Beats, Brews & Buddies

Joey Ballard teachers Guitar and General Music and  AMS, CMS, and SMS. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2016, Joey found a home in the NRV teaching and playing with several local bands including The Jared Stout Band. This led to some incredible experiences from recording 2 full length albums, being named an Artist on the Rise at Floydfest, sharing the stage with names like the Infamous Stringdusters, The Little River Band, .38 Special and many more.

From an early age, Joey has been drawn to the beauty of learning many instruments and has been considered the swiss army knife musician. Even though focusing on percussion through most of college, he has said playing guitar and bass are his favorite. Getting to share his passion for every aspect of Music is a dream come true.

Talking Cake is a vibrant 7-piece music band based in Roanoke, VA, bringing the energetic sounds of Cake the band and Talking Heads to life. Our unique blend of musical styles in our live performances creates an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

Season 5 Episode 6 is Rappers Delight! Featuring Dylan Dent, Taye the Truth, and Just Some Random Dude! 

AREA 581 is a professional band from Roanoke, Virginia serving live shows consisting of new and classic rock hits from the 60’s through today.

Our five members have decades of experience and love to perform musical rock favorites you probably have never seen live.

Danny Galyen & Cory Schmitt

Kevin Jones, a native of Toronto, Canada, has spent more than 30 years working in professional theatre as an actor, musical director, director, and choreographer. His many credits include the Broadway first and fourth national tours of Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, the Asian tour of Annie, the European tour of Annie Get Your Gun, three productions of Evita, and two of Phantom.

Recently, Kevin served as the musical

supervisor for the Oceania Marina Cruise ship and the Regent Seven Seas Mariner cruise ship, and sailed to both ends of the world as well as Australia and Indonesia. 

Kevin is an alumnus of Western University in Canada, where he received a B.MUS.ED; and The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, where he received his certificate in musical theater performance. 

For 22 years, Kevin has served as the choreographer for the award winning Roanoke Valley Children's Choir.

For 27 years, Kevin has served as the artistic director of the KJPAS Summer and Winter Intensives (Performing Arts Camps) in Virginia. 

As a vocal and acting coach, Kevin has coached hundreds of actors into Broadway shows, national tours, regional theater productions, film, and television shows. 

Kevin continues to work professionally as an actor, filming television commercials.

Meet Addie Levy, a captivating American bluegrass-country artist who effortlessly weaves tradition and vision into exciting, progressive movements. Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Addie has emerged as a true multi-talent in the world of music, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and exciting mandolin improvisation.  From the early age of 10, she has been a powerful performer mentored by the bluegrass and old-time community. Enchanted by the resonating tales and camaraderie embedded within the "happy music" of Bluegrass, Addie swiftly cultivated a deep love for its rich history and stories. Her radiant energy and boundless enthusiasm have transformed her into a sought-after collaborator, drawing the attention of organizations, fellow musicians, businesses, and festivals. As of 2024, she is the newest member of The Brothers Comatose, the internationally touring bluegrass band from California.  Through her music, Addie Levy has breathed new life into traditional sounds and forged a vibrant and ever-expanding landscape for its future. 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/addielevymusic/ 

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/addiemusic02 

TikTok: 

 https://www.tiktok.com/@addielevymusic 

YouTube:  

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgbR5j3luoLDj3O_gJ57E0g 

It is a 288 page historical novel that tells the 60+ year history of The Embers....remember "Far Away Places", "I Love Beach Music".  Short Synopsis: The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story

The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story is the compelling memoir of Bobby Tomlinson, the legendary drummer and founding member of The Embers, one of the most iconic bands in the history of Carolina Beach Music. Spanning over six decades, this book takes readers on a captivating journey through the highs and lows of a musical career that helped define a genre and captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

Told through Bobby’s unique perspective, the memoir delves into the band’s humble beginnings, their rise to fame, and never-before-shared behind-the-scenes stories. With a blend of humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt reflections, Bobby reveals the passion, perseverance, and love for music that have fueled his life and cemented The Embers' legacy.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Embers or new to the world of Carolina Beach Music, this book offers an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of a band that continues to bring joy to generations.

Allen Thompson is a Nashville-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer best known as a founding member of the band LadyCouch. With deep roots in Southern rock, Americana, and soul, Thompson's music blends diverse influences into a distinctive sound. As a key figure in LadyCouch, he plays a crucial role in crafting the band's harmony-rich, genre-blurring style that pulls from funk, rock, gospel, and country.

Thompson has also had a prolific solo career, releasing several albums that showcase his raw vocal power, thoughtful lyricism, and ability to weave personal storytelling into his music. His work is known for its authenticity, drawing on the rich musical traditions of the South while pushing boundaries with modern sensibilities. Whether performing solo or as part of LadyCouch, Thompson brings an energetic stage presence and a passion for creating music that resonates on a deep emotional level.

Born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Kayla Renee Jones is singer songwriter currently based out of Roanoke Virginia. With a diverse cover selection ranging from the Goo Goo Dolls and Pearl Jam, to Etta James and Billy Joel, her emotive and brutally honest voice captures audiences. Her main influences include Jeff Buckley, Elliott Smith, Phoebe Bridgers, Radiohead, Cocteau Twins, Fiona Apple, and Tori Amos.

With the help of other local artists, Kayla has played at many local venues such as Sweet Donkey, Twin Creeks Brewery, and Brady’s Distillery. 

When she isn’t performing or writing, Kayla Renee spends her free time baking or reading.