The Steel Wheels

The Steel Wheels

The Steel Wheels have long been at home in the creative space between tradition and innovation, informed by the familiar sounds of the Virginia mountains where the band was formed, but always moving forward with insightful lyrics and an evolving sound. In 2005, Jay Lapp (vocals, guitars, mandolin) and Eric Brubaker (vocals, fiddle) joined lead singer Trent Wagler (guitar, banjo) in forming the band as a vehicle for Wagler’s songwriting. They released several albums under Wagler’s moniker, before officially adopting the The Steel Wheels name with the 2010 release of Red Wing. Quickly staking their claim as independent upstarts in the burgeoning Americana scene, The Steel Wheels followed up this release with three more self-produced albums in the next five years, before joining forces with producer Sam Kassirer for Wild As We Came Here (2017) and Over The Trees (2019). Kevin Garcia (drums, percussion, keys) joined in 2017, bringing a new level of sonic depth and polish to the outfit. Newest member Jeremy Darrow rounds out the rhythm section and grounds the band as they continue to explore deeply rooted yet fresh folk rock sounds. Having gained the experience of thousands of shows, festivals and many miles on the road, the stubbornly independent band has formed deep bonds with each other and the audience that sustains them.

The Steel Wheels have responded to this time of isolation and loss by seeking to connect with their audience in new ways. In 2020, unable to perform their rootsy brand of Americana for crowds in live settings, the musicians turned their creative powers to crafting songs for individuals. Produced in isolation in the band’s home studios, the Everyone a Song albums are part of an ongoing project to collect the personal experiences of fans and forge them into that most enduring, yet ephemeral, format we call “song.” An accompanying podcast, We Made You a Song, explores the stories behind these songs, and the songwriting process itself. While each song was commissioned to honor a specific relationship or event—a birth, a wedding, a memory of home—the emotions evoked are universal.

Nowhere is this shared humanity more evident than at the band’s own Red Wing Roots Music Festival, a weekend-long celebration of music, community, and the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Hosted by The Steel Wheels every summer, the festival provides a space for the band to shine, from their high energy Saturday night main stage set to their afternoon showcase with young Red Wing Academy students. At Sunday’s gospel hour you are as likely to hear Steel Wheels originals or Warren Zevon covers as you are traditional gospel fare. The weekend is rounded out by the beloved tribute set in which the band collaborates with a cadre of fellow artists to honor an influential figure in American music, with past tributes ranging from Dolly Parton to John Prine.

Whether at a joyous summer festival, in their many shows across the country and beyond, or in the studio, The Steel Wheels continue their mission set out over a decade ago; shaking up traditions to see what sticks, telling stories, and joining communities through song.

Jack Broadbent

Jack Broadbent is no ordinary singer songwriter. He can break your heart and then turn around and set the world on fire. Combining elements of Blues, Folk, Rock n Roll and Jazz, Broadbent carries a lineage of true artistry into the 2000s that sets him apart from the rest.

His initial rise to fame was for his unique and explosive slide guitar playing. This notoriety was quickly solidified by his superb songwriting. Broadbent went from busking the streets of Europe to smashing the world stage alongside some of the biggest names in rock n roll.

In 2018, Broadbent performed as a guest at the launch party for the Rolling Stones curated blues compilation, “Confessin’ the Blues” in London. This lead to a tour opening for Ronnie Wood across the UK, with Wood crediting Broadbent with “keeping the flag flying”.

Legendary southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd simply call him “badass” after he wowed audiences across America on a full stadium tour.

His most recent shows opening for Peter Frampton on his farewell tour in Europe were met with rave reviews. Frampton himself praising Broadbent as “a wonderful player”.

Broadbent has single handedly thrilled audiences on the international festival circuit, including Montreux Jazz Festival where he was hailed as “the new master of the slide guitar”.

After six album releases Broadbent’s range is impressive. Stylistically, it’s a perfect blend of raw emotion and yet controlled chaos, best described by Bill Payne of Little Feat and The Doobie Brothers following a recent tour.

“Jack is a true artist. He is fearless, his horizons are endless. What he shares is reflective of a someone who cares deeply, not afraid to question things, not afraid to reexamine if the situation calls for it. In short, he is sharing his life with us. I love his voice. His playing is superb, showing an almost reckless abandon when he gets revved up, he is performing on the edge, and if he falls so be it. The pieces will not break. Jack Broadbent can whisper or shout in equal order with the power and sensitivity that speak volumes. Embrace his music, his life's work. You will be amply awarded”. – Bill Payne.

Host or Publisher Fairfield Theatre Company