The Tennessee Stiffs
The Stiffs - originated in the roots-music Mecca, Austin, TX — dip their bucket deep into the well of American music. Warped lo-fi folk gives way to frenetic honky-tonk riff rock and gutbucket country; forlorn Americana anthems resound off Texas hillsides, and blazing Southern rock screeches like tires on the last lap of a cup-winning speedway run. Their third and most recent double concept album goes deeper still, dredging up minor-key Southern-gothic circus waltzes, spaghetti-Western vampire shuffles, and the kind of fuzz-drenched blues you’d hear wafting from a Detroit garage.
Formed in late 2011 and fueled by their eclectic musical interests, co-founders-turned-married-couple Ethan Lee and Cara B were determined to create something never heard before.
Cara’s melodies range from hauntingly beautiful to wildly soulful. Blended with Lee’s foot-stomping rhythms and gravelly vocals, the two take the “Beauty and the Beast” standard to heart.
After recording the debut album, "Nightery," in April 2015, the Stiffs garnered attention from all over the United States. The Akademia Music Awards gave "Nightery" the Best Americana Album Award. Keeping up the momentum, the Stiffs toured again in ‘18 and ‘19 promoting the sophomore album, "Thirty Pieces." The waves propelled them to perform at the likes of Wildwood Festival and Salem Arts Festival in Oregon, Taos Mesa Mothership, and were featured on podcasts and live radio premieres in Nashville and Knoxville TN.
In 2022, the release of the highly anticipated third album, a concept collection called “Dearly Departed”, picked up some PR with Glide Magazine, Parade Magazine, Americana UK and more.
Fast forward to 2023, Cara and Lee have re-located to Red Wing MN, continuing their musical endeavor as a duo/trio with local percussionist Jake Ricks. They've been featured on The Current and are making their way around the region with sway.
Concert sponsored by: Simple Abundance, Benedictine Living Community - Red Wing, and Speight Anderson & Lappegaard, P.A.
Concerts in the Park Season Sponsor: Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Concerts begin at 7pm / Food Trucks open at 6pm
Red Wing Arts Summer Concerts in the Park series will kick off on June 5th and continue every Wednesday until August 28th (except June 19 - join the community at the City of Red Wing - Juneteenth Celebration that day). Concerts begin promptly at 7pm, with food trucks opening at 6pm. These vibrant and energetic performances will take place in Central Park - the heart of our historic downtown, where the city's “living room” comes alive. Each year Red Wing Arts curates a diverse selection of regional bands, offering a wide range of musical genres to cater to varied tastes. Parking is allowed during the concert on both sides of East and West Avenues between 4th & 5th Streets. Families and friends are encouraged to bring their chairs and coolers to enjoy these free live music events suitable for all ages. All are welcome!
Red Wing Arts thanks our community for their continued support - these events would not be possible without the collaboration and sponsorship of local businesses and foundations. Free parking will be available on both sides of East and West Avenues between 4th and 5th Streets during the concerts. Join us this summer as we celebrate the power of music, community, and creativity. Let's create unforgettable memories together!
For more information about the Red Wing Arts Summer Concerts in the Park series, please visit our Red Wing Arts website www.redwingarts.org.