Tuesday, May 29, 2018

June 2018 Town Council Meeting Agenda




Custodian Position Available


Economic Development Authority Meeting on 6-7-18


LIVING HISTORY AT THE ABINGDON MUSTER GROUNDS

LIVING HISTORY AT THE ABINGDON MUSTER GROUNDS

Celebrating 50 years of the National Trail System

Hear ye!  Hear ye!  Overmountain Men and their families will come to life at the Abingdon Muster Grounds, June 23, 2018 from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.   This event will highlight the importance of the Washington County, Virginia militia and the Revolutionary War Battle of Kings Mountain, 1780.  There will be demonstrations related to life in backcountry Virginia during colonial times.  This event has activities for the whole family!  Join the Overmountain Victory Trail Association, Blacks Fort Chapter-DAR, and General William Campbell Chapter-SAR as we bring history to life.  

Certified by the National Park Service as the northern trailhead of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, the Abingdon Muster Grounds is a picturesque 9-acre park with significant history.  When a call was issued for militia to respond to British Major Patrick Ferguson’s threat that, “he would march his army over the mountains, hang their leaders, and lay their country waste with fire and sword,” men from all over the region moved into action.  Under the leadership of Colonel William Campbell, 400 Virginians set out to join patriot militia from modern-day Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.  After a two week campaign, the Overmountain Men fought the Battle of Kings Mountain with overwhelming success.  Thomas Jefferson said it was “the turn of the tide of success which terminated the Revolutionary War, with the seal of our independence”.  
The Keller Interpretive Center, located at the Abingdon Muster Grounds, houses southwest Virginia’s premier Revolutionary War exhibits.  Artifacts associated with backcountry Virginia and the Battle of Kings Mountain are on display.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call 276-525-1050 or email lhunter@abingdon-va.gov



BACKCOUNTRY COLONIAL DAY CAMP 2018


BACKCOUNTRY COLONIAL DAY CAMP 2018
Life in Backcountry Colonial Virginia and the Battle of Kings Mountain

The Abingdon Muster Grounds will host a free day camp, June 25-29, 2018 from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm, for children ages 9-11.  Come learn about life in the Backcountry of Virginia in 1780 from interpreters in period dress!  Activities will include educational presentations, fun and games, and hands-on crafts.  Only 25 spots are available so sign-up today!  Snacks and lunches will be provided.

Registration forms can be picked up at the Keller Interpretive Center at the Abingdon Muster Grounds.  They can also be found online at www.abingdonmustergrounds.com.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call 276-525-1050 or email lhunter@abingdon-va.gov



PUBLIC FEEDBACK INVITED ON INTERSTATE 81 CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT PLAN


PUBLIC FEEDBACK INVITED ON
INTERSTATE 81 CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Provide input at series of meetings planned along corridor through Fall 2018

RICHMOND, Va. – The Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation are developing a plan to study the entire length of the Interstate 81 corridor in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

As directed in Senate Bill 971 (now 2018 Acts of Assembly Chapter 743), the study team will identify targeted improvements along I-81 and potential revenue sources that could be dedicated to improvements. SB 971 was introduced by Senators Mark Obenshain and Bill Carrico, and supported by Delegate Steve Landes with budget language in the House of Delegates budget bill. 

Feedback provided by members of communities, industries and other stakeholders will be considered as team members study the corridor throughout the summer and prepare a draft plan report in the fall. The team and the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) plan to report findings to the General Assembly in December, prior to the opening of Session in January 2019. 

The public is invited to attend the first of a series of meetings planned and provide input to the study team as work progresses. The purpose of this first series of meetings is to gather public input on safety and congestion concerns on I-81 in Virginia.
The public meetings will be held from 4-7 p.m. on the below-listed dates at the noted locations. Presentations will be held at the beginning of each meeting at 4 p.m. followed by an open house through 7 p.m.



Comments will be accepted at the meeting or by contacting Ben Mannell, study manager, at VA81CorridorPlan@OIPI.Virginia.gov or by mail to 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia 23219, or by phone at 804-786-2971. The first comment period will end July 31, 2018. Additional comment opportunities will be available throughout the study.

For more information about the study, or to view meeting materials, visit http://www.VA81Corridor.org. For additional information about the CTB, visit http://www.CTB.Virginia.gov/.

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Thursday, May 24, 2018

2018 “Best of Abingdon” Winners



2018 “Best of Abingdon” Winners

On Monday, May 7, 2018, Mayor Cathy Lowe designated May as Business Appreciation Month. As part of showing her appreciation to the businesses, who have invested in Abingdon, she collaborated with the Town of Abingdon Community Development Coordinator, Community Relations Coordinator, and IT Specialist, to create the “BEST OF ABINGDON” initiative.

From May 8-14, 2018, Mayor Cathy Lowe, Community Development Coordinator, Tonya Triplett; Community Relations Coordinator, Tenille Montgomery; and IT Specialist, Jon Phelps, delivered the “Best of Abingdon” awards to twenty-eight (28) businesses. Each winner received a framed certificate, a garden flag, window cling, and Town of Abingdon pins. In addition, each winner was announced live on the Town of Abingdon, VA Mayor Facebook page.

“It was an honor and a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet with all of the winners in their business and give them a small token of our appreciation,” said Mayor Cathy Lowe. “Our goal with this and other forthcoming initiatives is to highlight the many outstanding businesses located in Abingdon.”

Below is a list of all the winners and their categories:

Best Abingdon Breakfast Spot- Chick-N-Little
Best Abingdon Lunch Spot- 128 Pecan
Best Abingdon Dinner Establishment- The Tavern
Best Sweet Shop/Dessert Place- 149 Sweets
Best Supermarket/Grocery Store- Food City
Best Retail Shop- Necessities
Entertainment Venue- Barter Theatre
Abingdon Best Clothing Store- Forget-Me-Not
Best Antique Store- Zephyr’s Antiques
Best B&B/Hotel/Cottage- The Martha Washington Hotel & Spa
Best Art Gallery/Museum- William King Museum
Best Medical Provider- Abingdon Internal Medicine
Best Dentist- Brown Dental Associates 
Best Pharmacy- Walgreen’s Pharmacy
Best Chiropractic- Boothe Chiropractic
Best Law Firm- Wayne Austin
Best Financial Advisor- Lopez Wealth Management
Best Realtor- Highlands Realty
Best Bank/Credit Union- First Bank & Trust
Best CPA/Bookkeeper- Hicok & Fern
Best Insurance- Wampler’s Insurance
Best Flower Shop- Humphrey’s Flowers
Best Dry Cleaners- Abingdon Dry Cleaners
Best Auto Service Center- Don’s Garage
Best Auto Dealer- Pioneer Chevrolet
Best Hair Salon- Cuttin’ Up
Best Spa- The Martha Washington Hotel & Spa
Best Fitness/Gym- Dyna Body By Lee

*Check out the YouTube video with all the winners’ here- https://youtu.be/vx8xAhKiHtY

Thank you to everyone who voted for these businesses, tuned in to Facebook live, and showed support for this campaign. The Town of Abingdon hopes to continue this positive initiative for years to come.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Media alert: Thursday Jams moved to Wolf Hills Brewing due to inclement weather

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2018 SAM LEWIS CONCERT MOVES TO WOLF HILLS BREWING TONIGHT DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

Abingdon, VA – Due to the forecast of thunder and lighting, tonight’s Thursday Jams concert has been relocated to Wolf Hills Brewing (350 Park Street in Abingdon). Nashville artist Sam Lewis headlines the show, with opening act K.T. Vandyke. The brewery opens at 5:00pm, and music starts at 7:00pm. Food vendors will still be on hand, and the concert is still free and all ages.


Country singer Sam Lewis has collaborated with everyone from John Prine and Kacey Musgraves to The Wood Brothers. Chris Stapleton dubbed him "a modern Townes Van Zandt". And while he's often labeled with some form of the word 'soulful' (some have even compared his voice to molasses), Lewis' style meets at a juncture of many different genres.


Born and raised deep in the black diamond hills of southwestern Virginia, K.T. Vandyke is a unique and gripping song-smith, who wields folk songs and prose that reflect his vibrant and tempestuous life. His songs tell the story of growing up in the coalfields of Buchanan County, Virginia and the trials of being young vagabond musician devoted to honing his craft and experiencing all that life has to offer.

For more information on the venue, visit https://wolfhillsbrewing.com/


For more information on the musical lineup, visit https://www.abingdonmusicexperience.com/sam-lewis-may-17








Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Notice of Meeting - June 18, 2018 Dedication of Lois H. Humphreys Park on Main


June 2018 Town Council Meeting Notice


Commonwealth Transportation Board/VDOT Meeting




Follow up information from the Commonwealth Transportation Board/VDOT Meeting held on Monday, May 14, 2018:

Already funded or under construction
Exit 14 – complete in Fall 2018
Park Street – under design, start construction in Spring 2019
Green Springs Road – complete in October 2018
Abingdon Urban Trail – complete in September 2018
VCT @ Watauga Road - underway

Upcoming
East Main Street sidewalks – FY2023
West Main/Jonesboro Road intersection improvements – Design FY2021, Construction FY2023
Additional Maintenance Funds (Cummings Street, Porterfield Hwy, Jonesboro Road) – Fall 2018
West Main/Porterfield Hwy intersection improvements – Design FY2020, Construction FY2022-23
Exit 17 – FY2021
Exit 19 – FY2023
VCT @ Meade Meadows – FY2019/20

Future Applications
East Main Street Widening from Exit 19 to Hillman Highway – Smart Scale
French Moore Blvd. Extension – Smart Scale
Clark Street Sidewalks - HSIP
Urban Trail, Phase 2 – Transportation Alternative (TA)

For questions or more information, please call Matt Bolick, Director of Public Works, at 276-628-3167.

Monday, May 14, 2018

ABINGDON’S THURSDAY JAMS BEGIN THIS WEEK; NOW ANNOUNCING THE FULL LINEUP OF OPENING ACTS


ABINGDON’S THURSDAY JAMS BEGIN THIS WEEK;
NOW ANNOUNCING THE FULL LINEUP OF OPENING ACTS

Abingdon, VA –  Now in its 6th year, Abingdon’s Thursday Jams series is one of the region’s most popular summer events.  The shows start this Thursday May 17th with rising country artist Sam Lewis and special opener KT Vandyke, a rising star from Southwest VA.  Thursday Jams has added some surprising new opening acts to the series, adding even more excitement to the schedule of nationally acclaimed artists.   Thursday Jams kick off each Thursday evening at 7:00pm; headliners go on at 8:00pm.

Presented by Blue Ridge Beverages and the Abingdon Music Experience, Thursday Jams continues each Thursday for 10 weeks, closing July 19; a beer garden is provided by Abingdon Main Street, and local food vendors are on hand each week. Visitors and locals alike turn out for these free, family-friendly events. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the shows.

“We have been overwhelmed with the requests from artists to play this series, and there just aren’t enough days to showcase all of the talent we’d like to,” according to Event Coordinator Sara Saavedra.  “This has created a situation where each concert date not only has a fantastic headlining band, but often has openers who are also booked at big festivals like Merle Fest and Floyd Fest. We have so many openers this year that are nationally touring acts themselves.”

Other opening acts include Trongone Band (June 14), Cicada Rhythm (July 12) and Songs from the Road (June 28) a NC bluegrass super-band, made up of members who have shared the stage with Bela Fleck, Larry Keel, Steve Martin, Bobby McFerrin and have received numerous IBMA and Grammy awards. For a full listing of musical acts and dates, visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com.

Thursday Jams, which draws thousands of locals and visitors to downtown Abingdon each year, is sponsored in part by Eastman Credit Union, Universal Fibers, First Community Bank, Bank of Marion, Food City, and Johnston Memorial Hospital, with media and hospitality sponsorship from WNCW 88.7, The Loafer, and JJ’s Restaurant.

No outside alcohol is allowed. In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted to social media, and Wolf Hills Brewery will serve as the alternate venue, located at 350 Park Street SE in Abingdon.

--continued--


Thursday Jams 2018 Lineup
May 17, 2018
Sam Lewis
Opening act: KT Vandyke

May 24, 2018
Reverend Shawn Amos
Opening act: Mr. Nobody & The Extras

May 31, 2018
Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics
Opening act: Shake it Like a Caveman

June 7, 2018
Steel Wheels
Special Guest Sinners & Saints

June 14, 2018
Cris Jacobs
Special Guest Trongone Band

June 21, 2018
Heather Gillis Band
Opening act: Sparks & Lazers

June 28, 2018
Acoustic Syndicate
Opening act: Songs from the Road

 July 5, 2018
Super Doppler
Opening act: Okey Dokey

July 12, 2018
Eilen Jewell
Opening act: Cicada Rhythm

July 19, 2018
Sweet Crude
Opening act: TBD


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Friday, May 11, 2018

COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD INVITES PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD INVITES PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

Provide input on projects that are recommended for funding at public meetings, online, email and mail

RICHMOND, Va. – The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will be hosting meetings across the commonwealth and is inviting the public to share feedback on transportation projects that have been recommended for funding. Members of the community may participate by attending public meetings or submitting comments online, by email or mail.

Public comments will be considered by the CTB as it develops the FY 2019-2024 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP). The SYIP allocates public funds to highway, road, bridge, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, public transportation, and transportation demand management projects. The Draft FY 2019-2024 SYIP identifies projects proposed for inclusion in the final program, which will be approved at the CTB’s June meeting. All federally-eligible projects in the SYIP will be included in the federally-required Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to document how Virginia will obligate its federal funds.

The public meetings will begin at 4 p.m. in each of the locations except as noted below (a formal comment period will be held at each meeting):
Monday, May 14, 2018
Bristol
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
One Partnership Cir.
Abingdon, VA 24210


Meeting materials will be available at http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/plan…/springmeetings/default.asp beginning April 16, 2018.
Online sources
Six-Year Improvement Program:
You can also submit your comments by email or mail by May 30, 2018:
• For roads and highways: Six-YearProgram@VDOT.Virginia.govor Infrastructure Investment Director, Virginia Department of Transportation 1401 East Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219.
• For transit and rail: DRPTPR@drpt.virginia.govor Public Information Office, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation 600 East Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond VA, 23219.
For additional information about the CTB, visit http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/.


(END)

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Town Council Meeting Agenda for 5-7-18




ABINGDON’S THURSDAY JAMS RETURN FOR 10 WEEKS OF FREE CONCERTS, BEGINNING MAY 17, 2018


Abingdon, VA – For the 6th summer in a row, Abingdon hosts free outdoor concerts at the Abingdon Market Pavilion.  The popular Thursday Jams series brings a wide range of nationally recognized artists to Abingdon, each Thursday night for 10 weeks. The series kicks off Thursday May 17th with the soulful modern country sound of Sam Lewis, and continues through July 19th.

Presented by Blue Ridge Beverages and the Abingdon Music Experience, the concerts are free and open to the public; a beer garden will be provided by Abingdon Main Street, and local food vendors will be on hand each week.

Highlights this year include the joyful blues of Reverend Shawn Amos, the beloved bluegrass band Acoustic Syndicate, and Sweet Crude, a South Louisiana indie-pop band that sings in in an enchanting mix of English and French. For a full listing of musical acts and dates, visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com.

The series, which draws thousands of locals and visitors to downtown Abingdon each year, is sponsored in part by Eastman Credit Union, Universal Fibers, First Community Bank, Bank of Marion, Food City, and Johnston Memorial Hospital, with media and hospitality sponsorship from WNCW 88.7, The Loafer, and JJ’s Restaurant.

Music will begin 7:00 pm each Thursday at the Abingdon Market Pavilion, with a beer garden benefitting Abingdon Main Street opening at 6:30 pm. A variety of food truck and local vendors will be on hand offering concessions.  The events are family-friendly, and attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and or blankets to enjoy the shows. No outside alcohol is allowed. In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted to social media, and Wolf Hills Brewery will serve as the alternate venue, located at 350 Park Street SE in Abingdon.

The series will host a variety of musical genres including Americana, southern rock, bluegrass, indie folk, soul and roots.  Bands performing during Thursday Jams have also appeared at internationally-recognized festivals like Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion, SXSW, Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Floyd Fest, and Bonnaroo as well as NPR’s Tiny Desk and Music City Roots. Local talent will open each Thursday for the headliners, who will start their sets at 8pm.
For a full listing of musical acts and dates, visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com. For more information, call 276-676-2282 or email ssaavedra@abingdon-va.gov.
--continued—

Thursday Jams 2018 Lineup
Sam Lewis
May 17, 2018

For Fans of: Parker Millsap, Anderson East, Townes van Zandt

Like many before him, Sam Lewis came to Nashville to make music. But unlike the majority, Lewis managed to hop on one of the most successful tours that country music has seen as of late. He's collaborated with everyone from John Prine and Kacey Musgraves to The Wood Brothers. Chris Stapleton dubbed him "a modern Townes Van Zandt". And while he's often labeled with some form of the word 'soulful' (some have even compared his voice to molasses), Lewis' style meets at a juncture of many different genres. There's something about Sam Lewis that is indescribably different -- and with his newest project, he's discovered what most musicians spend lifetimes working for -- the place where feel-good music meets vital social commentary. 

Reverend Shawn Amos
May 24, 2018

For fans of: Keb Mo, Gary Clark, Jr., Jonny Lang “modern blues with a nod to the past”

From West Coast clubs, to Deep South joints, to European festivals, to YouTube, to the podcast universe, the Reverend Shawn Amos’ message of joyful blues is reaching an ever-increasing flock. The Rev’s distinctive blend of black roots music, R & B, and stripped down rock n’ roll brings a bracing, soul-deep musical experience to audiences starved for authenticity, for connection. “I derive a lot of satisfaction bringing people joy,” he says.

Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics
May 31, 2018

For Fans of: Amy Winehouse, The Broadcast, Charles Bradley
Deep,raw funk…stax-style Southern soul…positively uplifting & ORIGINAL…Motown-channeling anthems. Atlanta’s Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics are the heirs to the thrones of the old-school masters. But they’re much more than just a group of revivalists trying to create a period piece. Powerhouse singer Velle and her band will settle for nothing less than bringing these classic sounds glimmering into the now with a fresh, new contemporary sheen.

Steel Wheels with Special Guest Sinners & Saints
June 7, 2018

For Fans of: Mandolin Orange, Mipso, Black Lillies
Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, The Steel Wheels are familiar with the traditions of folk music and how a string band is supposed to sound. In fact, they’ve been drawing on those steadfast traditions for more than a decade. Yet, their name also evokes a sense of forward motion, which is clearly reflected in their latest album, Wild As We Came Here. Their musical style weaves through Americana and bluegrass, folk and old-time music, and the acoustic poetry of the finest singer-songwriters.
Special Guest: Sinners & Saints.  Perry Fowler and Mark Baran infuse their acoustic, country-tinged tunes with compelling harmonies and foot-powered percussion on repurposed drums from an abandoned kit.

Cris Jacobs with Special Guest Trongone Band
June 14, 2018

For fans of: Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Ray LaMontagne

“Outlaw swagger meets blue-eyed soul, with evocative, heartfelt songwriting thrown in for good measure” ~Rolling Stone

Whether alone with just the guitar and his voice or surrounded by a full band, Cris Jacobs enchants listeners with his inspired, poignant songwriting, virtuous guitar playing, and soulfully transcendent voice. Artists across the board have discovered Jacobs’ musicianship and supple versatility, resulting in an impressive variety of formats in which he has played over the last few years.

Special Guest: Trongone Band. Rapidly gaining momentum with a sound that falls perfectly between Southern Rock ’n Soul and Americana Jam, The Trongone band is turning heads and making an impact on the east coast.

Heather Gillis Band
June 21, 2018

For fans of: Butch Trucks, Allman Brothers, Samantha Fish

Heather Gillis is the TOTAL package as a guitar player, lap steel player, singer, songwriter, and arranger. You may not know her yet BUT listen up, as you are going to hear a lot about this young lady in the next few years! Heather is an amazingly versatile player and performer. She and her band have the stage presence and confidence to appeal to a variety of musical tastes be it rock, blues, soul, jazz, roots or gospel. At 22 years old, Heather has not only formed a strong southeastern following but has played alongside and befriended the likes of The Allman Brothers Band, Col Bruce Hampton, North Mississippi All-Stars and Damon Fowler just to name a few.

Acoustic Syndicate
June 28, 2018

For fans of: Keller Williams, Mountain Heart, Town Mountain

Acoustic Syndicate is a musical institution. Since 1994, their unique blend of bluegrass instruments, rock sensibilities, and conscious songwriting has inspired a generation of musicians. Through seven albums, thousands of performances, and tens-of-thousands of miles, Acoustic Syndicate has long been heralded as one of the important influences on the modern roots-music revival.

Super Doppler
July 5, 2018

For fans of: Charles Bradley, Antibalas, The Beatles

Produced by fellow Virginia wunderkind Matthew E. White, Super Doppler’s new album ‘Moonlight Anthems’ is a raucous blend of soul, roots, and rock that tips its cap equally to Levon and Lennon. The album is the debut under the band’s new name “Super Doppler”, and it finds them building off the wave of critical success garnered by their eponymous ‘Major and the Monbacks’ 2015 debut. Pop Matters hailed that album’s “propulsive soul energy,” while The Huffington Post described its sound as “Chicago meets the Grateful Dead meets The Band,” and RVA Magazine raved that it had “not only revived, but given a psychedelic face-lift to the soundtrack of the dancehalls of the ’50s and ’60s.” The record offered but a taste of Super Dopplers’ ecstatic live show, which began to draw sell-out crowds across the region and earned the band a slew of high profile festival slots everywhere from Firefly to Floyd Fest in addition to support dates with Charles Bradley, Os Mutantes, Antibalas, and more.

Eilen Jewell
July 12, 2018

For fans of: Tift Merritt, Gillian Welch, The Be Good Tanyas

Eilen Jewell laughs when told her label’s president called her a musicologist. But she confirms she and her husband and bandmate, drummer Jason Beek, have a passion for studying American music. For her new album, Down Hearted Blues, released in 2017 on Signature Sounds, she and Beek unearthed 12 vintage gems written or made famous by an array of artists both renowned and obscure, from Willie Dixon and Memphis Minnie to Charles Sheffield and Betty James. Then, like expert stonecutters, they chiseled them into exciting new shapes and forms, honoring history while breathing new life into each discovery. Known for what allmusic.com describes as a “country-flavored and blues-infused version of contemporary folk (which also can include healthy doses of rockabilly and surf),” Jewell’s discography includes several albums of original material and one of Loretta Lynn covers.
Sweet Crude
July 19, 2018

For fans of: Tank & the Bangas, The Revivalists, Rebirth Brass Band

“Sweet Crude is an extremely exciting new group with haunting and mesmerizing
vocals sung in Louisiana French and English.”
– PopMatters

Over the past few years, Sweet Crude has managed to take the music and language of Louisiana and produce a completely fresh music that thrusts century-old traditions into the present. The six-piece band consistently delivers exciting shows featuring enough drums for a small marching band, exuberantly bellowed harmonies, and lyrics that jump from English to Louisiana French in a single verse. Boasting surnames like Marceaux and Chachere, Sweet Crude seeks to reconnect with their lineage in a way that draws on their own modern influences, while nodding to the music and language of their ancestors.


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