Description

“Artists on the Rise” brought to you by Watkins and White Horse Black Mountain. This local
showcase aims to highlight the incredible musicians who have made a huge impact on the Appalachian
music scene. This evening will include solo performances by Watkins, Yali, Lavender Blue, and Billy Litz.
This night gives you a peek into the story of each songwriter and the journey that got them where they are
today and where they are headed. These musicians have under their belt countless years of traveling,
performing, and spreading the magic of music. We invite you to take this opportunity to get to know these
artists, more than you already do!

Watkins, with a sound that blends indie-folk and alt-rock, has made a name for himself with his acoustic guitar work and soulful vocal performances. His lyrics reflect a journey of growth and introspection, drawn from his years on the road and deep connection to the places he’s traveled. Watkins’ sophomore album Unbiased Eyes captures these universal themes in
tracks like “Lovely Scares” and “Sad Happy.” His latest singles, Time Heals Everything and Coyote, offer a preview of his upcoming third studio album, set to release in 2025. With a rapidly growing fanbase and a reputation for unforgettable live performances, Watkins is poised for an even bigger year in 2025.

Yali is a versatile musical project led by singer/songwriter Bryan Zells, currently based in Western North Carolina. Originally formed in Buffalo, NY in 2015, Yali began as a collaborative effort but was placed on hiatus due to a series of personal changes, the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Zells’ relocation to WNC. The project is known for its dynamic live performances, seamlessly blending genres from serene indie-folk to the raw energy of hard rock, often compared to the ferocity of Jack White’s guitar work. Yali’s debut EP, Ancient Heart, was released in March 2016 and quickly garnered attention from local and regional listeners. The EP also gained unexpected traction in international markets, including London and several cities across Germany and Switzerland. Currently, Yali is in the studio working with singer, songwriter, and producer Watkins on a forthcoming single and album, with plans for release in 2025.

Lavender Blue, the moniker for Kayla Zuskin, is as soft as it is spiky. The moniker stemmed from her own partial color blindness. Performing since 2017 in and around Asheville, NC, her music floats somewhere between the nostalgia of 90’s grunge, lilting folk, and imaginary sonic worlds. Zuskin dreamed up Lavender Blue early in her time in Asheville, originally identifying solely as a guitarist, she dipped her toes into singing and performing her original songs at open mics and small shows. Around the release of her first EP, she traveled the country busking and performing her own songs and classic rock covers. Upon her return to Asheville she assembled a band and began recording and performing with a full group. A full length album and 2 more EP’s later, she has most recently released her second full length cassette with the help of Ghost Mountain Records. In addition to Lavender Blue, Zuskin plays guitar in the band Sister Ivy, and the Women
to the Front funk band. She holds a masters in guitar performance from Berklee College of Music and teaches music lessons as her day job. She hopes that her playing as an instrumentalist inspires more women and young girls to pick up the guitar.Kid Billy is the one of a kind solo project from Asheville, NC-based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Billy Litz, known for his role as the frontman of the acclaimed band Hustle Souls. With a lust for songwriting, Kid Billy draws inspiration from Acoustic Blues, Trad-Jazz, and Indie-Folk, crafting a sound that is both timeless and innovative.

Kid Billy performances blend earnest songwriting with high-energy and often jubilant live loops that layer New Orleans trumpet, honky-tonk piano, acoustic guitar, and harmonica. When not performing as Kid Billy, Billy Litz leads Hustle Souls, a 5-piece soul/rock band that has graced the stages of major festivals such as Shakori Hills Grassroots MusicFestival, Ramble Festival, The NAMM Show, and Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion. Billy Litz is an endorsing artist with Santa Cruz Guitar Company and Seydel Harmonicas.