BEN SOLLEE: Over the last two decades, Kentuckian Ben Sollee has distinguished himself as multi-faceted creative, blurring the lines between music, tech, and activism. A graduate of the Univeristy of Louisville School of Music, he holds a BFA in cello performance. Since his debut record in 2008, Mr. Sollee has released 6 studio records and nearly 10 EPs garnering praise from the New York Times and NPR. His music has been featured in tv shows such as Weeds and Parenthood. In addition, Sollee has a growing career as a composer for film, tv, and interactive media earning a Emmy Award in 2018 for his score on the ABC special Base Ballet. Beyond music, Mr. Sollee is known for his social and environmental advocacy working with organizations like Oxfam America, The Nature Conservancy, and Canopy KY to protect people and the land. He currently lives in Louisville, KY with his wife and three children.
THE WILDWOODS: “Every note we play is a chapter in our story, a journey through the heart of American roots music. We’re The Wildwoods—where each lyric is a leaf in the vast forest of our sound.”From the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, The Wildwoods have grown into a folk/Americana trio rooted in rich harmonies and heartfelt storytelling. Formed by husband-and-wife duo Noah (guitar) and Chloe Gose (violin), and joined by longtime friend and bassist Andrew Vaggalis, the band crafts songs that feel both intimate and expansive—tales of home, hope, and the open road.Their newest release, Dear Meadowlark (2025), is a love letter to the land that raised them. Inspired by seasons of touring, homesickness, and rediscovery, the album weaves chamber-folk arrangements with poetic lyricism, highlighting their signature harmonies and acoustic instrumentation. It follows a growing discography that includes Sweet Nostalgia (2017), Birdie & Goose (2017), Across a Midwest Sky (2019), and Foxfield Saint John (2023).On stage, The Wildwoods have shared lineups with artists like Mighty Poplar, Sierra Ferrell, Aoife O’Donovan, Melissa Carper, Jaime Wyatt, and Joe Nichols, with appearances at renowned festivals including Summerfest, FreshGrass, and the Oyster Ridge Music Festival. Their songwriting continues to gain national attention—earning 2nd place in the 2024 Rocky Mountain Songwriting Contest for their song “Sweet Niobrara,” and securing semi-final spots in the International Songwriting Competition with “Untitled” and “Way of Train.”The trio has also been recognized locally, earning the title of Best Band in the Lincoln Journal Star’s 2022 Lincoln’s Choice Awards and consistently receiving honors from the Omaha Arts and Entertainment Awards. They were finalists in both the FreshGrass Band Competition and the Gems on VHS “Gems in the Rough” contest in 2023.Influenced by artists like Watchhouse, Nickel Creek, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, The Wildwoods blend folk, bluegrass, and indie sensibilities into something uniquely their own. Their music is lush with nature imagery, layered harmonies, and an emotional sincerity that captures the quiet beauty of their Midwestern roots.
Whether weaving tales from their rural upbringing or capturing fleeting moments from life on tour, The Wildwoods create a sound that feels like home…wherever you are.