Key City Sessions

11/14/2024

You ain't gotta dream! The Jesse Williams Band will be with us Saturday, November 30th, right after Thanksgiving! Bring the whole fam! Check out the video below of Jesse Williams performing live at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta, GA. 🎸

We had the total pleasure supporting BAG MEN with a hearty forty-five minute set of homegrown originals on February 29th, 2024. Live and reeling with feeling...

11/08/2024

Catch Luke Mears - Band (duo) TONIGHT featuring opening act MaisCéu! Ain't nothin' like some American h***y tonk and blues with that high lonesome Brazilian sound! 🇺🇸🇧🇷🎸

Doors at 7:30 PM. Music at 8:00 PM. Event is free. Suggested event donation of $10. For parking, please use the driveway to the right (not the left), or any public parking nearby (e.g. Yadkin River Greenway access to the left of Mavis Tire).

Please bring hurricane relief supplies! Mr. Buddy heaters, space heaters, green propane canisters, carbon monoxide detectors, seasoned firewood, and monetary donations to organizations are some needed items 🙂

One of my favorites from Reed. Always loved the story and message. Big thanks to my long-time friend, Tanner Hardy, for making the video. Hope y'all enjoy!

11/07/2024

We're so excited to have these artists with us FRIDAY NIGHT! Don't miss out on this eclectic mix of traditional American roots music from Luke Mears - Band and the Brazilian folk sounds of MaisCéu!

Event is free. Suggested event donation of $10. Please bring hurricane relief supplies with you! See our pinned post on Instagram for details. For parking, please use the driveway to the right of the home (not the left), or any public parking nearby (e.g. Yadkin River Greenway access to the left of Mavis Tire).

Mears brings a powerful voice and truly exceptional guitar skills that showcase a variety of techniques, including elements gleaned from guitar greats such as Merle Travis, Jerry Reed, and Chet Atkins. Luke has melded those influences, along with others into a style of his own to perform a range of music that touches on Blues, Country, R + B, Gospel, and good ‘ol Rock and Roll along with some fine original songs containing insight and wisdom that belie his years.

Holthouser, a published storyteller and awarded songwriter in his own right, accompanies Mears on electric bass and acoustic rhythm guitar. The two men’s talents mesh wonderfully, and the result is a show that ranges from heartfelt to humorous, performed by entertainers who are obviously happy in their work.

MaisCéu is the brainchild of Jimmie Griffith, a musician who hails from the mountains of Minas Gerais, Brazil. His music is a fusion of American and Brazilian musical traditions, reflecting his upbringing steeped in both cultures.

Inspired by the Blue Ridge mountains and the “Mares e Morros” of Minas Gerais, MaisCeu’s unique sound, featuring heartfelt Portuguese lyrics, is a reflection of his deep love for the outdoors and his passion for bending music genres. With an authentic and soulful approach to his craft, MaisCeu’s music speaks to the heart and soul of his listeners, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of his childhood home and the rich musical traditions that have shaped him.

11/05/2024

THIS FRIDAY, MaisCéu will open our evening of music and song with his unique Brazilian sound as the first Brazilian artist to come through our doors. Don't miss out! Check out the video below of MaisCéu at the Jones House Cultural Center.

Doors at 7:30 PM. Music at 8:00 PM. Event is free. Suggested event donation of $10. Please bring Hurricane relief supplies! Mr. Buddy Heaters, space heaters, green propane canisters, carbon monoxide detectors, and seasoned firewood are especially helpful, plus you can make needed monetary donations to a host of organizations like Samaritan's Purse, BELOVED ASHEVILLE LOVE IN ACTION , MANNA FoodBank, and others.

402 E Main St., Wilkesboro, NC 28697

MaisCéu, the musical persona of Jimmie Griffith, hailing from Minas Gerais, Brazil, seamlessly melds the rich traditions of Brazilian music with influences from his dual upbringing in Brazil and Western North Carolina, his chosen home. Born to a Brazilian mother and a North Carolinian father, Griffith's early years embodied a cultural tapestry, merging the best of both worlds.
His music defies easy classification, acting as a harmonious bridge that connects languages and cultures, offering a universal expression that transcends geographical boundaries.

In 2023, MaisCéu's musical talents earned recognition when he triumphed in the prestigious 9th annual LEAF/NewSong Songwriter Competition, solidifying his reputation as a composer and interpreter of beautifully crafted melodies and harmonies. This achievement paved the way for performances at the LEAF Festival in Black Mountain. In the fall of 2023, MaisCéu was the runner-up in the 22nd NewSong Performance and Songwriting Competition at Citizen Vinyl in Asheville, NC.

MaisCéu's music gracefully dances between dualities, reminiscent of sunlight piercing through a summer storm, capturing the essence of life's multifaceted experiences.

https://youtu.be/mLdQqwo6kwA?si=wqbO0tFvjI5iwRHc

🇧🇷 ndentmusician

MaisCéu performing at Summer Concerts at the Jones House in downtown Boone, North Carolina during the summer of 2016.MaisCéu Facebook:https://www.facebook.co...

11/02/2024

In just under a week on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, Luke Mears - Band will grace our stage with opener, MaisCéu. Doors atc7:30 PM. Music at 8:00 PM. Please being hurricane relief supplies, which will be donated to Wilkes Youth Life Development for distribution to areas in need. Check out the video below of Luke and his crew at his recent feature at one of our favorite historic NC theaters, the Reeves Theater & Cafe, for The Martha Bassett Show!

Mears brings a powerful voice and truly exceptional guitar skills that showcase a variety of techniques including elements gleaned from guitar greats such as Merle Travis, Jerry Reed, and Chet Atkins. Luke has melded those influences, along with others into a style of his own to perform a range of music that touches on Blues, Country, R + B, Gospel, and good ‘ol Rock and Roll along with some fine original songs containing insight and wisdom that belie his years.

Holthouser, a published storyteller and awarded songwriter in his own right, accompanies Mears on electric bass and acoustic rhythm guitar. The two men’s talents mesh wonderfully and the result is a show that ranges from heartfelt to humorous, performed by entertainers who are obviously happy in their work.

Luke Mears Band plays the syndicated radio show Martha Bassett Show at the historic Reeves Theatre on October 17th, 2024. This is the band's opening set, and...

10/22/2024

Have you heard Thunder and Rain's single "Wendigos Wanderin' " from their new album, Storybook Sessions? It's out now! It's a spooky lil' ditty and we're quite fond of it. Get your dancin' pants and costumes ready for this Friday when these ladies grace our stage for our 5th annual Halloween Hoedown. Yeehaw partners! 👻🎻🤠🪕

Music and Lyrics by Erinn Peet Lukes.Arranged by Erinn Peet-Lukes, Amelia Ransom and Laura RayVideo by Andrew HuttonAudio Engineer Tim MillerRecorded at Laug...

10/19/2024

We're so excited to have these three back to our stage for our annual Halloween Hoedown! Are your costumes ready? See you this coming Friday night! Doors at 7:30. Music at 8:00. Event is free. Suggested event donation of $10. Please bring Hurricane relief donation items! See our previous post for the full item list.

5th Annual Halloween Hoedown feat. Thunder and Rain

Filmed During Americanafest, 2024 @ Fitting Room studios in Madison, TNVideography by Sarah Peacock

10/16/2024

If you're a musician in an area affected by Hurricane Helene and are in need of temporary shelter, a shower, or washer/dryer, please contact us. 🙏

10/14/2024

We love seeing our town on a band's tour schedule! Don't miss our 5th annual Halloween Hoedown featuring Thunder and Rain on Friday, October 25th!

After a dreamy album release show, we're looking forward to kicking off our Northeast Tour Next week!
10/19 Whiskey Keeper House Concert Goshen, OH (DM for deets if you want to come!)
10/20 Northville Arts Center, King Ferry NY FREE (afternoon show)
10/22 Lily P's Boston, MA FREE
10/24 Blue Note Grill Durham, NC $10 at the door https://www.thebluenotegrill.com/events/thunder-and-rain
10/25 Key City Sessions Halloween Hoedown Wilkesboro, NC

10/11/2024

Hurricane Helene has displaced numerous individuals and wreaked havoc in NC, namely in our mountain communities. Help us give back to those in need by donating some much needed supplies, especially as this cooler weather comes through our state. The supply list below is from a great local organization, Wilkes Youth Life Development, for whom we're collecting supplies. They have operated in various counties to help those impacted, and will be focusing on Mitchell and Yancey counties. Drop off your things from the list below at our upcoming shows below at 402 E Main St., Wilkesboro, NC!

Friday, Oct. 25th - 5th Annual Halloween Hoedown feta. Thunder and Rain

Friday, Nov. 8th - A Night of Blues and Brazil feat. Luke Mears - Band and MaisCéu

Saturday, Nov. 30th - The Jesse Williams Band

Saturday, Dec. 14th - Annual Soulful Christmas Special feat. Capra Harris & Deja Reve

NEEDED ITEMS:
**really really needed
*really needed

****MONETARY DONATIONS****
**Epipens
Body wash
Wasp spray
*Liquid IV
Towels
Imodium
Excedrin migraine
*Spray cleaners
*Tubs/storage containers
**Shovels
*Pens
*Paper/notebooks -small and large
Sun screen
Al foil
Ziplocs
Vicks v***r rub
Rubber boots
Sharpies
**Work gloves
*Laundry detergent
*Camp stoves
*1lb propane bottles
Jelly
**Extension cords
**Fans
**carbon monoxide detectors
**Rakes
*Bleach
**Tents
**Little buddy heaters

This aerial view photo above shows flood damage along the Swannanoa River in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on October 2, 2024, in Asheville, North Carolina. (Image credit: Getty images)

10/09/2024

Spooky times 'round the bend, y'all...

Don't miss our 5th Annual Halloween Hoedown on Friday, October 25th, featuring female bluegrass power trio, Thunder and Rain! Doors at 7:30 PM. Boot stompin' at 8:00 PM. Event is free. Suggested donation of $10. Support live music and independent artists, y'all. And please bring donation items for Hurricane Helene relief. We'll be collecting for local/regional entities. More deets to come on specific supplies needed!

Thunder and Rain played WUWF Radiative in Pensacola on April 4th 2024. Omaha has been re-recorded will be released on Thunder and Rain's 4th upcoming studio ...

10/04/2024

Hey, music pals, we absolutely hate how the hurricane has devastated NC, including important live music hubs like Asheville and Boone, and we understand how this will affect touring for many musicians inside and outside NC. Prior to the storm, we'd compiled a non-exhaustive list of live music venues and spots for various parts of NC, southwest VA, and east TN, that we've sent to artists and agents alike. If you'd like for us to email it to you, please DM us with your info. Stay strong, pray, and help those in need, y'all 🙏

09/29/2024

These photos of downtown Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro pale in comparison to others in the foothills and especially what some of the mountain regions have experienced, like some of our favorite music scenes of Boone and Asheville where some of our music homies reside. Please pray and provide assistance if you're able. If you're wanting to provide financial help, see the list below of organizations actively involved in helping those in need, and be sure to contact local fire departments, police departments, EMS, and churches. There are people we know without power, and there is a boil water advisory in Boone. If you got a couch and electricity, offering a friendly slumber party or shower is a swell idea! In Asheville, 2 shelters are open at Harrah's Cherokee Center of Asheville and the WNC Ag Center, and in Boone, the Holmes Convocation Center at Appalachian State University for food, shelter, water, and electricity.

Y'all be safe!

MANNA FoodBank

United Way
American Red Cross North Carolina

The Salvation Army International
Samaritan's Purse
Baptists On Mission

BeLoved Asheville asheville

09/24/2024

It's National Hispanic Heritage Month here in the US of A, and we wanted to share some highlights from our show this past summer with Siempre Puente from Argentina. It was a real treat to have this talented duo juxtaposing traditional latino sounds with their love for our regional bluegrass and Appalachian folk music. Scroll for good times, and broaden your musical horizons! 🎵 🎸 🇦🇷

09/09/2024

Here's a lil' flashback to the good times we had with The Pigeon River Messengers a few weeks ago on July 26th. What a time! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with their tour schedule. If you're a fan of their harmony and progressive bluegrass/newgrass, then be sure to make your way to our 5th Annual Halloween Hoedown feat. Thunder and Rain from Nashville, Tennessee. See y'all soon!