2023 MUSIC LINEUP
Sean K. Preston is an internationally touring band from Baltimore, MD. Their album “Forgive” was released in November 2018 on Rusty Knuckles Music. Currently, the group is touring the country to share their raucous honkytonk, dirty blues, roadhouse rock ‘n’ roll, and tear jerking country balladry. The music of Sean K. Preston draws heavily on the influences of the classic heartbroken sounds of Country & Western music from the 40’s through the 70’s, the honesty of the Blues by the likes of Robert Johnson and John Lee Hooker, the bombast of 50’s Rock’n’Roll, the lyrical sophistication of musical poets like Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Nick Cave, the raw energy of Punk, and the spirituality of Mountain Gospel. His own songs range from delicate laments and lullabies to fiery sermons and confessions.
“The minute you meet Michael Coleman, you get a clear sense of his charisma. Free Union, led by Coleman, makes songs that bring people, ideas and musical styles together. Since teaming up with drummer Rob Dunnenberger, the band has grown in size, scope and ambition, but its message and goal remains the same.” -Stephen Kallao, World Cafe, NPR
Free Union is a Charlottesville, Virginia-based collective led by Michael Coleman (vocals/rhythm guitar) and Rob Dunnenberger (drums), and features Carrie Coleman (vocals), Parker Hawkins (bass), and Tyler Hutcherson (keys). The band’s sound is not distillable, it’s ever-evolving music is rooted in soul and incorporates rhythm and blues, rock, and pop into its sound. In its short history, Free Union has found quick momentum including a debut performance at the 2019 & 2021 Lockn’ Music Festival, a feature on NPR Music’s Heavy Rotation: September Songs Public Radio Can’t Stop Playing (2019), and a national appearance on the acclaimed WXPN National Public Radio program World Café (2020).
Free Union has maintained a constant stream of releases building upon their catalog alongside their energetic live show. In 2021 alone, the band put out five major releases in including a quarantine created and recorded double single entitled “Somethin’ + The Other Side” in January, a five track EP entitled “No Pressure” in May, and three singles “Good Life” (September), “If You Can You Will” (October), and “Prelude” (December) with each song featuring unique collaborators such as DJ Harrison (Stonesthrow) and Grebes. Poised for a breakout year in 2023, the band has plans for multiple releases.
The history behind the collective’s name gives context to its message. Free Union, Virginia—originally named Nicksville after a free African American blacksmith—sought to unite people of all races at a time when the country was inherently divided. These principles of inclusivity are the underpinnings of this collective. Free Union brings people, musical styles, and ideas together to inspire a message of unity.
“Don’t sleep on Free Union.” -Stephen Kallao, World Cafe, NPR
