Headliner:
Mike Hellman is a country and Americana troubadour with a bent for the unconventional. Slinging songs with substance, conviction and grit, he’s on a mission to tell his truth and he insists on being heard. While firmly rooted in the rich country and blues traditions of his home state of Texas, he refuses to pander to cliché and his sound is anything but predictable. His lively performances swing from ballad to barn burner to outright rock ‘n’ roll, and his rich baritone conjures earnestness and humor while dealing head-on with all aspects of the human condition (and with a not-so-subtle nod to the downtrodden). An “outlaw” for outlaws, Mike's music transcends the often narrow boundaries set by the mainstream country music establishment.
No stranger to the stage, Mike has performed at large venues, honky-tonks and intimate listening rooms across the US, building a dedicated following along the way. He has turned heads at Americanafest and has shared the stage with prominent americana artists such as Jason Eady, Gabe Lee, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, and countless others.
His 2024 full length release "Trials and Triumphs" has enjoyed enthusiastic reception and features a who’s who of talent: guitarist James Deprato (Chuck Prophet), pedal steel player Ian Taylor Sutton (Vincent Neil Emerson), multi-instrumentalist Chuck Bradley (Hellbound Glory) and mastering by Michael Rosen (Santana, Green Day, etc). Mike is touring widely to support the release, and plans are underway for a sophomore album in late 2025.
Construction worker by day and troubadour by night, Mike somehow still makes time for his many other passions including the outdoors, heavy metal and union organizing. He splits his time between Houston, TX and Santa Cruz, CA.
Special Guest:
Sherita Perez is a unique singer-songwriter and entertainer who creates memorable songs with a heart-felt sound that draws listeners into the moment. Her voice has a warm, inviting sound that echoes the classic roots styles.
Sherita recently preformed at SXSW Official, Austin City Limits live Radio Broadcast at The Towns Van Zandt Hotel in Austin, TX. Sherita opened for Joan Osborne and James McMurtry. Sherita has supported shows for Ani DeFranco, The String Cheese Incident, and Taj Mahal. Recently, Sherita was a performer at the 25th Annual Kate Wolf Music Festival and The Hog Farm Hideaway 2022 at The Black Oak Ranch in Laytonville, CA, as well as played at The Golden Gate Band Shell in San Francisco, CA.
Sherita has been featured on BMI's Singer-Songwriter Series at The Saxon Pub and the Texas Music Office's Texas Music Mixtape KOOP Radio- Original Music Hour alongside Willie Nelson, Nora Jones & Shiny Ribs. Sherita received a scholarship SWRFA 2022, and her song, “Pack it In/Pack It Out” will be featured as one of The National Parks Service PSA this year.
Check out Splice Records for more events, such as the upcoming River Retreat Festival in New Braunfels, TX.
For more information on how to camp and float the Guadalupe at River Retreat click here.
Enjoy the Dan Electro's playlist here.