Unplugged @ the Chapel with Scott Strickland

6:30PM – Doors open with courtyard mixer and music. Hors d'oeuvres, brews and wine will be provided by local vendors!

7:30PM – Opening by Ruthie Craft

8:15PM - Concert by Scott Strickland

Cost: Balcony Seating - $25 and General Admission - Floor Seating - $35

Proceeds will support Riverbend Centre for the Arts and our local community programs.

Scott Strickland is an Austin-based musician whose journey to music has been as unconventional as it is inspiring. Originally from Houston, Texas, with roots tracing back to Nacogdoches, Scott’s life took a transformative turn when he became a full-time musician in Austin, Texas during the pandemic. Having spent years teaching filmmaking at colleges from Waco to San Antonio and working in retail, this transition to full-time musicianship was marked by resilience, creativity, and a renewed spiritual connection. He is recognized as an incredible live performer while regularly releasing great music.

With a sound steeped in raw authenticity, Scott’s music reflects a blend of rock, pop, and folk, enriched by introspection and honesty. The title track, "L.A.," from his debut album was lauded by Austin-American Statesman writer Peter Blackstock as "the best video, and song, to come out of Austin" in early 2022. Through his latest project Strings Attached: The 1500 Sessions, recorded at the 1500 Distribution Hall, Scott showcases his dedication to music that connects deeply with the soul, featuring lush acoustic string arrangements and a heartfelt approach.

Scott's work is a testament to the power of perseverance, sincerity, and the belief in creating art that resonates beyond trends, capturing timeless themes of vulnerability and resilience.

Ruthie Craft's cinematic pop-soul features powerful vocals; moody, soulful tones; and slick lyrics evocative of Imagine Dragons, Maroon 5, Amy Winehouse, and Dua Lipa. As a teen struggling with Tourette's syndrome, the discovery of Adele’s first album, 19, hooked Ruthie on music. Singing along made her tics go away and helped her feel normal for a moment.

At the tender age of 19, a whirlwind marriage led Ruthie from her home state of Washington to North Carolina, far away from her family and friends. As the marriage collapsed, she again found comfort in music. Exploring new genres like rap and hip hop helped her to find her voice again. 

Divorced and determined at age 23, Ruthie made it to all three rounds of Hollywood Week on American Idol in 2019. Since then, she has collaborated with producers and artists across the country, and has billed with the likes of Sir-Mix-A-Lot, Shakey Graves, Magic City Hippies, Emily Wolfe, Black Joe Lewis, and Raelyn Nelson.

Ruthie continues to hone her craft in Austin, TX. She is a 2023 Sonic Guild Grant recipient and released her debut EP, Sound of Blue, in September 2024.

Host or Publisher Riverbend Centre for the Arts