WDVX and ORNL FCU once again present The Summer Sessions at Bissell Park in Oak Ridge on Saturday June 21st at six featuring Erick Baker and The Young Fables. The event is free… bring your lawn chairs and have some fun with The Summer Sessions with ORNL FCU and East Tennessee’s Own WDVX!

Erick Baker is an Emmy Award-winning writer, children’s book author, and heart-on-his-sleeve troubadour from Knoxville, TN. His music is a distinctive blend of folk, rock, and Americana-soul that isn’t just heard, it’s felt. For over a decade he’s made a life in music, sharing the stage with artists like John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Grace Potter, Heart, Gavin DeGraw, Chris Isaak, and the Goo Goo Dolls.

With a soulful voice that has been described as “a smoke and whiskey tenor with plenty of range and emotion”, Baker’s music draws influence from classic singer-songwriters like James Taylor, Tom Petty, and Van Morrison and stands shoulder to shoulder with contemporary songwriters like Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Ray Lamontagne, and Amos Lee.

Erick is thrilled to announce the re-release of “She Dreams of Boston,” a song he co-wrote with bestselling author Colleen Hoover, inspired by her novel “It Ends With Us,” now adapted into a major motion picture. This is one of the most important songs Erick has ever written because it’s more than just a song – “She Dreams of Boston” is Lily’s song, written specifically to give a voice and melody to her struggle, resilience, and ultimately, her hope. Collaborating with Colleen to bring Lily’s story to life through music has been an incredible honor, and Erick hopes this song not only raises awareness about the cycle of domestic abuse but also offers comfort and courage to those who need it most. Now streaming everywhere.

In addition to his life in music, Erick is also a children’s book author. Released in 2021, Erick’s first children’s book, “Willie the Weed,” is a contagiously optimistic tale filled with vivid illustrations and a heartwarming story that inspires children to embrace and celebrate their uniqueness. Rooted in the belief that we are all born to reach for the sun and that “WE ALL BELONG”, Willie’s story of resilience sets a great example of how to overcome adversity and reminds young readers (and grown-up readers too) that when we plant a little kindness a lot of beautiful things can grow.

When he’s not on tour, Erick lives in Knoxville with his wife, Mandy, his daughter, Annabelle Rose, and their Goldendoodle, Sunny Day. Visit him at www.erickbaker.com or follow him on Instagram (@erickbakermusic), Facebook (@erickbakermusic), and TikTok (@erickbakermusic) to stay in touch.

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The Young Fables (TYF) create music with classic storytelling weaved into Country music with pop sensibilities. East Tennessee (Maryville) natives, Laurel Wright and Wes Lunsford are influenced by timeless treasures like Patsy Cline, Bonnie Raitt, Glen Campbell and Chet Atkins. The duo’s unique sound has resonated with audiences around the globe as live performances have become stages from which The Young Fables discuss themes and topics typically saved for the therapy couch. Strong advocates for mental health awareness, The Young Fables are focused on helping to erase the stigmas surrounding the topic. Recognizing the duo’s advocacy, the pair were honored with The Troy Gentry Compassion Award in 2021 for compassion, commitment, kindness and love.

Their whimsical yet unmistakable blend of Country and Pop has garnered praise from industry icons and tastemakers. Nine-time GRAMMY® Award winner Sheryl Crow once tweeted, “Laurel’s as good as any country singer out there!” Their releases have earned them recognition, including a spot on Rolling Stone’s “10 Best Country and Americana Songs of the Week.” They have also had the privilege of supporting artists such as Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and Rascal Flatts, as well as being invited by multi-platinum songstress Shania Twain to participate in the CBS showcase celebration Real Country. Twain praised, “Wes is a perfect partner for Laurel’s voice. I fell in love with these guys as genuine, authentic talents.” Travis Tritt added, “Our industry needs (TYF) right now!” In September of 2023, the duo was honored as BMI & Texas Roadhouse’s Artists of the Month, resulting in their music videos being showcased in locations across the United States.

The Young Fables continue to grow their team recently inking a publishing deal with BMG. In October 2024, Wright and Lunsford will unveil their fourth studio album, Short Stories, alongside their feature documentary ‘The Fable of a Song’, which clinched the Nashville Film Festival Audience Choice Award. “Each album we release serves as a journal entry for us, and Short Stories represents the next chapter,” Wright explains. “We feel fortunate to have a platform to share our music and are grateful that our story resonates with others, aiding in their healing. That’s a reward unlike any other.”

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