Do’s, Don’ts And Must-See Artists At Kickin’ It On The Creek

Last year, we were invited to cover Kickin’ It On The Creek. It’s an event that is flat-out magical. For a music junkie like myself, Kickin’ It is our Disney World. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Little Ross Creek is the home of the Roberts family.

Over the last five years, every September, the Roberts farm transforms into the heart and soul of the thriving Kentucky music community. With a stage in the front yard, the acreage welcomes roughly 1500 fans and artists.

Kickin’ It On The Creek sold-out this year without even announcing the lineup. Read that again, Kickin’ It On The Creek sold-out this year without even announcing the lineup. Kickin’ It started as a birthday party for Kenton Roberts. It grew into something legendary. KIOTC can also lay claim to helping Tyler Childers chase his career and who knows who else will rise from this event.

So I thought it was a good idea that we combine some lessons learned from my experience last year that hopefully help you over the three days.

1. There is no cell service. So just detach yourself and enjoy.
2. With no service, that also means tha no credit cards. Every purchase will need to be made with cash.
3. Get to know your neighbors. We are all there for one reason, the music. I can not tell you how many folks are now my friends.
4. Wear light clothing. Breathable materials are highly recommended.
5. Hydrate yourself. Many folks will be partaking in some spirited cocktails, just don’t forget the water. You will definitely need it.
6. Sunblock is absolutely advised.
7. If you’re city folk, get yourself some bug repellent.
8. Pack a few snacks, but make sure to eat meals from the many food trucks. They’re not massively overpriced like many large Festivals and trust me when I say a good hot meal does wonders for your recovery.
9. BYOB. There are no alcohol sales onsite.
10. Get yourself an extra cooler and bags of ice, they will run out of ice on-site. No way around it.
11. Don’t like using a porta-potty? They’re cleaned early every morning. If ya need a no. 2, early morning is ideal.
12. Hand sanitizer. There will likely be some dispensers around the porta-potty’s and the Creek is also a option.
13. Wet ones. Showering isn’t easy. So wet ones can help ya from smelling.
14. Wear comfortable shoes and I suggest two pairs.
15. Bring chairs, fans, hugs and love. The rest is easy!

Now about the music, if you’re lucky enough to have snagged a ticket, over the course of three days, 9/19-9/21, you’ll be exposed to a ton of artists. Some you may know, like Tyler Childers, Senora May, Town Mountain, or even Arlo McKinley, but your focus should not only lock on the headliners. Why? Because this lineup is hand-picked and you could very well be witness to another artist on their way up.

Having said that, we’ve put together a list of artists that we feel should not be missed.

We make no apologies for our unabashed love for all things Magnolia Boulevard. I believe in this band and I truly believe that we will be still talking about this band in 25 years. Magnolia Boulevard falls under several umbrellas of genres, but for me, they’re in a class all by themselves.

Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle are the renaissance band that throws it back to an earlier era, but elevated to a level unseen. You may have seen drummer/vocalist Casey Campbell in two videos from Tyler Childers in “House Fire” and “All Y’ourn,” if that makes you listen to them, so be it. If not, just trust us, you’re gonna fall in love with Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle. Check out their version of the Lynyrd Skynrd classic, “Four Walls Of Raiford.”

Ona is a West Virginia band. They have a simple, yet poignant “shoegazer” quality that leans heavily towards a straight rock and roll band. Definitely make time in your schedule to see at least a few songs from Ona. You can thank us later.

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression are a band, much like Magnolia Boulevard, that we support whole-heartedly. We’ve dubbed vocalist Josly Hampton the “Queen Of Kentucky” and once you hear her cut loose, you’ll stand behind that moniker with all your weight.

Crownover is the name given to the band of Kyle Crownover. Kyle is based in Nashville, but many of you know him as the tour manager with Tyler Childers. You’ll never find a more sweet, genuine, or more wonderful individual than Kyle Crownover, but don’t take my opinion as gold, hear for yourself.

Morgan Wade is a name that has popped up on my social media often. While I primarily focus on finding the talents within Kentucky, I know to not ignore a name when I keep seeing them pop-up. After digging through her catalog and videos, I can definitely hear the appeal. In fact, she is very near the top of my personal artist list.

Kickin It On The Creek has carved their own niche by being way ahead of the curve when it comes to songwriters and you’d be doing yourself a wonderful service by catching Morgan Wade’s set.

Geno Seale & The Front Porch Gospel. This one is a tough one to describe accurately, so I’ll simply share the vision in my head of Geno’s performance from last year. Stay with me here, a shirtless Old Regular Baptist preacher steps onto the stage in the thick heat of a incredibly hot September, armed only with an acoustic guitar and the watchful eyes of Byron Roberts over his left shoulder. He steps to the mic, closes his eyes and within three notes, you feel like walked into the coolest church you never knew existed.

See for yourself:

Geno’s preachings are insightful, poignant and they posses a heart full of rock ‘n’ roll. I liken him to one of my favorite childhood cartoons, Captain Caveman. Even after reading this back, you’re still not prepared for Geno. Seriously though, make sure you catch Geno’s set. You can not find a more honest human and if you watch him, he is also the biggest fan of every artist on the bill. That’s just Geno!

Jericho Woods are a band that we’ve had the honor of working with multiple times. They probably have the most polished sound on this year’s edition. Meaning that singer/songwriters usually have a rough edge that shines through their story telling. Cousins Josh Mitcham and Paul Priest have extensive experience touring in bands that were bluegrass, rock and roll, country and whatever else they enjoyed.

With that, they know very well who they are and who they are is damn fine by me. Hopefully vocalist Josh Mitcham brings some artwork to sell as well. These folks are great, great people!

We’ve been given the opportunity to cover Kelsey Waldon several times. The young lady from Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky has really carved her own niche and did things her way for her career. That led her to the signing at Oh Boy Records, owned by Mr. John Prine. Her music is truly unique and a breath of fresh air every time we see her. Be on the lookout for Chloe Edmonson in Kelsey’s video for “Anyhow.” She’s another amazing young lady.

Bedford. Where do I start with Bedford? They’re young. They’re music majors at Morehead. They’re talented. They’re extremely focused on their craft and they are hell-bent on making folks step on their own jaws. You’ve been warned. Proceed with caution, but prepare to meet your new favorite band.

I have an Abe Partridge sticker on my camera case, compliments of Tammy Kaltreider. Between Tammy and Alexis Faye, Abe Partridge popped up on my social media many times. And you know what that means… yep, don’t be a dummy, have a listen.

I did and I’m happy I did.

I could write a book about artists like John Clay, Wayne Graham, Senora May, Brother Smith, Donnie Isaacs and so on. All I can say is this, trust the Roberts family and the artists they have gathered. You will find a ton of artists outside of the few I’ve gathered here. That’s a promise.

With that, here are the proposed set times. See ya on the Creek!!

KICKIN’ IT ON THE CREEK 2019 MUSIC FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Times are approximate

THURSDAY

11:30-12:00 Troy Estes and Buck Cooper
12:00-12:45 Tom Cool
1:00- 1:45 Chris and Jenn Shouse
2:00-2:45 Chloe Edmonstone
3:00-3:45 John Clay
4:00-5:00 Geno Seale and Porch Front Gospel
5:15-6:15 Kelsey Waldon
6:30-7:30 Morgan Wade and The Stepbrothers
7:45-8:45 Joseph Huber
9:00-10:00 Joslyn and The Sweet Compression
10:15-11:30 Buffalo Wabs and The Price Hill Hustle
11:45-12:45 Bedford Band

FRIDAY

10:30- Donnie Isaacs
11:00-11:30 Kickin’ It On The Couch
11:45-12:15 Alex Wright
12:30-1:15 Luna and The Mountain Jets
1:30-2:00 Kyle Crownover
2:15-3:00 Laid Back Country Picker
3:15-4:00 Green Genes
4:15-5:00 Jim White
5:15-6:00 Jericho Woods
6:15-7:15 The Hi-Jivers
7:30-8:30 Vintage Pistol
8:45-9:45 Magnolia Boulevard
10:00-11:00 John R. Miller and The Engine Lights
11:15-12:30 Town Mountain
12:45-1:45 The ‘Lectric Wooks

SATURDAY

10:15-11:00 Giant Rooster Sideshow
11:15-11:45 Abe Partridge
12:00-12:45 Joe’s Truck Stop
1:00-1:30 Padre Paul Handleman
1:45-2:45 Brother Smith
3:00-4:00 Wayne Graham
4:15-5:15 William Matheny and The Strange Constellations
5:30-6:30 Senora May
6:45-7:45 Ona
8:00-9:00 The Wooks
9:15-10:15 Arlo Mckinley and The Lonesome Sound
10:30-11:45 Tyler Childers
12:00-1:00? The Larry Keel Experience