Discover Rhythm & Raiz
May 2-3-4, 2025
Moochies Tavern
The Festival
Rhythm & Raiz Music Festival is a sonic celebration of original artists and their music, community, and cause. Join us!!! All festival proceeds go to Raiz Ministry, educating and empowering the youth of the Dominican Republic
Admission $20 Donation
A suggested $20 donation at the door gets you access to all 3 days of music!
The Venue
Singer/Songwriters, Duos, Trios, Bands, Diverse Genres. Come escape and immerse yourself in a casual weekend at Moochies, with great music, food, and drink....all supporting a worthy cause.
Bourbon Wall $100 Donation
A $100 Donation will give you a chance to win a select bottle of bourbon. Some valued over $250. Drawings will be held the last night of the festival. Must be 21 or older. You do not have to be present to win.
May 2
Adelynne and Melodie - 1PM (Outside)
Good friends and roommates, Adelynne Money and Melodie Tun come with an indie/singer-songwriter vibe. Their acoustic set will relax you and calm your spirit.
Kris Atom - 2PM (Outside)
Jim Pennea - 3PM (Outside)
Roger Bostelman with Allison Proba - 4PM (Outside)
Roger enjoys writing and composing music, mainly rock and alternative, having written over a hundred songs, but only recorded a quarter of them! He thought he was done writing at one point in Maryland and it turned into a simple hiatus where he is rejuvenated and writing again in North Carolina. The region is terrific for live music and now being in a couple bands (MC Groove and The Normz) makes him even more anxious to write, record, and collaborate. Allison is with him in MC Groove and she’s an amazing singer as you’ll hear! They are looking forward to sharing their originals!
Taylor Winchester - 5PM (Outside)
Taylor is a singer-songwriter based in Charlotte, NC with a musical style featuring a free-spirited energy and a lyrical sense of mysticism. Weaving a tapestry of sounds that resonate with both heart and soul, his songs are both a soundtrack for self-discovery and a mantra for those who seek to live life with purpose and passion.
Taylor embraces the rich soundscapes of folk, Americana, and jam-band influences, honing his craft and finding his own voice within these genres.
Woodall 6PM (Outside)
Woodall is a native North Carolinian from Garner NC. He studied music at Appalachian State after high school but ended his time there after a few years to move to New York.
He acted in several films during his time in NY and played his music at many of the historically famous venues in the City such as CBGB’s, The Elbow Room, and many others.
He watched the twin towers fall during 9/11 and began focusing some of his artistic talents towards entertaining veterans and first responders. Woodall moved to Nashville for a short period of time following his NY years and played clubs like The Bluebird Cafe and The Gibson Bluegrass showcase near Opryland.
Eventually his journey led him to Charlotte NC where he finished his music degree and obtained a bachelors degree in vocal performance.
Woodall continues to work with veterans and first responders and is the Executive Director and Artistic Director of a non-profit called Camp4Heroes. www.camp4heroes.org
Jeff Moder 7 PM (Outside)
Jeff Moder is a Charlotte based singer-songwriter, who began his musical career as a drummer. He played in several 80’s rock bands in the southern Ohio area, before switching his primary instrument to guitar. However, he stills loves to bang the skins whenever he gets the chance.
After relocating to Charlotte, he began to write and perform again in 2017. Since then, he has played as a solo artist, as part of duo and trio acts, as well as a part of two local bands: “Under the Influence” from 2019 to 2022 and is currently a member of the band “Without the Numbers”.
Frequently, listeners say they can hear the Dylan / Petty influence in his songs. Rather than using a story teller song writing style, Jeff is more of an emotion-teller songwriter. His intent is to touch the emotions of his listeners and allow them to absorb his lyrics and apply them as they relate to their own lives.
MO's ART - 7PM (Inside)
Music from the soul: Mo Brines-vocals/electric guitar (writer/composer), Richard Johnson-provides powerful feeling to his drum work, surf-with his strong electric guitar melody, Tim Kostas-with his excellent feel for music on the thunderous bass. Tara Taylor- with her excellent vocal work, will be joining us on stage for a portion of our final set. The MO’s ART band members are dedicated to their craft and a joy to work with.
Kevin Capehart - 9PM (Inside)
Folk singer/songwriter Kevin Capehart has a gift for metaphor that will challenge the way you see the world around you. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Kevin has written music for over 20 years crossing multiple genres such as alternative rock, pop, and folk. In 2019 he moved to Charlotte, NC where he began to refine his solo style by combining all his previous influences. Best described as the self-reflection of a southern man, Capehart’s lyrical style demands the same honest introspection from the listener that he so freely gives.
Amicola - 11PM (Inside)
Amicola - 11PM (Inside)
A new rock and country inspired band
coming just outside of Charlotte. having two guitarists, keys, and solid bass and drums driving the music helps create a newer sound combined with a whole new style of lyrics. We are really reaching for our music to be in a genre of its own.
May 3
Maggie Aldridge 12 PM (Outside)
Maggie Aldridge is a singer-songwriter from Johnson City, TN. As a proud member of the Johnson City music scene, she is excited to bring a taste of the TN scene to NC for a day. Her voice rests at the intersection of soothing and soulful- somewhere between the jazz-folk influence of Norah Jones and the pop coffeehouse sound of Ingrid Michaelson.
Ethan Wallace 1PM (Outside)
Ethan Wallace is a local singer songwriter with deep roots in country music. His latest single is Roadside Dandelions
Haley Besson - 2PM (Outside)
Indie singer/songwriter Haley Besson, began songwriting at the early age of 13. Her simple beginning of learning guitar sparked an inescapable love of music, which not only grew, but also followed her into adulthood. Although Besson took a step back from music during her college years, her yearning for true expression never left. Picking back up where she left off with a desire to speak louder, connect deeper, and remain honest, Besson decided in early 2024 it was time to be heard. Influenced by artists like Noah Kahan, Lord Huron, and Young the Giant, her music contains both folk and pop elements with topics that are easy to relate to and melodies that are sure to be stuck in your head long after listening. Haley loves connecting with people through music and her songs explore a range of emotions—from uplifting, "pep talk-like" anthems meant to inspire and empower, to more introspective pieces that dive deep into the complexities of the human experience. Her lyrics often touch on universally relatable themes, making listeners feel both seen and heard. Her genuine approach to songwriting and her desire to connect on a deeper level make her a refreshing voice in today’s musical landscape. Haley is in the process of recording now, and hopes to release her first album in late 2025.
Joe Middleton 3PM (Outside)
Charlotte-based singer songwriter, Joe Middleton is a purveyor of the story song. Falling somewhere between coffee house folk singer and alt-country troubadour, Middleton draws influences ranging from Springsteen to Petty, from Isbell to Steve Earle and everything in-between.
Much of his material tackles headlines from social and political climates, both past and present. According to Middleton, “I want to create art that celebrates justice and calls out injustice.”
His warm baritone voice and finger-style guitar playing provide a lush soundscape for his listener-friendly songs.
After years of fronting various bands, Middleton ultimately stepped out on his own in 2019 with his first solo recording, Highway Tremolo.
Mike Alicke - 4PM (Outside)
Mike Alicke is an Award Winning Singer/Songwriter from the Charlotte area and is also the host of several Songwriter Showcases and Open Mic events- He also performs all over the Carolinas and is currently in the studio finishing a new recording.
Dylan Ray - 5PM (Outside)
Tony Thomas - 6PM (Outside)
Tony Thomas is an award-winning songwriter from Marshville, NC, and writer of the June 2024 RadioMusicDJ Chart's number one song, More Like Elvis; currently affiliated with Nashville music publisher Bill Butler Music.
Double R - 7PM (Outside)
Double R is the founder of the Charlotte independent group "No Delusions of Grandeur Band.... NDOG Band". RR sings Soulful and southern songs that talk about life in his music. It has been described as music about real life.
Underground Owls - 8 PM (Inside)
9DayTrip - 11PM (Inside)
9DayTrip - 11PM (Inside)
9daytrip is described as, soulful blues, homegrown Carolina country and rock-n-roll roots mixed with psychedelic jam, an Americana sound all their own.
Their first EP, “Two Sides to Every Tale,” was nominated for Best Americana Group by the Carolina Music Awards.
Then they released a single titled, “9daytrip”, winning the Best Americana Group of the Year Award.
Following up on their success with their first LP, “Into the Great Unknown,” and gained another nomination.
Two years later their second LP "Truth and other Folklore" was released which reflects a more seasoned band. Their best work to date.
9daytrip live performances are exhilarating to both the audience and the band.
Their novel story line songs have a way of intimately captivating the listener in ways that are both personal and endearing.
May 4
Corinne Faith - 1PM (Outside)
Corinne Faith is a song writer who pulls inspiration from the most vulnerable parts of her life. She connects with the audience like the first friend you sat with on the school bus. Each stop (and song) on the way home is an invitation to be human together. Her music is the kind that makes you want to sit on the floor. Corinne does not subscribe to one genre but is often in the realm of folky and raw with a pleasant dose of sad girl rock.
Rust Bucket - 1PM (Inside)
Rust Buckett is one of the Charlotte area's most in demand acoustic duos. For nine years and running, best friends John Rust and Leon Edwards have collaborated to produce a smooth, rich sound that frames songs that are everyone's favorites with a distinctive sound that is all their own. Leon Edwards hails from Washington, DC and learned his chops playing 2 shows a day. "The man can play a guitar!" John grew up during the Beatles era and the "British Invasion" Those influences, along with a deep southern rock background helped develop his singer-songwriter style. Together they are a perfect blend.
Kristi Ormand - 2PM (Outside)
Kristi Ormand is singer/songwriter based in Charlotte, NC. She is the lead singer/owner of the band StellaRising. Kristi's musical background can be traced to an early age. While working full time she decided it was professional training that gave her the confidence and opportunity to finally pursue her lifelong passion of creating music. Her music is an authentic mixture of radio-friendly original rock/pop songs and energetic covers fused with rock, pop, funk, blues, reggae, and ska. Her band, StellaRising has shared the stage with national acts Smash Mouth, Night Ranger, and Lover Boy to regional acts such as U-Phonik, Gal Friday, and several other artists. Their debut EP titled ‘Motion’ recorded at Knothole Recording Studios in Waxhaw, NC was released in August 2011. They followed up with a sophomore EP recorded at GAT 3 Studios in Charlotte, NC titled 'Karma' in the late fall of 2013. A third self-titled EP recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, TN was released early 2017. Kristi and StellaRising are currently in the studio with plans to release new music in 2025.
Lisa De Novo 3PM (Outside)
Lisa De Novo is an alternative americana singer drawing influences from the Cranberries, Tom Petty, and Fleetwood Mac. Lisa has headlined some of Charlotte’s biggest venues and toured from coast to coast. In the summer of 2023, Lisa released an acoustic EP called “Sunflower Showers” a collection of summer songs, including the single “Lost in You”. Her new song "Carolina" has been featured on the Charlotte Today Show and Queen City Nerve Magazine. She has also done several collaborations with artists from all over the world including SMK, Itro and Apothecary Raincoat. She has been featured on WAME Drive At Five, 106.5 the End, and “Your Carolina” in Greenville.
Jam Central - 2:30PM (Inside)
Jam Central is the evolution of what began as "Jasmine" in 2017 when guitarist Gerald Thomas met vocalist Jasmine Martinez. Bassist Taroak Taefi and percussionist Allen Williams came on board to complete the quartet. Several talented vocalists and additional musicians have come and gone; as well as some name changes as we have evolved.
Their diverse individual backgrounds is a musical crockpot with ingredients of pop, rock, R&B, and jam resulting in an entertaining entree, JAM CENTRAL !
Mike Nolan 4PM (Outside)
Mike Nolan is a Concord, NC singer-songwriter, originally from Detroit, known for his smooth vocals, thoughtful lyrics, tuneful melodies.
From coffee shops to pubs, festivals to theaters, Mike is very active in the music community. You can usually catch him playing almost anywhere in the Charlotte area.
In 2020 (during lockdown), Mike released a full-length record “Unremarkable”. This year (2025) Mike is actively releasing new songs every month on all streaming music services.
The Trick Threat - 4PM (Inside)
Amber Williams 5PM (Outside)
Amber Williams is a singer-songwriter from Charlotte, North Carolina, who began performing at the age of 10. Known for her versatility, she is skilled in voice, bass, piano, and guitar. Amber is currently studying voice at Central Piedmont Community College as she pursues a career in music
