DAN WHITAKER
11.12 4PM
Songwriter Dan Whitaker is a lifelong musician with over 30 years performing and 14 albums of original songs to his name. Noted for his “smooth world-wise voice” and well-crafted tunes, he recently relocated from his longtime home Chicago to start a new chapter in Texas, where his outsider ways seem to fit right in. Whitaker’s kind of country music is shot through with blues, jazz, and folk, a freewheeling style that takes you on a journey through life’s ups and downs with humor and insight.
His latest album, I Won’t Play By Your Rules, is a reckoning of sorts—and an invitation to live the life you’re meant to live, no matter if it comes late. It speaks of giving the middle finger to your deadend job, finding solace in the kindness of others, and leaving all your problems behind for one last spin on the dance floor. Engineered by Alex Hall at Reliable Recorders (Cactus Blossoms, Pokey LaFarge), Whitaker lets his love for soulful harmonicas, lonesome pedal steel, and jazzy telecasters rip over ten memorable tracks—with a stealthy instrumental featuring Chris Neal on saxophone as a digital bonus.
CORY GRINDER AND THE PLAYBOY SCOUT
11.12 4PM
Cory Grinder and the Playboy Scouts, a 2023 nominee for Ameripolitan Honky Tonk Band of the Year, more than exemplify their Playboy Scout oath of “On my honor I will do my duty to Two Step Dancers and Honky Tonkers everywhere.” The band, who play original country tunes inspired by artists like Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, formed in the Cleveland-Akron area in 2016. Since then, the band has taken to the road and toured through half of the country. They are affectionately known for their blue bus and encouraging others to join their troop. The band has an exciting live show that is quite adaptable to any setting. They are more than at home playing dancehalls for two steppers and aren’t afraid to turn it up at a rowdy bar gig. Frontman and songwriter, Cory Grinder leads the group on guitar and fiddle with his commanding voice that pairs well with that of pedal steel player and fellow founding member of the band, Tebbs Karney. The rhythm section of the band is well equipped with Bee Roberts on Drums and Alex Buchanan on bass. Virtuoso guitarist Anthony Papaleo adds another great voice and splits fiddle duty with Grinder. Following the release of their debut album(Cahoots & Other Favorites) in 2018, the band has signed to Blue Arrow Records and released two more full length albums(“Honky Tonkin’ Beauty Supreme” & “Snacks”) along with a slew of other material. Fans are anticipating the announcement of their next album which is expected to come out late-2023. The band has also continued to establish themselves in places across the country like Tennessee, Texas, California, and more. “We love taking our brand of country music around the nation and we sure hope you’ll join us at a show soon! Ask me for a dance!” - Cory Grinder