BIO

This guitar and cello duo has a unique style that is all their own. Their sound embodies Americana, traditional folk, alt country, and blues with harmonies and a hint of classical notes.

Drew Blackwell, a true Southerner raised in the heart of the black prairie in Mississippi. First picked up the guitar at fourteen, he was greatly influenced by his Uncle Doug who taught him old country standards and folk classics.

In high school, he was mentored and inspired to write (and feel) the blues by Alabama blues artist Willie King. Willie King is credited for bringing together the band The Old Memphis Kings

Courtney Blackwell (Kinzer) grew up in Washington State and comes from a musical family. She began playing cello at the age of three taking lessons from the cello bass professor Bill Wharton at the University of Idaho. Her teacher along with strict commitment from her mom was most influential in her progression of technique, tone quality, and ear training. 

Since moving south in 2009, she has enjoyed focusing on the many varieties cello is used in ensembles. When she plays, you will feel those groovy bass lines making way to soaring leads melodies that create an emotional and magical connection between you and her music. Courtney enjoys working in the studio, collaborating with artists and continuing to challenge the way cello is expressed.

They have opened for such acts as Verlon Thompson, The Josh Abbott Band, Cary Hudson (of Blue Mountain), Rising Appalachia, Chapel Hart, and Paul Thorn. They have performed at the 2015 Pilgrimage Music Festival in Franklin, TN. They also came in 2nd place at the 2015 Gulf Coast Songwriters Shootout in Orange Beach, FL. They have also been featured on Thacker Mountain Radio in 2021. In June of 2021, they were performers at the Red Lodge Songwriter Festival in Red Lodge, MT. In September of 2022, they were performers at the Whitefish Songwriters Festival in Whitefish, MT. In June of 2023, they were performers on Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour in Lexington, KY.