DOORS AT 6:00 PM

MARK STOFFEL & THE USUAL SUSPECTS 7-8:15 PM

KINDRED VALLEY 8:30-10:00 PM

KINDRED VALLEY:

Indie folk band Kindred Valley started when three friends with a passion for music met at Marshall University in 2020. Initially under the name Back Row Baptists, Blake Lacy, Noah Freeman and Brett McCoy met in Huntington, West Virginia, and began writing and recording music together. The band released their first singles as a trio but found its footing in 2021 with three new members - Husband and Wife Rachael and Jadon Hayes and Kaden Salmons.

With three new members and a flurry of new ideas, the band needed a new name. Now named Kindred Valley, Lacy and Salmons wrote an early version of the band’s single “Whistle” during the group’s first meet-up. With new blood and fresh ideas flowing, Kindred Valley released its fifth single, “The Wedding Song,” in 2021.

After almost two years of creative efforts, the group released its self-titled debut album at the end of 2022. The album contains remastered versions of some of the band’s first singles and new music that showcases Kindred Valley is deeply connected to their Appalachian roots while casting a bold vision for their future.

"Some music acts will spend years, sometimes decades, building up a presence before getting the opportunity to play a radio program like Mountain Stage. Kindred Valley did it in less than three and did it without touring or having a major label release." -- Charleston Gazette

MARK STOFFEL & THE USUAL SUSPECTS

Mark, Josh, Nate, Kyle, and Mila have shared songs, picked tunes, told stories, and indulged in food and drink at countless kitchen table sessions over the last two decades. Putting this band together is a mere testimony of the friendship that runs deep among these five musicians.

Mark Stoffel (Mandolin, Fiddle, Vocals)

Originally from Munich, Germany, Mark Stoffel spent literally decades traversing between two continents before finally settling down in Southern Illinois some twenty odd years ago. A self-described bluegrass music addict, he was introduced to the music in 1979, when as a teenager, he wanted a ukulele for Christmas and was mistakenly given a mandolin instead. The flub turned into a virtue and a lifelong artistic pursuit. His tasteful approach to playing earned him increased attention — first in regional acts, and then with the nationally acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Chris Jones who ended up inviting Mark to become a member of his band Chris Jones & The Night Drivers. Mark’s mandolin performances and original compositions can be heard on countless projects, including his three solo releases One-O-Five, Coffee and Cake, and True Tones, the latter two released by the premiere Bluegrass record label Mountain Home Music.

Josh Morrison (Guitar, Vocals)

As a young and aspiring guitarist Josh moved to Carbondale, Illinois, an area with a famously vibrant music scene. So it didn’t take long for him to meet Mark at a local jam session. Some 20 years later the two are close collaborators with countless live performances and studio productions to show for it. Like Nate, Josh is a consistent fixture in the Illinois music scene, playing in several bands such as: The Jed Adam Band, The Storm Crows, Woodrow, and Frisco Highline.

Mila Maring (Accordion, Vocals)

Mila and her late husband, Kelley Sims, were an integral part of the Southern Illinois music scene. With their band, The Rural Kings, they release two well-received albums - Dandelions (2012) and Level Best (2016). While Mila dabbles with several instruments, her forte is songwriting. In 2017 she was invited to the final round of the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival Songwriting contest. These days she can be heard performing in various venues throughout the area with her partner John Reimbold, with whom she released an album of original compositions entitled Without Question (2023). Mila’s engaging and affectionate voice, paired with her enthralling original compositions, are a perfect fit for the diverse repertoire of the Usual Suspects.

Nate Graham (Bass, Vocals)

Nate is in high demand among musicians between Carbondale, Illinois and Nashville, Tennessee – thanks to his ability to instantly find the right groove and make any band sound better. He is a member of Southern Illinois’ most precious groups, such as Miss Jenny and the Howdy Boys and the Woodbox Gang. He is a founding member of the Gruesomes and Uncle Pecos. When not busy with The Usual Suspects, he tours the Country with the Vince Herman Band.

Kyle Triplett (Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin)

Kyle, originally from Missouri, now makes his home and Southern Illinois. His versatile style and multi-instrumental proficiency makes him the band’s secret weapon. He first earned national recognition as a member of the renowned family band The Bankesters. Besides gigging with the Usual Suspects, Kyle mixes it up with guitar ace Jim Hurst and Jenny and the Howdy Boys.