Artists
James Carothers
Nashville honky-tonk crooner, James Carothers, is best known for his stone-country originals and spot-on impressions of some of country music's greatest icons.
James has performed in Nashville since 2015, having played over 2000 shows at venues like AJ's Good Time Bar, Martin’s BBQ, The Nashville Palace, and Music City Bar when he's not on the road. He enjoys playing at fairs, festivals, bars, corporate events, and private events across the United States and has also traveled to Canada, Japan, Scotland, Norway, and Lichtenstein for shows.
Just before the 2020 shutdown, James fulfilled a lifelong dream by making his Grand Ole Opry debut at the Ryman Auditorium, receiving a standing ovation from a crowd full of friends and family. Another recent milestone was being selected by Alan Jackson to open his show at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, as well as several other dates on Jackson’s “Honky Tonk Highway” tour from 2019 to 2022.
James released his latest single, Saturday Night Life, in 2022. Previous album releases include Whatcha Got Left (2021), Songs & Stories (2019), Still Country, Still King: A Tribute to George Jones (2018), Relapse (2017), and Honky Tonk Land (2014).
Raised in rural Tennessee, Carothers grew up leading acapella singing every Sunday in the Church of Christ. His father Jim was a hobby songwriter who landed a song he wrote on the Grand Ole Opry (Puttin’ On the Dog, performed by Mike Snider). Jim recorded a couple of studio albums in Nashville before moving the family out west for work while his son was still in grade school. Inspired by his dad, James always toyed with songwriting and began playing his shows in local honky-tonks around New Mexico during his teens and 20s. Meanwhile, he married, started a family, and paid the bills as a technician at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, working where the atomic bomb was created.
In 2015, James left his job at LANL and returned to his native state of Tennessee to pursue a country music career. Shortly after arriving in Nashville, George Jones's widow, Nancy, personally hired him for his first steady gig at the George Jones Museum, allowing him to do something he’s thankful for and that so many aspiring artists moving to Nashville dream of doing – make a living playing music. In addition to supporting his family, performing downtown has helped Carothers build a large fan base of fiercely supportive followers who appreciate his Tennessee twang, southern storytelling, and throwback country style.
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Dusty Rust
Dusty Rust hails from the mill town of Lewiston, ID, where the rugged landscapes and blue-collar spirit infused his music with authenticity from an early age. With roots deeply embedded in the Kansas City country music scene, Dusty Rust emerges as a compelling voice in the realm of country and rock.
From 2013 to 2018, Dusty could be found captivating audiences every Thursday night at The Westport Saloon, where his performances became a staple of the local Kansas City music scene. The intimate setting provided the perfect backdrop for Dusty to showcase his raw talent and magnetic stage presence.
Having shared stages with renowned artists like Dale Watson, Whitey Morgan, Hellbound Glory, and JB Beverly, Dusty's performances resonate with raw energy and heartfelt storytelling. His stage presence is magnetic, drawing audiences into the rich tapestry of his musical narrative.
In 2017, Dusty's talent earned him a prestigious nomination for an Ameripolitan Award, placing him alongside legends like Hank III and Scott H. Biram. The recognition affirmed his position as a rising star in the country music landscape.
In 2023, Dusty and his band took the stage at the esteemed Jackalope Jamboree festival in Pendleton, OR, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances and soul-stirring melodies.
Driven by strong DIY ethics, Dusty has self-produced four full-length albums, each a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft. Additionally, his talent has led him to collaborate with notable acts such as pacific northwest country darlings Countryside Ride and Missouri-based songwriter Tyler Giles, contributing his distinctive sound to their projects.
Currently, Dusty Rust and his band are putting the final touches on their highly anticipated fifth full-length album, "Broken Saddle," set to release this fall. With each track, Dusty continues to push the boundaries of his artistry, forging a path that resonates with audiences far and wide.