Epstein Fox Presents: Kat Edmonson, Royal Wood, Kings Return

Kat Edmonson is an award-winning songwriter and singer "with an equal foothold in jazz, cabaret and vintage cosmopolitanism pop" (The New York Times). Raised on the music and film of the early-to-mid-twentieth century, Kat is a rare artist who embodies the spirit of the past while remaining resolutely au courant. She performs original songs and familair classics in her live show, interweaving humorous anecdotes, philosophical musings, and her love of film with disarming candor and vulnerability. Her longtime band members’ keen and sensitive accompaniment allows Kat to freely veer off-script as she’s often inclined to do. She has been featured on Austin City Limits, Tiny Desk Concerts, A Prairie Home Companion, and The Tonight Show.

Kings Return is a vocal band of brothers - Gabe Kunda, Vaughn Faison, J.E. McKissic & Jamall Williams. The Dallas, Texas-based a cappella group was formed unintentionally in 2016 after first singing together for Gabe’s college graduation recital. Their popularity grew when they began posting videos to social media from the stairwell where they rehearse. They have amassed almost 10 million views across all platforms and have been recognized by artists and brands such as Emily King, Anita Baker, Anthony Anderson, Joyce DiDonato, Apple, NPR, Dallas Morning News and so many more.

Avoiding the confines of a single genre, Kings Return’s sound is proudly born out of Gospel, Jazz, R&B/Soul, and Classical music. "The name Kings Return is a reflection of ourselves. We are Kings who go forth to conquer but most importantly we return to give back to our community".

Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Royal Wood has established himself as a true musical talent. Royal ceaselessly continues to evolve and hone his musical craft – earning multiple JUNO Award nominations and the title of iTunes “Songwriter of the Year” along the way, as well as touring with Bonnie Raitt and David Gray.

Jumping between guitar, piano and ukulele, Royal “brings class and craft to his pop-rock stylings, delivering them with a rich and resonant voice” (CBC Music). Royal’s latest release, Ever After the Farewell, is an ode to the classic styles of both Tin Pan Alley and Laurel Canyon. The album was influenced by the loss of his father and meeting the love of his life – both in the course of a single year. That journey gave a new meaning to Royal’s career, where creativity and performance will continue to shine and cultivate his trajectory, no matter where it leads. As the JUNO nomination committee says, Royal “continues to win each fan through the intimate connection only a truly great songwriter can make with his audience.”