Manitowoc’s Metro Jam 2024 headliner has toured with The Black Crowes, Soul Asylum and Jason Isbell
MANITOWOC — An Atlanta-based American Southern rock band that has toured with the likes of Hootie & The Blowfish, The Black Crowes, Blackberry Smoke, Marshall Tucker Band, Soul Asylum and Jason Isbell will headline the 45th free-admission Metro Jam in June.
Drivin N Cryin, featuring Wisconsin native Kevn Kinney, will take the stage in Manitowoc’s Washington Park at 8:30 p.m. June 15.
The band is known for its hits “Fly Me Courageous,” “Honeysuckle Blue,” “Build A Fire,” “The Innocent” and the stand-out anthem “Straight To Hell,” which was re-recorded by Darius Rucker on his 2017 album “When Was the Last Time.”
Metro Jam will bring 10 different acts to the stage June 14-15 at Washington Park, 1115 Washington St. Acts will cover jazz, blues, reggae, ska, folk, alt-country, Americana, classic rock and original rock.
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Drivin N Cryin’s sound is ‘a little drivin’ rock ’n’ roll and a little country twang.’
Drivin N Cryin played its first show at Atlanta’s 688 Club in October 1985. Drawing influence from an array of musical elements, the band developed a unique sound.
A Metro Jam news release said the band’s name comes from the eclectic nature of its sound, which is “a little drivin’ rock ’n’ roll and a little country twang.”
Recent inductees to the Wisconsin Music Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, respectively, founding members Kinney and Tim Nielsen have maintained a long-lasting legacy for the band.
The band's current lineup also includes guitarist Laur Joamets, originally with Sturgill Simpson, and long-time drummer Dave V. Johnson.
The band has played all over the U.S. and abroad.
In 2017, Island Records re-released Drivin N Cryin’s highly recognized “Mystery Road” album through Universal Music Group. “Mystery Road” was also named one of “The 50 Best Southern Rock Albums of All Time” by Paste magazine.
After releasing four full-length albums on Island Records, one on Geffen Records and a number of independent releases, Drivin N Cryin is marking a milestone 35th anniversary.
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Metro Jam will announce more acts soon.
Additional acts for Metro Jam 2024 will be announced soon.
A news release said people can watch for festival updates at metrojam.org or on Facebook.
Metro Jam is presented in partnership with and in support of Manitowoc’s Grow It Forward, which also coordinates the beverage and food concessions for Metro Jam.
Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc Metro Jam 2024 headliner Drivin N Cryin brings Southern rock
