Vander Warner first picked up the guitar at age ten and began taking lessons from Tim Martin through middle school and his junior year of high school. After a few early band attempts, he joined Relinquish (2009–2010) and later Savannah Shoulders (2010–2012), all while playing regularly in church.
Following a few years away from performing, Vander rediscovered his passion for music after moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he began playing in church again and later joined the country band Rebels Fox. In 2021, he relocated to Nashville, where he quickly immersed himself in the local music scene—performing original gigs, playing Broadway shows with a wide range of artists, and touring with acts such as the Matt Bennett Band, Brandon Wisham, and Love and Theft.
Soul/rock/reggae artist The Ambassador stands out among others by displaying a strong, soulful vocal presence combined with addictive, upbeat rhythms. His music flows seamlessly from stock reggae beats to bluesy grooves infused with rock and hip-hop. The Ambassador couples catchy hooks and danceable music with intelligent lyrics and a positive message bringing fans of all ages and walks of life. The high-energy performances will keep you bouncing hours after the show’s end.
The Ambassador is Stephen Gabriel Lewis, a Virginia native that has performed and recorded with some of the finest reggae/rock musicians from Southern California to Southwest Virginia, sharing the stage with acts like Midnite, the Wailers, Steel Pulse, Stick Figure, Xavier Rudd, Mike Pinto, The Movement and more. As a follow up to the full-length release “New Roots”, nominated “World Music Album of the Year” at the San Diego Music Awards, The Ambassador's long-awaited studio effort entitled "Cali Love" was released in late 2018. As can be heard in the uptempo single “Powerful Love” with Pato Banton, this latest work features musicianship from a diverse group of San Diego area session players from bands like Elektric Voodoo, Psydecar, SDIB, Southtown Generals and the legendary Wailing Souls. The Ambassador continues to perform both acoustically and with his band Chosen Few at select venues and intends to bring good vibes and inspiration to all who listen.
Foster Burton is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Salem, VA, known for his soulful, roots-driven sound. Blending elements of folk, rock, and Americana, his music is shaped by the storytelling of John Prine, the raw grit of Tom Waits, and the improvisational spirit of Jerry Garcia. Whether performing solo or with bands like Mountain Walrus, Mad Iguanas, and Dead Reckoning, Foster brings an authentic, dynamic energy to every stage. His sets feature a mix of heartfelt originals and well-curated covers, showcasing his rich vocals and expressive guitar work. A staple of the regional music scene, Foster continues to captivate audiences with his raw talent and deep musicality.
Mike Feamster was born in West Virginia, where his early years were shaped by a love of sports before music became his greatest passion. He played his first gig at just eight years old and went on to perform in cover bands throughout his youth in West Virginia.
A 1989 graduate of Greenbrier East High School, Mike also developed a strong interest in Drum Corps International (DCI) during that time. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving for a decade, including during Operation Joint Endeavor in Germany and Hungary.
In 1993, Mike relocated to Roanoke, Virginia, where he began working with the RMH Police Department before starting a career as a tractor-trailer driver for several companies. Throughout his professional life, music remained a constant. He played drums in churches and with accomplished worship teams, a path that eventually led him to Journey Church, where he continues to serve as part of the worship ministry.
In 2019, Mike launched his own bathroom renovation business, which he still operates today. His life reflects a balance of service, music, hard work, and faith, and he remains grateful for the opportunities and people who have shaped his journey.
Eve-lynn is a Salem, Virginia native and a lifelong musician. Weekly piano lessons all through school and the strong arts programs at Community School and Community High School are the foundation of Eve-lynn’s musical talents. Community High School fostered Eve-lynn’s unique singing style through John McBroom’s Rock Band class. Eve-lynn is the lead singer for the Phat Anchovies, a local/regional rock band formed by herself and the drummer from their HS rock band class. The Phat Anchovies had their first real gig on March 15, 2020 at the Front Row - the day before the world shutdown for Covid. The Phat Anchovies have played around the region over the last four years and are very proud of their FloydFest 2024 appearance which boosted their regional exposure. After a few of the original band members left for personal reasons, the band now has a very talented 5 person line-up, including Matt King (original member), Nathan Paxton and Andrew Wilson. Their album, Ready to Serve, is comprised of all original pieces and is available on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon. Eve-lynn recently added the keytar to the band which brings all those years of piano lessons to use! Eve-lynn also sings in a second band from Bedford, Earthbound Creatures, and records back-up vocals for local artists at Fainting Goat Studios. Eve-lynn is a carpenter and renovation specialist by trade and works a full time job for a local restoration/renovation company.
Nathan Paxton is Roanoke born and raised, and a natural musician by heart. Nathan grew up watching his father play guitar and has always been proud of his father’s band from the 1990s, Clint Paxton and Country Thunder. Music has always been in the family, with Nathan’s grandfather’s 1942 Gibson Banner Edition guitar being passed down to him. Nathan began learning to play guitar by ear and has always been self-taught. In high school, Nathan played trumpet in symphonic, concert, marching and jazz bands. As a senior, he played the Star Spangled Banner as an opening for the Virginia governors meeting. Nathan has played guitar and bass in various local bands, most recently joining Phat Anchovies a year and a half ago as the bassist. He has been proud to have joined a band that has been dedicated to working their way up in the local music community, having earned their way to playing FloydFest in 2024 where he joined in playing on the VIP stage. Phat Anchovies released their self-published album, Ready to Serve, in summer 2024 thanks to all the behind the scenes work of guitar player, Matt King. Keep your eyes out for more greatness from Phat Anchovies!
McFadden and Friends Band was formed in 2018 and brings together five seasoned musicians with more than 150 years of combined experience. With deep roots in Jazz and Blues, the group calls the Roanoke and New River Valley home and has become a familiar presence in the region’s live music scene.
Over the years, the band has performed at a variety of popular venues and events, including Fatback Soul Shack, Old Salem Brewery, Parkway Brewery, Big Lick Brewery, Twisted Track Brewpub, Mac and Bob’s Restaurant, Joe’s Deli, Homeplace Vineyard Music Festival, Brady’s Distillery, Eastern Divide Brewery, Jazz in July at Longwood Park, and Radford Coffee Company. They are also regularly invited to play private events, showcasing their versatility and broad appeal.
The lineup features Roscoe McFadden on keyboards, vocals, and harmonica; Davel Burch on saxophone; Jimmy Dickason on bass; David Gregory on drums; and Glen Holmes on keyboards.
Matt Shay is a Roanoke native and lifelong musician. He started playing the drums at a young age and surrounded himself with music throughout high school, taking multiple band classes and performing in the marching band. Currently, he plays with his jazz fusion/funk and soul group, CopyCat Syndrome, the occasional jazz dinner gig at the Hotel Roanoke, and with whoever needs a drummer!
Peyton Gentry currently resides as the Director of Bands at Liberty High School in Bedford, VA. This is where he teaches courses such as: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Pep-Band, Music Theory and AP Music Theory. Peyton holds a Bachelors of Arts with a duel-focus in both Music Education and Percussion Performance and a MA.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech. In addition to teaching music, Peyton is an active performer in the Roanoke area performing with groups such as Mill Mountain Theatre, the Roanoke Opera, In The Meantime, Hollins University, Celtic Steel, Winds of the Blue Ridge, and more. Peyton has competed in PASIC’s Concert Chamber Percussion Ensemble Competition placing 3rd and 4th on separate occasions.
John Pence is a Roanoke, Virginia-based songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music advocate. Born in 1993, he grew up on mix CDs, Tony Hawk soundtracks, and early MySpace uploads. After graduating with a BA in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music in 2015, he returned home and became deeply involved in the local music scene. He went on to help launch and eventually manage The Spot on Kirk, a cornerstone nonprofit arts venue in downtown Roanoke. John also served as an Artist-In-Residence at Carilion Clinic’s Healing Arts Program, engaging with patients through music at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
He has performed over 500 shows, most notably as keyboardist and co-producer for the instrumental exotica dance band Cinémathèque, drummer for The Young Sinclairs in the post-pandemic, and as a solo singer/songwriter. John produces electronic music under the name Decampi and DJs as The Grand Total, often parsing through record crates and VHS tapes for sample material and hidden gems. Whether on stage, staying up late nights recording music, or hosting musicians at The Spot on Kirk, John continues to explore music in all its forms, with a deep love for texture, tone, and community.
Doug Settles | Beats, Brews & Buddies | S4 EP12
Candace Blair has been sharing her love of music with kids and families for over 20 years, and she still lights up every time a student discovers the joy of making music. From her days studying Music Education at Virginia Commonwealth University to teaching in Roanoke’s studios and classrooms, Candace has always believed music should be fun, accessible, and full of heart.
She’s certified through the American Montessori Society and MusikGarten, and has created engaging, creative classes that have been featured in The Roanoker Magazine more than once. Whether she’s leading a group of preschoolers in song, showing a morning show host how to play ukulele on TV, or directing a community concert, Candace brings energy, warmth, and a sense of play to everything she does.
She’s also taught future educators at Virginia Western College and introduced countless little hands to their first piano keys at Treble Maker’s Music. Named one of “Roanoke Women Under 40 Making Waves,” Candace isn’t just teaching music, she’s helping build a stronger, more connected community through it.
If you're looking for someone who’s as passionate about kids as she is about music (and maybe someone who can get you singing, too), Candace might just be your person.
Marie-Claire Evans is a singer/songwriter based in Roanoke, VA. Originally from Hampton Roads, she comes from a musical background of classical piano and vocal training but found a love for writing and performing indie/folk/rock music. Known for her wide vocal range and smoky lower register, her songs incorporate intimate lyrics and wistful melodies to produce a simultaneously powerful yet easy-listening experience for any audience to enjoy.
When she isn't writing and performing, Marie-Claire spends her time coaching field hockey teams and reading as much as possible.
Like many musicians, Kerry started singing and performing when he was a kid in church. At age 7 he was singing solos in front of the entire congregation. Then came piano lessons to learn to read and write music. He really loved to sing though, so he concentrated on his vocals. He performed all throughout his school years, all the way up through college at George Mason University. The West Coast was calling him so in 1988 on a wing and a prayer he heads out to L.A.!! He settles in and meets some great musicians and starts to perform out there, singing in some experimental Rock bands like Acid Clown. In 1991 he came up with the concept of The Thrillbillyz and, along with the help of some great musician friends, was able to record a four song demo at Fox Studios in Glendale, CA and work with the owner/engineer Rich Fox. In 1993 ,after several years of performing around Southern California as The Thrillbillyz, Hurley moves back to the East Coast and his hometown of Roanoke, Virginia. Roanoke definitely is not as big of a market as L.A. but it has a growing music scene and Hurley jumps in head first. He re-forms The Thrillbillyz and starts playing shows like crazy. He continues to write and work on his originals and in 1994 takes his band into Flat Five Studios in Salem, VA and records the album “Romp!” and releases it in 1995. Ten of the eleven songs are originals and a few of the songs (Franklin County Moonshine & Sweet Leaf) wind up on the radio in regular rotation on the area’s biggest Rock station 96.3 WROV. The band played constantly in support of it’s record and through it’s association with Buzz Casey and WROV was able to open up for quite a few National acts like Government Mule, Storyville, Foghat, Loverboy, Johnny Winter, Matchbox 20 and many more!!! The band played and enjoyed success for the next 5 years and in 2000 everyone went their own musical ways. Hurley had been singing on the side for a Blues band called Blues Hangover from 96 to 98 and traveled quite a bit with them, winning several Blues Contests and traveling to Memphis, TN in 97 to compete in the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. It was a great learning experience. In 2001 Hurley wound up joining The Fat Daddy Band and that very same year went down and won the Charlotte Blues Society’s contest and in 2002 went to Memphis again to represent them at the IBC and made it to the finals (one of ten bands out of 150). For the next 14 years he would front that band and continue to write songs. He put out 2 cd’s with The Fat Daddy Band - “From The Soul”(2003) and “Live & Lovin’ It!”(2005).
Bonus episode featuring our host, Travis Schmitt!
William Seymour is a singer-songwriter originally from Snow Hill, NC but currently lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. His sound can be described as a mix of Country, Blues, Soul, and Americana.
His influences come from artists such as Jackson Browne, Eric Clapton, Waylon Jennings, and more. William plays bass and tours with the rock n roll band Caitlin Krisko The Broadcast. He has recently released his 3rd solo album, entitled "Ride Along".
Episode 7 from Season 4 is out now! Featuring Paul Salvey.
Inspired by the Classics you know and love, Glam'r Kiti is the nation's premiere 80's Rock Tribute Group. Based in the Mountains of Southwest Virginia, They've rocked sold-out shows along the East Coast, and become community favorites in their base city of Roanoke, Virginia.
Brandon, known to friends and family as "Bt," is a dedicated drummer from Covington, VA. A proud father of two, his passion for drumming began at an early age—he likes to say he was born with drumsticks in hand. His journey as a musician started in church, where he developed his skills and built a strong foundation in rhythm and performance.
For nearly eight years, Brandon has been the drummer for Chad Nickell & The Loose Change, bringing energy and precision to every performance. Over the years, he has played with numerous bands, entertaining audiences of all sizes and backgrounds. His experience, versatility, and deep-rooted passion for music make him a dynamic force behind the drums.
Adam Hill was born in Roanoke and has been playing music in the area for over twenty years. He began as a drummer before transitioning to keyboards. He performs with the award-winning Solacoustix band and leads his own project, the Adam Hill Trio. Currently, he also works as a pianist at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs.
A special featuring our co-host, Jeremy Price!
Losing Moxie is the songwriting duo of Eric & Laura, dedicated to crafting songs that explore the complexities of life and the art of musicianship. Having written together for about a year, they are newcomers to the scene but are deeply passionate about the songwriting process. With no strict adherence to a single genre, their music is a reflection of curiosity, emotion, and creative freedom. Though they have only played live a few times, their focus remains on creating songs that resonate and evolve with each performance.
