Waynestock 13 Offers Joy, Hope, and Healing – And a Lot of Great Music

Rica Chicha, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025
Feral Kytty, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025

It’s hard to believe it’s been fourteen years since the first Waynestock in 2011. I covered it then in two parts. A lot has changed since then — the stage moved from the end of the room to the middle, the rest of the space was renovated, we all grew older. Some things stayed the same: Daniel Schuh has continued to welcome the festival to Relix Theater every year (a couple of years went missing with the pandemic), great musicians give their time each year, great people come together, good causes are supported, and a good time is had by all.

Born of tragedy, the first year grew out of a desire to support Wayne Bledsoe, long-time music critic for the Knoxville News Sentinel, and advocate for local music. His son Drew had died and the music community came together to help and to show their love. The festival also coincidentally falls around Wayne’s birthday each year. I heard he turned 39 this year, but I was unable to verify the information. The community enjoyed the show so much that a next iteration was planned simply as a celebration. That changed with the death of Phil Pollard, a beloved local musician who died too early. Funds went to his children.

And so it has gone. Some years there is a musician (or more) in need, some years are devoted to groups who support local music and other good endeavors. This year the $10 nightly admission went to local online radio upstart Knoxville Community Radio and the packed room each night produced the biggest donation to a group in Waynestock history. The shows also started with an acknowledgement of the passing of Laith Keilany, beloved local musician, whose portrait and oud adorned the front of the stage. His mother came for the first night tributes.

Kevin Abernathy, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025
Jacc Moran, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025
The Jody Manross Band, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025
The Jody Manross Band, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025
Trisha Gene Brady and the In-Betweens, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025
Feral Kytty, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025
Feral Kytty, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025

The first night started off with a songwriter showcase, which has been the case every year. It’s a nice way to ease into the shows and hear some of the amazing songwriters who make this town their home. This round featured Jacc Moran and Kevin Abernathy (who has graced the Waynestock stage many times). Kevin is long established as one of the city’s best songwriters and Jacc made his case for one of the best of the next generation. That mix of new and old was evident throughout the three nights.

I looked back at the photos I took fourteen years ago (hopefully the photos have improved) and found Sean McCollough and Steph Gunnoe, along with Karen Reynolds, and Greg Horne were the first performers ever at Waynestock on the songwriter’s spotlight. Karen was scheduled to be in the opening this year, but illness prevented her presence. Sean and Steph played with their band, The Lonetones, on night two. Greg played behind several artists this year as he does most years. It’s comforting to see many same faces through the years mingled with emerging voices.

After the songwriter’s showcase the stage was graced in sequence by a reunion of the hard-driving Jody Manross Band, the country rock of Trisha Jean and the In-Betweens and the electronic-rock of Feral Kytty. Jody, who was very close friends with Laith gave a heartfelt tribute, as did others. On a side note, Feral Kytty is Christina Horn, who also played the first night of the first Waynestock. I can’t do each band justice, but Jody still boasts one of the most powerful voices on the planet, Trisha Jean seems to have found her long-term groove, and Christina remains, as always, one of the most talented and compelling musicians in the city.

Complete Day One Photos:

The Lonetones, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025
Rica Chicha, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025
Jonathan Sexton and the Big Love Choir, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025
Thrift Store Cowboys, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025
The New Romantics, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025
Mercy Lights, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, January, 2025

Night two got underway with the aforementioned Lonetones, whose sweet harmonies, incisive lyrics, and excellent musicianship served very well to ease us into the second round. If there was to be a party (and there was), Kukuly Uriarte and her most recent band Rica Chica brought the party. Beyond fun, the music served a mashup of electric guitar, banjo, horns, and more. Thanks to Steph Gunnoe for explaining the roots of Chicha music, which is a sub-genre of Peruvian Cumbia.

The night continued with another reunion as Jonathan Sexton and the Big Love Choir kept the energy flowing to the delight of their many fans who had obviously anticipated the moment. The Thrift Store Cowboys brings together some of Knoxville’s best songwriting and musicianship and the night rocked on. The New Romantics (the sensational Brandon Biondo solo) got the crowd dancing with his keyboard/programming/guitar work. He’s a one-man show and someone you should catch if you like to dance. The night ended with Mercy Lights, long-time primal punk band who delivered a master class in sheer stage power.

Complete Day Two Photos:

Nightjar, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, February, 2025
Brendon James Wright and the Wrongs, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, February, 2025
Tennessee Love Connection, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, February, 2025
Medford’s Black Record Collection, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, February, 2025
Allstar Finale, Waynestock 13, Relix Theatre, Knoxville, February, 2025

I messed up on night three, missing opening act Shayla Daniels. I’d really looked forward to hearing what she’s up to now. Definitely check her out. Nightjar started up their set as I arrived with the multi talented Melanie LaFoy (keyboard, guitar, songwriter, French instructor, chef) and her band Nightjar. They set the pace for a great final night that included Brendon James Wright and the Wrongs, who I had not heard in years. More great songwriting there.

Tennessee Love Connection took the stage next and, along with Rica Chicha became my favorite find of the weekend. They describe themselves psychedelic rock and there is definitely a sixties groove about this band that really feels like they could have something that could grow and have a real future. Americana band Medford’s Black Record Collection reunited for the closing slot for a band and served as a great conclusion to the weekend.

Except for the tribute, all-star portion of the show. Long a tradition, the final slot is reserved for a shifting collection of the finest local artists paying their respects to musicians who have passed in the last year. The set started off with a performance fronted by Russ Harper and Michael Crawley serving up a couple of MC5 songs. Music of the Alman Brothers Band, Blackberry Smoke, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Kris Kristopherson, David Bowie (David Sandborn who played on Young Americans died this year), Malcombe Holcombe, and Mojo Nixon flowed into the night and sent us on our way.

If you missed it this year or you’ve missed it every year, mark the last weekend in January 2026 on your calendar and don’t make that mistake again. It’s by far the quickest route to understanding the tradition and the current state of local music in the city. Thanks to everyone who brings it every year.

Complete Day Three Photos:

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