Dakota Proctor with Mary Anna and Stray Lions (Solo)
Jack the Songman, Eric Lee Hardt, and Chris Chism
Jack the Songman Jack The Songman is a new artist from North Carolina determined to show you a good time straight from the heart. The man behind the song, Jack Carmichael, has been making music in the Triangle for more than a decade. Under the “Songman” moniker, he writes songs with a funky, classic pop sound that feels familiar but sincere. Love, togetherness, and celebration of the mundane are central motifs baked into the entire Songman catalog. Born into a family of musicians, Carmichael has been a member of various musical ensembles since childhood—however, it wasn’t until his mid-twenties that he stepped into the dual role of frontman and songwriter as Jack The Songman. With the support of lifelong friends and collaborators (known collectively as The Songman Band), Carmichael has forged a genre-melding, piano-driven sonic identity that weaves together elements of yacht rock, funk, and power pop while calling to mind musical forces such as Michael McDonald and Ben Folds. Since stepping onto the scene, the Songman has made a name for himself playing high-energy shows throughout the Triangle. Carmichael’s songwriting craft has made an impression on his hometown, generating a commission to write and record the signature jingle for Chapel Hill’s radio station, 97.9 The Hill WCHL. The debut album “Love Songs and Other Songs” comes on the heels of Carmichael’s marriage to his high school sweetheart. The tracklist navigates different stages and flavors of a romantic relationship, from the high-energy, horn-forward bop “No Plans” to the heartening ballad “Get By”. As groovy as it is heartfelt, Jack The Songman’s first album is an exposition on joy, warmth, and endearment. Chris Chism Chris Chism is a North Carolina-based musician, originally from Indiana, whose work blends traditional folk with modern indie and alternative influences. Playing guitar and banjo, Chris creates music that is both deeply personal and open to interpretation.His songs carry a melancholic tone, but offer glimpses of hope for those willing to look closer. Through a unique mix of heartfelt storytelling and diverse musical elements, Chris’s work invites listeners to connect with the beauty and complexity of life’s quieter moments. Eric Lee Hardt A captivating songwriter and expressive performer. Eric Lee Hardt is a recent transplant to the Carrboro music scene you won’t want to miss. With a broad span of influence and experience, his music radiates the countless hours and miles that have crafted his unique sound. With lyric forward songs and guitar technique shaped by years of composition and real world experience gained through performance on the road. He delivers a musical experience you won’t soon forget
Omar Ruiz-Lopez with Will Orchard and Lonnie Rott
Omar Ruiz-Lopez Insta Website Omar Ruiz-Lopez (he/they) is a Latin-Americana artist whose music bridges old-time, Celtic, and Brazilian fiddle traditions with indie folk songwriting. A bilingual singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Omar brings classical training, emotional depth, and a cross-cultural perspective to the stage — drawing inspiration from artists like Nick Drake, Bruce Molsky, and Elliott Smith. Omar Ruiz-Lopez is also a distinguished musician and educator currently based in Durham, NC, with a remarkable command over multiple instruments, including violin, viola, guitar, and mandolin. His roots lie in North Carolina, having been a part of the burgeoning Triangle music scene for 13 years until his move to Nashville in 2023 and back in 2025. Since his time in Nashville, Omar has played and recorded with artists such as the GRAMMY-nominated band War and Treaty, Franklin Jonas, Lizzie No, Rebecca Newton, Harper Grace and Langhorne Slim, and cowritten with songwriters such as Rachel Baiman and GRAMMY-nominated Melody Walker (Sierra Ferrell, American Dreaming). He is currently working on an EP with Willa Frank (Paper Wings) and a full-length album with Rachel Baiman producing. Will Orchard Web Bandcamp IG Will Orchard is a Nashville-via-New England based indie-folk artist. He has made a name for himself as both a deeply emotive and disarming songwriter, and a relentless DIY troubadour. His music has taken him on tour around the US and Europe more times than he can count, often with his partner & fellow songwriter Jess Kerber. His records have been described as “Hush Folk Luminosity” by Glide Magazine, and “Radiant” by Atwood. In 2025, he looks ahead to the release of his 3rd LP, “Behind The Shadow Glass”, and an abundance of tour dates. Lonnie Rott Instagram Bandcamp Lonnie Rott is a singer-songwriter in Durham, whose songs explore themes of anticapitalist anger, liberation, solidarity, and lament for the reality that everything dies at last, and too soon.
Chloe Ament with Tori Templet
Chloe Ament Instagram / TikTok Chloe Ament is a Baltimore-based indie pop artist who has been winning over supporters across the globe since 2021 with masterpieces in storytelling such as “The Water is Fine,” “Evangeline,” and “Someone to Call Mine.” Taking the majority of her lyrical inspiration from books and movies, Ament has created a captivating discography exploring themes of identity, desire, and coming-of-age. Since her first release, all of Chloe’s music has been written, recorded, and produced with her brother, Patrick Ament. Through a fearless approach to experimentation, the duo seamlessly blend indie pop with folk and alternative influences to craft multidimensional pieces that resonate deeply with their audience. Not only does Chloe’s music provide a perfect soundtrack for romanticizing a normal day, but it also serves as a powerful medium to inspire listeners around the world. Tori Templet Instagram / TikTok With influences from many genres, Tori Templet finds herself toeing the line between indie/alt-pop and singer/songwriter. Tori released her debut single during her freshman year of college in 2018, learning to balance passion and practicality, and has been riding the wave ever since. She found success through her song “Classic” off of her debut EP “Seasons” which can be found playing in department stores and coffee shops all over the world. While she took a 3-year hiatus navigating the real, adult world, Tori has stepped into 2025 with a bang. She was recently on season 27 of The Voice on Adam Levine’s team and is working on her debut album that will be released in the Fall.
Laura Jane Vincent and Tom Troyer with Sam Thorn
