Half-Mile High feat. Adam Spry and Ryan Woodard at The Penngrove Pub!

Doors @ 6:30pm

Music @ 7pm

HALF MILE HIGH BAND BIO

Half-Mile High's Mercuryville years (2010-2018) coalesced with the tight-knit quartet of Shaun Bond, Chris Bradley, Preston Booker, and Marc Hagenlocher. The Mercuryville Sessions EP is an artifact of that era, which was a high-wire time of dizzying live appearances around the Bay Area and a fruitful era of expansive songwriting, brotherhood, and collaboration. The five songs compiled on The Mercuryville Sessions are much of all that remains of the recorded material from those years. The rest is memory and legend.

The EP is now on all streaming platforms.Release date: January 31, 2025.

The Music

The EP leads off with "So Blue," a bluesy-country rock chestnut that was always a crowd favorite and which we still love to play live.

"Shine On" is a high-energy rocker that kicked off many a live set.

"Call On Me" is simple, straightforward, and full of heart.

"Days and Years" digs deep on themes of love and humanity's dualistic nature; it grooves with an irresistible vibe.

"Resolve" is a stripped-down ballad about fitting finite human failings into the infinite scheme of time and the universe—we sometimes also liked to play this one as a high-octane soaring country blaster, depending on our mood.

ADAM SPRY BIO

Since the release of his first EP in 2017, Adam Spry has proven himself to be a seasoned songwriter, fusing earnest lyricism with nostalgic compositions. “This is folky indie pop/rock, vulnerable yet powerful, with atmospheric arrangements and engaging vocals.” - Add To Wantlist Garnering comparisons to Emitt Rhodes, Fruit Bats and Hiss Golden Messenger, Spry’s songs embrace the waves of uncertainty that inevitably crash into us all, while simultaneously providing a reminder that the storm shall pass.

Adam Spry has been a mainstay of the Bay Area music scene, sharing the stage with artists such as Crash Test Dummies, The Franklin Electric, Rayland Baxter and The Mother Hips. Spry’s most recent output, the apocalyptic indie-folk-rock EP “Hotel Of The Dead” was recorded at Itinerant Home in Oakland, CA, Washateria Studios in Portland, OR, The Sound Store in Santa Cruz, CA and at home in Daly City, CA.

Other releases include “Chipping Away” (2024), “Painting By Numbers” (2024), “Slightly Off Kilter” (2023), “Bonanza” (2020) and “One Dimensional” (2017).

Spry has performed, recorded and toured with various projects in the Bay Area and beyond; including Heaven’s Club (Shiv Mehra of Deafheaven), Grace Leer (American Idol Season 18 Top 10), Catch Prichard, The Free Key Choir, Tom Conneely & Birds of Paradise, Kalinders, The Live Oaks and more.

RYAN WOODARD BIO

Meet Ryan Woodard, a talented singer/songwriter and multifaceted musician from Sonoma County, California. Born into a musical family on both sides, Ryan's innate talent was nurtured from an early age. Diagnosed with autism at three, music became his solace and sanctuary. Despite being considered nonverbal until nine, Ryan found comfort in the rhythms and lyrics that would eventually unlock his voice. He would listen to songs on loop until the words made sense, sparking a lifelong passion.

At eleven, Ryan shared the stage with legendary blues icon Buddy Guy, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Gifted with a natural affinity for music, Ryan effortlessly mastered guitar, piano, drums, and harmonica. Soon after, he received his first guitar and amp, a gift that changed everything. His own band, the Ryan Woodard Band, blends blues, funk, classic rock, and surf genres, showcasing Ryan's eclectic style and original compositions.

Ryan's remarkable story has garnered international attention. Featured in Guitar World Magazine, who praised his "jaw-dropping guitar skills" and "soulful, heart-wrenching voice," Ryan has received accolades for his remarkable talent and inspiring journey. As Guitar World Magazine noted, "Woodard's playing is a testament to the transformative power of music... his passion and dedication are undeniable."

In a testament to his talent, Ryan was gifted a Martin Guitar by Grammy-winning artist John Mayer, who was moved by Ryan's viral YouTube performance alongside Guitarro5000. The Press Democrat also highlighted Ryan's "remarkable musical gifts" and "inspirational story."

With the release of his EP "For the Better" (June 5), Ryan continues to make waves in the music scene. His soulful voice, genre-bending sound, and infectious passion are captivating audiences and solidifying his place as a rising star in the music industry. The Ryan Woodard Band's dynamic live performances feature a diverse setlist, seamlessly weaving together covers and originals that showcase Ryan's growth as a songwriter.

"Ryan Woodard is a force to be reckoned with... his music is a reflection of his soul, and it's impossible not to be moved by it." - Guitar World Magazine

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