Kerns Food Hall presents the first-ever Scruffy Roots Fest Saturday evening October 4th at five p.m. on the big stage outdoors with live music from Vaden Landers, Wyatt Ellis and a Tom Petty Tribute from The Deep Fakes. Doors at 4 p.m. Thanks to Sugarlands Distillery for their support. WDVX is a media sponsor.

8pm to 9:30pm – Wyatt Ellis
6:15pm to 7:45pm – The Deep Fakes (tom petty tribute set)
5pm to 6pm – Vaden landers

From the enchanting landscapes of Eastern Tennessee comes the burgeoning talent of Vaden Landers, a 30-year-old artist weaving a tapestry of melodies that harken back to the golden era of country music. Vaden’s journey began as a train-hopping troubadour and street-busker, crafting songs that resonate with the very soul of Americana.

Affectionately dubbed “The Yodeling Country Bluesman,” Vaden has etched his name into the vibrant streets of Asheville, North Carolina. His authenticity shines as a torchbearer of the classic country tradition, infused with a contemporary spark.

With an eclectic fusion of honky-tonk, rockabilly, folk, blues, ragtime, jazz, western swing, and old-time Appalachian influences, Vaden Landers emerges as a pioneer breathing new life into the traditional country music scene. His performances at various music festivals, including the illustrious WoodyFest and the renowned Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, have left audiences enraptured.

As Vaden Landers takes the stage, he invites you to embark on an enthralling journey – one that transcends time and genre.

Wyatt Ellis has accomplished more by age 16 than many musicians do in a lifetime. Hailing from the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, he’s quickly emerging as one of bluegrass music’s brightest young stars. With virtuosic mandolin playing, heartfelt vocals, and original songwriting, Wyatt blends the deep traditions of bluegrass with a fresh, youthful energy. Backed by a powerhouse band of Appalachia’s finest young musicians, Wyatt delivers high-octane performances that range from the Grand Ole Opry to major festivals like MerleFest and Gray Fox. His band’s signature single-mic setup showcases their tight harmonies, high-lonesome vocals, and blistering solos, creating a sound steeped in tradition yet driven by the future. Wyatt’s breakout year included a debut at the Newport Folk Festival, chart-topping original instrumentals from his debut album, and becoming one of the youngest regular performers in Grand Ole Opry history. His authentic Appalachian songwriting and seasoned stage presence have quickly set him apart as a once-in-a-generation talent with a deep respect for bluegrass music’s heritage. 2024’s IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year and twice nominated for IBMA’s New Artist of the Year, Wyatt has collaborated with legends like Peter Rowan, Marty Stuart, and the late Bobby Osborne. His January 2025 release, Winds of Rowan County, a duet with Rowan, celebrated bluegrass roots while symbolically passing the torch. Wyatt’s lead and harmony mandolin solo on Bobby Osborne’s final recording of “Rocky Top,” along with their co-written instrumental “Fern Branch,” were both featured on Osborne’s posthumous album, a tribute to Wyatt’s connection to his hero and mentor. With a debut vocal album of all-new original songs on the way, Wyatt Ellis stands poised at the forefront of bluegrass, honoring the legacy of the genre while boldly pushing it forward into a new era.

From rock ‘n roll to new wave, The Deep Fakes play spot on versions of our favorite music of the cassette and vinyl era. Whether it’s a chart topping hit or a deep cut, every effort is made to accurately capture and reproduce the original studio release.