48th Ann Arbor Folk Festival
Friday, January 24th and Saturday, January 25th
at Hill Auditorium
Tickets
Member and Student Pre-Sale: October 21-25
Public Sale: Nov 1
Ketch is best known as the founder and frontman of Old Crow Medicine Show, a two-time Grammy Award-winning juggernaut whose triumphs include induction into the Grand Ole Opry and double-platinum certification for their iconic hit single “Wagon Wheel”. It is impossible to overstate the influence of Old Crow, whose literary songwriting, true-to-life roadside adventures, and high-octane live performances helped spur artistic shifts in country, Americana, folk, pop, and rock music spheres since the band’s formation in 1998.
When it comes to American music, Ketch is a chosen steward and a torch bearer––as well as a questioner of the gatekeepers. Serving as an advisor, historical consultant, and featured speaker in Ken Burns’ acclaimed 2019 documentary Country Music, Ketch was a bridge between generations of country music makers and lovers, as he pushed for a wider lens and deeper understanding of the art form’s roots.
He is the consummate entertainer: the merry ringmaster, mischievous busker, passionate professor, modern Beat, and unassuming virtuoso, all rolled into one. He has written a musical entitled Hooten Holler which premiered as part of the Appalachian Festival of Plays & Playwrights at the legendary Barter Theatre in Abington, Virginia, authored a children’s book based on an Appalachian folktale, and, along with Old Crow, produced a 31 episode variety show live streamed from their East Nashville Hartland Studio in 2020.
A singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, author, speaker, and teacher, Ketch commands every stage like a charismatic evangelist with a message: Everyone should have a seat at the table. Ultimately, Ketch is a mentor and a co-conspirator as well, working and writing with other artists as he also produces albums, offers advice, and builds community. “We feel worshipful of the privilege of being alive on Earth when we congregate around music,” Ketch says.