Beats, Brews & Buddies

Marie-Claire Evans is a singer/songwriter based in Roanoke, VA. Originally from Hampton Roads, she comes from a musical background of classical piano and vocal training but found a love for writing and performing indie/folk/rock music. Known for her wide vocal range and smoky lower register, her songs incorporate intimate lyrics and wistful melodies to produce a simultaneously powerful yet easy-listening experience for any audience to enjoy.

When she isn't writing and performing, Marie-Claire spends her time coaching field hockey teams and reading as much as possible.

Like many musicians, Kerry started singing and performing when he was a kid in church. At age 7 he was singing solos in front of the entire congregation. Then came piano lessons to learn to read and write music. He really loved to sing though, so he concentrated on his vocals. He performed all throughout his school years, all the way up through college at George Mason University. The West Coast was calling him so in 1988 on a wing and a prayer he heads out to L.A.!! He settles in and meets some great musicians and starts to perform out there, singing in some experimental Rock bands like Acid Clown. In 1991 he came up with the concept of The Thrillbillyz and, along with the help of some great musician friends, was able to record a four song demo at Fox Studios in Glendale, CA and work with the owner/engineer Rich Fox. In 1993 ,after several years of performing around Southern California as The Thrillbillyz, Hurley moves back to the East Coast and his hometown of Roanoke, Virginia. Roanoke definitely is not as big of a market as L.A. but it has a growing music scene and Hurley jumps in head first. He re-forms The Thrillbillyz and starts playing shows like crazy. He continues to write and work on his originals and in 1994 takes his band into Flat Five Studios in Salem, VA and records the album “Romp!” and releases it in 1995. Ten of the eleven songs are originals and a few of the songs (Franklin County Moonshine & Sweet Leaf) wind up on the radio in regular rotation on the area’s biggest Rock station 96.3 WROV. The band played constantly in support of it’s record and through it’s association with Buzz Casey and WROV was able to open up for quite a few National acts like Government Mule, Storyville, Foghat, Loverboy, Johnny Winter, Matchbox 20 and many more!!! The band played and enjoyed success for the next 5 years and in 2000 everyone went their own musical ways. Hurley had been singing on the side for a Blues band called Blues Hangover from 96 to 98 and traveled quite a bit with them, winning several Blues Contests and traveling to Memphis, TN in 97 to compete in the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. It was a great learning experience. In 2001 Hurley wound up joining The Fat Daddy Band and that very same year went down and won the Charlotte Blues Society’s contest and in 2002 went to Memphis again to represent them at the IBC and made it to the finals (one of ten bands out of 150). For the next 14 years he would front that band and continue to write songs. He put out 2 cd’s with The Fat Daddy Band - “From The Soul”(2003) and “Live & Lovin’ It!”(2005). 

Bonus episode featuring our host, Travis Schmitt!

William Seymour is a singer-songwriter originally from Snow Hill, NC but currently lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. His sound can be described as a mix of Country, Blues, Soul, and Americana.

His influences come from artists such as Jackson Browne, Eric Clapton, Waylon Jennings, and more. William plays bass and tours with the rock n roll band Caitlin Krisko The Broadcast. He has recently released his 3rd solo album, entitled "Ride Along".

Episode 7 from Season 4 is out now! Featuring Paul Salvey.

Inspired by the Classics you know and love, Glam'r Kiti is the nation's premiere 80's Rock Tribute Group. Based in the Mountains of Southwest Virginia, They've rocked sold-out shows along the East Coast, and become community favorites in their base city of Roanoke, Virginia. 

Brandon, known to friends and family as "Bt," is a dedicated drummer from Covington, VA. A proud father of two, his passion for drumming began at an early age—he likes to say he was born with drumsticks in hand. His journey as a musician started in church, where he developed his skills and built a strong foundation in rhythm and performance.

For nearly eight years, Brandon has been the drummer for Chad Nickell & The Loose Change, bringing energy and precision to every performance. Over the years, he has played with numerous bands, entertaining audiences of all sizes and backgrounds. His experience, versatility, and deep-rooted passion for music make him a dynamic force behind the drums.

Adam Hill was born in Roanoke and has been playing music in the area for over twenty years. He began as a drummer before transitioning to keyboards. He performs with the award-winning Solacoustix band and leads his own project, the Adam Hill Trio. Currently, he also works as a pianist at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs.

A special featuring our co-host, Jeremy Price!

Losing Moxie is the songwriting duo of Eric & Laura, dedicated to crafting songs that explore the complexities of life and the art of musicianship. Having written together for about a year, they are newcomers to the scene but are deeply passionate about the songwriting process. With no strict adherence to a single genre, their music is a reflection of curiosity, emotion, and creative freedom. Though they have only played live a few times, their focus remains on creating songs that resonate and evolve with each performance.