AC30
AC30
Members: Bud – Guitar/Keys/Vox, Rod – Aux Man, Alex – Drums/Vox, Ian – Bass/Vox, Ryan – Guitar/Rhodes/Vox, Doug – Acoustic Guitar/Vox, PJ – Organ
When a band is named after an iconic Vox guitar amplifier a prospective listener should have some idea of what they’re in for. It’s a rig whose tubes and speakers shaped rock history with a little help from a few guys like Keith Richards, Pete Townshend, Peter Buck, and Brian May. Think crisp and clean, but able to conjure serious bite and raw power—an apt moniker (and metaphor) for the Huntington-based power-pop quintet, AC30.
“While Carroll and company’s playing is impeccable, what really grabs hold is how near perfect their own songs are. There’s an eerie feeling evoked by AC30’s material, making one wonder whether Lennon-McCartney were arranging songs by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers (or vice versa) but spiced with a fierce attention to the vocal harmonies, which in places might be suited for The Staple Singers or some legendary Motown session group. Throw in the fact that each member contributes to songwriting, and it’s frivolous in trying to find a weak link anywhere within the group. AC30 is a weird trip through pop music history, one with slight twists and turns but always staying inside the lines on a carefully built, meaningful road.”
— Dave Mistich, WVRockscene
“When a band is named after a iconic Vox guitar amplifier a prospective listener should have some idea of what they’re in for. It’s a rig whose tubes and speakers shaped rock history with a little help from a few guys like Keith Richards, Pete Townshend, Peter Buck, and Brian May. Think crisp and clean, but able to conjure serious bite and raw power—an apt moniker (and metaphor) for the Huntington-based power-pop quintet, AC30.”
— Dave Mistich, WVRockscene
The Boatmen
THE BOATMEN
The Boatmen are a close group of friends from the heart of the two Virginias. Easily viewed as bluegrass, rock-grass or a new-grass outfit; The Boatmen fall better into Americana Soulgrass. With diverse instrumentation and the right blend of soaring harmony over top of moonshine anthems, they have created a niche all their own. Into their third year and second album the group has continually expanded its horizons through a non-stop tour schedule and constant support from their close knit fanbase.
Fueled by the phenomenal talents of lead player Randy Gilkey and percussionist Robert Gross; the elite heart-felt songwriting duo of Matt Mullins and Nick Durm round out the current roster of The Boatmen. What started out as a side project in 2009 has now turned into the most successful full-time group for each member’s career.
Crossing genres and sharing the stage with acts like Larry Keel & Natural Bridge, YARN, Tim Reynolds, Ekoostik Hookah and Perpetual Groove to name a few. Sunny Ledfurd, a touring troubadour, stated “These guys appeal to everyone, no matter who you are a fan of musically from Tupac to Willie…Its just great music”. The group has also been invited to play festivals such as Floydfest X, Camp Barefoot, Elysian Fields, Pink Moon and MPMF.
-Feels like going to a funk church.” – Larry Keel (2-time national flat picker champion)
— Larry Keel, Larry Keel
“I support these guys, they rock.” Bob Schneider (Multiple Austin Musician of The Year Winner, Kirtland Records Artist)
— Bob Schneider, Bob Schneider
“These guys are smokin’ ” – David Holt (4-time Grammy Winner)
— David Holt, David Holt
“ “I’ll see you boys at the top!!” – Afroman (Grammy Nominated Artist) ”
— Afroman, Afroman
“ “Harmonies are phenomenal” – Will Ray (Hellecaster Fame, Signature Guitar Models, Fender;G&L sponsored artist) ”
— Will Ray, Will Ray
“Do rock da boat Beckley, W.Va.-based folk-funkers The Boatmen have been making a splash around the state sharing the stage with everyone from Perpetual Groove and Jackie Greene to Afroman. The band (Randy Gilkey, Nick Durm, Matt Mullins and Robert Gross) that played Huntington’s Ribfest earlier this summer, is back for the weekend. After a Friday night opening slot with Larry Keel, the Boatmen are adding some vocal steam. ”
— Dave Lavender, Herald Dispatch
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