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Rising Country Stars Kayla Ray and Justin Clyde Williams make for a most entertaining night of songs, stories and memories.Kayla Ray
Waco, Texas born singer-songwriter Kayla Ray wipes clean the dust of nostalgia and can bring even the hardest heart to a place of reflection and understanding. All this while remaining feverishly reverent to the roots of country music, greeting current day affairs head on, and chasing whiskey shots with the rowdiest banter one can muster.
Currently touring both the US as well as Internationally Kayla Ray is a quick rising favorite of the independent scene. Kayla’s latest studio single, “The Jameson Waltz” (2019) more than quadrupled it’s projected numbers in it’s first quarter. Kayla’s most recent full album release, “Yesterday & Me” (2018) received high praise in both the United States as well as the UK earning Ray the number 1 spot on Kelly Gregory of, “Country Music People” Magazine’s, top albums list of 2018.
Despite a recent surge, Kayla Ray is far from new to the scene. Interested in the long game, Kayla has been at this pursuit the majority of her young life. Kayla’s pedigree comes as an almost novella type story. That of a budding classic. Despite growing up rather hard, as a child Ray often entered herself into local talent contests and variety shows. Because of these efforts, Ray was lucky enough to find herself playing often around the Legendary Gimble Family in the Waco, Texas area. The talent, kindness, and class of the Gimble Family remain a large influence for Kayla Ray.
She, then underage and, in a charge of independence, booked her first headlining gig at Papa Joes of Lorena, Texas. Where as she puts it, “Billy Joe Shaver shot that guy in the face and got away with it.” Kayla built a band and spent a few years touring Texas and taking necessary knocks before making her entry into the national touring scene. She made this entry employed as tour manager for accomplished songwriter Jason Eady. During this time in addition to her tour managing duties, Kayla opened shows, sang duets and, “kept the boys in line”.
Kayla eventually grew from this position and left the job in 2014 to tour independently. Although, remaining a close confidant, Jason Eady had a large hand in producing both of Kayla’s full length albums.
Over the last decade Kayla has received many awards and accolades. And, in addition to touring with Eady, Ray has shared stages with artists like Cody Jinks, Erin Enderlin, Jo Dee Messina, Jamie Lin Wilson, Whiskey Myers, Mo Pitney, Marcia Ball, Reckless Kelly, Jason Bolen, The Turnpike Troubadors, Shane Smith and the Saints, Ray Wylie Hubbard and countless others.
From honky tonk dance tempos, to sit you down and contemplate life ballads, Kayla Ray’s music does not disappoint. Her feverish reverence to country music, an indisputable work ethic, stoic beauty, and massive personality, make Kayla Ray an embodiment of what country music should be.
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Justin Clyde Williams
Armed with six strings or backed by a full band, Justin Clyde Williams takes listeners on an emotional journey through his own personal encounters, telling stories with his songs. Growing up surrounded by dobros and banjos in the foothills of western North Carolina, his tale is one many can relate to regardless of where they call home. Tough times, rebellion, love, heartbreak and a resilience hardened by military service, crowds are immediately drawn to his unique sound and penetrating lyrics that dig much deeper than three chords and the truth.
Injecting a fresh perspective and unwavering commitment to situations some shy away from, Justin Clyde Williams attacks these issues head on without hesitation. Connecting with audiences in a way most only dream about, his levels of persona are quickly navigated as the songs strike a feeling similar to an inspiration for being the, “Life of the Party”.
Raised from Jones to The Rolling Stones, his own musical journey involved consuming classical guitar and heavy metal but once he heard Charlie Robison, everything became - REAL.
Justin Clyde Williams always leaves people wanting more with an unwavering experience that is blunt, therapeutic, candid and above all - unforgettable.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
3227 N. Davidson Street,Charlotte,28205,US, United States
Tickets
USD 20 to USD 25