Sustain Concert Series - Bands - Past & Future
“We have seen Arkansauce many times in many different venues. We have hosted them both at our festival and in our concert series. They are the ENTIRE package. Harmonies, songwriting, instrumentation, stage presence in both tight on stage performances or impromptu jam sessions!”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
Arkansauce - Arkansas
August 14th 2025 - Indianapolis
On April 21 2025, Arkansauce independently released their fifth album, OK to Wonder. The melodies of the Ozark Mountains' rolling hills and raging rivers can be heard in this progressive string quartet’s distinct blend of newgrass. The 11-track album is filled with songs of revelry, wonder, insight, and whimsy—inspired not only from their home state of Arkansas, but also throughout their travels.
Arkansauce is Tom Andersen on bass, Zac Archuleta on guitar, Ethan Bush on mandolin, and Adams Collins on banjo. Their music features improvisational string leads matched with complex melodies, intriguing rhythms, and deep thumping bass grooves. Each member sings lead and harmony parts as well as contributes to the lyrics, which offer authentic, intelligent songwriting with hard-hitting hooks.
“I have watched the Booze Hounds play at the Mousetrap all night long and not only did they sound great, their energy never slowed down. They were having as much fun as I was! Talented entertainers!”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
Booze Hounds Bluegrass - Indianapolis, IN
January 3rd 2025 - Indianapolis
Booze Hounds Bluegrass has been playing out since 2017, the four members that make the band today came together in April of 2023.The band consists of Eric Lee Reel (guitar), Alec Bohuk (mandolin), Taylor Williams (upright bass), and Joseph Fawcett (fiddle). They all reside in Hamilton and Marion County, IN. BHB hosts an open bluegrass jam at Duke's Indy on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Come on out! Their evolving setlist has traditional bluegrass, original tunes, Grateful Dead covers, and much much more. They play all over central Indiana and hope to broaden their horizons in 2025.
“I find Cam’s music to be authentic while still causing me to reflect on old time country greats. His lyrics and melodies relax me and get me thinking about the important things in life!”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
Cam Pierce - Nashville, TN
February 16th 2024 - Indianapolis
Cam Pierce was born and bread in the West... way West. Born in a tiny logging town in Oregon and growing up in the deep woods of the Southern part of the state. He says that all his time in the woods watching, listening, and being still is a key force in his spontaneous approach to songwriting. Cam's stories reach out and activate the imagination. Transporting the listener to another time, place and frame of mind. His is a unique take on the various styles of Roots Music. Cam Pierce's music isn't just a "retro throwback sound", it is something stylistically new, and directly from the old.
Last year saw the release of "The Horseshoe". A 12 song album tracked live with band in the home of Cam's friend and Luthier located in Leiper's Fork Tennessee. The album is void of fancy production and technological "magic". It is an honest to goodness OLD country record, not forced "retro" hoopla. From start to finish it's like stumbling upon some forgotten recordings from the bygone era of grit and individuality that once permeated the vast landscape of "Country Music".
“One of the most authentic and kind musicians, Cody and his team have been wonderful to work with and supportive of our entire mission. Chicago Farmer has played our festival and concert series on multiple occassions both solo and with the full band. His deep portfolio of music spanning 20 years can make you pound your feet with an intense folk rock sound and yet other tracks touch your heart and make you think of family.”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
Chicago Farmer & the Fieldnotes - Delavan, IL
November 1st 2024 - Indianapolis
The son of a small-town farming community, Cody Diekhoff logged plenty of highway and stage time under the name Chicago Farmer before settling in the city in 2003. Profoundly inspired by fellow Midwesterner John Prine, he’s a working-class folk musician to his core. His small-town roots, tilled with city streets mentality, are turning heads North and South of I-80.
“I love the energy, music, and creativity of Chicago, but at the same time, the roots and hard work of my small town,” he shares. Growing up in Delavan, Illinois, with a population less than 2,000, Diekhoff’s grandparents were farmers, and their values have always provided the baseline of his songs.
He writes music for “the kind of people that come to my shows. Whether in Chicago or Delavan, everyone has a story, and everyone puts in a long day and works hard the same way,” he says. “My generation may have been labeled as slackers, but I don’t know anyone who doesn’t work hard - many people I know put in 50-60 hours a week and 12-hour days. That’s what keeps me playing. I don’t like anyone to be left out; my music is for everyone in big and very small towns.”
He listened to punk rock and grunge as a kid before discovering a friend’s dad playing Hank Williams, and it was a revelation. Prine and Guthrie quickly followed. The name Chicago Farmer was originally for a band, but the utilitarian life of driving alone from bar to bar, city to city - to make a direct connection to his audience and listener, took a deeper hold.
“We have been entertained by Cody on multiple occasions at the First City Music Festival. He balances a seriousness for his craft with a laid back fun loving entertainer which makes him fun to watch live. His range of original music blended with his interpretations of other songwriters music he respects makes each show a bit different.”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
Cody Williams - Indiana
Friday - January 10th 2025 - Indianapolis
Thursday - April 4th 2024 - Indianapolis
Indiana's own, Cody Heckin Williams! Self proclaimed, lousy poet that knows a few chords calling himself a songwriter. Cody features a wide range of originals as well as his unique versions of other songwriters hits. He is known to invite up friends to jam a/k/a The Heckraisers
“We have been blessed to have the Debutants play at our festival every year we have had it and we hope that never changes. We are also super excited to finally have them play one of our concert series events. Literally, the sky is the limit for this band so check them out. You will LOVE them and If you want to be a groupie…the line starts behind me! Hold onto your hands boys…the Debutants don’t play around!”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
Debutants - Fort Wayne, IN
February 8th 2025 - Indianapolis
Debutants is a high-energy string band with eclectic influences, and a penchant to play anything they feel. Dancing between songs and styles of old and new, this fun-loving collective dazzles with impressive musicianship, earnest songwriting, and dynamic live performances.
Debutants have evolved from a duo between longtime friends, Lynn Nicholson and Jon Swain, into a formidable 7- piece string band with eclectic influences. Regardless of number of members, what somehow manages to always come through loud and clear is the amount of fun they're having playing together, and the vibrant life breathed into their music.
On their 2021 debut release, Indiana Newgrass - EP, Debutants went into the studio with banjoist Michael Earl Newsome, fiddle player Sean Hoffman (Goldmine Pickers, The Goat's Beards, Soltré), and bassist/vocalist Colin Taylor (Uncle Muscle, Hillbilly Casino). Also highly instrumental in capturing their original sound, was recording engineer and producer Tyler Thompson (Fruition, TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, Jay Cobb Anderson) at his Studio 110 in Pittsburgh, PA.
For their 2022 sophomore release, Nobody Knows - EP, the band unquestionably returned to Thompson's Studio 110, this time bringing Lauren Blair on fiddle/vocals, and Ellen Coplin on cello/vocals. Growth became evident on titles such as Nicholson's Hard to Say, along with increases in tempos and instrumental prowess demonstrated on pieces like Swain's Never Thought I'd Be the One.
With the same lineup in 2023, the band tackled their first full-length album, River on the Moon. Nicholson and Swain were now joined by Hoffman and Taylor in songwriting. This release conveys their most ambitious and cohesive sound yet, in part due to recording all of it "live" circled together around a few microphones.
“We intentionally curate a fairly narrow sound for our Sustain events. Among other things, we look for authenticity…talent…potential. We want to make it easier for our community to experience the next great band. I feel Front Porch is that type of band. Put your seatbelt on…turn up the volume and let their blend of speed grass and energy accelerate you down the road! PS Watch that speedometer!!”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
Front Porch - Northwest AR
November 1st 2024 - Indianapolis
January 9th 2026 - Indianapolis
Foot stomping clawhammer banjo, powerful vocal harmonies, and ripping mandolin and fiddle melodies to energetic rhythms. Front Porch blends contemporary folk songwriting styles with an old time mountain sound rooted in Ozark tradition - creating a unique mix of old and new that will make you hoot and holler.
“We are blessed to have Ida Clare come play for us! Their rich vocals and crisp timing compliment there story telling approach that I can’t wait to see live!”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
Ida Clare - Louisville KY
Friday - September 13th 2024 - Indianapolis
A captivating blend of Americana and Bluegrass that harkens back to the roots of American music while infusing it with a fresh, contemporary energy. This dynamic ensemble brings together seasoned musicians who share a passion for storytelling through song.
At the heart of Ida Clare's sound is Lea Cockrell, whose soulful voice weaves tales of love, loss, and the human experience with unparalleled emotion and depth. With a voice that effortlessly traverses the highs and lows of the musical landscape, Lea delivers the focal point of the band's sonic tapestry, drawing listeners in with heartfelt delivery.
Joining Lea on stage is banjo player Robin Thixton, whose roots in traditional Bluegrass shine through in every note she plays. With a history of performing with many standard bluegrass groups including the all-girl band Petticoat Junction, Robin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Ida Clare, infusing their music with the authentic sound of Appalachia while adding her own unique flair and style.
On mandolin, and as the band's primary songwriter, Jim Wheatley brings a poetic sensibility to Ida Clare's music, drawing inspiration from the world around him to craft evocative and introspective songs that resonate with audiences on a profound level. Whether he's channeling the beauty of nature or reflecting on the complexities of the human condition, Jim's songwriting serves as the backbone of Ida Clare's repertoire, adding depth and nuance to their sound.
Rounding out the lineup is bass player and audio engineer Nick Stevens, whose diverse background in music brings a unique perspective to Ida Clare's sound. While his roots may lie outside of Bluegrass, Nick's impeccable taste, tone, and timing have made him an invaluable addition to the band, anchoring their music with his solid bass lines and expert engineering skills.
Together, Ida Clare is more than just a band – they're a musical journey through the heartland of America, where tradition meets innovation and the past merges seamlessly with the present. With an impressive repertoire of original songs that showcase their collective talent and creativity, Ida Clare is poised to make a lasting impression on the world of Americana and Bluegrass music, one heartfelt performance at a time.
Low Landers - Bloomington IN
January 9th 2026 - Indianapolis, IN
Fueled by the songs of singer songwriter and banjo player Jesse Beals, Low Landers have quickly become a fan favorite with their spirited performances and unique tunes with a progressive edge while still paying homage to their traditional bluegrass and folk roots. They can be found anywhere from muddy festival grounds, intimate play houses, smokey bars or pickin' at your backyard fire. Ridin' high off the release of their first album (Them Ole Hounds) with a second one on the way, they continue to pickin' up steam.
March to August - Fayetteville AR
July 18th 2025 - Noblesville IN
March to August is an Americana-Roots duo with melodies that merge influences of Folk, Americana, Bluegrass and Celtic music and lyrics that capture the essence of the human experience. With every song, they offer poignant snapshots of life’s diverse emotions and stories, inviting listeners to reflect on the moments that shape us all.
Hailing from diverse musical backgrounds, Derrick and Jodi Mears bring a plethora of influences to their work. Their lyrics often empower the voices of those silenced by circumstance, allowing each character’s narrative to be heard, while their instrumentation draws listeners into those tales with their unique Ozark Mountain sound.
M2A’s performances instill artistry and authenticity that transport you to a bygone era while infusing their own contemporary spin. With each note, this ensemble invites you to join them on a musical journey that resonates with the soul.
Matthew Marcelle w/Guests
January 12th 2024 - Indianapolis
Come watch the self-proclaimed 14th best songwriter in Indianapolis team up with one of the best drummers in the city
“Like many of the up and coming bands we find, I first heard about Pythagoras from members of our Sustain Community. Jason & Jessica are proud parents of one of the members of the band (Gracie) and told us all about their studies and goals. I am really excited to see these young musicians shows us their version of bluegrass. I hope it is the first of many shows they perform for our Sustain Community!”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
Pythagoras - Tennessee
Thursday - July 18th 2024 - Indianapolis
Forged in the heart of Johnson City, Tennessee, Pythagoras pushes the boundaries of bluegrass and acoustic music! If you like the hard-driving bluegrass of artists like Flatt & Scruggs and Tony Rice, groovy fiddle tunes, jam bands like the Grateful Dead, and lots of original material, you’ll love Pythagoras’ sound.
Pythagoras consists of pickers from all around the east coast, now making their home in sunny Tennessee, studying bluegrass music at East Tennessee State University: Grant Dresnok (guitar & lead vocals), Gracie Grossman (fiddle), Joe Henson (Mandolin), and Lexi Wagnitz (upright bass).
Pythagoras has played festivals, listening rooms, private events, and has toured overseas! Their passion and drive for the music they play shines through in their performances.
Stampede String Band - Moonsville IN
January 12th 2024 - Indianapolis
June 20th 2025 - Noblesville IN
The Stampede String Band has been captivating audiences for 14 years with their electrifying blend of Americana, where Bluegrass, Folk, Blues, and Rock collide. Known for their powerhouse vocal harmonies and high-energy performances, this Indiana-based band has built a reputation across the Midwest for getting crowds on their feet with rollicking barn-burners and touching hearts with soul-stirring ballads.
Their fourth studio album, Thunder From the River, pushes boundaries with bold new soundscapes while staying rooted in the authentic storytelling and craftsmanship that fans have come to love. Whether you’re stomping along to their anthems or swaying to their heartfelt melodies, The Stampede String Band delivers a musical experience as genuine as their motto: “Work hard, be humble.”
“Them Coulee Boys have played our festival and our concert series and we just can’t get enough. Their blend of creative musical arrangements with soul stirring lyrics is unmatched! Dancing, Laughing and Crying are all part of a great set with Them Coulee Boys”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
Them Coulee Boys - Eau Claire, WI
April 18th 2024 - Indianapolis
Soren Staff and Beau Janke - co-founders of folk/rock/Americana outfit Them Coulee Boys - met as camp counselors in northern Wisconsin in 2011. Their weekend workshopping of Avett Brothers and classic country tunes led to original songs and adding Soren’s brother Jens on mandolin. As the years grew, the band turned into a more rollicking outfit, adding Neil Krause on electric bass and Stas Hable on drums. The band’s name is a nod to the glacial melt-carved river valleys they call home, known by early French fur trappers as coulees. Known for wild swings of emotion during sets, it is not unusual to see fans in tears and minutes later dancing with abandon. The honesty and ability to talk and sing about the feelings and emotions that shape them has endeared them to a growing group of fans and friends.
The Asheville Mountain Boys - Asheville NC
August 10th 2025 - Noblesville, IN
By their name, you know where they are from, and by their sound, you know what they are about. The Asheville Mountain Boys are on a mission to capture not just the style but the spirit of traditional bluegrass. Asheville, NC has long been known for great music and its roots in bluegrass go back to the founding of the genre (Bill Monroe’s first broadcast performance as the Bluegrass Boys was at Asheville radio station WWNC in 1938) A group that firmly stakes its claim to the tradition of the music from the area, The Asheville Mountain Boys spring onto the scene with a thought,” What happened to bluegrass?” It’s not a disparaging one that condemns current styles in the genre but rather asks, “Why do we love this music in the first place” and answers with an approach that is true to the originators of the genre in the sense of both style and philosophy. Bluegrass is raw emotion, excitement, drive, and authenticity. It is not sanitized or compromised but a reflection of the lives of those who play it. It’s storytelling that follows a throughline of tradition. With these priorities in mind, they offer their first in a series of live-recorded singles.
Your introduction to the band is “Another Day” a classic tune written and first recorded by Reno and Smiley in the late 50’s. This song choice and performance fit the ethos of the Boys showing the musical prowess of the group which includes John Duncan on banjo, Zeb Gambill on mandolin, Jacob Brewer on bass and vocals, and Marshall Brown on guitar and vocals. The group plans to release more live music this year with studio recording to follow.
“The Baker’s Basement played for the first time in the late night time slot at the Historic Melody Inn to a small but eager crowd of Sustainiacs. Not only did they give us their FULL performance they instantly felt like family. Their sound doesn’t fit perfectly into the music we curate most often but their loving energy, enthusiasm and creativity sure do! You can see and feel the authenticity as they perform original music that gets ya movin!
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
The Baker’s Basement
September 13th 2024 - Indianapolis
Two-piece, Cleveland based, indie-Americana band the Baker’s Basement (tBB) features the eclectic musical stylings of vocalist/drummer Kate Dedinsky and vocalist/guitarist Adam Grindler. At their rhythmic core pulses an orange striped, homemade, bucket-drum concoction, the funky back beat on which Dedinsky performs standing up with her signature swagger and sway. The duo’s intimate sound, rooted in a spirited flavor of Americana and topped with playful vocal layers, often volleyed to-and-fro across the stage, offers a humorous yet heart-wrenching sonic signature that’s altogether their own.
A hidden gem of the midwest, tBB’s affectionate and direct spoken word vocal delivery bounces atop their unusual percussive foundation of odds & ends, a drum apparatus that the group calls the “Tempeh Kit”—when matched with triggered samples and Grindler’s acoustic & electric guitar methods, both finger picked and strummed, their playful and oscillating sound is solidified. Between songs, the duo endears themselves to their audience through storytelling and banter. All and all, a performance by this dynamic pair is an invitation into an intimate world of creative fancy and captivating chemistry nurtured over years of playing both stages and street corners.
The Cousin Brothers
January 13th 2023 - Indianapolis
January 12th 2024 - Indianapolis
September 13th 2024 - Indianapolis
January 9th 2026 - Indianapolis
Puttin' the Kick-Ass back in Bluegrass!
“I have been listening to The Tillers for years as they were a staple at the John Hartford Memorial Festival. We are blessed to have them bring their stories, unique sound and mid-west energy to our stage. We hope it is the first of many years of jamming together to raise awareness for sustainability within the festival community.
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
The Tillers - Cincinnati OH
Saturday - February 8th 2025 - Indianapolis
The Tillers have been thumping their own distinctive sound of string band style folk music for a decade, riding it all over the country and across the sea. Four studio albums and one live record have won them praise as modern folk storytellers of the national soundscape. They have shared the stage with a broad swath of national acts, from folk legends like Doc Watson, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Guy Clark, Country Joe McDonald, Jerry Douglas, Iris Dement, Pokey LaFarge, and The Carolina Chocolate Drops to rock daredevils like the Legendary Shack Shakers. The band came into being while busking for nickels and dimes in the gaslight district of Cincinnati. Now far removed from those humble beginnings, the band has won over Cincinnati’s bar and festival scene and launched international tours with tireless momentum. They resurrect songs of America’s past, craft originals all their own while touching on themes both historical and timeless. They are Cincinnati’s traveling minstrels.
“We have been listening and talking with The Wildwoods for over a year trying to find a time to see them live. Their harmonies are dare I say angelic. Blending through genres while consistently displaying tight musicianship. What a treat!”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
The Wildwoods
Thursday - June 13th 2024 - Indianapolis
In the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, The Wildwoods emerge as a folk/Americana trio, a musical tapestry woven by the husband-and-wife duo, Noah (guitar) and Chloe Gose (violin), accompanied by the bassist Andrew Vaggalis. Their story is a symphony of exploration and connection, a journey that has taken them from the Midwest to international stages, carving out a unique place in the folk landscape. Their presence has graced stages alongside artists such as Mighty Poplar, Sierra Ferrell, Aiofe O’ Donovan, Melissa Carper, Jamie Wyatt and Joe Nichols at concerts and festivals like Summerfest, FreshGrass and the Oyster Ridge Music Festival.
The Wildwoods have become a force in the folk scene, boasting accolades like being finalists at the FreshGrass Music Festival Band competition and Gems on VHS "Gems in the Rough" competition in 2023. Their songwriting prowess is underscored by semi-final placements in the International Songwriting competition, with tracks like "Untitled" and "Way of Train." Recognized consistently at the Omaha Arts and Entertainment Awards, they were crowned "Best Band" by the Lincoln Journal Star’s Lincoln Choice Awards in 2022.
Their sonic journey unfolds through albums like the debut "Sweet Nostalgia" (2017), followed by "Birdie & Goose" (2017), "Across A Midwest Sky" (2019), and their latest masterpiece, "Foxfield Saint John" (2023). The band's evolution is evident in each track, a testament to their commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
United by a passion for folk/Americana, the trio’s influences range from Watchhouse and Nickel Creek, to Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. Their music, though comfortably under the folk/Americana umbrella, weaves intricate chord structures and emotional textures that defy genre boundaries. Together, their harmonies resonate with artful sincerity, drawing inspiration from nature, their shared experiences of growing up in Nebraska, and life on the road.
The Watershed Ramblers - IN
Friday - January 10th 2025 - Indianapolis
The Watershed Ramblers formed in the fall of 2022 as friends gathered in the basement of a Northern Indiana home to explore the world of bluegrass. Over the last 2 years, the Ramblers have honed their craft through countless performances at local venues, music festivals as well as hosting their own events in and out of Northwest Indiana. Their live shows are a celebration of musical friendship, with each member contributing their expertise to create what has been deemed by some as "Dunegrass". Whether it's a foot-stomping hoedown or a soulful ballad, the Rambler's performances are a journey through the heart and soul of american roots music.
Constantly continuing to evolve and explore new musical territories, the Ramblers remain true to their roots, drawing inspiration from the rich heritage that has shaped American music for generations. With a passion for storytelling and commitment to preserving traditions of the past, the Ramblers are a musical force to be reckoned with, promising a journey through the heartland with every note they play.
Union Suit Rally - Indianapolis, IN
January 13th 2023 - Indianapolis, IN
April 18th 2025 - Indianapolis, IN
What started as 8 friends wanting to drink beer and play songs in a basement for no other reason than for the fun of it has evolved into one of the most exciting new bands in Indianapolis. Collectively, there are decades of live musical experience between the 8 members of Union Suit Rally. From metal, to punk, to bluegrass, honky tonk, even Irish traditional music, Union Suit Rally delivers a multi-layered fusion that will have you stomping your feet and wanting to sing along to every chorus.
“Many bands claim to be “high energy'“ but Union Suit Rally lives up EVERY time. The energy is intense not only because there are 8 people on stage but because of the joy each of them have playing. At times you are blown away by the vocals and musicianship and other times you are locked in on a single instrument. If you can’t have fun with these guys it is completely your fault!”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
“We were introduced to Wilson Thicket by Lynn from the Debutants. We are excited to see them play live for the first time in June at our Small Concert Series. I was impressed with both their individual vocals and harmonies as well as their balance of traditional and progressive bluegrass arrangements.”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
Wilson Thicket - Michigan
Thursday - June 13th 2024 - Indianapolis
Wilson Thicket has the acoustic soul of an Appalachian string band, but there is more to this Thicket than just a patch of bluegrass! Wilson Thicket combines a hand-picked group of the top singers, instrumentalists, and songwriters that Michigan has to offer, with decades of performing experience under their collective belts. Old school favorites, creative covers, and dynamic original songs are all delivered with strong doses of vocal harmony and creative instrumental mastery. This music has plenty of roots and lots of grass. There may be some thorns, but also some flowers. Welcome to the thicket!
“I actually felt silly that I had not heard Wood Belly before researching artists for 2024 Sustain…WOW!!!. When I listen, they take me for a ride seamlessly moving from newgrass to americana and occasionally surprising me with some soul/funk. They effortlessly cover a wide vocal and musical range…they are the entire package!”
Kyle Ochs - Sustain Festivals
Wood Belly - Colorado
Thursday - April 4th 2024 - Indianapolis
Honest, soulful, and bearing a sound all their own, Wood Belly sprouted from the roots of bluegrass to notch a unique home in the broader Americana scene and continues to captivate audiences across the country en route.
With an unrelenting dedication to original songwriting, harmony singing, and artful arrangements, the quintet is forging a sound that is based in newgrass and flavored with alt-country, rock, and just enough jam to glue it all together.
Wood Belly established themselves as a staple of the Colorado and national acoustic music scene by winning the 2018 Telluride Bluegrass festival band competition and being nominated for an IBMA award. Bluegrass Today said “Even now, it’s safe to determine that they’re ones to watch...the freshness and vitality they bear elevates their standing and assures their status as instant contenders”. That freshness continues today as the band takes on a new shape. With a restructuring of the rhythm section, Wood Belly has opened up a world of dynamic range and dimension to be explored.