WildRoot (www.wildrootband.com)

WildRoot, is classified as a HARD SOUL band from Bradenton, FL lead by singer songwriter multi-isntrumentalist Paul Fournier. A WildRoot show takes you on a dancey Rock Soul journey that’s set out to connect musical differences and get you to groove. No matter what music you like you’ll always have a great time at a WildRoot show. “HARD SOUL” – has elements of Soul and Rock-n-Roll fused with R&B Jazz and POP.

Paul Fournier – VOX/Guitar
John Hetherington – Keys
Doug Rogells – Drums
Sean Heartly – Bass

Bird Tribe (www.thebirdtribe.com)

The Bird Tribe’s unique expansive sound is lyrically poetic with a mixture of heavy groove, Rock, Soul, and an Experimental feel. The band is fueled by each member’s diverse musical upbringing.
Matthew Frost –Keys and Vocals- was taught from the age of three by his father, the original keyboardist for Grand Funk Railroad and a member of the Bob Seger Band. Matthew studied classical composition and Jazz piano at the University of Miami, and has a sound engineering degree from Full Sail University. He has performed with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and Butch Trucks.
Brian Byrd –Pedal Steel and Lap Steel- started out playing the drums at two years old. He was heavily influenced by the great Sacred Steel guitar players in his Florida church and started playing pedal steel as a teenager. Brian is a self taught, Pedal steel phenom, who radiates Soul, Blues and authenticity.
Garrett Dawson –Drummer and Percussionist- has been playing since the age of three. Garrett has extensive knowledge and authentic performing experience with folkloric rhythms and modern world music. He has toured most notably with Butch Trucks and The Freight Train, and Dickey Betts and Great Southern. Garrett’s drumming is featured on over 35 studio recordings.
The Bird Tribe’s soulful music is a beautiful journey through the spectrum of sound. They bring an exciting and uplifting energy, and a true love of sharing their art.

Kristopher James (www.kristopherjamesmusic.com)

Touring folk/soul songwriter, Kristopher James, a Bradenton, FL singer-songwriter
is known for his vulnerable writing style, soulful voice and raw instrumentation with just a guitar and a few pedals.
His sophomore EP, Find Me, portrays a dose of Kristopher’s vulnerable heart and genuine spirit with both tear-jerking and joyful lyrics combined.
The fourth track on the EP, “Heart Shaped Grave”, features the beautiful voice of Sam Robertson.
The Find Me EP was produced by Kristopher James & Burnt Orange Studios and released on May 27, 2016.

“Who is a kindred musical spirit to artists like Gavin DeGraw and Amos Lee, has managed to graduate from the realm of ‘blue eyed’ anything.
His guitar work — deceptively complex while still managing to be easy on the ears — is right in harmony and clean in tone.
His vocals are perfectly reigned in to suit his range and his easy gift for melody is unrivaled in the Bay area singer-songwriter space Kristopher James
is perhaps the most interesting local musician on the scene” – Creative Loafing Tampa

RIYL: Amos Lee, Noah Gundersen, Jeff Buckley