Smilefest 2011 Performers
Railroad Earth
For more than 10 years, Railroad Earth has been a prominent figure in the American roots music scene. Their sound, which is something like an amalgam of Rock, Roots, Bluegrass and Celtic, leaves them near impossible to label. With a legion of loyal fans, Railroad Earth has been an undeniable force whose superb songwriting, singing and stage performances have kept them one of the most talked about bands on the festival circuit in years.
JJ Grey and Mofro
As many of you know, we've been trying for years to get JJ and Mofro out to Smilefest and we are extremely excited to have them this year. They will be performing on Saturday. Click artist name for more.
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe has been a long time favorite for Smilefest for many years. Who can forget the epic set in 2002 when he played til 3am. This years performance promises to be as special. Check out Karl on Saturday evening. Click on artist name for more.
Melvin Seals and JGB
What a blessing to have Melvin and JGB at Smilefest this year. Getting chills just writing it on the site. Going to be incredible Saturday night performance. Click on artist name for more info.
New Mastersounds
All the way from England, The New Mastersounds have become big favorites of mine and MRM's. If you have not seen them perform, they bring the old school funk. You can catch them on Friday night. Click on artist name for more info.
Larry Keel and Natural Bridge
What would Smilefest be without Larry and Jenny Keel on site. This year we'll be treated to Larry's band, Natural Bridge on Saturday AND a special sit in set with Danny Barnes on Sunday. Click on artist name for more info.
Pimps of Joytime
Back for an encore performance from last year, this was one of the most talked about bands at Smilefest Reunion 2010. Plan to get your dance shoes on with them Friday night this year.
John Browns Body
First timers at Smilefest, they promise to bring a positive, reggae vibe to the festival. Their performance is Friday. Click on artist name for more info.
Danny Barnes
Very excited to have Danny Barnes with us at Smilefest Reunion this year. His unique style is a joy to experience. Catch him Sunday with Larry Keel.
Sanders/Cardine/Pond
Sanders, Cardine and Pond was born out of Jay Sanders’ Mindtonic Music Series at the Rocket Club in Asheville. The three came together as a mutual admiration society in March of 2010 and the musical combination has blossomed into a powerful force. Equal parts Mahavishnu Orchestra and Strength In Numbers, the three musicians each bring compositions to the project that feature the strength of their individual talents.
Shane Pruitt Band
After the epic set last Sunday at Smilefest, with a special sit in from our own Benton Wharton, we had to bring these boys back. They will be performing on Saturday afternoon this year. Click artist name for more info.
Sol Driven Train
An amazing band that we are happy to have with us this year. Check them out on Saturday afternoon.
Ralph Roddenberry Band
This is Ralphs first trip to Smilefest but has been part of the extended family for years. You can catch him Saturday afternoon and for a late night picking session that night. Click on artist name for more info on Ralph.
Jackass Flats
After a great performance last year, we had to bring them back again. Come check them out on Friday. Click on artist name for more info.
Sanctum Sully
One of my new favorites, we are really looking forward to their performance this year. Check their set out on Saturday. Click on artist name for more info.
Nora Jane Struthers
Very excited to have found out about Nora Jane this and glad to have her on the line-up this year. Come check her out set Sunday morning. Click on artist name for more info.
Lizzy Ross Band
Performing on Saturday afternoon, Lizzy promises to bring a great female vibe to the stage.
Doby
Another new favorite from the Piedmont, this will be an amazing set Friday afternoon. Click on artist name for more info.
The Captain Midnight Band
Formed in New Orleans in 2002, The Captain Midnight Band stays true to the Crescent City's celebratory heritage, turning every show into a sweating, throbbing event, interspersed with humor and ear-candy jams.
Electric Soul Pandemic
Since Smilefest started in Grensboro, it felt only fitting to bring a Greensboro band to the Reunion. Their Friday set promises to please. Click on artist name for more info.
From A Seed
For about 5 years, From A Seed has been bringing the Lake Norman and
Charlotte area a great blend of original rock with covers thrown in
for flare. 8 people come together to create great rock and fill the
air with great sounds.The
Charlotte area a great blend of original rock with covers thrown in
for flare. 8 people come together to create great rock and fill the
air with great sounds.The
Duk Tan
DUK TAN intentionally strives to make each performance different from the last, in both subject matter and musical content.
The Virginia Dare Devils
The creation of innovative and original music is an ever elusive goal in this day and age. The Virginia Dare Devils’ mission to do just that is most certainly well under way.
Big Something
The sound is BIG and clearly the work of some largely talented musicians, hence the name: BIG Something.
The Matt Nicholls Quartet
Based out of Nashiville, TN the Matt Nicholl's Quartet brings a mix of Blues, Rock & Country.
Tara Nevins & Jeb Puryear of Donna The Buffalo
Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear, of Donna the Buffalo, have crafted a
feel-good, groove-oriented, danceable and often socially conscious music for over twenty years...
feel-good, groove-oriented, danceable and often socially conscious music for over twenty years...
, was recorded in Nashville; but that is the only semblance to modern day Nashville. There's New Orleans R&B, piano boogie, rockabilly, gospel; but most of all powerful songwriting and equally powerful and beautiful voice. If you want a more complex 