Whippoorwill and Mike Clark and the Sugar Sounds with Wes Watkins

Written and Photographed By Michael Emaneule of Backstage Flash

Wes Watkins rolled onto the stage and delivered an uplifting eye opening set. An accomplished trumpet player and student of life his message through music is to encourage people to experience themselves. He has a unique flare to his look and a powerful message in his voice and an open heart to an ever changing society.

Mike Clark and the Sugar Sounds take you on a wild ride. Funky soulful grooves that move you. Inspired by the likes of Otis Redding and R.L. Burnside, their music has smooth danceable arrangements with a contemporary feel. The trio of guitar, keyboards and drums were all that was needed to create magic. At times the music was very reminiscent of the 1970's Sly Stone and Deep Purple keyboard driven sound. It was a cool and innovative set of music, I throughly enjoyed it!

Whippoorwill - Americana, folk/rock.
Aside from being incredibly talented musicians and architects of lyrical content, they write and sing from the heart. Channeling raw emotion from the dynamics of life, the well crafted and precisely performed arrangements are truthful and fearless. Gracefully gritty and melodic the songs come from many different backgrounds and landscapes of America. The band continues to navigate life's lessons, joys and misfortunes as the music gives you a broad view of the ever changing world. On a personal level I am proud and moved by my talented friends.
Also, Staci Foster uses a violin bow on her banjo, so there's that!