Laura Reed
Within the pint-sized stature of groove soul songstress Laura Reed is a powerhouse heart and voice that transitions along world, R&B, funk, reggae, and rock beats. While perhaps best known as the front and center of her band, Deep Pocket, Reed recently took time off from recording and performing to begin a family, and her acoustic appearance at Fly South will be her return to the stage in over a year. Joining her will be percussionist Erik De la Cruz from Mexico and Daniela Soledade from Brazil on vocals, guitar and flute.
The Soulphonics & Ruby Velle
Fronted by the passionate and gifted vocal range of Ruby Velle, Atlanta's seven-piece Soulphonics are bringing the authentic soul in the same vein as Otis Redding and the Godfather James Brown. This is the real style of soul back when horn sections, suits and tight transitions packed crowds into venues to dance the night (and their worries) away.
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
Simultaneously known for his southern songwriting talents and guitar stylings, Jason Isbell is bringing the bourbon-soaked blues/rock. Expect a set list of songs with cuts from the 400 Unit's self titled 2009 Lightning Rod Records release as well as surprises from Jason's extensive catalog of working man's songs.
The Derek Trucks Band
It has been a long time since a young and immensely talented Derek Trucks last played a Macon stage. Since that time, he's toured the globe, found himself on Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" list, started a family with wife Susan Tedeschi and just recently turned 30. Touring behind their latest studio release, Almost Free, The Derek Trucks Band is a melting pot of such eclectic styles as Latin, jazz, rock and world. And then there is the virtuosic slide guitar abilities that is Derek Trucks himself. With Mike Mattison providing the lead vocals, The Derek Trucks Band has 15 years worth of their own material and a catalogue of covers that are home on the center stage.