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, Billy Presnell, Donnie Bowling, Hinton Edgerton, and Lindsey Wall. 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, Watkins 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.

Link to Music, Press & More: https://linktr.ee/thebandwatkins

Donnie Bowling:  Donnie is a Singer songwriter from the hills of eastern Kentucky who writes songs about growth and the goings of life experiences. The songs he writes usually include a theme of advice and a tone of encouragement that could have been useful at some stage in his life. In recent years he’s traveled and performed around the country as part of a duo with Soul Singer Brett Higgins (Brett and Donnie). Going forward in another new chapter he has embarked on a return to his solo works under his name. One song somewhere along the way helped me get through a really difficult time and I only hope to share my music in hopes of repaying that debt to whatever is out there” – Donnie 

Link to Music, Press & More:

https://linktr.ee/donniebowlingmusic?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacXZtCdyjQvf3Xcgb9qbJHqH-XAhJJ7ildSqhW_ukcRXwS5xDwTy500hTTRXQ_aem_GT783LJXkj3ht3sPbg-aKA

Billy Presnell:  A Western North Carolina native born in Asheville, Billy Presnell has been a lifelong presence in the local music scene. Known for his conversational musical style—deeply influenced by his longtime mentor and friend, Victor Wooten—Billy brings a unique energy to every performance. His guitar work is expansive and layered, creating the sound of a full band using just one instrument, his voice, and whatever noise-making tricks he can summon. Billy’s shows are as much about witty banter and off-the-cuff humor as they are about music. When it comes to songwriting, he either channels songs straight from the ether or crafts them in the moment, always keeping it raw, real, and authentic. Whether he’s flying solo or building a band out of thin air, one thing’s certain: Billy Presnell is entirely in the moment, and you’re coming along for the ride.

Link: https://www.instagram.com/billybanjoseph/

Hinton Edgerton:  Local songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Hinton Edgerton congeals a wide array of influences, interests, and experiences into the ever-evolving wad of subtly psychedelic ooze known as Bill’s Garage. Born and raised in Johnston County, NC, his musical mentorship would come from a variety of sources, including his bluegrass-playing mother, his cassette-collecting father, his rebellious older sister, and Guitar Hero. If his taste could be described in two words, it would be “anything good”. Hinton wrote poetry and performed in several bands as a sideman throughout high school and college. In the spring of 2017, the concept for Bill’s Garage was born – a lackidaisical character meant to reflect a carefree attitude and apprehension toward the toxic perfectionist mindset. Its sloppiness became a part of its charm by standing in opposition to everything he’d learned in music school. Bill’s Garage is both relaxing your shoulders and clenching your fists—taking deep breaths and screaming into the void. To date, Hinton has recorded and released two full-length albums, an EP, and a holiday album all by himself. His third full-length effort is currently in the oven and set to release at some point. You can catch him playing around town with the full Bill’s Garage unit, as well as Boat Command, Chilltonic, Ashley Heath, McKinney, & more.

Link: https://billsgarage.bandcamp.com/track/how-bout-now?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafRnrXW4jP8YA3ztZb9nbpe6IvMBbNudYbHbEbac6ACGGLqcPzS__xLj1aOkA_aem_sJHjaPE8hkyGz8679bwCYg

Lindsey Wall: Lindsey Wall is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Asheville. Lindsey grew up singing Baptist hymns in Alabama, and was inspired to learn how to play fiddle and mandolin after hearing Old & In The Way as a rebellious suburban teenage deadhead. Lindsey’s first album “Firefly”, recorded with her band “Blue Ridge Betty”, will be released this Summer. Just like life experiences, some songs are dark, and some are light-hearted. All of the songs deal with longing, hope, and a desire to live a full life. Link: https://www.instagram.com/blue_ridge_betty/