Aaron Jonah Lewis
Champion fiddler Aaron Jonah Lewis has been elbow-deep in traditional American fiddle and banjo music since their first lessons at the age of five with Kentucky native Robert Oppelt. Lewis has taken blue ribbons at the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, WV, and at the Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax, VA, the oldest and largest fiddlers convention in the country. They are also noted for their mastery of multiple banjo styles. They spend most of their time teaching and touring--as a solo performer, with Ragtime Banjo Revival, the Corn Potato String Band, and other projects.
Lewis has appeared on dozens of recordings from bluegrass and old time to traditional jazz, contemporary experimental and Turkish classical music projects. They have taught workshops at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow and at the English Folk Dance and Song Society in London. They also play and teach banjo, mandolin, and guitar and are currently based in Detroit.
Aaron Jonah Lewis is passionate about sharing early fingerstyle banjo music. They bring light to the fact that classic banjo was the most popular form of music a hundred years ago, though today it’s almost entirely forgotten. They are “trying to keep (classic banjo) alive and spread it around, as it’s a delightful style that brings joy and connects us to the depth of our shared American history.”
Cory Grinder and The Playboy Scouts
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 Steve Kessler 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 in 2025. 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
Doors: 7:00 PM / Showtime: 7:30 PM