Two local bands, Bourbon Roots and Yellow Banks, will take the stage at this year’s Spencer County Music Fest, joining a lineup that includes national talent and reality TV alums. The two-day festival is set for July 18-19 in Grandview, Indiana, and promises live music, camping, and a showcase of both established and up-and-coming acts.
Bourbon Roots brings country-rock and good vibes
Bourbon Roots, a four-piece country-rock band based out of Owensboro, will perform on July 19. Led by singer-songwriter Cody Crabtree, the band includes bassist Kyle Broshears (Owensboro), lead guitarist Austin Campbell (Newburgh), and drummer Joey Lynn (Henderson).
“We’re about playing good music and making sure people are having fun with us,” Crabtree said. “We try to do a little bit of everything — country, rock, and a lot of covers.”
Though Crabtree and Broshears have played together for over a decade, Bourbon Roots formed about four years ago. This summer marks their first time performing at the Spencer County Music Fest, where they’ll open for artists like American Idol alum Zachariah Smith, The Voice contestant Mary Sarah, and country artist Andy Griggs.
“We’re really excited,” Crabtree said. “There’s a lot of great talent on the bill, and it’s an awesome opportunity for bands like ours.”
Before the festival, Bourbon Roots will also play July 5 at Hard Truth Distillery in Nashville, Indiana, and July 25 at the RiverPark Center’s Sound Garden in Owensboro.
Yellow Banks expanding reach across the river
Performing on July 18 is Yellow Banks, a five-piece band from Owensboro known for blending heartfelt lyrics with a dynamic sound. Lead singer James Elliott said the band started as a duo during the pandemic and has grown into a full group, with members Scott Etheridge (lead guitar), Matthew Smith (bass), Tristan Howard (multi-instrumentalist), and drummer “Bean,” also known as “Red.”
“This is a new area for us,” Elliott said of the Grandview festival. “We’re just happy to be part of it. It’s not often we get to play on a multi-band bill around here.”
Yellow Banks released their debut album Corner of First and Lonely in January 2023 and have more music on the way. Elliott said this summer has been their busiest yet, with three to five shows per week.
The band’s name is a nod to Owensboro’s original identity, as the area was once known as Yellow Banks along the Ohio River.
Festival details
The Spencer County Music Fest will feature two days of live music, primitive camping, and family-friendly entertainment. Tickets and details, including a VIP early bird package available through June 15, are available at spencercountymusicfest.org.
“Support local music, and come out for a good time,” Elliott said. “It’s a short drive across the river, and we’ll make it worth your while.”
