Tom Hamilton has spent the last 30 years fronting several bands over a handful of genres - including Brothers Past, American Babies, Ghost Light, and he also sings and plays lead guitar in  Joe Russo’s Almost Dead.  It wasn’t until a series of personal and societal crises compelled the Philadelphia-based musician/songwriter/producer to reconsider his approach and finally forge ahead under his own name.  “When you're in a van on the road for 20 years, you live in your bubble, you think that your world is one way — and it's not. The pandemic break gave me the time to see that. Then my band broke up and my dad got sick. The only refuge I had was the studio.”  I’m Your Vampire, Hamilton’s most personal effort yet is a 10-song suite wreathed in tattered-flannel rock & roll that encapsulates Hamilton’s salvation in isolation, as he sorts through the darkness to find a pinpoint of light. “It takes effort to not just be jaded as we age — to not look at the world in a hardened way,” Hamilton says. “Yeah, it's a dark, dark fucking time, let's make some lemonade.” His album I’m Your Vampire co-produced by Hamilton and Alex Farrar (MJ Lenderman/Wednesday) is out now via AWAL/Relix. 

Formed in 2015 in Cleveland Ohio, AJ & The Woods was born from a serendipitous meeting between vocalist Alison Tomin and guitarist Joshua Alan Collins at a local open mic. What started as a few jam sessions quickly evolved into a deep musical partnership rooted in shared influences and collaborative songwriting. The duo has since grown into a dynamic five-piece including bass, drums, and fiddle – each member adding new layers to their rich, rootsy sound. AJ & The Woods brings a fresh energy to roots rock, elevating the genre with a blend of Appalachian folk, delta blues, and contemporary rock & roll. Known for their striking female vocals, intricate guitar melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, the band has carved out a distinct identity that resonates deeply with audiences. At the core of their music is a collaborative songwriting process where Tomin and Collins co-create songs that are both emotionally powerful and musically sophisticated. Voted Best Folk Artist at the 2023 Cleveland Music Awards, AJ & The Woods plays extensively throughout Ohio and the greater region. They have performed as direct support for international acts including, Chase Rice and The Mary Wallopers, and gracing stages of major festivals such as Bellwether Music Festival (2018 & 2019) and the South Buffalo Irish Festival (2024 & 2025). Following their 2017 self-titled EP, the band released their first full-length album Stay Steady in August 2022. Working on an upcoming full-length release, they have solidified their place as one of the most unique and articulate voices in the modern folk-rock scene.

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 Bee Roberts 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 late-2023. 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