Alex Austin // Emily Barnes // The Incantations

Hailing from the small town of Wayland, MI, Alex Austin is a singer-songwriter whose music brings together the raw emotion of blues, the storytelling tradition of Americana, and the timeless soul of rock ‘n’ roll. Drawing from a rich blend of influences like Eric Clapton, John Hiatt, B.B. King, and George Strait, Alex’s sound is a reflection of his roots—both the country landscapes that shaped his upbringing and the deep, soulful blues that moved him to pick up a guitar. Also the leader of the West Michigan band Deerfield Run, Alex writes and sings strong original songs designed to pull at the heart without letting the brain off the hook. His debut solo album, Nobody’s Home, was released in February 2024.

*************

With a voice that cuts to the bone and songs that pull on the heart strings, Emily Barnes has the ability to turn any room into a listening room. Boasting a diverse four albums and many miles under her belt, Barnes is a seasoned singer-songwriter who continues to build grassroots following from city to small town, one new believer at a time. Her songs have garnered her spots on national stages—the highly coveted Kerrville Folk Festival, 2024 Acorn Songwriter Contest Finals, sold-out headlining tours. Now based in Colorado, Barnes writes vivid songs of empathy, love, and perseverance over lush melodies. There is a feeling one gets when witnessing something authentic and rare, and that aura permeates the room at an Emily Barnes show.

*************

The Incantations weave a delicate tapestry of dark and light, blending blues, rock, and folk into a sound that embodies Americana. In their acoustic duo form, Lisa Mackie and Ryan Gladding bring songs down to their raw essence, where evocative lyrics and intertwining guitar lines take center stage. Their music is a reflection of the roads they’ve traveled.

\\\\\\\\\\\\

***THIS SHOW IS IN THE THEATER, WHICH IS ON THE 2ND FLOOR & ACCESSIBLE ONLY BY STAIRS. We would love nothing more than to be able to welcome every human into the theater and are working really hard to have an elevator built in the near future.***