Erick Baker is an Emmy Award-winning folk soul singer-songwriter from Knoxville, Tennessee, who has spent nearly two decades turning personal confessions and raw emotion into soulful Americana that hits you right in the chest.
Erick Baker– Unbroken Promise
Asheville’s MountainXpress calls him a“heart-on-his-sleeve troubadour” with “a smoke and whiskey tenor full of range and emotion.” A self-taught musician, Baker didn’t pick up a guitar until after college, yet he has gone on to share the stage with artists like John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Grace Potter, and the GooGoo Dolls, as well as rock legends Heart. His sound lives at the intersection of folk, rock, country, and soul, drawing comparisons to Ray La Montagne and Amos Lee while remaining distinctly his own.
Since his 2008 debut, Baker has released eight albums and earned national recognition not only for his music but also as a children’s book author and host of the PBS travel series Tennessee Valley Uncharted, celebrating his Southern roots. On stage, Baker’s music is at its best. Known for his captivating live shows, he brings a ferocious, leave-it-all-on-the-stage energy to every performance. Whether in a sold-out theater or an intimate listening room, he doesn’t just play the songs; he makes you feel them. That authenticity, combined with years of relentless touring, has built a fiercely loyal following and carried him from smoky barrooms to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
As The Daily Times writes, “Baker has built a career out of peeling back the skin and bones that surround his beating heart…to watch him perform is to witness a man who truly believes in what he’s doing.”An independent artist through and through, Erick Baker has built his career on his own terms, powered by the people who show up, listen, and believe in the music. With the release of his upcoming studio album, Beautiful Life, in early 2027, he continues to turn the raw reality and poetry of everyday life into songs that feel like your own.
North State Grass- Toad
North State Grass, from Charlotte NC, is a progressive bluegrass quartet that will move your feet, touch your heart, and spin your head. Inspired by the drive of Jimmy Martin and Tony Rice Unit with the modern edge of Sierra Hull and Billy Strings. North State Grass delivers lightning-fast picking, tight harmonies, ear worm originals, and a sound that bridges tradition and modern flair.
Composed of Steven Davidson (mandolin), Cooper Eades (guitar), and Angel Chantel (bass), Levi Austin (banjo), the band pulls from a wide range of musical influences from rock, funk, metal, and jambands while staying rooted in bluegrass. North State Grass keeps crowds moving and guessing what’s next. North State Grass has had the honor of playing alongside legendary flatpicker and Doc Waston’s guitarist, Jack Lawernce, celebrating Doc’s birthday, now on their 4th annual event. NSG has been direct support for national acts like Leftover Salmon, Andy Falco and Travis Book of Infamous Stringdusters, Jon Stickley trio and more, also having friends sit-in like Kyle Tuttle, Bob Margolin of Muddy Waters and members of Songs from the Road Band, Fireside Collective, and Time Sawyer to name a few.
Song of the Mountains® showcases the best talents in Bluegrass, Americana, and Old-time music. An award-winning public television concert series showcasing music, musicians, musical heritage, and culture of the Southern Appalachians!
Live concerts are held monthly at The Lincoln Theatre with shows videotaped for the award-winning Television Series, which can be seen on public television affiliates throughout the country.
Song of the Mountains is presented by the Appalachian Music Heritage Foundation. *Talent subject to change.
