Triad Musicians Matter – 2024 Non-Profit Sponsor
The Summer Solstice Festival is proud to announce a partnership with Triad Musicians Matter, a local non profit organization founded to help musicians in a time of need. In many cases in our community, it’s the musicians who are the first to offer their time and talents to help raise funds for many worthy local and global causes. It is the purpose of Triad Musicians Matter to be a vehicle to which the community can give back to those generous and artistic people when they themselves are in need.
Triad Musicians Matter, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit corporation created in 2011 for the purpose of providing Triad North Carolina musicians and their families financial support in cases of sudden illness, hospitalization, accident, death, or displacement from home due to fire or natural disasters. Visit Triad Musicians Matter to learn how you can donate or apply for assistance.
SunQueen Kelcey and the Soular Flares
Welcome to the world of SunQueen & The Soular Flares, where music meets magic and every performance is a celebration. This six-piece band, hailing from Greensboro, NC, is a soul-rock sensation that’s been setting the music scene on fire since 2017.
At the helm is the radiant SunQueen herself, Kelcey Ledbetter. Not only is she the vocalist, but she’s also the manager and the heart of the band. Her musical journey began with Dalton Village, where she met guitarist Kolin Robinson. When that band disbanded, Kelcey and Kolin formed a new constellation, SunQueen & The Soular Flares, and gathered more stars along the way: guitarist Malcom Dickens, bassist Darion Jones, keyboardist and trombonist Tyrissa Swilley, and drummer Jamese Moses.
Their music is a genre-bending collage of hip-hop, soul, rock, and contemporary R&B. But it’s not just about the sound; it’s about the message. Their songs are a celebration of body positivity and radical self-love, encouraging listeners to embrace themselves fully. Kelcey’s powerful lyrics, backed by the band’s dynamic sound, create a shared experience that’s as empowering as it is entertaining.
Their latest album, “See Attached,” is a testament to their journey. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’s real. It’s a reflection of their resilience, their passion, and their commitment to making music that matters.
So, if you’re looking for a band that’s as fun as they are talented, as charming as they are original, you’ve found them. SunQueen & The Soular Flares aren’t just making music, they’re making a movement. And you’re invited to join the party.
Queen Bees
Queen Bees is a musical collaboration between three North Carolina-based multimedia artists: award-winning musician and journalist, Molly McGinn; renowned electronic music producer and songwriter, Quilla; and esteemed musician and creative producer Kate Musselwhite Tobey. They use a unique blend of traditional acoustic instruments, modern electronic components, vocal harmonies and the folk tradition of storytelling to bring people together and shed light on current issues. Their collaboration goes beyond the traditional construct of a band because they also create visual stories and cultural experiences for diverse audiences. Their songs uplift audiences and dance to the rhythm of social change. Their first track, “Ravens and the Wrens” (Ritual Fire Records, 2021), was inspired by the personal experiences of trans author Sam Peterson. Past collaborations between Molly McGinn and Quilla include “Wild and Kind” (2016)—a musical prayer written to raise awareness about plans to build a canal in Nicaragua that would devastate the local agricultural economy in its path. Collaborations between Quilla and Kate Musselwhite Tobey include “Old Souls” (2020) and forthcoming tracks “Bloodlines” and “You Belong Here,” which explore ancestry and migration. QUEEN BEES see their music as a way to serve and create community. Their music emphasizes a strong beat, meticulous stringed arrangements, delightful harmonies and bright rhythm guitar.
Chris O’Leary Band
Alligator Recoding Artist Chris O’Leary’s musical background includes duties as lead singer and front man for rock and roll hall of famer and Grammy award winner Levon Helm’s band, The Barnburners. During the 6 years that Chris and Levon played together they toured across the US and Canada lighting up stages everywhere they went. Chris has appeared on stage with: Legendary Rolling Stones sideman Bobby Keys, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmy Vivino, Jeff Healy, Steely Dan, Albert Lee, Jamey Johnson, Warren Haynes, Michael Mcdonald and the great James Cotton to name just a few. Chris has also recorded with Bill Perry,Hubert Sumlin, and Richie Havens among others. The Chris O’Leary Band’s debut CD “Mr. Used to Be” won the 2011 Best New Artist Debut CD Blues Blast Award and was nominated for best new artist debut at the 2011 American Blues Music Awards. Their Live At Blues Now and Seven Minutes Late releases also garnered them Blues Blast Award nominations. The latest critically acclaimed Alligator release The Hard Line debuted at #1 on the Billboard blues charts and reached #1 on virtually every radio chart in the US and abroad.
Too Phat Brass Band
Too Phat Brass Band is a high-powered second line brass band based in Greensboro, North Carolina that brings the vibrant energy and spirit of New Orleans’ second line parades and music to audiences around North Carolina and beyond. Too Phat Brass Band is a diverse group of talented musicians who share a passion for honoring and celebrating the rich cultural traditions of New Orleans.
With a repertoire that spans everything from traditional brass band music to jazz, funk, and hip-hop, Too Phat Brass Band is known for their ability to get audiences up and moving. With lineups ranging from five to twelve-piece ensembles, whether performing at festivals, weddings, or corporate events, the band’s high-energy shows are always a crowd-pleaser. Follow us on IG at @toophatbrass or facebook at Too Phat Brass Band. For booking and info, email toophatbrass@gmail.com
Maia Kamil
Singer-songwriter Maia Kamil is at home in the world. Maia has spent years refining a musical style that weaves eclectic influences, vocal dexterity, and complex lyrics to create tiny worlds in which the listener can get lost. In 2020, Maia relocated to North Carolina where she worked with guitarist and producer Charlie Hunter, who helped hone her craft. She became known for her warm vocals, spiritual center, and ease with stepping into a variety of genres from Hip Hop to Neo-soul and folk. Much like her writing, Maia’s performances are an invitation to form community and create deep human connection. Her simple melodies act as launch pads for her graceful vocal runs, creating a new sound with a global soul. Her music offers transport to worlds away—the trees of the blue ridge, the salt of the seas she’s floated in, the words of her ancestors—while simultaneously giving the listener a sense of sitting around a campfire with friends, singing melodies they feel they’ve always known.
Pure Fiyah Reggae Band
The Pure Fiyah Reggae Band is a universal blend of quality musical compositions that touches the foundation of various styles of music and the art of sound. After many years of tribulation and atonement the essence of Pure Fiyah compositions are reverberated with the conscious spirit and bravery of our birthrights. We as a band together have over 75 years of musical experience, which can be felt and heard through the heart and soul of our own personal style of reggae music. If you want the best be sure to put Pure Fiyah Reggae Band to the test!
Jessie Dunks
With every original song performed, Greensboro’s Jessie Dunks has remained committed to crafting authentic, soul-stirring music that speaks to the heart. With a mix of inspiration spanning a wide range of artists, Jessie brings a fresh perspective to the folk and singer-songwriter genres, by infusing them with elements of pop to create a sound uniquely her own.
Taboo Sue
Taboo Sue brings an all female line-up with uplifting energy that has something for every listener. Frenesa Hall, Lyn Koonce, Chris Rama and Kami Rowan joined forces to activate an eclectic musical experience offering a diverse array of genres including rock, blues, folk, funk and shag.
