Midland Roots & Blues
Festival
Sep 29 & 30, 2023
Get ready to groove, sway, and let the soulful melodies take you on a musical journey at the Midland Roots and Blues Festival! Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of sounds that define the essence of Americana music.
Featuring
Fri, 9/29 , Starts at 7:00pm
Womanish Girl Band
(feat. Katy Guillen & Stephanie Williams)
Lem Sheppard
Sat, 9/30 Acoustic lunch Show
Acoustic Lunch Show In The Barn with
Lem Sheppard
Arbuckle & Woods
Sat, 9/30, Starts at 4:00 pm
John Fullbright
Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations
Hudspeth & Taylor
Howard Mahan Band
Bands
Bands
Friday, September 29
WOMANISH GIRL BAND
8:15 - 9:30 PM
ft. Katy Guillen & Stephanie Williams
Join us at The Historic Midland Railroad Hotel on Friday, September 29, 2023, for a captivating evening of music by Womanish Girl. Get ready to be mesmerized by the incredible talents of Katy Guillen and Stephanie Williams as they take the stage. With a fusion of soulful melodies and electrifying performances, Womanish Girl promises a night of music that will touch your heart and move your soul. Don't miss this opportunity to experience their unique sound in the charming ambiance of the Midland Railroad Hotel. It's a musical event that's not to be missed!
LEM SHEPPARD
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Experience the musical evolution of Lem Sheppard, a seasoned guitarist who honed his craft across funk, rock, and jazz genres while making a profound connection as a member of the Eva Jessye Choir in 1978. On Friday, September 29, 2023, Lem graces the stage at the Midland Railroad Hotel in Wilson, KS, weaving together his diverse influences into a captivating performance. From his Kansas City roots to his spiritual calling, Lem's music transcends boundaries, promising a night of harmonious melodies that resonate with the soul.
Saturday, September 30
Acoustic Lunch Show In The Barn
LEM SHEPPARD
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Experience the musical evolution of Lem Sheppard, a seasoned guitarist who honed his craft across funk, rock, and jazz genres while making a profound connection as a member of the Eva Jessye Choir in 1978. On Saturday, September 10, 2023, Lem graces the stage at the Midland Railroad Hotel, weaving together his diverse influences into a captivating performance. From his Kansas City roots to his spiritual calling, Lem's music transcends boundaries, promising a night of harmonious melodies that resonate with the soul.
ARBUCKLE & WOODS
1:15 - 2:15 PM
Dustin Arbuckle and Matt Woods have each been hard at work on the blues and roots music scene for nearly two decades. Arbuckle, from Wichita, KS, was a founding member of the critically acclaimed progressive roots rock/blues act Moreland & Arbuckle, with whom he toured internationally and released 7 albums from
2002 - 2017. Woods, a native of central Iowa, has been a fixture of the midwestern roots music community, averaging over 100 shows per year and releasing 5 albums as a solo artist and 2 with his former band, The Thunderbolts.
After years of hearing and admiring each other’s music, Arbuckle and Woods finally connected and began playing together in 2018. The two quickly developed a strong musical chemistry based on their mutual passion for old-school blues, especially the traditional rural styles of Mississippi and the electric Chicago blues sounds of the 1940s and 50s. Their music combines these influences with elements of gospel, country music, and more, while Woods’ fiery voice and tenacious guitar playing blend perfectly with Arbuckle’s more subtly soulful singing and harmonica style to give the duo the ability to deliver it all with power and authenticity. Arbuckle and Woods released their self-titled debut album in July of 2020, for which they received nominations for Best Acoustic Blues Album at both the 2021 Blues Music Awards and the Blues Blast Magazine Awards.
Saturday, September 30
JOHN FULLBRIGHT
6:45 - 8:15 PM
Experience the musical brilliance of John Fullbright at the Midland Railroad Hotel on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Hailing from Bearden, Oklahoma, Fullbright's journey from being a member of Turnpike Troubadours and the Mike McClure Band to his solo success is captivating. He garnered attention at a young age, performing at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival during high school. With albums like "From the Ground Up" and "Songs," Fullbright's artistry has earned a Grammy nomination and left an indelible mark. Join us for a night where his emotive melodies and lyrical depth create an unforgettable musical experience.
DUSTIN ARBUCKLE & THE DAMNATIONS
5:15 - 6:25 PM
Prepare for a genre-defying musical experience with Dustin Arbuckle and The Damnations at the Midland Railroad Hotel on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Led by veteran Dustin Arbuckle, known for his prominence in Moreland & Arbuckle, the band defies categorization intentionally. Since 2017, they've been crafting a unique musical blend that kicks up fresh dust. Arbuckle, a musician with eclectic tastes, draws from traditional American sounds like Charley Patton while embracing cross-pollinated influences such as The Band and Stax-style soul. With The Damnations' diverse musical sensibilities - featuring Brandon Hudspeth on guitar, Caleb Drummond or Mark Foley on bass, and Colby Aiken on drums - their performances traverse everything from deep country to jazz, creating an electrifying and unpredictable sonic journey.
HUDSPETH & TAYLOR
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Join us for an unforgettable musical evening with Hudspeth & Taylor at the Midland Railroad Hotel on Saturday, September 30, 2023. The duo, led by accomplished guitarist, singer, teacher, and songwriter Brandon Hudspeth, brings a wealth of musical experience to the stage. Hailing from Muskogee, Oklahoma, Hudspeth's journey began with early guitar lessons inspired by Johnny Cash. Infused with a deep love for the Blues, he started playing gigs around Tulsa during high school. After relocating to the Kansas City area, he founded his own band, Levee Town, which boasts an impressive 9-album discography. The band even earned recognition in the International Blues Competition, showcasing their prowess in Memphis in 2009. With their 2016 album "Takin and Givin," Levee Town secured spots on various charts, a testament to their captivating sound. Join us as Hudspeth & Taylor deliver a mesmerizing performance that pays homage to their roots while embracing the soul of the blues.
HOWARD MAHAN
Experience the enchanting melodies of Howard Mahan as he takes the stage at the Midland Railroad Hotel on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Hailing from Fredonia, Kansas, and currently based in Lawrence, Kansas, Howard is a seasoned guitarist, singer, and songwriter with an enduring passion for music. His musical journey commenced at the age of 9 within a family band, setting the foundation for a lifelong devotion. Having pursued studies in guitar, business, and law during his college years, Howard's musical pursuits have spanned the nation, enthralling audiences with various groups. Notably, the esteemed "Howard Mahan & Friends" stands as his primary musical outlet, epitomizing his diverse influences. Prepare for an evening where the heartfelt notes of Howard's guitar reverberate, capturing his evolution from Fredonia to Lawrence in a performance that promises to resonate with every soul in the audience.