AIKEN MUSIC FEST 2026
THE EXPERIMENT & THE I-20 HORNS
May 16th
The Experiment and the I-20 Horns is made up of seasoned musicians from Aiken and Augusta. Our musicians come from various musical backgrounds.
THE RESTLESS NATIVES
JUNE 6TH
Premier Allman Brothers Band Tribute
Born from the red clay of middle Georgia, The Restless Natives are a living connection to one of the most important chapters in American music history. Formed in 2020 by musicians who grew up immersed in the sound of The Allman Brothers Band, this Macon-based group specializes in the electrifying early catalog of the legendary “Original 6” — delivering a fire and authenticity that sets them apart from any other tribute on the circuit.
Having performed dozens of festivals and events across the Southeast, the band has mounted ambitious full-album tributes including At Fillmore East, Eat a Peach, the Watkins Glen Summerjam, and dedicated celebrations of Gregg Allman’s Laid Back and Dickey Betts’ solo work. Drawing from this expansive catalog — and welcoming special guests like former ABB member David Goldflies, Mike Kach of Great Southern, Lee Roy Parnell, and Randall Bramblett — no two shows are ever the same.
The Restless Natives are: Andy Johnson & Danny Circharo – Guitars | Ethan Hamlin – Keys & Vocals | Jon Joiner – Drums | Evan Bentzel – Bass | Bill Jarrett – Percussion
THE SOULFEATHERS
JULY 11TH
South Carolina’s Own Country Funk
Rooted in the heart of South Carolina, The Soulfeathers are a roots-rock and “Country Funk” band deeply woven into the fabric of the Upstate and Midlands music scenes. Born and bred in Clemson, the band has become a beloved fixture at iconic regional venues like The Esso Club and Fireforge Crafted Beer, and a staple of festivals across the state including Fall for Greenville, Rock The Ranch, and Aiken Music Fest.
Their sound is anything but easy to box in — blending roots, rock, blues, jazz, funk, and soul into something that feels entirely their own. High-energy, genre-bending, and undeniably South Carolina, The Soulfeathers bring the kind of live show that keeps crowds moving and coming back for more.
PEACH ICE CREAM BLUEGRASS
AUGUST 8TH
Peach Ice Cream Bluegrass was born from two things: the love of the outdoors, and the love of playing sweet bluegrass tunes.
From harmonizing around campfires to picking songs on stage, PICB blends bluegrass, folk, and blues with a carefree dash of improvisation that creates a genuine and inviting sound that soothes the soul.
ACE MONROE
SEPTEMBER 12TH
Nashville Rock ‘n’ Roll
What started as a late-night dorm room jam session has grown into one of Nashville’s most electrifying rock ‘n’ roll acts. Ace Monroe brings a gritty, blues-soaked sound rooted in the spirit of Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, The Faces, and Led Zeppelin — hard-driving, soulful, and built for the live stage.
Formed around 2022, the five-piece has quickly made a name for themselves with high-energy performances that blend powerful vocals, relentless guitar work, and a raw authenticity that’s increasingly rare in modern rock. They’re the kind of band that sounds like they’ve been doing this for decades — even though they’re just getting started.
NIK PAR & THE SELFLESS LOVERS
OCTOBER 10TH
Austin’s Piano-Driven Soul Machine
If you’ve never seen a man play saxophone and piano at the same time, Nik Parr is about to change that. The Austin-based bandleader and his Selfless Lovers bring a high-octane blend of Southern soul, Texas gulf coast grooves, and classic rock swagger that draws comparisons to Bruce Springsteen, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the best of New Orleans — all rolled into one irresistible live show.
A self-taught pianist and saxophonist who cut his teeth in the Austin blues club circuit, Parr has built his band the old-fashioned way — by playing everywhere, for everyone, as often as possible. With over 150 shows a year on the books and a relentless independent spirit, Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers have earned their reputation as a genuine must-see live act, sharing stages with Marc Broussard, Rebirth Brass Band, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy along the way.
Roots, soul, funk, and rock — played with the kind of joy and conviction that gets people out of their seats and onto the dance floor every single night.