The Steel Woods will be one of the upcoming acts at this year’s Hometown Rising Festival. This is a brand-new festival brought to us by Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP). It takes place in Louisville, Kentucky at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Expo. I expect great things from this festival. With a killer country music lineup, this festival will be any country music fan’s dream! I am so thrilled to see The Steel Woods on this bill. When I saw their name appear on the announcement, I knew Louisville, KY was in for a treat! If you have never heard The Steel Woods before, prepare yourself to be astonished! With that said, let’s talk more about The Steel Woods.
The Steel Woods is a country rock band from Nashville, TN. The team of Wes Bayliss (guitars and vocals), Jason Cope (guitar), Jay Tooke (drums and vocals), and Johnny Stanton (bass), bring a tremendous sound to your ears! The Steel Woods lay claim as bringing the sound that legendary southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, has pioneered. I can honestly say I hear some Lynyrd Skynyrd in their music. With two outstanding guitarists like Wes Bayliss and Jason Cope, your face will be melting off during, if not at the start, of the show!
The solos in their music are shred city! Not to mention the fabulous bass riffs we hear from Johnny Stanton and very powerful drumming from Jay Tooke. These guys have a very southern sound obviously, but it goes a little deeper than that. They bring out a steel guitar in most of their songs and that is a symbol of country music. There is a mix of outlaw country in there as well. Their songs are melodic and full of groove.
Wes Bayliss feels what he sings. The group pours out emotion on stage. I have seen this band live in Johnson City, TN and I guarantee no boredom in sight. The Steel Woods are full of energy and boy, do they electrify the crowd!
The Steel Woods got their start in 2016. One year later, they came out with Straw in the Wind (2017). Their latest release is Old News (2019). Both are amazing albums and I would encourage each and every one of you to pick them up! You will not be disappointed with The Steel Woods.
They are set to play Saturday, September 14th at the Hometown Rising Festival. Do not miss this remarkable band. You will leave a fan, hands down. Simple. As. That.
