THE LOWTIMERS + MINOR GOLD
On May 29, The Crepe Place in Santa Cruz hosts a double bill of road-tested Americana featuring The Lowtimers and award winning folk/rock duo from Australia - Minor Gold.
For nearly a decade, Austin Smith and Mark Tegio built their reputation as a guitar-driven songwriting duo, honing their sound through years of touring up and down I-5 from San Diego to Seattle. Influenced by the intricate interplay of Doc & Merle Watson and the stark lyricism of Townes Van Zandt and Blaze Foley, their early work centered on stripped-back, harmony-rich folk.
Now expanded into a five-piece-Tegio (guitar, vocals), Smith (guitar, vocals, harmonica), Tim Kelso (drums), Andrew Dreher (bass, harmonies), and Payton Vermeesch (pedal steel)-The Lowtimers retain that core songwriting focus while broadening their sonic range. The result is soulful, clear-eyed Americana: detailed character sketches, steady grooves, and pedal steel woven through songs about hard miles and harder lessons.
"California Country finds a home on the Central Coast in the sound of The Lowtimers...Their latest release, Cracks, is Cosmic Country for 2025, honoring truckdriver Country while expanding on its potential with Indie intuition."
– The Alternate Root
"Their fusion of a range of Americana sounds feels organic and cohesive. For those seeking music that acknowledges life's hardships while still finding joy, 'Cracks' offers a deeply authentic and rewarding listen." - AmericanaUK
"The Lowtimers Capture Americana Soul" – Rock the Pigeon
Joining them are award winning duo from Australia Minor Gold; touring North America in support of their acclaimed sophomore album Way to the Sun. Produced by Dan Horne (Mapache, Cass McCombs), the record highlights the pair's 'twin' vocal blend and understated arrangements. Built on years of international touring across North America, the UK, Europe, and Australia, their live show balances precision and warmth, moving easily between cosmic country and contemporary folk.
"There's an alluring telepathy to the way the voices curl around each other, rarely heard in country music since Emmylou Harris rode shotgun with Gram Parsons, aligned to eloquent lyrics." – UNCUT
★★★★ - Shindig (UK)
"There's definite gold worth mining here. ...shades of a lazily funky Nilsson hanging out with Bobbie Gentry... Southern soul." -