Kitchen Table Songwriter Series Season 2 - Kicking off Nov 29

Kitchen Table Songwriter Series, Season 2, Show 1

This Thanksgiving weekend, The Varsity is proud to host the return of the Kitchen Table Songwriter Series, co-produced by Mila Maring and John Reimbold, highlighting the bounty of incredible talent in the region. We’re kicking off Season 2 on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Our opening act, a Songwriters-in-the-Round featuring: Wil Maring, Matt Garrison, and Mac Elliott, and headlining the evening is Lucas Wayne and the Cottonmouths.

Here’s more on the artists in the line-up:

Wil Maring

Over thirty years and several well-used Toyota Siennas later, Wil Maring is still wearing out the Michelins, bringing her original folk/bluegrass/roots music with warmth and humor to fans and friends from coast to coast. After 8 solo and band CD releases, Wil has become a highly acclaimed songwriter, a winner of the prestigious Merlefest songwriting competition and a Kerrville NewFolk finalist. She has performed on the Grand Ole Opry and NPR’s Whaddya Know program, in addition to touring extensively in Europe and Japan, and teaching songwriting workshops at music camps in the United States, Canada, and the UK.

Mac Elliott

It’s odd for me to look back 33 years and try to wrap my head around all the things I've done, the changes in Nashville I've seen, and the changes I've gone through. I remember I didn't come here to be a Star or even a writer. I had written a couple of songs, but the idea of making a living at it seemed far-fetched. In reality, I was just happy to move on from the past and start over. Nashville was and is a real kick in the pants, though. I've met more people here who I have something in common with than anywhere else in the world. I hear people talk sometimes about “Making IT”. The way I look at it, when I look back, or even looking forward, is, where else would I have had such a great time and met so many wonderful people? Man, if you're here, and enjoying your life...YOU'VE MADE IT!!! Now I know some folks came here with lots of ambition and dreams, and of course, there's nothing wrong with that- all I’m saying is don't forget to smell the roses along the way.

I look back on the day I left high school. I was looking at being drafted and sent to Vietnam. I joined the Navy, sailed north to the Arctic Circle, and as far south as South America. Made two Atlantic crossings, spent five and a half months in the Mediterranean Sea, turned twenty years old in Spain, worked on tow boats on the rivers, been a trapper, farmer, always a carpenter and musician, and now a writer in Guitar Town. I think I've MADE IT. Not because of money or fame. Anyway, it’s just my opinion. So let me leave you with this...Be what you are...and remember, Music is Art, and Art is not a competition.

Matt Garrison

Matt Garrison is a Carbondale-based teacher, writer, and musician. His music streams under Matt Garrison and the Robber Barons and the Big Hurts.

Lucas Wayne

Lucas Wayne is a storyteller at heart, singing about the quirks of everyday characters and the experiences of growing up in rural Eastern Kentucky and Southern Illinois. Classically trained, his vocal range and natural vibrato leave crowds stunned. Wayne's songs are simultaneously funny and devastatingly sad, captivating audiences in bars, halls, and anywhere he can as a solo artist. He is touring now with his band, The Cottonmouths, whose members have toured extensively with Vince Herman Band. Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and many more. Lucas Wayne’s mix of Country, Bluegrass, and Folk makes a sound that is both refreshingly new and also timeless.

His debut studio album was released in the spring of 2024 on Fat Cave Records. Wookin’ Overtime was recorded in Slade, KY, at Fat Cave Studios and features 11 original songs, smothered with steel guitar, fresh fiddles, and driving country rhythm that is sure to make you laugh, dance, and cry.

Advance tickets are available here on Eventbrite for $15, and $20 at the door on the night of the show.

This show is sponsored by Carbondale Hearing Center.

The Varsity is in the heart of downtown Carbondale at 418 S. Illinois Ave. For more, go to www.thevarsitycenter.org for more on the historic venue and upcoming events.

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