Unleash the Magic: Your Guide to Mile-0-Fest in Key West

They say the most magical place on earth is located in central Florida, but if you’re heading to the seventh-annual Mile-0-Fest in Key West, buckle up for an unforgettable experience! Before you embark on this musical journey, here are five key insights to ensure you make the most of your island time:

1. Flexibility is Key

Prepare for spontaneity! Plans may shift and popular shows might fill up faster than you expect, but there’s no reason to panic. The island is loaded with talent, promising an exceptional experience even if your schedule takes an unexpected turn. Embrace the unpredictability as it’s all part of the adventure and it just may lead to making some unforgettable memories.

2. Discover New Artists

While indulging in your favorite acts is a must, Mile-0-Fest is a treasure trove of undiscovered talent. With shows running most every day from 11:00am to midnight, seize the opportunity to explore new artists. Whether you’ve heard about them or not, each performance promises a unique musical journey.

3. Embrace Water Adventures

Why settle for just music when you can combine it with an aquatic adventure? Mile-0-Fest presents thrilling opportunities like the Charity Fishing Derby, Tipsy-Tiki rentals, and Live Music Sails. You can also dive into many offshore experiences with discounted rates on activities like snorkeling and parasailing from Fury Water Adventures.

4. Support Charities

Make your festival experience meaningful by contributing to causes close to the heart. Join in events like the Fishing Derby and signed guitar auctions to support charities like the Red Dirt Relief Fund, Michelle Halpern Foundation, Key West Wildlife, Key Civic Association, and Florida Keys SPCA. Dance with purpose while making positive impacts in the local and music communities!

5. Use the Mile-0-Fest App

Consider the festival app your personal key to the kingdom. Stay on top of the schedule, receive timely push notifications for any changes, and elevate your overall experience with instant updates. The app is your navigator in this sea of musical bliss.

As you revel in the unique atmosphere, remember to give all artists and their performances the appreciation they deserve – also, don’t forget to tip your bartenders! Take a moment to acknowledge the dedication of everyone involved in creating the magic of Mile-0-Fest. It’s not just a festival; it’s a celebration of music, unity, and the overall spirit of Key West. Get ready to have a blast, meet new friends, and create some lifelong memories!

Mile 0 Fest Announces Initial 2024 Lineup

It seems like only yesterday that Mile 0 Fest arrived on the red dirt and Americana scene with a lineup announcement for their very first festival seven years ago. Taking place along the southernmost point of the continental United States in Key West, Florida, this event continues to evolve and grow each and every year. The very first lineup was far too impressive for many to ignore and this festival continues putting fans first while creating a unique experience that is unmatched anywhere else in the country.

The folks at Oh Wook! Productions and those working alongside their organization, including the city of Key West, have created arguably the best festival available, regardless of genre. Continuing with their traditional January dates for this seventh installment (January 23-27, 2024), the initial list of artists expected to join fans this year may just be their best to date.

RETURNING FOR YEAR SEVEN (11): Bri Bagwell, Wade Bowen, Kaitlin Butts, Cody Canada and the Departed, Jason Eady, Mike and the Moonpies, Courtney Patton, Red Dirt Rangers, Tina Wilkins, Walt Wilkins, Jamie Lin Wilson

BACK FROM A PREVIOUS YEAR (30): American Aquarium, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Roger Creager, Dalton Domino, Kevin Fowler, Kylie Frey, John Fullbright, Adam Hood, Jack Ingram, Jason Scott and the High Heat, Lucas Jagneaux and the Roadshow, Micky and the Motorcars, Randy Rogers Band, Charlie Robison, Shane Smith and the Saints, Heather Stalling, Max Stalling, Stoney Larue, Jacob Stelly, The Band of Heathens, The Damn Quails, Them Dirty Roses, The Red Clay Strays, The Steel Woods, Paul Thorn, Topo Chico Cowboys (Josh Grider and Drew Kennedy), Uncle Lucius, Morgan Wade, William Clark Green

MAKING THEIR INITIAL APPEARANCE (12): Josh Abbott Band, Tanner Usrey, Josh Ward, Meg Mcree, Ben Chapman, William Beckmann, Josh Weathers, Django Walker, Vandoliers, Taylor Hunnicutt, Lance Roark, Jonathan Terrell

Night In the Country Carolinas Returns (August 25-27)

Night in the Country Music Festivals returns to Tryon Resort in Mill Spring, North Carolina for Night in the Country Carolinas tomorrow (8/25) for three huge nights of music. This experience brings some of today’s hottest artists to the Carolina foothills for music and a wide range of unique events and attractions including the Craft Beer ExperienceGrapeland, the Beer RelayMaze Bar, the Tournament of Champions, and more. The festival also features an outdoor nightlife experience after the
concerts with even more local talent like Dirty Grass Soul and Rocky Yelton and The Hired Guns. It’s all set on festival grounds unlike any other with restaurants, shopping, and on-site accommodations including cabins and RV camping.

Photo Courtesy of Night In the Country Music Festivals

NITC Music Festivals is behind the largest and longest running country music festival in Nevada. It expanded to the South with its second festival, Night in the Country Carolinas, in 2021. Thousands of country music fans attended the inaugural Night in the Country Carolinas and 2022 is anticipated to be even bigger as the Carolinas festival continues to grow.
Festivalgoers can choose to purchase a One-Day Pass or a 3-Day Pass for Night in the Country Carolinas (CLICK HERE FOR PASSES) with a variety of options from GA all the way up to the exclusive Ridge Lounge.

FULL LINEUP:

Thursday (8/25) = 12:00-4:00 PM Champagne Charlie, 4:45 PM Kylie Frey, 6:15 PM Travis Denning, 7:45 PM Jimmie Allen, 9:30 PM Darius Rucker, 11:00 PM Dirty Grass Soul

Friday (8/26) = 12:00-4:00 PM Craig Henry, 4:45 PM Randall King, 6:15 PM Lainey Wilson, 7:45 PM Jameson Rodgers, 9:30 PM Jon Pardi, 11:00 PM Rocky Yelton and the Hired Guns

Saturday (8/27) = 12:00-4:00 PM Avery Roberson, 4:45 PM Cody Canada and the Departed, 6:15 PM Aaron Watson, 7:45 PM Ashley McBryde, 9:30 PM Dierks Bentley, 11:00 PM Rocky Yelton and the Hired Guns

Mile 0 Fest Announces Initial 2023 Lineup

Hard to believe that it was six years ago when Mile 0 Fest arrived on the red dirt and Americana scene down in Key West, Florida. A logistical hurdle just to secure artists and patrons at the southernmost point of America, the very first lineup was far too impressive for many to ignore and this event continues to evolve and grow each and every year. The folks at Oh Wook! Productions and those working alongside their organization, including the city of Key West, have created arguably the best festival in the country, regardless of genre. Maintaining their traditional January dates for this sixth installment (January 24-28), the initial list of artists expected to join fans this year is impressive as always.

RETURNING FOR YEAR SIX: Bri Bagwell, Wade Bowen, Kaitlin Butts, Cody Canada and the Departed, Jason Eady, Mike and the Moonpies, Courtney Patton, Red Dirt Rangers, Tina Wilkins, Walt Wilkins, Jamie Lin Wilson

BACK FROM A PREVIOUS YEAR: American Aquarium, Willy Braun, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Roger Creager, Dalton Domino, Kevin Fowler, Kylie Frey, John Fullbright, Adam Hood, Jack Ingram, Lucas Jagneaux and the Roadshow, Corb Lund, Jesse Lynn Madera, Micky and the Motorcars, Randy Rogers Band, RC and the Ambers, Shane Smith and the Saints, Heather Stalling, Max Stalling, Sunny Sweeney, The Band of Heathens, The Damn Quails, The Great Divide, The Red Clay Strays, Topo Chico Cowboys (Josh Grider and Drew Kennedy), Morgan Wade

MAKING THEIR INITIAL APPEARANCE: Jesse Daniel, Midnight River Choir, Lauren Morrow, Ian Munsick, Muscadine Bloodline, Kayla Ray, Them Dirty Roses

Sam Foster – ‘Heatwaves’ Album Review

Sam Foster returns with an appropriately named new album, ‘Heatwaves’ just in time for the summer sun. However, this album isn’t shallow party songs, but instead is packed with depth and subsistence from start to finish.

Highlighted by the title track, ‘Heatwaves‘, Foster touches on a variety of subjects including sobriety and social anxiety, while sharing his latest collection of songs. Included is a murder mystery, ‘Get It Tonight‘, and other local tales all before the final track ‘Loud and Clear‘ brings it home with a unique sound and message of the need for more empathy in today’s world.

His fourth record in eight years, Foster’s range, songwriting, and live performances continue to evolve, leaving fans eager to see what’s next for this native North Carolinian.

Recorded at Earthtones Recording Studio in Greensboro (NC) and produced by chief engineer, Benjy Johnson, ‘Heatwaves‘ paves the way for Foster to continue making music his own way while embracing a growing audience of fans across the state, region, and country.

Sam Foster and The Obsolete are celebrating their album release with Magnolia Green and Crenshaw Pentecostal at High Rock Outfitters on Friday (6/17) in Lexington.

Musicians featured on “Heatwaves“:

Lead Vocals/Guitar- Sam Foster
Guitar/Vocals- Seth Williams
Bass/Vocals- Brad Cardille
Drums- Jacob Kuhn
Drums- Brian Norris
Keys- Nikki Forrester
Fiddle- Emanuel Wynter
Vocals- Laura Jane Vincent
Vocals- Emily Stewart
Vocals- Sara Twomey
Theremin- Benjy Johnson

TRACK LIST: 1) Let Me Out 2) Heatwaves 3) Smooth Silk Suit 4) Custom Deluxe 5) (Somebody’s Gonna) Get It Tonight 6) Seven Alarm 7) Memorial Day 8) False Poet-Prophet 9) Even Steven 10) Drama Queen 11) Big Yellow Bat 12) Loud and Clear

Drew Cooper – ‘This Life – Part 1’ Album Review

Splitting time between Arizona and Texas, Drew Cooper has found an audience among those who enjoy story-telling and honesty from their singer-songwriters. Considered by many to be under the broad Americana umbrella, the truth is there’s a fine mix and influence of different genres – country, rock, red dirt, and more, throughout Part 1 of “This Life” (released April 15). Ultimately, it’s an artist sharing their personal thoughts and feelings just as they envisioned without making any sacrifice to fit a profile or match a label.

With an entertaining cover of John Prine’sAngel From Montgomery‘, Cooper’s attention grabbing baritone sets the stage for a true life journey across a broad range of different topics. Highlighted by the title track, ‘This Life‘, Cooper touches on a variety of subjects while sharing stories to which many can relate, like a rocking ‘American Son‘. The second track precedes ‘Darker and Darker‘, another powerful piece that highlights Cooper’s range and leaves fans eager to see what the second part of this double-album has in store.

Recorded at Studio 606 in Los Angeles (home to the Foo Fighters) and produced by its chief engineer, John Lousteau, ‘This Life‘ paves the way for Cooper to continue making music his own way while embracing a growing audience of Texas and red dirt fans.

The Drew Cooper Band is John June on bass, Austin Sweeney on lead guitar, Austin Goff on drums and Drew Cooper on lead vocals and acoustic guitar.

Musicians featured on “This Life“:

Lead vocals/ acoustic guitar-Drew Cooper
Bass-John June
Bass- Evan Myaskovsky
Drums- Matt Ryman
Drums, percussion, background vocals- John lousteau
Guitar- Patrick James Junior
Guitar- Oliver Roman
Guitar- Jack Maher
Keys- Martine Guigui
Mandolin-Drew Taubenfeld
Dobro- Albert Hickman
Fiddle-Jody Bartula

Mile 0 Fest 2022: An Experience To Remember

Time is a funny thing. Less than a week removed from the fifth installment of Mile 0 Fest in Key West, Florida, it feels so far away. On the other hand, it’s also hard to believe this once dream concept has now grown into the behemoth it is today. A boutique red dirt and Americana festival at the southernmost point of the United States is a far-fetched idea on the surface, but Kyle Carter, his staff, volunteers, and locals have turned this event into one of the most impressive music festivals in the land – across all genres.

Returning to its usual late January dates after moving to April last year, Mile 0 Fest kicked off under absolutely gorgeous weather before suffering one day of Florida winter, which was still better than most attendees left in order to arrive on the island. However, fans weren’t to be deterred and they were helped by the heat bands were brining all across the island (more on that later). Overall, this year ranks among one of the best yet and, as every year does, has left both current, returning, and future attendees with a sense of excitement and anticipation for what next year has in store.

Shane Smith and the Saints

FRAMILY – FRIENDS + FAMILY

Let’s begin by stating there are no words that could possibly describe the overall experience for those in attendance. From rookies to veterans, the friendships and relationships spawned as a result of this festival is something definitely unique to this event. Many from across the country, continent, and ocean, have developed friendships and look forward to meeting up in paradise for one week a year. But the best thing may be how newcomers are just as easily welcomed into these circles as there’s space for everyone on the island. Whether you want to sleep in, be a tourist, turn in early, or party all night, there’s something for you, all while the focal point remains on each artist and their music throughout the entire week.

SPECIALTY SHOWS

Only at Mile 0 Fest can you witness the many characters of Courtney Patton in action, while also hearing the Sequestered Songwriters sing Jimmy Buffett songs on a beach. The ability of this festival to continually come up with ideas for these artists to collaborate and entertain is amazing. One of the best shows this year was hosted by the Topo Chico Cowboys, Drew Kennedy and Josh Grider, who have quickly grown into fan favorites. Their ‘All Night 90’s’ country covers kicked off with Brooks and Dunn’sBrand New Man‘ as many other artists took to the stage throughout the evening, keeping the crowd entertained late into the night. But well known artists weren’t the only one’s there to steal the show. Festival founder Kyle Carter hopped on stage at least twice, showcasing his talents that once defeated Cody Canada in a battle of the bands, singing ‘What Might Have Been‘ by Little Texas during the event and playing again at ‘The Last Bloody Brunch’ – alongside scheduled artists Jake Flint, John Goolsby, Blake Lankford, and Justin Clyde Williams in addition to a few other special guests.

All Night 90’s

Perhaps no other band embodies the spirit of Mile 0 Fest more than Mike and the Moonpies. Performing three sets during the week, they kicked off night one with what has quickly become a tradition – ‘Honky Tonk Tuesday’. It helped set the tone for the week ahead as these specialized experiences are something only a festival centered on showcasing its artists can deliver. Another Mile 0 Fest staple, Jamie Lin Wilson, hosted ‘The Sing-a-long’ Friday night leading to some fun combinations and multiple collaborations including Chloe Beth doing ‘9 to 5‘, Wilson, Kaitlin Butts, and Courtney Patton covering ‘Goodbye Earl‘ and the entire cast accompanying Bryon White for ‘The Road Goes On Forever.’

ROOKIES / FULL BAND PERFORMANCES

Every year, Mile 0 Fest compiles an astonishing lineup but the new additions this year really made a name for themselves. Rookies – Ryan Culwell, Grady Spencer and the Work, The Red Clay Strays, 49 Winchester, Justin Clyde Williams, Channing Wilson, and Zac Wilkerson each definitely left an impression with their individuals performances. Wilkerson kicked off the entire event, first to take the stage on Tuesday evening, setting the bar high and on Saturday both The Red Clay Strays and 49 Winchester brought the heat to a chilly Sunset Pier. Delayed by a wind advisory, fans were still out in full force braving the elements and this lineup didn’t disappoint. In perhaps the most talked about set of this year’s event, The Red Clay Strays immediately made it worth everyone’s wait ahead of 49 Winchester and the final Mike and the Moonpies performance of the week.

RC and the Ambers

Alongside these rookie achievements, a few past solo acts and one collaboration, presented full band performances that also raised the bar. Lucas Jagneaux and Chance Anderson have each made prior appearances, but this year both had their backing bands in tow and it literally amped up their sets. Lucas Jagneaux and the Roadshow fired up at Dante’s Pool Bar and the Southernmost Beach Cafe, where Chance and the Takers also performed after making their Coffee Butler Amphitheater debut the night before. RC and the Ambers are also veterans, but accompanied by Lance Roark and on the verge of releasing their debut album, RC Edwards and Amber Watson continued their rise drawing big crowds at both the Smokin’ Tuna and Southernmost Beach.

NEW MUSIC

The week not only featured amazing live performances, but many of the artists on hand also released new or new versions of music during the festival. Morgan Wade made her sophomore appearance at the event and really impressed during a special acoustic performance at Key West Theater before her time at the Amphitheater. The deluxe edition of her debut album, ‘Reckless‘ featured new tracks and was put out Friday.

Grady Spencer and the Work toasted fans in attendance during their festival debut over at Dante’s Pool Bar on Friday, celebrating the release of their fourth album – ‘Wait‘ – a nice blend of past and present sounds exceptionally put together around an introspective lyrical journey.

The Red Clay Strays, along with Lucas Jagneaux and the Roadshow each had singles drop while entertaining fans with their live performances. ‘Doin’ Time‘ from Alabama’s The Red Clay Strays and ‘Honky Tonk Heart‘ by Louisiana’s Jagneaux each debuted last week for everyone’s enjoyment, available on all streaming platforms, and it was fun hearing them live too.

The Red Clay Strays

Waves also dropped their debut EP of six original songs on January 28, instantly becoming renowned on the lineup more so than in years past. With two full band sets, mixing into the variety shows, and sitting down for a Texas Voices television interview, this group continues working hard laying the groundwork for what should be an impressive future career in the music industry.

NORTH CAROLINA

For the first time ever, two North Carolina artists made the official lineup and each made the absolute most of their opportunities. Raleigh’s American Aquarium, led by front-man BJ Barham, is arguably the hardest working band around with lead guitar Shane Boeker and bassist, Alden Hedges routinely backing the variety shows; in which, Barham also made a few select appearances prior to their first full set out on the beach. Playing to a packed beach and batch of shrimp boats, American Aquarium brought out some deep cuts for their initial performance much to the delight of those who have been following their rise in the industry. Setting the standard for energetic performances, the band brought both vibrance and their hits to The Amp stage on Saturday night.

American Aquarium/BJ Barham and Justin Clyde Williams

Justin Clyde Williams also impressed with a set alongside Oklahoma’s Raina Cobb at Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon on Thursday. Drawing a large contingent from The Old North State, it’s a safe bet Williams left the island with many new fans from all across the country. Also joining the aforementioned group for Saturday’s ‘Last Bloody Brunch’, the line down Charles St. stretching to Duval was filled with those who had been in attendance at his earlier performance and many others from North Carolina. The connection between this group, state, and the music continues to grow and seeing more artists from the area down in the keys was truly special.

HOLD MY BEER

Texas country legends Randy Rogers Band and Wade Bowen have long been staples in the scene and veterans of this festival. Bringing their ‘Hold My Beer’ collaboration, now two volumes strong to the island, for another special show, each also thoroughly impressed with their individuals performances backed by their respective bands. Bringing out hit after hit, the one-two punch of Bowen and Rogers to end Friday night at The Coffee Butler Amphitheater may have been the best all week.

EMCEE

Uncle Bekah (photo courtesy of Aaron Witt Photography)

In a shift from previous years, there was no true emcee of the festival but instead a group effort from many different artists and associated individuals who shared time in the spotlight introducing upcoming acts. Perhaps none was more impressive than Uncle Bekah, who has become synonymous with Mile 0 Fest, thanks to her ‘Inappropriate Trucker Hats’ which annually take over the island. From fans to artists – funny, clever, classic, and sometimes even impromptu sayings – find their way onto hats and they’re so prevalent, it’s unlikely you’ll see any recap footage or even a photo of the event without spotting at least a few. At any rate, Uncle Bekah’s introduction of The Great Divide was just another in a long list of memorable performances orchestrated by Mile 0 Fest throughout the entire week.

Other Top Performances (non-variety) and in no particular order:

  • Shane Smith and the Saints – Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater
  • Stoney LaRue – Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater
  • Adam Hood and Jason Eady – Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon
  • Jamie Lin Wilson – Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater
  • Topo Chico Cowboys – Sunset Pier
  • Kaitlin Butts – Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater
  • John Fullbright – Southernmost Beach Cafe
  • Dalton Domino – Sunset Green
  • Max and Heather Stalling – Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon
  • Cliff Cody – The Marker
  • Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights – Dante’s Pool Bar
  • Kylie Frey – Sunset Pier
  • Walt and Tina Wilkins – Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon
  • Chloe-Beth – Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon
The Coffee Butler Amphitheater / Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater

Year Five of Mile 0 Fest continued to show why this event has transformed into a can’t miss week for many attendees and bucket list item for red dirt and Americana music fans everywhere. Navigating a few artists cancellations, including Ryan Bingham, and a cooler than usual Saturday, the staff and crew working this festival continually make magic happen across the island. As stated in the beginning, no amount of words can truly portray what life is like during Mile 0 Fest, but if you’d like to find out in 2023 – CLICK HERE – and a $100 deposit guarantees you a pass for next year!

American Aquarium Roadtrip to Raleigh VII: Preview

The annual pilgrimage of American Aquarium fans returns this weekend, February 3-5.

Fans of North Carolina based American Aquarium have become familiar with the annual journey to the state’s capital (Raleigh, NC) and Lincoln Theatre, orchestrated by front man B.J. Barham. Over the years, inviting talented artists from other parts of the country and those right here in our own backyard, Barham consistently pieces together a solid lineup for the ‘Roadtrip to Raleigh’, now on its seventh rendition after missing last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Initially gaining notoriety around the Carolinas with a tireless touring schedule. Barham continues working hard to connect with fans and it’s this persistence that has expanded the fan base, leading to national tours with sell outs in tow. From humble beginnings the band now regularly visits Texas, Oklahoma, and has repeatedly played festivals like Mile 0 Fest in Key West (Florida), Music Fest in Steamboat (Colorado) and many others – but none compare to seeing Barham perform on his home turf.

In years past, fans have traveled from all over the United States and even the world to experience these unique sets of consecutive American Aquarium performances. Every year the lineup has been stacked as fans enjoy and discover other artists, all while having an opportunity to take in Barham’s hometown sights often referred to in his lyrics. Once in Raleigh you can, hear “the church bells ringing down at old St. Mary’s” and experience “landlocked nights down at Slim’s” all on your own.

As always, Barham has mapped out the cities finest restaurants, coffee shops and other entertaining establishments (available here), in addition to the return of ‘Tough Folks’ craft beer.

The full 2022 lineup features, Margo Cilker and Old 97’s on Thursday, Adeem the Artist and Aaron Lee Tasjan on Friday, and John R. Miller with Zach Bryan on Saturday – all ahead of American Aquarium who close the show each night.

Margo Cilker (Thursday 2/3)

Old 97’s (Thursday 2/3)

Adeem the Artist (Friday 2/4)

Aaron Lee Tasjan (Friday 2/4)

John R. Miller (Saturday 2/5)

Zach Bryan (Saturday 2/5)

American Aquarium (Thursday 2/3, Friday 2/4, and Saturday 2/5)

Mile 0 Fest 2022: Preview and Instagram Takeover Artists

Mile 0 Fest 2022 kicks off next week…

Mile 0 Fest returns for its fifth installment, January 25 – January 29, in Key West, Florida. One of the absolute best festivals available to fans of red dirt and Americana music, Mile 0 Fest has rocketed its way into the top echelon of events with stellar lineups, unique experiences, and an amazing setting, all thanks to a relentless work ethic of those behind the scenes. This year’s edition boasts another amazing lineup with over 60 artists performing 100-plus shows in just over four days and there’s no indication things will be slowing down anytime soon.

There’s a handful of first-time artists that are definitely expected to make an impression, including 49 Winchester, Ryan Bingham, Ryan Culwell, The Red Clay Strays, Grady Spencer and the Work, Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights, Zac Wilkerson, Justin Clyde Williams, and Channing Wilson. Impactful returning performers include North Carolina’s own American Aquarium – Chance and the Takers, John Fullbright, Lucas Jagneaux and the Roadshow, Shane Smith and the Saints, RC and the Ambers, Morgan Wade, Reckless Kelly, and the Topo Chico Cowboys (Josh Grider and Drew Kennedy). In addition, the backbone of Mile 0 Fest – Mike and the Moonpies, Cody Canada, Wade Bowen, Walt Wilkins, Jason Eady, Courtney Patton, and Jamie Lin Wilson continue to impress each and every year.

This year, RedDirtNC is excited to partner with five of those performers throughout the event in order to give fans, both in attendance and elsewhere, a truly unique perspective. Make sure you’re following all of our social media (FacebookTwitterInstagram – RedDirtNC) but especially Instagram next Tuesday – Saturday (January 25 – January 29) for what promises to be some entertaining and fun content!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25 – MIKE AND THE MOONPIES (Omar Oyoque)

Mile 0 Fest Scheduled Performances:
TUE (1/25) Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater, 10:30pm-12:00am
THUR (1/27) Sunset Green, 3:00pm-4:00pm
SAT (1/29) Sunset Pier – The Shiner Bock Stage, 3:00pm-4:00pm

-An inaugural member of the lineup from year one, the Moonpies are one of the hottest bands in the country and will be leading the charge on day one ahead of their late-night Honky-Tonk Tuesday performance.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26 – CHANCE AND THE TAKERS

Mile 0 Fest Scheduled Performances:
WED (1/26) Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater, 5:00pm-5:40pm
THUR (1/37) Southernmost Beach Cafe – The Kimes Ranch Stage, 12:20pm-1:20pm

-Another inaugural member of the lineup, Chance Anderson will have his full band in tow for the first time this year and is sure to make an impression.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27 – JUSTIN CLYDE WILLIAMS

Mile 0 Fest Scheduled Performances:
THUR (1/27) Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon, 12:00pm-1:00pm
SAT (1/29) The Smokin’ Tuna Saloon – The Deep Eddy Stage, 10:00am-12:00pm

-Officially a Mile 0 Fest rookie, you may remember Williams’ from an impromptu appearance alongside Stoney Larue and Cody Canada during a beach set in year number two.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28 – RC AND THE AMBERS

Mile 0 Fest Scheduled Performances:
THUR (1/27) The Smokin’ Tuna Saloon – The Deep Eddy Stage, 1:40pm-2:40pm
FRI (1/28) Southernmost Beach Cafe – The Kimes Ranch Stage, 1:40pm-2:40pm

-Oklahoma natives, RC Edwards and Amber Watson, front this fun band that always leave you smiling with their fun lyrics and catchy sound.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 – GRADY SPENCER AND THE WORK

Mile 0 Fest Scheduled Performances:
FRI (1/28) Dante’s Pool Bar – The Uncle Bekah Stage, 12:00pm-1:00pm
SAT (1/29) Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater, 4:00pm-4:40pm

-Making their first Mile 0 Fest appearance, it’s a safe bet this group garners plenty of new fans during their time in the Keys.

If this is your first time to the festival, be sure and check out our Seven Things To Know Before You Go from years past. Including 2021 and 2020 – there’s plenty of tips, tricks, and a preview of just how much fun you’re about to have in paradise.

New Music Monday: Cody Canada and the Departed – ‘If You Want It That Much’

There’s no doubt Cody Canada has already cemented his place in what has become known as the red dirt music scene. From his early days as an integral part of Cross Canadian Ragweed, to the present with Cody Canada and the Departed, it’s the music and live performances that have always resonated with the fans. Fortunately for those same fans, Canada continues making quality music and already has other projects on the horizon.

This latest release, ‘If You Want It That Much’ is available right now however you consume new music and it truly taps into the heart and soul of what one would expect from Canada and the Departed. Written by Gary Wayne Thomason and Scott Melott, Canada, the band, and a few others bring the full sound to life while creating something fans will recognize and should immediately respond to with favorable acceptance.

In addition to this latest single, Canada also has plans in place for an upcoming re-recorded release of the Cross Canadian Ragweed album, ‘Soul Gravy’. Peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart, this new version will also features collaborations with country superstar Lee Ann Womack.

Canada had this to say about the future release, “I never was satisfied with the recording of ‘Soul Gravy.’  I thought the songs were all spot on and thought out lyrically. That was a busy year so we recorded fast. No amps. All pod. I didn’t like that idea and got out voted. This time I did it the way I wanted. I can finally own recordings of these songs again and have them on vinyl.”

*credits* – Cody Canada – Lead Guitar, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar Pool – Jeremy Plato – Bass, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar Pool – Eric Hansen – Drums – Ryan Snipes – Baritone Guitar, Acoustic Guitar Pool – Lucas Taylor – Acoustic Guitar Pool – Mason Morris – Acoustic Guitar Pool

Again, be sure to check out ‘If You Want It That Much’ (available now) while keeping an eye out for the upcoming re-recorded release of ‘Soul Gravy’.