Live Music: Twisted Trail rocks Hendo and has a good time doing it

Steve Wong, Times-News correspondent  |  Hendersonville Times-News

For many musicians, cranking it up on stage is therapy — time away from their day jobs. For a local band with a name like Twisted Trail, that might be especially true — for all of us.

If you need a little escape from the work week, a change of pace, time to kick back with a brew, you’ll find Twisted Trail bringing down the house this Saturday night at The Dugout Sports Bar & Grill in downtown Hendo. They play there often.

The music starts at 6 p.m. and so does the therapy. Your therapists will be guitarist Abbot Grivich, guitarist David Hekking, bassist Corky McMillan, drummer Blu Ramakis, and vocalist Kayla McKinney.

Each is an accomplished musician, some with noted track records. But like you, they all have day jobs; like you, they will be looking for a good time.

“Twisted Trail began in Johnson City, TN, in 2008 when I started actively piecing together musicians over the years and jamming in small venues,” McKinney said. “Really for music therapy on the weekends!”

She is currently finishing up nursing school and notes, “We all have day jobs.”

At first her band played country music. “But after playing with several musicians, I found that the audience really liked rock music,” McKinney said. “Something they could dance to. I didn’t want to zone in on one genre. I wanted to make it our own, so I intertwined the two (country and rock). From this, came the name Twisted Trail.”

For the folks who follow Twisted Trail, the band has found its niche playing familiar covers in its own special way. With solid musicality. Diversity of songs. Loud. Danceable. And most of all, relatable.

“I think what makes our band special is the fact that we have not zoomed in on one genre and we still capture our audience by playing that song the way that we play it,” McKinney explained.

“We also get feedback from our fans on what they want to hear but mainly that performing is not a job for any of us. We all carry a passion for music.”

Currently Twisted Trail is based in Hendo because its bookings are mostly here through mid-year. The band has played and is scheduled to play at all of the usual rocking venues: Dry Falls Brewery, South Rock Sports Bar, Mills River Brewery, and, of course, The Dugout.

“We have a lot of loyal fans who follow us which in turn, encourages the venues to keep us booked far in advance,” McKinney said. “We do play outside of Hendersonville occasionally. We have played the Tiki Bar in Maggie Valley and we will be playing Thunder Valley Tavern in March.

“The live music scene in Hendersonville is different because the feedback from the audience shows a genuine respect for the musicians and respect for the artistry that comes with performing!” 

“I believe music is a form of therapy for the soul and should be used for such. As Twisted Trail has performed from week to week we have been blessed that our audience is filled with familiar faces, those who have chosen to attend our shows and aid in creating a fun environment. It is truly rewarding to set the tone for this interaction.

“What I want people to know about the band is that we work extremely hard as musicians to entertain while having fun ourselves. We are genuinely doing what we are passionate about.

“Music is a part of each of us. We have a good thing going and it shows!”

The Dugout Sports Bar & Taphouse

430 N. Main St., Hendersonville

Friday, Feb. 5, 6-10 p.m., Johnnie Blackwell, classic rock. originals, covers

Saturday, Feb. 6, 6-9 p.m., Twisted Trail, rock, country, dance

305 Lounge & Eatery

305 N. Main St., Hendersonville

Friday, Feb. 5, 5-7 p.m. (first Friday of each month), Geriatric Jukebox, husband and wife duo, easy listening, oldies

Burntshirt Vineyards

2695 Sugarloaf Rd., Hendersonville

Saturday, Feb. 6, 2-5 p.m., Owen Grooms Duo, grassroots, folk

Dry Falls Brewing Co.

425 Kanuga Rd., Hendersonville

Friday, Feb. 5, 6-9 p.m., The Original 3 Cool Cats, vintage rock ‘n’ roll, dance band

Mills River Brewing Co.

336 Banner Farm Rd., Mills River

Friday, Feb. 5, 6-9 p.m., Roots & Dore Band, original blues, funky soul and rock from Asheville

Sunday, Feb. 7, 2 p.m., Dirty Dawg, two Dirty Dead members play acoustic versions of Grateful Dead.

Oklawaha Brewing Company

147 1st Ave. E. Hendersonville

Thursday, Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m., Collin Cheek, happy music, covers, originals

Friday, Feb. 5, 7-9 p.m., The Gathering Dark, Josh Dunkin and Steve DuRose, storytelling through music

Saturday, Feb. 6, 7-9 p.m., Kid Billy, rootsy Americana, funk, indie, rock, jazz, world music

Pops Diner

860 N. Main St., Hendersonville

Saturday, Feb. 6, 5-8 p.m., Marc Keller, soloist, guitarist, easy listening

Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards (outside patio)

588 Chestnut Gap Rd., Hendersonville

Saturday, Feb. 6, 2:30-5:30 p.m., Hope Griffin, soloist, guitarist, singer

Sunday, Feb. 7, 2-5 pm.., James Hammel, soloist, guitarist, singer, jazz, pop, blues, rock, originals

South Rock Sports Grill

830 Greenville Hwy., Hendersonville

Saturday, Feb. 6, Carolina Kin Band, rock

The 2nd Act

101 E. Allen St., Hendersonville

Thursday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m., Bill Altman, blues

Friday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m., Carolina Bound, Chris Smith, singer, songwriter, country, folk

Saturday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m., Sunlight Drive Duo, acoustic, Americana, blues, folk, classic rock

The Loft Cafe & Pub

111 Joel Wright Dr., Hendersonville

Saturday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m., Johnnie Blackwell, classic rock, originals, covers

Triskelion Brewing Company

340 7th Ave. E., Hendersonville

Friday, Feb. 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Jason Whitaker, singer, guitarist, rock

Saturday, Feb., 6, 2:30-5:30 p.m., Sly Sparrow, rock, pop, top 40, covers, originals

Sunday, Feb. 7, 3 p.m., Johnnie Blackwell, classic rock, originals, covers

Want to be included in “Live Music?” Send your information via email to Steve Wong at Just4Wong@Gmail.com by Monday at 8 a.m. for the coming Thursday-Sunday. Don’t forget to send details on your performing artist along with a good high-resolution photo.