12 acts to catch at The Moonshiner’s Ball

Here are 12 recommended acts to catch at this weekend’s Moonshiner’s Ball. For a complete schedule of performers and showtimes, go to Themoonshinersball.com.

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band: A popular Central Kentucky draw since the early days of The Dame, this rural Indiana trio specializes in rustic country roots music and blues.

Vandaveer: The nom de plume of songsmith Mark Charles Heidinger, this Louisville/Lexington folk-pop favorite continues to tour behind the new The Wild Mercury album.

Daniel Martin Moore: A veteran Kentucky stylist, Moore has collaborated with famed home state allies Jim James, Ben Sollee and fellow Moonshiner Joan Shelley. His newest album is Golden Age.

Joan Shelley: Rooted in Appalachian inspiration but flexible enough to adapt to serene modern soundscapes, Brit-folk accents and more, Louisville-based Shelley is a folk voice for the ages.

Horseshoes and Hand Grenades: This curiously titled Wisconsin band works off bluegrass, folk and old-time music influences but combines them into a rich, expansive sound all its own.

Debraun Thomas Trio: Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area but now a Lexingtonian, guitarist/vocalist Thomas surveys all manner of roots, blues and rock ’n’ roll stylings on his All My Colors are Blind album.

Bear Medicine: Take a dose of chamber inspiration, a touch of folk, sprinkle a generous garnish of psychdelia and you have one of Lexington’s most distinctive indie bands.

Warren Byrom and the Fabled Canelands: A true local music hero, Byrom and his band Fabled Canelands exude fun and industrious Americana smarts, jazz phrasing, elemental roots inspirations and more.

Small Batch: A pack of Central Kentucky all-stars, Small Batch emerges with a joyous blend of folk, pop and bluegrass that simply soars behind the glorious singing of Reva Williams.

Driftwood Gypsy: Leading the late-night charge with a 1 a.m. set Saturday, Lexington’s Driftwood Gypsy plugs into an electric jam sound that works off a soul and fusion framework.

The Kansas City Bible Company: Don’t let the name fool you. This seven-member, brass-heavy collective hails from Nashville with a sound steeped in groove and psychedelia.

Restless Leg String Band: A popular Lexington club attraction, the Restless Leg crew uses traditional bluegrass instrumentation to a fashion a groove sound that is altogether contemporary.

This story was originally published May 19, 2016 at 8:49 AM with the headline "12 acts to catch at The Moonshiner’s Ball."