Four Days of Excellence

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: November 2023

Grace Potter

From its beginnings in 2016, music has been an important ingredient in the success of the Highlands Foods & Wine Festival.  And it’s never been truer than this year, when the weekend brings together an impressive roster of top talent in a range of genres from soul to country to gospel and rock – each note and rhythm in perfect harmony with the South’s best culinarians.

Much like fine wine that complements a memorable meal, the festival’s curated music line up promises to be the ideal accompaniment to four days of culinary excellence in a sensory extravaganza that transcends mere entertainment – a full-blown celebration of all that is remarkable about the region’s gastronomy and culture.

Thursday, November 9, Grand Tasting: 

Southern Avenue: What happens when a Black American gospel singer raised in a devout Baptist family in Tennessee teams up with a White blues-soul guitarist raised in a devout Jewish family in Israel? This is the musical ensemble Southern Avenue – a family affair featuring husband, wife and two sisters.

Matt Koziol

Friday, November 10:  Truckin’

Matt Koziol:  A true-blue country-rock artist, with strong vocals and a talent for telling relatable stories – It’s rocks, it’s tender and it drifts between genres seamlessly

End of the Line:  The premiere Allman Brothers tribute band, they are making a name for themselves with a sound as classic and heavy as the original brothers themselves.

Saturday, November 11,
The Main Event: 

Katie Pruitt:   Singer-songwriter,  soaring vocalist, and agile guitarist, Pruitt is a dynamic new presence, blending folk and country with indie rock – writing personal lyrics about topics ranging from her sexuality and mental health to family and faith.

Grace Potter: Grace Potter possesses a big, passionate voice and a gift for wandering America’s musical landscape as if it were a private playground. The singer-songwriter has built a loyal fanbase for over 20 years and four full-length albums under the banner Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. As a solo artist, she’s been Grammy-nominated (for her 2019 release “Daylight”) in the rock category.

Chuck Leavell

Saturday, November 11, A Generous Pour

Chuck Leavell: Considered one of the greatest pianists in rock ‘n roll history, Chuck Leavell played for the Allman Brothers Band while they were at their peak and joined the Rolling Stones in 1981. He’s played on record and live with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, John Mayer, the Black Crowes, and, of course, the Rolling Stones. Leavell and surprise guests will perform from his impressive catalog at this festival fundraising event.

Sunday, November 12, A Shot at Redemption

The Harlem Gospel Travelers: Drawing on the gospel quartet traditions of the 50’s and 60’s but with a modern edge, their songs are bold and resilient, fueled by dazzling vocal arrangements.

The War & Treaty:  A married couple, they are acclaimed for their impassioned soul music that draws on traditional, folk, country, R&B, and spirituals, often combining them all. Named Duo/Group of the Year for the second consecutive time at the 2023 Americana Awards, they also recently earned their first nomination for Vocal Duo of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards.