You’ve picked a good week to tune into the blog here on Trail Mix. As many of you regular readers know, I like to give stuff away. This week, I’m doubling down, as I have a pair of tickets to the record release party for The Last Bison at The Camel in Richmond, Virginia, on Friday, and a pair of tickets to Keller Williams’ show at Legends in Boone, North Carolina, on Saturday, October 2, to give away to some lucky readers.
With the upcoming release of their latest record, VA, The Last Bison seem poised for a break out year. Described back in 2012 by NPR as a band that makes, “Classical Southern folk rock,” the band enjoyed critical buzz following the release of their last two record, 2011’s Quill and Inheritance, which was released last year.
The Last Bison draws serious comparisons to indie folk icons like Fleet Foxes and The Decemberists. Driven by the songwriting of Ben Hardesty, The Last Bison churn out contemplative, moody folk rock. VA, the new record, was recorded in an old A-frame cabin, known as The Wigwam, on the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp near Chesapeake, Virginia, the band’s hometown. It is only fitting that this record came to life near one of Virginia’s most complex ecosystems; like the marsh from which it rose, VA bubbles and teems with vibrant sounds.
Fans of The Last Bison are sure to hear a healthy smattering of tracks from the new record on Friday, September 26th, during the band’s record release party at The Camel in Richmond. For a shot at tickets, check out the trivia question down below!
Also on the radar is next weekend’s Keller Williams show at Legends in Boone, North Carolina. I first caught Keller during my earliest Charlottesville days. A bearded, mucho-hippified Keller opened up for Agents of Good Roots at Trax, the vaunted (and, sadly, long gone) Charlottesville venue. I then caught him years later and I remember being transfixed over the course of his show as he used about 25 instruments during a series of trippy, looped jams.
Keller is a road warrior, seemingly always on the go, either playing solo or as a member of any number of other projects. Fans can catch him as a part of Grateful Grass, with whom he has recently released a record, with More Than A Little, his funk troupe, or with The Travelin’ McCourys, which features Ronnie and Rob, two of bluegrass icon Del McCoury’s sons.
Next Saturday, October 2nd, Keller brings his solo show to Legends in Boone. I have a pair of tickets to give away to a lucky reader who wants to check out the show.
Here’s how it is going to work. Take a shot at either show. Heck, if you are willing to travel, take a shot at both. Just remember to email your answers in. Don’t post them here or on Facebook, because that just isn’t any fun for anyone, and no answered posted here will be in the running for the tickets. Also, please note in the subject line which pair of tickets you are jockeying for.
Winners for the tickets to both shows will be chosen from all correct answers received by noon tomorrow (Thursday, September 25th).
For The Last Bison: The Last Bison was not the band’s original name. What was?
For Keller Williams: The other members of Grateful Grass hail from some of the best bands in the jamgrass world. Name one of the two members of Grateful Grass that are also members of String Cheese Incident.
GOOD LUCK!!
