Rhythm & Raiz Music Festival is a sonic celebration of original artists and their music, community, and cause. Join us!!! All festival proceeds go to Raiz Ministry, educating and empowering the youth of the Dominican Republic. A suggested $20 donation at the door gets you access to all 3 days of music! A $100 Donation will give you a chance to win a select bottle of bourbon. Some valued over $250. Drawings will be held the last night of the festival. You do not have to be present to win.

Schedule Of Events

12 PM : Maggie Aldridge - Outside

Maggie Aldridge is a singer-songwriter from Johnson City, TN. As a proud member of the Johnson City music scene, she is excited to bring a taste of the TN scene to NC for a day. Her voice rests at the intersection of soothing and soulful- somewhere between the jazz-folk influence of Norah Jones and the pop coffeehouse sound of Ingrid Michaelson.

1PM : Ethan Wallace - Outside

Ethan Wallace is a local singer songwriter with deep roots in country music.  His latest single is Roadside Dandelions 

2PM : Haley Besson - Outside

Indie singer/songwriter Haley Besson, began songwriting at the early age of 13. Her simple beginning of learning guitar sparked an inescapable love of music, which not only grew, but also followed her into adulthood. Although Besson took a step back from music during her college years, her yearning for true expression never left. Picking back up where she left off with a desire to speak louder, connect deeper, and remain honest, Besson decided in early 2024 it was time to be heard. Influenced by artists like Noah Kahan, Lord Huron, and Young the Giant, her music contains both folk and pop elements with topics that are easy to relate to and melodies that are sure to be stuck in your head long after listening. Haley loves connecting with people through music and her songs explore a range of emotions from uplifting, "pep talk-like" anthems meant to inspire and empower, to more introspective pieces that dive deep into the complexities of the human experience. Her lyrics often touch on universally relatable themes, making listeners feel both seen and heard. Her genuine approach to songwriting and her desire to connect on a deeper level make her a refreshing voice in today’s musical landscape. Haley is in the process of recording now, and hopes to release her first album in late 2025.

3PM : Joe Middleton - Outside

Charlotte-based singer songwriter, Joe Middleton is a purveyor of the story song. Falling somewhere between coffee house folk singer and alt-country troubadour, Middleton draws influences ranging from Springsteen to Petty, from Isbell to Steve Earle and everything in-between. Much of his material tackles headlines from social and political climates, both past and present. According to Middleton, “I want to create art that celebrates justice and calls out injustice.” His warm baritone voice and finger-style guitar playing provide a lush soundscape for his listener-friendly songs. After years of fronting various bands, Middleton ultimately stepped out on his own in 2019 with his first solo recording, Highway Tremolo.

4PM : Mike Alicke - Outside

Mike Alicke is an Award Winning Singer/Songwriter from the Charlotte area and is also the host of several Songwriter Showcases and Open Mic events- He also performs all over the Carolinas and is currently in the studio finishing a new recording.

5PM : Dylan Ray - Outside

6PM : Tony Thomas - Outside

Tony Thomas is an award-winning songwriter from Marshville, NC, and writer of the June 2024 RadioMusicDJ Chart's number one song, More Like Elvis; currently affiliated with Nashville music publisher Bill Butler Music.

7PM : Double R - Outside

Double R is the founder of the Charlotte independent group "No Delusions of Grandeur Band.... NDOG Band". RR sings Soulful and southern songs that talk about life in his music. It has been described as music about real life.

8 PM : Underground Owls - Inside

11PM : 9DayTrip - Inside

9daytrip is described as, soulful blues, homegrown Carolina country and rock-n-roll roots mixed with psychedelic jam, an Americana sound all their own. Their first EP, “Two Sides to Every Tale,” was nominated for Best Americana Group by the Carolina Music Awards. Then they released a single titled, “9daytrip”, winning the Best Americana Group of the Year Award. Following up on their success with their first LP, “Into the Great Unknown,” and gained another nomination. Two years later their second LP "Truth and other Folklore" was released which reflects a more seasoned band. Their best work to date. 9daytrip live performances are exhilarating to both the audience and the band. Their novel story line songs have a way of intimately captivating the listener in ways that are both personal and endearing.