The Charlotte artist leads on an unlikely but versatile instrument in a rock and soul style with double stops, vintage amps and a lot of love

A fresh gaze at an old-time, outcast religion and its music from Abe Partridge and Ferrill Gibbs

As he jests with humility, “I have suffered for my art, now it is your turn.” But in all honesty, Darrell is one of WNCW’s favorite singer/songwriter/guitarists. For his classic songs like “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” and “A Great Day to Be Alive”, plus the countless less-known strokes of brilliance he’s given the world. He’s back in our area for shows at the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby on Thursday, and the Albino Skunk Music Festival on Saturday. Among his recent projects: an album with his brothers, a “New Moon, New Music” monthly video series, and songwriting workshops in Tennessee.

Introducing the latest project of Western NC’s Anya Hinkle, Billy Cardine, and Mary Lucey! Or perhaps you’ve already gotten to know this trio of “worldgrass” musicians. As they describe it, their music “follows the invisible threads that connect cultures, landscapes, and hearts—from Nepal’s high plateaus and South African villages to the mountains of Appalachia—celebrating the shared human rhythms that surface wherever people gather to sing, dance, grieve, and love. Together they represent an eclectic variety of regional acts over the past 20+ years, including Tellico, the Biscuit Burners, Lovers Leap, and Acoustic Syndicate. They have a debut album coming out, and area shows including the Down Home in Johnson City on Friday the 8th, and the Grey Eagle patio in Asheville on Saturday the 9th.

Yarn last visited us in August of 2024 while on tour for their album Born Blessed, Grateful & Alive, and we’re glad they can return this week for their new one, Saturday Night Sermon. Singer and songwriter Blake Christiana leads the band with his guitar and vocals, embodying the music he writes: “The band has officially found something really special over the past couple of years. It feels like we are finally the live band and album-producing band we always set out to be, and the message we are aiming to deliver has also found its foothold.” Alongside Blake, Robert Bonhomme (drums), Rick Bugel (bass), and Andy Thomas (lead guitar) continue to hone Yarn’s live and studio sound. Upcoming shows include the Down Home in Johnson City on Wednesday, the 6th, and 185 King Street in Brevard on Saturday, the 9th.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Truliant Amphitheater | Charlotte, NC

Friday, May 15, 2026 | Asheville Yards | Asheville, NC

Thursday, May 14, 2026 | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | Greenville, SC

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | The Pavilion at the Peace Center | Greenville, SC

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | Peace Center | Greenville, SC