Check out this episode where we talk the importance of clean water with John Bolten of the band Geraldine they get ready to serve as the houseband for the Annapolis Baygrass festival kicking off THISWEEKEND September 21-22, 2024. We take a deep dive (pun intended)into comparingpunk rock and old time music and saying a lot with a little.

Geraldine’s mantra is ‘Good Time Old Time’. They are a country-leaning string band bringingsongwriting to the forefront, while blending elements of old time, American folk, bluegrass, and alternative country in a distinctive, enthusiastic sound. As stewards of Appalachian motifs in a modern framework, they bring banjo, mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and Appalachian flat foot dancing to the front of the stage, accented with lush four-part harmonies, in a free-wheeling repertoire of both rare and wonderful gems from the past and original songs.

" The perfect blend of grit, drive, originality, and fun – Baltimore’s Geraldine embodies all that’s good in a modern stringband. In studio and on-stage, the quartet dips and dives through raucous fiddle tunes and soulful songs to create a fresh sonic landscape that knows no bounds. Anchored by John Bolten’s creative songwriting, the spotlight is shared evenly across their dynamic lineup featuring Jonathan Vocke on banjo, Josh Anderson on fiddle, and Jocelyn Haversat on feet and upright bass. In a modern roots music landscape that can be overly polished and predictable, Geraldine is as genuine as it gets and you’ll never quite know where they’re going next.” -- Brad Kolodner, Folk Alley, Bluegrass Country Radio

Check the band out here:

Website: Geraldineband.com

IG: thegeraldineband

FB: Geraldine

YouTube: @geraldineband

And check out the festival here: baygrass.festival.com

AmericanaFest Showcase artist Cris Jacobs joins us on the show to talk about his recently released album, “One of These Days,” and how making it was like returning home. We chat about embracing the good and bad of the songwriting process and learning to be comfortable with imperfection.

Cris Jacobs lost his way. Most of us do. Part of the story is in those lost days. But more of the story is in what we find again.

For Jacobs, the last several years have been hard—and transformative. With a vote of confidence from a legend, a no. 2 pencil and scratchpad, and his acoustic guitar, he went into his barn to write and emerged with his finest album to date.

Produced by Jerry Douglas, “One of These Days” is a stunning collection of storytelling and song, rooted in bluegrass, folk and blues, but unencumbered by rules and expectations. The Infamous Stringdusters serve as the album’s rollicking house band, joined by friends including Billy Strings, Sam Bush, Lee Ann Womack, the McCrary Sisters, Lindsay Lou and more. The result is unfettered, joyful virtuosity, swirling around Jacobs’ powerful voice, gut-check meditations, and close-up character sketches.

See Cris at AmericanaFest:

Wednesday, September 18th a the AmericanaFest DayStage presented by NPR Music, World Café and WMOT

Friday, September 20th at his official showcaseat 11:00 PM

And check him out here:

Website: Crisjacobs.com

Instagram: Cris_jacobs

Facebook: Cris Jacobs

YouTube: @crisjacobs6183

The sisters chat with Kayleigh Mathews about her Josie award nominations, her newest single, and about just being yourself.

Country Singer/Songwriter Kayleigh Mathews has gone from dreaming big in her Southwestern hometown to becoming part of the epicenter of America’s music industry. Moving to Nashvillein 2018, she hit the ground running by writing, recording, and releasing music. Kayleigh continues to showcase her talent as an independent, international touring artist drawing from her own experiences and releasing music that reflects the broad tapestry of America’s blue jeans & dirt.

Traditional with a hint of dusty blues, her music is full of laconic guitar playing & a voice that canbe compared to some of the icons of the game. Starting in 2020 with her debut single “Crashing Down”, she has released two EP’s & a catalog of singles that have seen her perform all over the country from East to West & everywhere in between. She has also been featured on the airwaves both in the UK & USA and showcased in countless articles, magazines, and podcastsaround the country.

It’s her authenticity and storytelling underpinned by her desire to hone her craft by cutting her teeth in Honky Tonks and Juke Joints around the country that truly set her apart.These bars are known for their lively atmosphere and a casual, down-to-earth ambiance that Kayleigh mirrors in her own work. Sometimes rough and sometimes rowdy but always honest, the music was first & foremost for the people & something she firmly believes in.

Check her out here:

Website: kayleighmathews.com

FB: Kayleigh Mathews

IG: KayleighMathewsmusic

TikTok: Kayleighmathews.music

Youtube: Kayleighmathewsmusic