July 22nd, 2021 7pm Stage 3
As of June 16, 2021, New York State has lifted all COVID-19 related restrictions that apply to a venue of Rockwood’s size. In accordance with these revised guidelines, vaccination records will no longer be checked and entry will be permitted for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Social distancing and masks will not be required, although masks will remain recommended for non-vaccinated individuals.
Johnny Gates
After being featured on season 12 of NBC’s The Voice, Gates made the move back to Nashville and got to work establishing himself as the solo act he was always meant to be. “I was so close to making it last time I lived in Nashville… my goal, now that I’m back, is to take my career across the finish line.”
His sound - a subtle blend of the rock that launched his career, paired with a strong country throughline and notes of that laid-back, coastal pop vibe he grew up on and reaped from his time in L.A. - is a product of the places that piece together his journey thus far. From the driving backbeat and of-the-moment mentality of latest single “Flirt,” to the coasting mid-tempo, intentionally impulsive messaging of upcoming release “Reckless,” Gates typically honest approach to storytelling no-doubt stems from his time on Music Row, and the vibe from his time as an East Nashville resident. “I like to call my sound East Music Row, because that’s really what it is. When those two worlds collide, you get the best genre of music.”
And as he forges forward - steadfast in his eclectic, dive bar persona and sound to match - Gates feels more confident than ever in where he stands as an artist. “It’s the most defining of my sound, truest form of music I’ve made in Nashville. I’ve never been happier, or had more fun writing what I’m releasing - and you can definitely hear that in the music. I’ve never been more excited to release new material.”
Troy Ramey
From the smooth stylings of Sam Cooke to the lyrical beauty of Curtis Mayfield, soul music is rich in tradition, highlighted by an authenticity that few artists possess today. Troy Ramey, on the other hand, is an exception. Part crooner, part troubadour and all storyteller, Troy is pure, unequivocal soul, evoking memories with each note he sings. With unbridled emotional power, Troy has an inherent ability to reveal his pain and draw you into his music. This inimitable talent is brightly evident on his critically acclaimed debut EP, When the Lights Came, which features the haunting, introspective singles, “Rosary, & Song Man.”
After an incredibly strong 2016 & 2017, The Voice was a welcomed exclamation point to an incredible break out year for Troy. Before The Voice came knocking, Troy’s music was soaring on Spotify and iTunes, with over 100k monthly listeners and thousands of album sales. Troy now has over 13 million total plays on Spotify alone. Authentic, soulful and beautiful, Troy Ramey stands out amongst the masses as a much needed reminder that music comes from passion and sincerity.