For more details on musical entertainment, scroll down past the lineup to the Oktoberfest Entertainment Bio’s section.

Oktoberfest Entertainment Bio’s (By Stage)

ROVING – Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Bob Wilusz
Strolling accordionist, will be playing German music for your enjoyment. www.strollingaccordian.com

Friday • 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Saturday • 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Saturday • 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Bob Wilusz

MAIN STAGE

Friday, October 12

7-8:45pm • Adam Kiraly Band 

Adam Kiraly Band

The AKB formed in 2017 to bring a unique and improvisational sound to the Southeast. Described by the Free Times as “Perfect for summer listening, Jimmy Buffett-style, with appropriate beverage in hand,” the AKB brings an uncommon joy to the stage. The band’s music blends influences of 90’s alternative and jam artists as well as jazz, tropical rock, reggae and folk music in a genre-defying sound most often described as different, fresh, and new. www.adamkiralymusic.com/about

 9:15-10:45pm • Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas

Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas

Nathan formed The Cha Chas back in 1985, and since then has brought his unique take on this regional South Louisiana music to all corners of the globe. From Lincoln Center in New York to The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Nathan’s music has crossed all barriers to speak to the very heart of his audience.

Inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and honored in 2015 with the Zydeco Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The Cha Chas have been voted the top Festival Band in the country according to the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and USA Today and have won the coveted Big Easy award for Best Zydeco Band for several years running.

Nathan and his band have been featured in the New York Times, Essence and People magazines, and on the cover of USA Today. They’ve appeared in films like In The Electric Mist as well as the sound track sharing credits with Michael Doucet and Buddy Guy and The Kingdom of Zydeco, and worked with artists as diverse as Cyndi Lauper on the album Creole Bred.

Keepers of the Zydeco Flame, they are committed to keeping their Creole heritage alive. http://zydecochachas.com/

Saturday, October 13

5:30-6:45pm • Deacon Black

Deacon Black

Classic rock 80’s rock country top 40 and dance music!

7:15-8:45pm • Paperwork 

Paperwork

Formed in 2012 by three childhood best friends, PaperWork has been introducing South Carolina to their own brand of futuristic funk at every show. While also paying tribute to some of the greatest artists of all time, the P-Dub has taken their act on the road long drives from their hometown of Myrtle Beach SC.

The band’s #1 goal is to get the crowd moving with their passion for music and rhythm wherever they go. Get ready to get down! www.paperworkband.com/bio

9:15-10:45pm • Empire Strikes Brass

Empire Strikes Brass

Empire Strikes Brass (ESB) is a high energy Brass- Funk- Rock band hailing from Asheville. Formed on the streets of their hometown, ESB is rooted in the New Orleans Brass Band tradition of second-line parades and deep moving grooves reminiscent of old school funk. http://empirestrikesbrass.com/ 

PAVILLION STAGE

Friday, October 12

6-9pm • Foothills Oompah Band

Foothills Oompah Band

The Foothills Oompah Band brings the mood of A Bavarian autumnal festival to Hickory. The first Oktoberfest festival began when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese on Oct. 12, 1810.  The band goes deep into the festival spirit in their playing. Their performance is modeled after a traditional German autumnal Festival. Having played the festival for many years, the Pavilion Stage feels like home to the Foothills Oompah Band. www.foothillsoompahband.com

9:30-11pm • Heather Gillis Band

Heather Gillis Band

Heather Gillis is the complete package as a guitar player, lap steel player, songwriter, singer and arranger. She and her band have the stage presence and confidence to appeal to a variety of musical tastes be it rock, soul, jazz, roots or gospel.

At 23 years old, Heather has not only formed a following at a local level, but has played alongside and befriended members of the The Allman Brothers Band, Col Bruce Hampton, The Lee Boys, North Mississippi All-Stars, Matt Schofield, and many more. In 2015 Heather was drafted by (legendary Allman Brothers drummer) Butch Trucks to be a member of his touring band, Butch Trucks and the Freight Train Band (2015-2017) Heather’s live shows are energetic and consist of her original music as well as rock, soul, and roots music. http://heathergillisband.com/

Saturday, October 13

12-3pm • Foothills Oompah Band

Foothills Oompah Band

The Foothills Oompah Band brings the mood of A Bavarian autumnal festival to Hickory. The first Oktoberfest festival began when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese on Oct. 12, 1810.  The band goes deep into the festival spirit in their playing. Their performance is modeled after a traditional German autumnal Festival. Having played the festival for many years, the Pavilion Stage feels like home to the Foothills Oompah Band. www.foothillsoompahband.com

3:30-5pm • The Moon Unit

The Moon Unit

The Moon Unit is a group made up of members: Charlie Garnett, Brantley Ramseur, and Kurt Stracener. The music styles the group plays is an eclectic mix of Funk/Jazz/Improv/Rock/Dance. The Moon Unit is best at making music entirely on the spot and taking small musical ideas and stretching them as far as they can go.

5:30-7pm • Pan Jive Steel Drum Band 

Pan Jive Steel Drum Band

Pan Jive has been in existence since 1998. Known originally as a community program, the group has evolved into a professional, working ensemble based out of Hickory, North Carolina. Pan Jive is a high-energy steel drum band, offering the sounds of the Caribbean islands as well as many popular and original compositions.

The group has performed all over NC and surrounding states and recently released their premiere CD, “Party In Our Pans!”  www.panjive.org

7:30-9pm• Jaime Trollinger Band

Jaime Trollinger Band

The Jamie Trollinger Band is a three piece powerhouse blues rock trio based out of NC made up of Jamie Trollinger on guitar, and vocals, Mark “Bump” Bumgarner on bass, and Chris Phillips on drums. All of which have spent many years playing with, and alongside some of the biggest names in the music biz! Playing a mix of original material, and select covers this line up is sure to get you on your feet!

9:30-11pm • Moses Jones & The Dirty Southern Soul 

Moses Jones & The Dirty Southern Soul

Moses Jones is an Americana band infused with blues and country. The unique sound is rooted in gospel, rhythm & blues, rock, soul, and country. The combination of these diverse styles creates an instant connection between the band and audience.

Sunday, October 14

12:30-2pm • Hickory Jazz Orchestra

Hickory Jazz Orchestra

The Hickory Jazz Orchestra (HJO) is a full size 18-piece group that performs swing and big band classics from the era of Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington as well as the sounds of modern big bands. www.hickoryjazzorchestra.com

2:30-5pm • Foothills Oompah Band

Foothills Oompah Band

The Foothills Oompah Band brings the mood of A Bavarian autumnal festival to Hickory. The first Oktoberfest festival began when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese on Oct. 12, 1810.  The band goes deep into the festival spirit in their playing. Their performance is modeled after a traditional German autumnal Festival. Having played the festival for many years, the Pavilion Stage feels like home to the Foothills Oompah Band. www.foothillsoompahband.com

www.foothillsoompahband.com

HICKORY MUSIC FACTORY STAGE

Friday, October 12

8-8:30pm • Propaga&a 

Propaga&a

Propag&a is a group of teens with various back roads of musical talent. The ages range from 13 to 15. Types of music Propag&a plays varies from Pop, Rock, and Old School R&B. The group was created at a Rock Camp at the Hickory Music Factory (HMF) in Hickory, North Carolina in July of 2017. Members of the group are Sarah Brooks (vocals), Ava Weaver (drummer), Holden Benfield (lead guitar), Isaiah Covington (bass guitar), Will Elkins (lead/rhythm guitar), and Evan Yeager (pianist). The original members of Propa&a are Isaiah Covington and Evan Yeager. To keep up with our events and videos follow Propag&a on Instagram @propag.and.a

9-9:30pm • Television Therapy 

Television Therapy

In their freshman year of high school, drummer Dalton McCall and guitarist Miguel Henning became friends over a mutual love of Rock & Roll. Two years later they finally began playing music together. That same year, Miguel and Dalton met bassist Drew Larsen, and due to the three friends being fans of punk and alternative bands, they played a punk song at their school’s talent show and have been playing together ever since.

10-10:30pm • HEFT

HEFT

HEFT. A sacred word that defines everything to do with disgust, self-evaluation, expression, and healing all in one four-letter word. With driving riffs, vocals that strike an equilibrium between anger and melody, and crushing tempos, this animal cannot be tamed, only teased. Hailing from Granite Falls, NC; HEFT was put on this earth to experience the weight of the world that lies on their shoulders and convert it into a sound that proves it can be lifted.

Saturday, October 13

10:30am-12pm • Rick Cline & P3

Rick Cline & P3

The Piedmont Percussion Program was founded by and is under the direction of Rick Cline.  P3 is a nationally recognized community percussion program with over 60 kids ages 5 to18 from the surrounding area.  Participants get the chance to learn and perform on a wide variety of percussion instruments from timpani, snare, mallets, drum set, African drums and so much more.

Rehearsals are one hour on Sundays for 13 weeks at the SALT block.  For more information and/ or schedule of rehearsals please visit www.px-3.org or text 828-320-2959.

12:30-2pm• Rick Cline & Pandemic

Rick Cline & Pandemic

Pandemic Community Steel drums bands exist to provide playing and performance opportunities on steel drums and are a part of the Piedmont Percussion Program.  The adult group Steel Groovin, and the teen group Pandemic both play traditional Caribbean tunes as well as modern arrangements of pop tunes under the direction of Rick Cline.  www.px-3.org.

2:30-3pm • Aubrey Hedgepeth

Aubrey Hedgepeth

Aubrey is 12 years old. She is from Lincolnton, NC. Aubrey has been singing since she was 6. At age 7, she began singing every chance she could get where ever her dad was playing at the time (Silver Hawk Band). At age 11, Aubrey received her first acoustic guitar for Christmas and shortly after began lessons in which she only took for 2 months. After that, she just took off with it.

She comes from a long line of musicians in her family. Aubrey has performed a few local events/festivals including a National Anthem performance at the Hickory Motor Speedway to over 16,000 people in attendance in 2017. Her very first original, Saying Nothing At All was released late April 2018. Since then, she has had a few airplays in Netherlands, Las Vegas, Louisiana, and Florida. She was featured as Artist Of The Day on TheStage.com on May 2, 2018. Her big dream is to be a Nashville country artist some day and her motto is “Never Give Up.”

3:30-5:30pm • Hickory Parks & Rec Music Showcase 

The Hickory Music Factory in partnership with the Hickory Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a music showcase. Bands and solo artists are welcome to sign up and play on the HMF Stage at Oktoberfest. PA and drums will be provided. There is no age limit and each band/artist will have 20 minutes to set up, perform, and break down. For more information or to sign up, contact HMF 828-308-5659 or [email protected]

6-6:30pm • Camryn Wilson

Camryn Wilson

Camryn Wilson is a 18 year old singer songwriter who is from the Charlotte area  Camryn is excited to have released her single for this summer LA Baby Camryn has performed at many places, like opening for country music royalty Lorri Morgan and Shenandoah.  She has performed the National Anthem at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and Spectrum Center in Charlotte.  A featured performer at The Evening Muse, Amos’ Southend and a performer at CMA Showcase this past July.  Her links to all social media, music, and more  can be found at her website www.camrynwilsonmusic.com

7-7:30pm • The Believers

The Believers

We are The Believers:  Ali Dalton (13) playing guitar; Andi Dalton (13) on the piano; Lila Gordon (11) on the guitar; and Jordyn Horan (12) on the drums.  Meeting at Hickory Music Factory’s Rock Camp, we connected through our interest in playing music.  “Have Hope” is our first original song, which we wrote while at Rock Camp.  We look forward to creating more music together, and we hope you come see us perform at Oktoberfest!

8-8:30pm • Cortex 

Cortex

Cortex by definition means the outer layer of the cerebrum, composed of folded gray matter and playing an important role in consciousness. Much like our bands creative nucleus, our inspiration stems from a vast array of musical genres. To name a few we have metal, rap, pop, reggae, funk and classic rock.

9-9:30pm • Department Of Corrections 

Department Of Corrections

Formed in November of 2017 under the name Department of Corrections, our members include Nathan Triplett (Guitar), Dylan Pruitt( Bass), and Cody Pennell (Drums). We also brought on Tommy Smith (guitar and vocals) to sing for us for this gig. We have a wide range musical influences from Cream to Metallica.

SINGER SONGWRITER STAGE

Friday, October 12

6:15-7:15pm • Broken Angels 

Broken Angels

Broken Angels is an original, roadhouse, rockabilly band that will leave you smiling, laughing and dancing the night away!

David Tenery lead singer and rhythm guitarist (harmonica, mandolin and concertina) grew up surrounded by music as the son of an evangelical minister. Performing in gospel groups at an early age in Texas, Dave was later influenced by the traditional rural music of North Carolina when his family moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Adding a healthy dose of rock and roll Tenery, a prolific composer, has toured coast to coast playing famous venues such as the Lone Star Café, CBGB’s and The Bitter End in NY and The Troubadour in LA. Legendary producer Tom Dowd once called David his favorite songwriter.

Dale Meyer, premiere lead guitarist (electric, acoustic, dobro, pedal steel and lap steel) and singer, joined Tenery in the late 90’s as producer and player on his song demos. After two years of cataloging material they started forming the band Brother Dave. Meyer is a well- known east coast musician and has toured extensively with top stars on the bluegrass and country circuit.

Steve Folger, bass guitar aficionado, rounded out the collaboration that formed Brother Dave, with his in the pocket playing, tenor harmonizing and extensive blues background. Folger spent many years touring the US with top shelf rock and blues groups laying the rhythm for artists Scott Anslie, Max Drake and Tadpole Walters to name a few. After a lengthy stint on the European blues circuit Steve found himself back in the states playing with long-time friends Dave and Dale.

Be sure to catch the Broken Angels Band, you will be glad you did !

7:45-8:45pm • Casey Clark

Casey Clark

Honesty always attracts a crowd,” and it’s proven to be a potent tool for Nashville based North Carolinian Casey Clark. A firm believer in the power of a well crafted tune, Clark’s work as a songwriter and road dog have won him respect from industry icons and classic country fans alike. Clark is on a relentless journey to capture the people and scenery of rural America one last time before they cease to exist.

Showcasing these stories is a 5 song EP with Grammy award winning engineer Matt Ross Spang (Jason Isbell, Drive By Truckers, Margo Price). From steel stomping robbery song “Train,” inspired by the Outlaw Jesse James; to hard working beer cave anthem “Get my Chair Out,” Clark continues to sing his unfiltered southern truth. Trust me, your ears are better for it!  -Rural American Post

https://m.facebook.com/CaseyClarkMusic, http://caseyclarkmusic.com

Saturday, October 13

12:15-1:15pm • Greg Adams

Greg Adams

New York via Nashville Singer Songwriter Greg Adams is constantly challenging himself as a musician. By studying guitar greats Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler and John Mayer, he has learned to push his chosen instrument and delve deep into his craft. He is always searching for new songwriting styles and inspiration, taking cues from James Taylor, Sting and Neil Young, composing music that strikes a chord in real life. His songs reflect stories about what he’s seen, what he’s done and where he’s going.

1:45-2:45pm • Krystal Heffinger

Krystal Heffinger

Hickory native, Krystal Heffinger, is returning from Nashville to perform for Oktoberfest!

3:15-4:15pm • Doug Thompson

Doug Thompson

Doug Thompson is a North Carolina based Singer/Songwriter whose melody laden story telling equal parts truth and wit.  Thompson spins what yarn’s program director called “three-minute novels.” Alternately gripping, touching and hilarious…

4:45-5:45pm • Thomas Aaron Garlow

Thomas Aaron Garlow

Thomas Aaron Garlow boasts a rich history in the music business that he brings with him to the present day as an artist, songwriter and performer. His musical influences take roots from his native hills of West Virginia to his current home in the mountains of North Carolina. You can hear the influence in his music.  Working his summers on farms in eastern North Carolina where he spent many steamy afternoons drinking homemade corn liquor and playing the Delta and Piedmont blues with his tenant farmer coworkers, Thomas infuses his music with the rural southern life, yet has experienced a broad and unique variety of the industry.

Acclaimed for his mastery of the guitar, his style has been described as smooth and powerful. His seasoned vocals and home-spun storytelling, bring a subtle but “straight to the heart” strength and intimacy to his performances.

It was a Chet Atkins record that lit the fire for Thomas as a 12 boy, and by late 60’s and early 70’s, Thomas was part of the emerging folk scene as he honed his craft performing all over the east coast and beyond, opening for such now legends as Gordon Lightfoot, Ian and Sylvia, Phil Ochs, John Prine and more.

However, Thomas’s songwriting took a professional turn when hired by a major record label in Nashville in 1970. He also worked as a session musician and backup musician and singer for several bands and solo artists over the years.

Thomas performs both solo and with his band.

6:15-7:15pm • Tony Eltora

Tony Eltora

Imagine John Scofield hanging out with Paul Simon playing Muddy Waters songs, this is what Tony Eltora’s music sounds like.

Influenced by blues, rock and jazz music, Tony began writing and performing at a young age in clubs and at festivals in Richmond VA before moving to Hickory NC in 2001. Known for his raw soulful playing and smooth guitar tone, Eltora has shared the stage with many national and regional musicians including, Tim Reynolds, Sam Bush, Keller Williams, George Porter Jr, Oteil Burbridge, and Acoustic Syndicate, to name a few. His debut CD “Between Love and Tragedy” showcases his masterful work on the guitar along with his insightful and thought provoking lyrics. Telling stories of love, loss and rebirth, Eltora’s songwriting soulful and forever staying true to his roots.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaDm8226eUg,  http://tonyeltora.com, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyeltoramusic

7:45-8:45pm • Adam McDonough

Adam McDonough

Adam McDonough is a Nashville based singer/songwriter that has been described as having a soulful, melodic voice that blends old school blue eyed soul with modern pop song writing sensibilities.

Adam has played on legendary stages all over the country and has been featured alongside notable artists such as James McCartney, Foy Vance, Chris Carmack (CMT’s “Nashville”), and has recorded his music with major music producer Aaron Johnson (The Fray). His debut record “Coast To Coast” is available everywhere now and he is currently in pre-production for a follow up project.

Sunday, October 14 

1:15 – 2:15 pm • Song Contest Winner 

2:45 – 3:45 pm • Brandon Maddox 

Brandon Maddox

Reaching #9 as one of the most added songs by Country Radio stations nationwide its first week of release, Brandon Maddox’s, new single “Good Side”, has been a long-time fan favorite at concerts from Minnesota to Florida but now is grabbing the attention of Radio and Music Industry Vets alike. Maddox’s, previous single “Dixie Chaser”,reached #16 for the Most Downloaded Songs by Radio on PlayMPE, and, went on to win “Song of the Year” at the 2017 Josie Awards later that year.

Featured on TV including ABC’s “Nashville” (pilot episode), and radio shows across America including Fox TV’s Good Day Chicago, NBC’s WRCB TV 3/Chattanooga, KARK 4/Little Rock & WMTV15/ Madison, WCRX/Chicago, WTHI/Terra Haute and KKYY 101.3 Country/ Sioux City, this emerging artist is taking the Country Music World by storm and getting the attention both of Nashville and fans nationwide.

Brandon has also had three of his original songs featured in film and TV. The Michael Ealy film “Unconditional” in 2012, the 2015 movie “Providence,” and “Chasing After Wind” slated to come out in 2017. He has also had his songs recorded by other artists both in Country and Pop/Rock musical genres. He has opened for Blake Shelton and Brett Eldredge.

Having three albums produced by Reba McEntire’s bandleader and Keyboard player, Doug Sisemore, Maddox, has shown himself to be worthy of working with Nashville’s top tier of professionals within the Music Industry. His albums are on Pandora, I-Heart Radio, and other online retailers. Keep your eyes on this exciting, young triple threat Artist/Singer/Songwriter, who looks to be making even bigger “waves” in the years ahead.