Erick Baker
Wednesday, October 8 promises something extraordinary at The Farm at Old Edwards: an evening with Erick Baker, whose voice — described as “smoke and whiskey with plenty of range and emotion” — will fill The Orchard with the kind of soul-stirring artistry that proves when Erick Baker sings, it isn’t just a performance — it’s a reckoning.
Baker’s journey to musical prominence reads like something from a songwriter’s own lyrics: unexpected turns, late-blooming talent, and the kind of authentic grit that can’t be manufactured. The Knoxville native didn’t pick up his first guitar with performance in mind until college, but once he found his voice, the music world took notice. That pivotal open-mic night in Tennessee, where a promoter spotted his raw potential and landed him an opening slot for John Legend, launched a career that has since shared stages with Brandi Carlile, Grace Potter, and the Goo Goo Dolls.
What sets Baker apart in a crowded field of singer-songwriters is his refusal to be pinned down by genre conventions. His sound weaves together folk authenticity, rock energy, and Americana soul into something that feels both familiar and entirely his own.
Critics have praised his ability to channel the storytelling tradition of masters like Townes Van Zandt while maintaining the radio-ready appeal of contemporary crossover country.
But it’s Baker’s live performance that truly captivates. Mountain Express captured it perfectly, describing his “raw and powerful” voice and uncanny “ability to whip a crowd into a respectable frenzy.” When he hunches over his acoustic guitar, leaning into the microphone with that distinctive smoke-and-whiskey tenor, The Orchard transforms into an intimate cathedral of sound. His unguarded emotional energy creates moments that remind audiences why live music matters – those instances when song becomes something larger than entertainment, becoming connection.
Baker’s artistry doesn’t stop with music. In 2021, he released a children’s book, Willie the Weed, a tender reminder to embrace your quirks and stand tall. That same mix of heart and grit runs through his music, and it’s what keeps audiences leaning in close, year after year.
As the sun sets over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Baker’s voice mingles with nature’s evening symphony, Orchard Sessions deliver on its promise of an immersive experience. This isn’t background music for conversation; it’s soul-stirring artistry that demands attention and rewards it generously.
The evening entertainment runs from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., complete with complimentary light bites and a cash bar. Tickets are $25 for Old Edwards hotel guests and $50 for the public. In case of rain, the performance shifts indoors to The Orchard House. Book your Orchard Session tickets online at OldEdwardsHospitality.com/OrchardSessions.
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