About this Event
Wyatt Espalin is an award-winning singer-songwriter, fiddler, and storyteller whose music captures the raw beauty of his Appalachian roots. Raised on a rustic campground in North Georgia by his maternal grandparents, Wyatt's musical journey began with his championship-winning clogging and Appalachian buck-dancing before evolving into a passion for songwriting and performance.
His artistry has been recognized through numerous accolades, including winning the 2014 L.E.A.F. Festival New Song Singer-Songwriter Competition and placing as a finalist in prestigious events such as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Troubadour Competition, the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase, and Eddie's Attic Bi-Annual Open Mic Shootouts. Wyatt has also shared the stage with an impressive lineup of artists, including the Indigo Girls, Jim Lauderdale, Patty Loveless, Shawn Mullins, Lorrie Morgan, and Sam Bush, among many others.
In 2026, Wyatt will release his debut full-length album, Lies From A Lonesome Valley, featuring his band, The Riverstones, and special guest appearances by Amy Ray of Indigo Girls and singer-songwriter Grace Pettis. This collection of songs reflects Wyatt's deep introspection on identity, belonging, and the search for home. Blending haunting melodies, evocative storytelling, and rich instrumentation, the album presents his songwriting through a new lens, equally suited to intimate duo performances or full-band arrangements.
Wyatt's personal history informs his music in profound ways. Born in Los Angeles to parents serving in the U.S. Navy, his early years were marked by instability, moving between homes and enduring family struggles. After years of upheaval, he and his brother found stability with their grandparents in the North Georgia mountains. It was here that Wyatt discovered his love for performing, first as a clogger alongside his brother, then as a self-taught fiddler inspired by the traditional sounds of Appalachian music.
His journey into songwriting began in high school, influenced by a youth minister who composed songs for church gatherings. Over time, Wyatt honed his craft, using music as a form of healing and self-expression. In recent years, Wyatt has brought that healing to veterans as a writer with the Warrior Week and Music Therapy of the Rockies Songwriting projects as well as Beyond Bars, a Pr*son songwriting program sponsored by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, Florida. His songs, rich with vivid storytelling and emotional depth, resonate with audiences across the country, whether performed in a small listening room or on a festival stage.
Beyond music, Wyatt embraces his Appalachian heritage, enjoying camping, hiking, rafting, and kayaking. His connection to nature and his past continues to shape his artistry, making him a standout voice in contemporary folk and Americana music. As he prepares for the release of Lies From A Lonesome Valley, Wyatt Espalin remains a compelling performer, weaving together the threads of his past into music that is both deeply personal and universally moving.
Experience sound and sight like no where else in the "Roots" where cave meets dramatic lighting and underground speakeasy vibes. Our listening room is a dedicated and acoustically-optimized comedy and music performance space, seating almost 100 and confidently being one-of-a-kind. Beer and wine service varies upon show. Full mocktail menu available. Take out to dine-in. Reserve your VIP table, couch, or booth by emailing directly [email protected]
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Canopy + the Roots, 53 West Main Street, Dahlonega, United States
USD 22.73
