by Emma Gallus, Online Director and Johnathan Edwards
Huntington-based WhizzbangBAM! (Booking and Management) is introducing its newest festival joining likes of The Huntington Music and Arts Fest and the annual Healing Appalachia concert. The Whizzbanger’s Ball is a two day festival lodged in the mountains of Glen Jean, where Johnathan and I will be traveling the nearly two hours for the weekend. The music kicks off at 4:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday respectively with acts playing well into the night both days.
Listen to the playlist full of our recommendations here.
About the Lineup
Of the Dell is made up of twin brothers Corey and Cody Hatton, with drummer Jeffrey McClelland. They say they “arrive, raise hell, and leave” which perfectly describes the Huntington group. Long term members of the Huntington music scene, the group has gathered a large audience playing local venues.
Emma recommends: Billy Lane
Yes, they’re related. For a great number of people who love Americana and other variations of folk music, John Prine is regarded as a master of his craft… and rightfully so. When an iconic name is mentioned elsewhere in a similar genre, the first questions asked are typically centered on whether or not this new artist is related to [insert famous artist’s name here]. In this case, Tommy Prine is indeed the youngest son of John Prine, and he absolutely has the genetic talent running through his blood. You can hear the influence in Tommy’s music, a catalog that started when Tommy turned to recording music following the death of his father in 2020. Releasing his first single in 2022 and later his debut album in June 2023, entitled This Far South, Prine has continued a family tradition of stirring souls through impeccable, homely music. Don’t think for a second that this young man is riding on his father’s coattails, because Tommy Prine is his own unique artist, one that appreciates the music that came before him and finds a way to be a fresh face in the world of folk and Americana.
Emma’s favorite: This Far South, Mirror and a Kitchen Sink
Johnathan’s favorite: Cash Carter Hill, Elohim
If you’ve spent any time exploring Kentucky’s booming folk/rock/country scene, chances are you’ve heard somebody say, “You’ve really got to hear Abby Hamilton.” The Nicholasville singer-songwriter has garnered a reputation as a can’t-miss live performer, opening for acts like Kelsey Waldon, Valley Queen, Arlo McKinley, and Justin Wells, as well as singing at festivals including Master Musicians and On the Rails. With influences ranging from the classic country divas to Bruce Springsteen, she wins over audiences with her clever lyrics and entrancing vocals.
Her long-anticipated second EP, “Afraid of the Dark,” is bound to appease Hamilton’s avid fan base, perfectly encapsulating her unique sound that feels just as comfortable in the Appalachian mountains as it does in a whiskey-soaked bar room in the city. She spent months in a hollow in Prestonsburg, Ky., crafting songs that tell stories inspired by true events about hope, home, and young love. It’s a genre-bending folk-rock experience that cements her place as one of the region’s most interesting young songwriters.
Emma recommends: #1 Zookeeper (of the San Diego Zoo), Whatever Helps You Sleep, Lucky
Johnathan recommends: Change Things, Big Time
Joslyn & the Sweet Compression take you right back into the 70s with their soul and RNB tracks. A group out of Lexington, Joslyn Hampton and her band of talented instrumentalists which include: Kasym Moldogaziev, Isaac Stephens, Tyler Papierniam, Rashawn Fleming, Trevin Little and Sam Richardson, have been bringing fans a mix of soul, RNB and funk since their self-titled debut album in 2019. Joslyn’s powerful voice takes you straight back to the times of Motown, with inspirations by Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. The band’s sophomore album Bona Fide which was released in 2023 is full of songs that describe the human condition. The album, which follows the death of co-founder and Joslyn’s step-father Marty Charters, makes you feel every human emotion—in Joslyn’s own words—to a backdrop of horns that is sure to bring funk to the Whizzbanger’s Ball.
Emma recommends: Cuttin’ It Off, What Did You Think Was Gonna Happen?
Johnathan recommends: Honey, Be and Sunday Driver
The Cincinnati native Arlo McKinley, often writes about wanting to leave. He released his debut album Arlo Mckinley & the Lonesome Sound in 2014 when he was 35 years old, which may seem like a late start but it gave him 35 years worth of material as well as let him avoid all of the growing pains that are often associated with starting music young. His music career was put on pause just after signing to John Prine’s record label due to his mom passing just before the release of his second album, McKinley uses music to say what he can’t, allowing his fans a look into his feelings with his lyrics. In 2020, he released Die Midwestern a mix of songs that tear out your heart and an open love-hate letter to the entire state of Ohio. His most recent album, This Mess We’re In allowed the introverted McKinley to get out all of the emotions he’d felt over the two years between releases.
Emma recommends: Die Midwestern, This Damn Town
Johnathan recommends: This Damn Town, Waiting for Wild Horses
Darrin Hacquard out of the Hocking Hills of Ohio brings you a version of yourself that you didn’t know you needed. Hacquard’s lyrics offer a sense of comfort and making you feel seen despite possibly not even knowing you. Offering a mix of Old Time, Psyche-Rock, Country, and Spaghetti Western, tells stories using “his appreciation of folk lore traditions and the truth of country music”. His debut album Signs & Wonders, which released in 2017 offers 69 minutes of diverse story-telling which transcends genre and offers tales anyone who listens can relate to. He is sure to bring every festival goer at the Whizzbanger’s Ball together.
Emma recommends: She’s Gone (For Anna), O Holy Heart Attack (Fa la La la La)
Johnathan recommends: You Were a Friend
A connoisseur of what he describes as “Mountain Funk”, Charlie Brown Superstar (Brett Fuller) blends funk, electronic and his Appalachian roots. A long-term member of the Huntington music scene, Fuller has been playing a large range of music focusing on Nu Disco and house since the mid-90s. He has collaborated with other acts on this ticket—collaborating on a song with Wayne Graham and co-producing and remixing Joyful Noise, the final installment of Tyler Childers’ most recent three-part album, Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?.
Emma recommends: Some Days (Charlie Brown Superstar Remix)
Johnathan recommends: Insane, Magoffin County Cadillac (Charlie Brown Superstar Remix)
Some people can’t be happy with what they’ve got, and that’s what Brad Goodall‘s debut album Made in America is all about. It’s the soundtrack for every moment in life where everything seems to be going perfectly, until there’s just a freefall and nothing seems to go your way. Borrowing its title from the Sopranos finale, the album makes you rethink everything you’ve got going for you. As a long friend of WMUL, Goodall released ‘Casa De Mel’ on this record, which long-time fans of the “Classroom Concert” series may remember him playing back in 2018. The album takes you into a smoky underground jazz club with his jazzy keyboard and looks that bring you straight into “Goodfellas”.
Watch his episode of Classroom Concerts here.
Emma recommends: Made in America
Johnathan recommends: How Long Has It Been, Casa De Mel
Coming out of the mountains of Kentucky, Wayne Graham is not just one person, actually being made up of four performers: brothers Kenny and Hayden Miles joined by Lee Owen on guitar and Jose Oreta on bass. Wayne and Graham were real people—the brothers’ grandfathers—which is just an introduction to how deep the familial lines run through their music. The two began playing music young—playing music with their father for the church band—which acts as a launching point for the groups eighth album Ish, which was partially inspired by the story of Lilith as well as exploring a conceptual fall from grace. Grab your wax wings and get existential with some toe-tapping melodies.
Emma recommends: How Was Your Night?, By and By
Johnathan recommends: Chifforobe
William Matheny is no stranger to performing. As a former member of Southeast Engine and current member of The Paranoid Style, the Mannington native has been releasing music since 2004 under a number of different groups and names. He started releasing music under William Matheny in 2016 with his self-released EP Blood Moon Singer. His most recent album, That Grand, Old Feeling, is the culmination of seven years of music. His musical style has been compared to the likes of Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Marshall Crenshaw, and The Modern Lovers’ Jonathan Richman.
Emma recommends: Blood Moon Singer, Every Way To Lose and That Grand, Old Feeling
Johnathan recommends: (I Pray) You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone
Jeremy Short describes his music as “Appalachian Space Funk” and there is truly no better way to describe it. With music full of blues influences, Short encourages you to forget the stress of life and get lost in his music. “Sometimes, you just gotta dance to get it out. So if you feel like dancing, dance. If you feel like singing along, do it. Do what feels right.”
Emma recommends: (Falling Into A) Trance
Johnathan recommends: Rock Of Ages, Time
El Dorodo brings a fiery roadshow to the Summit Bechtel Reserve this weekend, blending classic country and western roots with the downright bizarre and fun nature of the band members. El Dorodo consists of a core three members of Tyler Childers’ The Food Stamps (Craig Burletic on bass, James Barker on guitar, Rod Elkins on drums), and rounded out with Doug Woodard on vocals. First releasing a single entitled “Life of Sin” in late 2022, not to be confused with the hit of the same name from Sturgill Simpson, and eventually releasing a full album just one month later in January 2023. The album Unincorporated features 10 songs, spanning over half an hour of country gold. Now on the “Third Shift Jaunt” tour, the foursome is traveling across multiple states in pursuit of showing off some of the finest jams in the band’s respective genre, whatever that genre may be.
Emma recommends: Cowboys/Cowgirls, The Rose of San Antone
Johnathan recommends: Life of Sin, I Get Around
Straight out of Cincinnati, Ohio, Buffalo Wabs & the Price Hill Hustle consists of four immensely talented musicians that hover in the Americana genre of music. Much like a number of other bands and artists at Whizzbanger’s Ball this weekend, Buffalo Wabs doesn’t stick to such tropes, despite being labeled in it. Matt “Buffalo Wabs” Wabnitz directs his fellow bandmates by delivering stirring vocal performances and mean lead guitar vocals. A band that doesn’t shy away from gimmicky names, the Price Hill Hustle portion of the ensemble consists of Casey “The Deacon” Campbell on drums and percussion, “Bullseye” Bill Baldock on the upright bass, and Scott “The Kentucky Waterfall” Risner on pretty much any other instrument one can think of, including the likes of mandolin, banjo, and guitar. The band put out its most recent full-length album in 2019 but has continued to impress fans on their touring circuits.
Emma’s favorite: Long Gone (From Bowling Green)
Johnathan’s favorite: Long Gone (From Bowling Green), Stewball
Hailing from the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, John R. Miller is no stranger to adversity. He would prioritize his work as a touring musician above all else, leading to failing relationships. He self-medicated with alcohol for a long time before letting music become his medication, leading to his debut album Depreciated in 2021. With J.J. Cale serving as an inspiration for Miller, the songs on the album are often dark being played from absolute rock bottom with some funky elements being let in like sunlight through the shades. His sophomore album Heat Comes Down grows on you like ivy on a wall. John R. Miller’s music consists of listless muses from the underbelly of life, and real world dispatches from his past and present. It’s the sound of abandoned buildings and broken down old rusty cars, and bleary spirits from bad decisions that want to blame themselves on others, but know deep down they’re self-inflicted. It’s the act of finding beauty in the decay, and perseverance in the struggle. It’s an appreciation for old things that hold up over time, and finding a strange sense of happiness from hapless fates.
Emma recommends: Conspiracies, Cults & UFOs , Lookin’ Over My Shoulder
Johnathan recommends: Shenandoah Shakedown, Red Eyes
There’s a reason this man is closing the weekend. Tyler Childers rides into the inaugural Whizzbanger’s Ball at the top of the country music world, accompanied by his high-flying band that is better known as “The Food Stamps”, ready to close Saturday night the right way. Childers hails from Lawrence County, Kentucky, and has released a number of classic records since his recorded debut, Bottles and Bibles, in 2011. The Food Stamps are Childers’ heavily tenured traveling band, with three of them also holding down the fort with El Dorodo (Craig Burletic on bass, James Barker on guitar, Rod Elkins on drums). His most recent album, Rustin’ In The Rain features longtime classics from the red-headed superstar that finally got a studio recording, as well as covers like Kris Kristofferson’s hit “Help Me Make It Through The Night.” The album also features the heartfelt “In Your Love”, the sixth song of Childers’ catalog to be certified platinum. Tyler Childers is the standard in country and folk music today, no questions asked.
Emma recommends: Way of the Triune God, All Your’n, Coal
Johnathan recommends: Creeker, Honky Tonk Flame, Percheron Mules
You can read Johnathan’s article about Tyler Childers from February here.