Gary Gilleran was born and raised in Chicago. He started playing drums at 13 and started playing guitar and writing songs at 18. He was influenced early on by Cat Stevens, John Prine, Bob Dylan and other popular folk/rock artists from the late ’60’s and early ’70’s. He moved to Nashville in 1973 to pursue a music career where he met his wife of now over 50 years. They have raised 5 children and are blessed with 12 grandchildren….so far! Gary performs mostly in songwriter rounds and open mics in his spare time. He also serves other musicians and bands as a sideman playing congas and harmonica. He is an active member of the Knoxville Songwriters Association and Red House Round songwriter’s cooperative.

Maggie Tharp is a Knoxville-based singer-songwriter who’s been playing and writing music for her entire life. Building upon years of classical piano instruction, songwriting, and experience in bands ranging from a gypsy jazz ensemble to a wedding music duo, she is stepping into her own as a solo artist and songwriter. She writes songs inspired by the songwriters of the 70s (Paul Simon, Carol King, The Carpenters) and the pop artists of today (Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift). During her 7 years in Knoxville, she’s been a finalist twice in the Tennessee Songwriter’s Week competition, and has played at multiple venues, including the Old City Performing Arts Center and Dollywood. You can find her music at @maggietharpmusic on Instagram or under Maggie Tharp on Spotify.