriter born in Guam and raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Rebecca Porter embodies the soulful, lonesome sound of the Shenandoah Valley with songs that are heartfelt and honest.
After a decade of honing her craft as the frontwoman of local cover bands, she transformed pandemic loneliness into two EPs - “Prime Rainbow Conditions” and “Queen of the Local”, the latter of which was successfully crowdfunded in March 2023. With completely independent legwork, Porter's music is making rounds nationally and internationally. Most recently, Porter was inducted into Rissi Palmer's Color Me Country Class of 2024 and featured on Good Country's editor's playlist "Ed's Pick".
catherine the great is the solo project of Catherine Backus (the skipperdees, After Jack). While the project primarily exists as a repository for her feelings, her sad songs have drawn numerous accolades, including 1st place at the Merlefest Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, 4th place at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase, and finalist in the Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards. Over the course of her career, she’s shared stages with folks like Molly Tuttle, Kim Richey, Willie Watson, and Ben Sollee. She would love to see a picture of your dog.
Friday, August 2nd, 2024
Doors 7:30pm | Starts 8:00pm
$12 ADV | $15 DOS
Max & Heather Stalling are a singer-songwriter duo based out of Dallas, TX. Max handles rhythm guitar and lead vocals and Heather provides fiddle and harmony vocals. Their collaboration has been a long time in the making and they are excited to bring their show to new audiences.
Heather is an award-winning violinist and fiddle player who picked up her instrument at 3 years old and has never stopped playing it since. Heather has played for various touring acts to include Johnny Lee, Cory Morrow, Bob Schneider, Ed Burleson, Mark David Manders and The Old 97s. In 2005 she put together her own project, blactopGYPSY, released two full length studio albums and toured relentlessly until the lead singer (and her best friend) became gravely sick.
Max followed a slightly different path into the music business. He has a master’s degree in horticulture from Texas A&M University and left a day job as a research scientist for snack food giant Frito Lay to pursue a fulltime career as a songwriter. He has 6 studio albums and three live projects including a full-length DVD. He is a staple in the Texas/Red Dirt scene as well as having chart-topping history in the Americana radio format. He has a star on the South Texas Music Walk of Fame and is a former member of the Board of Governors for the Texas Chapter of NARAS. In addition to solo and duo shows, Max travels with a five-piece band and does 150+ shows annually. Of recent, Heather has been playing with Max’s band after her band’s lead singer fell ill.
Max & Heather were married in 2007 and are now finally finding that the timing is right for them to do a project together.
Friday, August 16th, 2024
Doors 7:30PM | Starts 8:00PM
$20 Advance | $25 Day of Show
Hailing from Greensboro, NC, White Toledo has finally released their debut album “Special Creatures.” As a whole performance within itself, this talented band showcases a wonderful blend of raw energy, captivating performance and lyrical depth. With each track, listeners are invited to explore the intricacies of human emotion and experience, woven seamlessly into infectious melodies and powerful instrumental
Deaf Andrews (Charlotte, NC)
Times Tables (Roanoke, VA)
Mediogres (Charleston, WV)
Saturday, August 17th, 2024
$10 Advance | $15 Day of Show
Doors 7:30PM | Starts 8:00PM
Doors 7:30PM | Starts 8:00PM
Advance $12 | Day of Show $15
Prolific, influential American songwriter & recording artist, Paleface, is currently on tour as a high-energy, full-sound, acoustic-electric duo, with his darling Puerto Rican partner “Mo”, in support of their new release Beyond the Bells. The album was produced by Paleface, mixed by Grammy-nominated engineer Jason Richmond (The Avett Brothers, John Legend), and mastered by John Greenham, who’s received multiple Grammys, most recently for his work with Billie Eilish.
Beyond the Bells continues the evolution that began on his previous release, Go Forth, with Paleface fully embracing his studio wizardry side. Here, he is as at home behind the mixing board with assorted electronica as he is with an acoustic guitar slung over his shoulder. The overall result of his commitment shows an artist at the peak of his well-honed craft. Rather than employing an “everything AND the kitchen sink” approach, Paleface is selective, organic—crafting the gestalt of the record with ten songs that relate to one another as a whole. Beyond the Bells is music as event. A primitive, tribal cool that somehow manages to create its own genre. Again.
And the duo just followed up, with a new single “If I Could Make You Smile”, which released on Valentine 2024, also produced by Paleface and mastered by John Greenham).
Paleface was schooled by underground music icon Daniel Johnston, and discovered at an NYC open mic by Danny Fields (The Stooges, The Ramones, MC5), who managed him for the next eight years. Paleface has released albums for Polygram and Sire Records, and indie labels Ramseur and Shimmy Disc. He’s been called a “major musical influence” by artists including BECK and The Avett Brothers. (He has collaborated & appeared on three of The Avett’s albums, most notably as the “4th Thief” on their album Four Thieves Gone.) Additionally, Paleface is an accomplished visual artist, and his bright & bold music-inspired paintings are collected by fans worldwide. https://
www.palefaceonline.com
"We used to go to all the open mics together. Paleface taught me Daniel Johnston songs on the sidewalk and let me sleep on his couch. He's a great songwriter, a generous friend, and a big influence on my early stuff." —Beck
"Paleface is a gem, a brilliant man… one of the greatest songwriters on Earth." —The Avett Brothers
"Paleface is one of the scene’s best-loved products." —Time Out NY
"Melodic songs with a sunny vibe while maintaining an edge." —The New Yorker
"Paleface’s songs have always been these wry, charismatic anthems, and ever since Mo Samalot has joined him on drums and vocals, the music has entered a charged and high energy rock ‘n’ roll territory that suits his gravel croons perfectly. A habitué of Daniel Johnston who was managed by none other than Danny Fields for much of the ’90s… He’s a huge influence on Beck, the Avetts, and others." —Detroit Metro Times
"Paleface is a big influence on many artists from today’s enormously popular indie music scene. It wouldn’t be a stretch to call him the Bob Dylan of the increasingly popular styles." —City Beat, Cincinnati
"Paleface played a wonderful set that saw a normally chill crowd get up on their feet." —Dayton Daily News
"His bright songwriting and even more fiery performance style will set a room in motion... it’s fiercely fresh in pulse, and he and his band light up stages every night." —Orlando Weekly
"A rousing showman. We’re lucky to get to see him play live." —Creative Loafing
"Paleface, an indie icon." —The Flagpole
"Overdue for recognition." —Nashville Scene
Friday, September 6th, 2024
$10 Advance | $15 Day of Show
Doors 7:30PM | Starts 8:00PM
An Evening w/ ¡Tumbao!
Coming off from a record-setting international tour for the 10 person Psychedelic Latin Fusion ensemble, - having shared the stage with Grammy Award winning acts like Kabaka Pyramid, Proyecto Uno, and legend Mavis Staples, with performances at stages such as the Grassroots Festival Circuit, The Smithsonian, a featured artist at Jazz in the Garden in Washington, DC - the band has reached a new height of popularity, expanding its fanbase beyond its original Latin American and East Coast roots.
¡Tumbao! returns to the USA for the 2024 tour season with their It's a Hot One Summer Tour kicking off in the southeastern United States. Bringing the sounds of Latin America and the world with what many have described as Psychedelic Latin Fusion, and Psychedelic Salsa ¡Tumbao! kicks off their tour in Wilmington, North Carolina at Bourgie Nights on Friday June 28th, 2024.
DJ Spark Arrester will spin records at doors and after the show!
Saturday, September 14th, 2024
Doors 7:30pm | Starts 8:00pm
$15 Advance | $18 Day of Show
Best known for her stop-you-in-your-tracks voice, Liz Longley is an accomplished singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. With her deeply emotional songs, Longley has earned accolades from some of the most prestigious songwriting competitions in the country and cultivated a following that enthusiastically supports the creation of her music.
In 2020, Longley's "Funeral For My Past" received widespread acclaim, with Forbes hailing it as a "stunning new album." Billboard described it as spanning genres from Americana to gospel-flavored soul to shimmering pop anthems. The album was also included in Newsweek's list of "100 Albums Released in 2020 to Put on Your Radar.”
2024 brings a new release from Liz, "It's Me Again," an EP featuring acoustic remakes of career-defining songs. Notably, among the revisited songs is "Unraveling," a track that previously earned Longley the prestigious BMI John Lennon Scholarship Award. Fans eagerly anticipate this next chapter in her career, alongside hints of an upcoming full-length record.
Thursday, September 19th, 2024
Doors 7:00PM | Starts 7:30PM
$20 Advance | $25 Day of Show
Pocket Vinyl - www.pocketvinyl.com
L.A. Dies - www.la-dies.bandcamp.com
TLVS - www.tlvs.bandcamp.com
Friday, September 20th, 2024
Doors 7:30PM | Starts 8:00PM
$12 Advance | $15 Day of Show
Quivers' new record, OYSTER CUTS, is coming out via MERGE RECORDS on August 9. Pre-order bundles available now.
Quivers, of Melbourne, Australia, have been a cathartic jangle pop band for long enough now to get supportive ears at Pitchfork, NPR, JJJ and even the band R.E.M., who once slid into the bands DMs to send fire emojis. Quivers have performed at Dark Mofo, Meadow, Boogie, and SXSW after which they filmed a session for beloved Seattle station KEXP. They have also supported the likes of The Hold Steady, Sonny & the Sunsets, and Methyl Ethel. Late 2022 saw Quivers love every minute of a much postponed 16-date US tour to celebrate 2nd album Golden Doubt, described by Pitchfork as “like a Go-Betweens with Coachella-conquering ambitions”. With a Bella-sung 7” single, If Only, now nearly sold out, Quivers have finished their next album, 'Oysyer Cuts' set for worldwide release via Merge Records on August 9th, 2024. It sees the band dive into a tougher and more expansive pop with both Bella and Sam sharing singing duties. There’s more angular than jangular guitars now, 1970s synth drones, and more songs about hometowns, friendship, giving in to love, and swimming away from grief. Quivers’ come alive on tour; four people and voices that build it up to let it fall apart and then build it back up again.
“It’s the sound of bedsit 1980s college-rock thrust into the big-tent environs of 21st-century indie, like a Go-Betweens with Coachella-conquering ambitions or a Smiths with greater pub sing-along appeal. And it’s absolutely glorious.”
- Pitchfork
“Quietly spectacular” - Brooklyn Vegan
“...one of the best songs I’ve heard in years... that song reminded me this is why we do this. I listened to it like a weirdo, like 8 times in a row.” - John Richards, KEXP
Local Support: The Young Sinclairs & Ranger Maid
Thursday, October 3rd, 2024
Doors 7:00pm | Starts 7:30pm
$12 ADV | $15 Day of Show
Baltimore Maryland’s June Star (Andrew Grimm and Dave Hadley), with aching vocals and plaintive folk arrangements, comes off like a Smog-era Bill Callahan if he had chosen to dive inward or The Jayhawks if they were more keen to stark emotional realism. Grimm’s rich baritone voice and Hadley’s atmospheric, elegiac pedal steel brings a time-honored aesthetic to their unique tales of fractious love, quixotic anxiety, the looming shadow of death, and the promise of redemption. June Star has performed in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC and West Virginia.
“There may have been a few lineup changes during the now two decades long career of June Star, but the real constants in that time have been the leadership of Andrew Grimm and the unwavering quality and originality of the music. Add to that Andrew’s highly individual and powerfully evocative vocal style that can't be mistaken for anyone else's; a style that displays his ability to go through a variety of emotions, situations and tempos. Add his peerless writing and the sheer dynamism and originality of everything this talented artist/ band produces and what more could any roots music fan wish for?”
—Mike Morrison, American Roots UK
There’s an easy feeling when Will Farmer starts to sing, and his smooth tenor voice blends with his effortless guitar playing. There is a comfort in his songs, a reminder that love, loss, and hope are emotions we all share. Like a campfire on a crisp fall evening, listening to Will Farmer play music is good for the soul.
Born and raised in Southwest Virginia, Will has been part of the Roanoke music scene for nearly 20 years. His solo performances have something in common with the bands he’s been in. You’ll hear his skillful songwriting from his most recent project, Appalachian Soul, his instrumental prowess from the bluegrass jams of Blue Moonshine, and his attention grabbing vocals from the party band Monkey Fuzz.
Unhurried and authentic, singer-songwriter Valerie McQueen uses her voice as an instrument to tell life’s stories. A little bit folk, sometimes country, Valerie chronicles a life shaped by seasons through melody and rhythm, sharing experiences that we can all relate to. Influenced by strong female voices like Gillian Welch and Allison Krauss, Valerie marries her powerful voice, acoustic guitar and purposeful lyrics to create songs that embody the stories she’s telling.
Virginia-raised and Virginia-based, Valerie has called the Shenandoah Valley home for the past 12 years. Together with her family, she weaves music into her life, using her craft to document her experience. After a season of raising young children, Valerie is recharged with new experiences to share through music, shaped by vulnerability and confidence.
Valerie released her 11 song solo-album titled “Speckled Moon” in August 2023. She also released two singles, August and Fly, in the beginning of 2023 and both are available on streaming platforms.
Friday, October 11th, 2024
Doors 7:30pm | Starts 8:00pm
$15 Advance | $20 Day of Show
Viv & Riley's sound is old-soul roots music to its core, elegantly combining a traditional backbone with the fresh iconic melodies of future-leaning indie-folk, and the tightly wound vocal harmonies of the old-time and classic country music they came from. Although they grew up on opposite sides of the country, Riley in Seattle, Washington, and Vivian in Lexington, Virginia, the two had an instant musical connection upon meeting in 2018. The pair has been collaborating since then, honing their sound playing hundreds of shows across the US, UK, and Canada. Since 2018, they’ve recorded and released multiple albums to critical acclaim from the likes of NPR Music, Rolling Stone, and No Depression, and have garnered nearly six million streams on Spotify. A bittersweet nostalgia lies at the heart of Imaginary People, the new album from Viv & Riley, released September 15, 2023 on Free Dirt Records. Over ten tracks, the pair applies an indie roots sheen to newly composed pop gems. Rooted originally in the folk tradition, the pair reframe the production into experimental territory, crafting songs that speak to finding a path forward into adulthood in an uncertain world. The album brings a reflectiveness to summertime jams that speak of uninhibited joy and creative camaraderie. Based out of Durham, North Carolina, they’ve tapped into the area’s eclectic and collaborative music scene, recruiting Alex Bingham of Hiss Golden Messenger to produce the album. Bingham brings a sunny, lush sound to Viv & Riley’s music, moving beyond their earlier country roots and toward a layered sound and sonic experimentation. The songwriting has evolved as well, from the world-weary, stripped-down country songs they’re known for to indie songwriting at turns sweetly sad and gently sardonic. Ultimately, Imaginary People is about carrying and honoring our pasts, about letting that inform our new steps forward. This balancing act is familiar territory for Viv & Riley, who also play in The Onlies, an award winning old time stringband that Riley co-founded in Seattle at age 7. In that role, they serve as co-artistic directors of The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes. In both preserving traditional music and bringing their own original folk music to new territories and audiences, it is clear that Viv & Riley have much to do with the present and future of roots music.
Saturday, October 12th, 2024
Doors 7:30PM | Starts 8:00PM
$15 Advance | $20 Day of Show
