Folk & Bluegrass Artists

Motel Pearl

Motel Pearl is an Appalachian alt-country band from Western North Carolina. Members are long-time music collaborators from the traditional fiddle and banjo music of the region who draw inspiration from both modern and vintage sounds. Their most recently released album Brooks, Browns & Rainbows was recorded mostly live in the studio with the hope of capturing the band's true personality.

Clayton Mathis & Von Wamps

Clayton Mathis & Von Wamps blend Apalachicola’s folk and bluegrass roots into one intimate act. Mathis’s rock-tinged songwriting meets the Von Wamps’ acoustic string-band finesse, creating a warm, front-porch vibe perfect for small venues and waterfront stages. A true product of the Forgotten Coast, their music connects locals and visitors alike with the soulful charm of the region.

Charlie Morris

Charlie Morris is a Florida-based blues artist with 45 years of experience blending rootsy Southern styles. His performances range from full-band blues infused with Louisiana and Tennessee flavors to stripped-down acoustic sets. A skilled songwriter and seasoned traveler, Morris delivers a dynamic mix of rock, jazz, and world influences, promising a soulful journey through the heart of Southern music.

Evan Barber

While he may not be a household name at present, Evan Barber is no stranger to the Americana/roots music scene in the south. The Albany, Georgia native has been writing, recording, and touring across his native territory for the better part of the past decade. He’s cut his teeth sharing the stage with the likes of Chris Stapleton, Blackberry Smoke, Jason Isbell, and the Drive-by Truckers — just to name a few. His songs are sketches of the American South; honest-to-goodness stories lifted from the prairies situated below the heart of Appalachia. Barber’s latest offering Until The Thunder plays out like a daydream on the front porch swing after an evening spent under the stars, reminiscing about what has passed and pondering what is yet to come. Guitars awash in reverb blend with Barber’s warm, crooning vocals to offer a unique listening experience, something that wouldn’t be unfairly labeled as country/folk-tinged Explosions in the Sky at times. It’s southern comfort amidst southern struggle; finding a warmth in the cold. Speaking of southern, Barber points to the “duality of the Southern Thing” — Patterson Hood’s apt moniker for reckoning with the region’s dark past while simultaneously celebrating the area’s progress and inherent pride — as an inspiration for his writing. He comes by it honestly; as a lifelong Georgia resident, he’s seen and fully lived both the beauty and the shame associated with the Southern Thing. Until The Thunder draws heavily from his upbringing as well as road-worn experiences from time spent touring with his band, the Dead Gamblers. These songs are truly from the heart; his heart being that of a lifelong Southerner. “Tape” opens the record, an ethereal road song about facing the pain of temporary love. “N. Florida” evokes the road in a different way; memories of childhood trips counting cows to pass the time. Songs like “Walking” and “Jesus & The Kid” lean into more traditional folk territory, both vibrant character sketches showcasing songwriting influences from genre legends Townes Van Zandt and John Prine. Until The Thunder marks Barber’s first proper “solo” release, as his previous offerings Bronze (2014) and Evan Barber and the Dead Gamblers (2010) were both written and recorded specifically as Dead Gambler albums. Prior to now, the songs were honed on the road for months prior to being recorded, something that wasn’t possible after March 2020. “Those songs were always written with the band in mind and were road tested therefore evolved into what they were so 99% of the time that’s exactly what came through in the studio,” Barber notes. “Whereas the songs for the new record are from a way more personal frame of mind…these songs represent an almost entirely new style of songwriting for me, which allows the end result to be completely honest and meaningful in ways I feel like I’ve fallen short of expressing in the past. I felt that I finally had the freedom to write and express exactly what was on my mind.” Taking the “live in a room” approach to recording also lent itself to a vibe not necessarily found on Barber’s previous efforts. The tracks were cut swiftly, with any slight imperfections allowed to remain — focusing more on capturing the energy of the moment versus polishing and re-cutting over and over again. This isn’t to say the record lacks polish, but rather that it presents a warmth not found in the litany of over-produced releases constantly flooding the airwaves.

Bo Spring Band

Bo Spring Band delivers a heartfelt blend of Americana, folk, and roots rock straight from Port St. Joe. Led by Bo Spring, whose blues-soaked guitar and vocals were honed in Atlanta's legendary Northside Tavern, the band features upright bass, drums, fiddle, and harmonies from Lauren Spring. Known for their original songs and Gulf Coast vibe, their performances are rich with soul, storytelling, and musical chemistry, making them a standout act in the region's live music scene.

Ukulilies

The Ukulilies are an Apalachicola-based ukulele ensemble featuring Dodie Alber, Holly Brown, and Betsy Nofziger. Known for their sweet harmonies and acoustic charm, they bring classic Americana and folk favorites to life. Whether at community fundraisers or local festivals, their warm, homegrown sound captures the spirit of the Forgotten Coast, turning every performance into a feel-good singalong.

Tommy Cooper

Tommy Cooper is a local acoustic singer and guitarist rooted in Apalachicola’s vibrant music scene. Known for his engaging mix of crowd-pleasing cover songs. Whether playing festivals, leading campfire singalongs, or holding down a solo set, Tommy’s warm, approachable style makes him a staple of community events and live music nights along the Forgotten Coast.

Hillside Junkets

Hillside Junkets bring authentic, homegrown bluegrass to life with warm family harmonies and expert string-band picking. Based in Tallahassee, this trio—Brian, Jennifer, and Katy Hill—crafts performances that feel like a front-porch jam, charming audiences across the Big Bend region. A favorite at venues like Blue Tavern and Bird's Oyster Shack, they deliver a timeless sound rooted in tradition.

Wiggle Room

The Smolderin’ Embers

The Smolderin’ Embers ignite the stage with decades of rock, blending classics from the '70s onward into their dynamic performances. With two vocalists, dual guitars, a driving rhythm section, and layers of percussion, their sound is rich and full of energy. From timeless hits to modern favorites, this band brings a crowd-pleasing mix that’s perfect for fans of rock’s enduring spirit.

The Krickets

The Krickets are a Port St. Joe-based trio blending Americana and folk with their signature "swamp folk" sound. Known for ethereal harmonies and lush instrumentation featuring fiddle, guitar, bass, and percussion, their music feels rooted in the Gulf Coast's natural beauty. With heartfelt lyrics and a radiant vocal blend, they create an intimate, captivating live experience that’s as memorable as the region they call home.

Corey Hall

Corey Hall is a Panama City-based singer-songwriter blending blues, folk, and roots music with a historian’s touch. Inspired by legends like Mississippi John Hurt and Doc Watson, his performances mix soulful guitar work, rich vocals, and captivating storytelling. Known for his regionally rooted debut album, *The Bay County Blues*, Hall also presents engaging programs on the history of American roots music, making his shows both entertaining and enlightening.

David Lloyd

The Von Wamps

The Von Wamps, a bluegrass group from Apalachicola, deliver homegrown string-band charm with tight picking and warm, front-porch harmonies. Rooted in their community, they’re a favorite at local events like PorchFest Apalach and regulars at Cat Pointe Music’s intimate listening room. Their sound captures the spirit of Florida’s Forgotten Coast, blending tradition and heart for audiences who love authentic bay-country music.

Sacred Sounds Of Donia

Old Porch Swing

String Band Swing done right! Old Porch Swing brings together five North Florida gents who’ve been pickin’ since they were kids: David on the fiddle, Dennis on the banjo, Ben on guitar, and Jim on bass, Mark Blair on the kit, and Everyone sings.

The Curry’s

A family indie folk-rock trio showcasing thoughtful songwriting and tight vocal harmonies.

Jen Anders

Jen Anders crafts a distinctive "SoulFolk" sound that fuses R&B, soul, folk, and Americana into music that grooves and resonates. Based in Valdosta, Georgia, she performs solo and with her band, JenSing & the Usual Supplements. Her heartfelt originals blend rhythmic drive with raw emotional honesty, while her live shows shift effortlessly between soulful energy and intimate storytelling, all powered by her striking vocals.

The Flathead Stringband

The Flathead Stringband brings Appalachian mountain music to life with banjo, fiddle, bass, and boundless energy. Based in Apalachicola, this acoustic trio delivers a stomping, hollering mix of old-time tunes and originals that gets toes tapping and dance floors moving. With heartfelt vocals and driving rhythms, their "sing, holler, and stomp" style makes every performance a lively celebration of tradition and community.

Highbeams

Highbeams, an Atlanta-based folk-rock trio, delivers soaring three-part harmonies and heartfelt energy at every show. Made up of brothers and best friends Adam and Ian Pendlington, along with Stephen Quinn, their music blends emotional storytelling with singalong melodies. Known for their dynamic live performances, they’ve become a favorite across the Southeast, including Florida's Forgotten Coast.

Clayton Mathis

Apalachicola’s Clayton Mathis channels the spirit of the Forgotten Coast through raw, self-taught Americana. Influenced by Townes Van Zandt and Drive-By Truckers, his heartfelt songs explore life’s complexities—religion, family, love, and loss—set against folk, country, and roots-rock backdrops. A local favorite, Mathis delivers intimate performances that feel like sitting down with an old friend and a well-worn story.

Fondue Alliance

Apalachicola’s Fondue Alliance, an acoustic duo featuring Robert E. Mason and Tim Dutrow, delivers laid-back, folk-leaning tunes perfect for waterfront afternoons. A staple of the local scene, their Sunday sets at Half Shell Dockside have become an Apalachicola tradition, pairing feel-good vibes with cold drinks and fresh oysters. Whether at the marina or other area venues, their music captures the easygoing spirit of the Forgotten Coast.

Lauren Spring

Lauren Spring blends soulful Americana with the rich storytelling of Gulf Coast folk. A Port St. Joe native, she’s a vocalist, guitarist, and fiddle player known for her work with The Krickets and the Bo Spring Band. Her solo performances showcase heartfelt melodies, intricate harmonies, and genre-crossing influences, delivering an intimate, roots-driven sound that’s deeply tied to the coastal South.

Wyatt Espalin

Wyatt Espalin is an award-winning singer-songwriter, fiddler, and storyteller whose music captures the raw beauty of his Appalachian roots. Raised on a rustic campground in North Georgia by his maternal grandparents, Wyatt's musical journey began with his championship-winning clogging and Appalachian buck-dancing before evolving into a passion for songwriting and performance.

Lost Creek Band

The Dolce Trio

The Dolce Trio, an acoustic folk trio from Tallahassee, weaves lush three-part harmonies with guitars, upright bass, and mandolin. Featuring Elizabeth Fravel, Gillian Canning, and Kelly Goddard, they balance heartfelt originals with carefully selected covers that go beyond the ordinary. Warm and melodic, their harmony-driven sound has charmed audiences across North Florida and South Georgia at breweries, listening rooms, and festivals.

Bottom Dollar Boys

Based in Tallahassee, the Bottom Dollar Boys serve up classic bluegrass and folk with a laid-back, front-porch vibe. This five-piece band blends driving banjo and mandolin with tight harmonies, channeling the high-lonesome spirit of traditional string-band music. A staple in North Florida’s listening rooms, breweries, and festivals, their acoustic sound is perfect for fans of timeless, toe-tapping bluegrass.

Del Suggs

Del Suggs delivers a breezy blend of acoustic rock, pop, blues, and folk infused with Gulf Coast soul — music he calls "saltwater music." A pioneer of Trop Rock, his style reflects his Panama City roots and decades of crafting songs inspired by coastal life. With a career spanning five albums and countless performances, Suggs' warm sound and storytelling connect deeply, making his shows a laid-back celebration of the Florida coast.

Greg Brown

Greg Brown is a Tallahassee singer-songwriter whose music draws on country, bluegrass, and folk traditions. Known for his sharp storytelling and deft guitar work, he blends originals and gritty covers, often leaning into drinking songs and wry, down-to-earth narratives. Whether playing a solo set or sharing the stage with regional songwriters, Brown’s performances carry the charm and honesty of North Florida’s musical roots.

Swamp Rats

John Sutton

John Sutton brings a dynamic mix of blues, rock, and soul to the stage, fronting a tight Tennessee-based trio of guitar, bass, and drums. His sound draws from legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Otis Redding, and Tab Benoit, blending fiery guitar work with a soulful vocal touch. A frequent visitor to the Forgotten Coast, Sutton has become part of the local music fabric, with memorable performances at Apalachicola's Oyster Cook Off and collaborations with Port St. Joe favorites.

The Funky Taters

The Funky Taters, a Tallahassee-based band, blend funk, blues, jazz, rock, country, folk, and reggae into a lively "Gulf Coast Highway" groove. With bass, drums, guitars, and the unique scrape of a washboard, plus a punchy horn section, their sound is all about fun, danceable energy. Frontman Mike Lewis crafts feel-good songs designed to make you smile and move. A favorite at PorchFest Apalach, they bring a vibrant, eclectic vibe to every stage they play.

A. Lee Edwards

A. Lee Edwards is an Americana singer-songwriter from Franklin, NC, blending folk, alt-country, and traditional country into intimate, storyteller-style performances. A co-founder of the acclaimed '90s band Lou Ford, Edwards now tours solo, delivering finely crafted songs inspired by folk-rock and classic country. With decades of experience, his live shows resonate with authenticity, connecting deeply in venues from Appalachia to the Gulf South.

Mindy Miller

Mindy Miller crafts heartfelt country and bluegrass rooted in rich storytelling. Originally from Maryland, now based in Nashville, she showcases her songwriting in intimate "Songs and Stories" performances. A regular at the Nashville Palace, she also tours the Florida Panhandle, bringing her acoustic charm to venues like Scallop RePUBlic and Chipley Station. With her warm vocals and honest lyrics, Miller delivers a timeless, personal connection.