Oktoberfest Entertainment Lineup & Artist Bios!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11TH

Main Stage
7:00 – 8:30 pm – Baby Black
9:00 – 11:00pm – Dreams: A Tribute To The Allman Brothers
Pavilion Stage
6:00 – 9:00 pm – Foothills Oompah Band
9:30 – 11:00 pm – Matt Walsh and The Movers
Hickory Music Factory Stage
7:00 – 7:30 pm – Camryn Wilson
8:00 – 8:30 pm – Television Therapy
9:00 – 10:00 pm – Eli Yacinthe Band
Singer Songwriter Stage
6:15 – 7:15 pm – Cory Kinal
7:45 – 8:45 pm – Charleyhorse

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12TH
Main Stage
5:00 – 6:30 pm – The Munroze
7:00 – 8:30 pm – The Carolina Soul Band
9:00 – 11:00 pm – Gary Louder and Smokin’ Hot
Pavilion Stage
12:00 – 3:00 pm – Foothills Oompah Band
3:30 – 5:00 pm – Moose & Friends
5:30 – 7:00 pm – Black Tie Event with Johnny White
7:30 – 9:00 pm – The Moon Unit
9:30 – 11:00 pm – Dr. Bacon
Hickory Music Factory Stage
10:30 am – 12:00 pm – Piedmont Percussion Program
12:30 – 2:00 pm – Pandemic
2:30 – 3:00 pm – Propaganda
3:30 – 5:30 pm – Hickory Parks & Rec Music Showcase
6:00 – 6:30 pm – Beneath The Surface
7:00 -7:30 pm – Dani Kerr
8:00 – 8:30 pm – Carolina Daze
9:00 – 9:30 pm – Planet Sized Planet
10:00 – 10:30 pm – Five Foot Fall
Singer Songwriter Stage
12:15 – 1:15 pm – Elliot Humphries
1:45 – 2:45 pm – Tony Eltora
3:15 – 4:15 pm – Thomas Aaron Garlow
4:45 – 5:45 pm – Krystal King
6:15 – 7:15 pm – Chase Killough
7:45 – 8:45 pm – Molly Stevens

Kidfest Stage
12:00 pm – Foothills Gymnastics
1:00 pm – Foothills Gymnastics
3:00 pm – Clayter Kaye Theaterworks

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13TH

Singer Songwriter Stage
1:15 – 2:15 pm – Greg Adams

Pavilion Stage
12:30 – 1:30 pm – Hickory Jazz Orchestra
1:45 – 3:15 pm – Boogaloo Zoo
3:30 – 5:00 pm – Foothills Oompah Band

Main Stage

Friday, October 11

7-8:30pm
Baby Black
The Baby Black Band is the area’s #1 PARTY BAND for all ages. These professionals will keep the crowds dancing and enjoying a wide variety of music from Cee Lo to Al Green, and Prince to Outkast. Baby Black audiences are entertained with classics from the 70’s to current Top 10 hits ranging the from musical styles of Motown, Funk, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, and Dance music. Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, Baby Black is a group of highly versatile musicians from a wide range of backgrounds including jazz, gospel, reggae, and much more. The group’s size ranges from 3-piece to an 8-piece including a full horn section. Baby Black enjoys blending hit songs into a non-stop remix keeping audiences dancing and partying the night away. In addition, the band is also sensitive enough to cater to all musical environments such as restaurants, weddings, college parties, corporate events, clubs, festivals, etc, and can customize their sound to fit your needs.

9-11pm
Dreams: A Celebration Of The Music Of The Alman Brothers
Our “Dream” is to celebrate and play the music of the Allman Brothers all over the country, and provide the best experience and for any Allman Brothers fan.
Soulful Vocals. Immaculate Twin Guitars, and a Certified Rhythm section with 2 drummers, bass and organ, that is as close to the real deal as you can get. “Dreams” is a force to be reckoned with. No drum machines, loopers, backing tracks, or harmony pedals. This band is 100%, grade A authentic! Keeping in the Allman Brothers style this group of musicians pay attention to the smallest of details, spare nothing and leaving it all on the stage.
Dreams is the brainchild of guitarist Jonathan Birchfield and bassist Rob Macwilliams. Both residing in the foothills of North Carolina. Rob and JB grew up listening to and cutting their musical teeth on the Southern Rock, Jam Bands of their childhood. The Marshall Tucker Band, Atlanta Rhythm Section, and Lynyrd Skynyrd were just some of the other bands that influenced Macwilliams and Birchfield. But it was The Allman Brothers Band that hit a perfect harmony with Rob and JB. It was just natural that they form a band with the best musicians in the area to pay homage to their heroes. https://www.facebook.com/Dreamsacelebrationtotheallmanbrothers/

Saturday, October 12

5-6:30pm
The Munroze

The Munroze were formed by Stephen Howard and Jack Derienzis. After finding Clint Sobie and then Chris Phillips the lineup was complete. All the players are seasoned veterans in the music business and have had many years of stage experience. So it’s no surprise that the song choices, style and direction of the band came together very quickly. The Munroze specialize in some of rock’s most classic hits but it’s not the typical “classic rock” that you hear being overdone by so many bands. The song list that they have put together is a much needed breath of fresh air in the North Carolina music scene. www.themunroze.com
7-8:30pm
The Carolina Soul Band

Eight dedicated musicians, performing Beach, the hot sounds of Motown, add to that the New and Old School R&B, mix it with breath taking vocals and a groove that’s all their own, and you have the The Carolina Soul Band!! They will take you on an exciting journey through the musical history of Motown,Beach,and Soul Music! You’ll be clapping, dancing, and singing along with all your favorite songs including songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. http://www.carolinasoulbandmusic.com
9-11pm
Gary Louder and Smokin’ Hot

Gary Lowder & SMOKIN’ HOT… are known as a Soul, R&B party band based out of North Myrtle Beach, SC. Their musical repertoire covers decades of hits from your favorite artists and genres of music including soul, rhythm & blues, funk, reggae, jazz standards, country, 50, 60’s and Carolina Beach Music. In addition of performing some the most current hits that are topping the charts today, the group has had many successful chart topping hits on local radio and internet stations across North and South Carolina , Virginia , Georgia , and Florida. Gary Lowder & SMOKIN’ HOT… are comprised of multi-talented musicians who have come together to produce incredible performances each and every time they take the stage. https://garylowdermusic.com

Pavilion Stage

Friday, October 11

6-9pm
Foothills Oompah Band

The Foothills Oompah Band sound is unique in that approximately 90% of their book were original arrangements crafted specifically for the band by long time Spartanburg trombonist / band leader / arranger Le Sharpton. Approximately another 5% were also arranged for them including some mainstays by longtime accordionist the late Al Mulle and their current tuba player and keyboardist Abe Marsh and Judd Terrell.
9:30-11pm
Matt Walsh and The Movers

Matt’s sound is a clever blend of numerous styles of the music that have influenced him since his youth – early electric and country Blues, Rock N Roll, Rockabilly, Soul, R&B, Country, Bluegrass, Jazz and Psychedelia. His focus on making all original music by combining the influences that inspired him, along with his own ideas, have produced an exciting blend of many genres without rules or limitations. Band Info: https://mattwalshmusic.net/press-kit

Saturday, October 12

12-3pm
Foothills Oompah Band

3:30-5pm
Moose & Friends

Moose & Friends play a collection of original songs written by all members that have influences in jam, jazz and newgrass.
Moose & Friends over the course of its history has played iconic venues and festivals and has shared the stage with regional and national acts of magnitude. Band Info: www.mooseandfriendsmusic.com
5:30-7pm
Black Tie Event With Johnny White

Black Tie Event featuring Johnny White will be performing at this year’s Hickory Oktoberfest. BTE is a funky cover band with a twist that will get you moving and grooving. This out of the box band grooves old school funk, top 40’s tunes, Motown, Party and dance music, and Hip-hop & R&B. Johnny White is an American Idol Top 50 contestant and Hickory, NC native. Johnny credits his faith and love for performing as his driving force. Look for an upcoming release from him in the very near future.
7:30-9pm
The Moon Unit

The Moon Unit is a progressive funk rock outfit hailing from Hickory, North Carolina. The band combines crisp riffs with deep grooves to create a fresh sonic experience for every listener From lyrical to instrumental arrangements, the dynamic style of their playing includes compositions, live improvisation, and pulls on musical influences like Rush, the Meters, Nirvana, KNOWER, Snarky Puppy, and Weather Report. Composed of Brantley Ramseur (bass/vox), Charlie Garnett (guitar/vox), and Kurt Stracener (drums/vox), The Moon Unit lends each listener their own aural jaunt.
9:30-11pm
Dr. Bacon

Dr. Bacon is a 7 Piece touring Appalachian Funk, Grass and Rock & Roll band. Blending incredibly diverse instrumentation with broad, deep musical influences, allows the band to perform a plethora of widely accessible, danceable music.
The Dr. Bacon Live Experience is truly a spectacle to behold, bringing the audience on a musical Journey that lulls and spikes in energy, caressing ears with lush beauty and whipping crowds into a tribal romp, shaking booties and shedding inhibitions. https://www.nimbleslick.com/#/dr-bacon/

Sunday, October 13

12-1:30pm
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. https://www.facebook.com/Hickory-Jazz-Orchestra-308063336564/
1:45-3:15pm
Boogaloo Zoo

Hickory and Charlotte based jazz/funk outfit, Boogaloo Zoo began after drummer Marty White, saxophonist Rick Hefner, pianist Will Boese, and bassist Tyler Apple played a few off the cuff gigs together in early October of 2018. Realizing the great chemistry from the few shows, they decided to form a group and work toward solidifying themselves in the region. https://www.facebook.com/BoogalooZooband/
3:30-5pm
Foothills Oompah Band

Hickory Music Factory Stage

Friday, October 11

7-7:30pm
Camryn Wilson

Camryn is a 20 year old singer/songwriter from Lincolnton. She has her own EP Glimpse and a new single that’s been nominated four awards. You can find out more about Camryn at her website www.camrynwilsonmusic.com
8-8:30pm
Television Therapy

Television Therapy began when three high school rock & rollers, Dalton McCall (drums), Miguel Araujo (vocals/bass), and Drew Larsen (guitar), met and decided to start a punk rock group to play at their school’s talent show in 2018. Later that year, the band played their first gig of punk and classic rock songs on the HMF stage at Oktoberfest. Their sound is a beautiful Frankenstein’s monster of punk, grunge, rock, and noisy fun. To partake in some noisy fun, visit Television Therapy’s instagram, @televisiontherapy.
9-10pm
Eli Yacinthe Band

Eli Yacinthe performs all styles of music: jazz, blues, country, rock, R&B, and even big band. He approaches each song, each note, with authentic energy and sensibility.
A career highlight was Eli’s performance at 2 017’s MerleFest, for an audience of 9,000. “It was surreal to me,” he says. “I was so nervous, but when I got on stage everything just went away, the crowd was so supportive, and it just felt right. Like I was meant to be there.” A few weeks later, Eli performed to a sold-out crowd on a full scholarship at Nashville’s Fine Arts Summer Academy. Since then, he’s taken instruction from a list of renowned guitarists such as Richard Smith, John Knowles, Pat Bergeson, and John Jorgenson.
In a world where critics prefer to classify music into specific genres, Eli defies categorization. “Music is my life’s work” comments Eli. “It’s definitely my calling.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=Uwj6fhTPKmI

Saturday, October 12

10:30-12pm
Piedmont Percussion Program

12:30-2pm
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
Propaganda

Band members are Sarah – Vocalist; Isaiah – Bass Guitar; Ava – Drums; Holden – Guitarist; Will – Guitarist; Evan – Pianist.

3:30-5:30pm
Parks & Recreation Showcase

6-6:30pm
Beneath the Surface

“Beneath The Surface” consists of Tucker Bland and Blake Sanders on guitar with Connor Briggs on the drums. The band was established in 2018 where they met during Rock Camp at Hickory Music Factory, where they performed their first concert. These young artists have been working on their musical skills for a combined total of 13 years. They love to get together and jam to various forms of rock.
7-7:30pm
Dani Kerr

Dani Kerr wants to pick up where Janis Joplin, her biggest inspiration, left off.
“She didn’t get to finish,” Dani says. “My motto is, I’m gonna bring southern rock back into play, try to keep that flame alive, keep it lit, keep it going forever.” In fact today, audiences often say her voice sounds a lot like Janis’s, when she sings classics like “Bobby McGee” and “Mercedes Benz”. Other early influencers were Hank Williams Jr., Waylon Jennings, Marshall Tucker Band, Stevie Nicks, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Dani knows her voice is the most compelling aspect of her artistry. People often tell her they’re emotionally engaged by its earthy, raspy quality. “My voice is not technically perfect, nothing like that,” she says, “But I feel like it’s soulful, I can do soft or I can do rock, it’s just very diverse in that way. I’ve been overwhelmed by how people respond.”
The 19 year old Statesville, NC native got her first guitar at age 6, but didn’t have a proper instructor, so she taught herself how to play and sing.
Last year Dani started writing original songs, and including them in sets.
“Cowboy’s Heart” is a traditional love ballad, “Gypsy Soul” is a poignant reflection of her young life, and “Playin’ for that Flame” speaks to her heartfelt dedication to southern rock.

8-8:30pm
Carolina Daze

9-9:30pm
Planet Sized Planet

“Mixing the groovy rhythms of poppy college bands like Vampire Weekend, and the gritty rock riffs of bands like Queens of the Stone Age. North Carolina rock-group Planet-Sized-Planet indulges in blissful, but sometimes melancholic lyrics, while still keeping a groovy and catchy sound. They are a fresh, slap-filled take on the Alternative genre.”
10-10:30pm
Five Foot Fall

Singer Songwriter Stage

Friday, October 11

6:15-7:15pm
Cory Kinal

Cory grew up on the banks of Lake Erie in a musical family that spread his influences from bluegrass festivals to the punk bars of Buffalo. After finding love in an unexpected place, he moved out to Columbia, Missouri, and began playing open mic nights at the Blue Fugue and playing original music around campfires. He currently plays with his band, Sycamore Bones, based out of Lenoir, NC. https://www.reverbnation.com/musician/corykinal8
7:45-8:45pm
Charlyhorse

Americana music encompasses a number of broad categories these days, but in the case of Chuck Johnson and Charlyhorse, there’s only one defining factor — and that is that it remain honest and authentic. Consequently, Charlyhorse deserve credit for creating a sound that shows a reverence for timeless tradition, while still managing to come across as fresh, vital and engaging. It’s an inherent ability that reflects their credence, skills, talent and dedication. https://www.facebook.com/thecharlyhorse/

Saturday, October 12

12:15-1:15pm.
Elliott Humphries

Elliott is a singer and song writer and performs regionally. https://www.facebook.com/elliotthumphriesmusic/

1:45-2:45pm
Tony Eltora

Imagine Paul Simon hanging out with John Scofield playing Muddy Waters songs, this is what Tony Eltora’s music sounds like. www.tonyeltora.com
3:15-4:15pm
Thomas Aaron Garlow

An award winning, national recording artist and a baby boomer, born in the hills of West Virginia, Thomas now lives in the mountains of western North Carolina. He has been playing music since he was twelve after listening to his brother’s new Chet Atkins record. https://www.thomasaarongarlow.com
4:45-5:45pm
Krystal King

Krystal has been singing as long as she can remember and is the only reason her parents listen to country music. Krystal had her own taste in music from an early age when she caught a snippet of Alan Jackson on the radio. From then she was hooked on steel guitar and lyrics that painted a picture of the humble truths of life. https://www.facebook.com/Krystalsmusic/
6:15-7:15pm
Chase Killough

Chase is a solo acoustic act out of Rock Hill South Carolina who has been playing music professionally for 10 years. He is a singer songwriter/banjo, mandolin/ lead guitar player and has performed all over the south east. He describes his style as Southern soul music, with an Appalachian influence. https://www.facebook.com/chase.killough
7:45-8:45pm
Molly Stevens

Molly has toured with acts such as Jamey Johnson, Lindi Ortega, Darlingside, Billy Joe Shaver, Mindy Smith, Griffin House, Angie Apparo, the Indigo Girls, Christian Lopez, Natalie Stovall and The Drive, Elizabeth Cook, Bonnie Bishop along with many others. Molly is a powerhouse vocalist who lays her soul on the stage for all to feel. Complimented by raw and real lyrics that capture the audience, she reels you in to the depth of her heart as she sings about her story. She has performed at all venues across the country such as Rockwood Music Hall, Eddie’s Attic, Bluebird Cafe and The Evening Muse as well as many festivals including the CMA fest two years in a row and 30A Songwriter’s festival. Molly was on season 14 of The Voice. https://www.facebook.com/mollystevensmusic/

Sunday, October 13

1:15-2:15pm
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. https://www.facebook.com/gregadamsmusic/