Border Bash: Abby Bryant & The Echoes / Donnie & The Dry Heavers

Abby Bryant & The Echoes (8:30PM) –
Built around a powerful voice and hard-driving rock ‘n’ soul rhythm section, Asheville, NC’s Abby Bryant & The Echoes has secured a fast-growing foothold in the Southeast music scene.
Founded by Abby Bryant (vocals, keys) and Bailey Faulkner (guitar), the two formed the band out of distinctly different musical upbringings. Bryant formed her musical intuition at home and church where she began singing at only five years old under the direction of her music minister father. Hailing from the same hometown, Faulkner developed his musical foundation throughout his youth from his parent’s love of The Beatles and guitar-driven classic rock staples. With Bryant’s ear and voice trained on gospel and hymns and a spiritual connection to music, Bryant set the stage for her future career in music. First meeting in high school, the future founders of the band combined their unique influences – Bryant embraced new genres and a sultry soul and Faulkner found the voice to front his melody-centered arrangements. Listeners will find it hard not to hear similarities to some of the artists that inspire the two including currently touring acts Tedeschi Trucks Band, Grace Potter, and Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds. At the same time, one cannot deny that even with Abby Bryant & The Echoes’ youthfulness, the band connects to the roots of the music in the members’ hearts. Looking to artists like Etta James, Sam and Dave, and the integral Muscle Shoals sound to light the way, Abby Bryant & The Echoes carries its own soul-shining torch into today.

Donnie & The Dry Heavers (7:00PM) –
Coming to fruition in the early months of 2018, the group strives to bring a fresh take to the musical styling of the Indie-Rock/Jam Band genres. Hailing from Kingsport, TN, this 4-piece group includes: Chance Lawson (vocals/guitar), Andrew Kramer (vocals/guitar), Cameron Hite (vocals/drums), and Magus Vaughn (vocals/bass). Together, they continue to deliver memorable performances to audiences young and old, holding the music above all else in their travels. Through all of their struggles, hopes, and accomplishments, one question rings loud in many minds: Where is Donnie?