Melissa Alesi is a contemporary singer-songwriter from Delaware with a unique sound that fuses folk, alternative, and a bit of country, ornamented with eclectic elements of world music. Melissa began singing at age 12 when she auditioned for the Delaware All-State Choir. She began studying classical voice when she fell in love with performing. From soft crooning to powerful rock, she keeps the audience on their toes with her versatile vocal ability.
"I really fell in love with performing because it is an outlet like no other. I'm usually pretty quiet, but I like the feeling of being on stage because you can be anyone you want to be and really immerse yourself in the song. When I am performing- truly feeling a song- I am not thinking about anything else but that moment and I love that feeling!"
At a young age, Melissa was influenced by artists such as Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Electric Light Orchestra, Fleetwood Mac, and Neil Young. I remember sitting in the car with my dad and he put on an ELO cassette and we listened to 'Mr. Blue Sky.' I was hooked!"
Melissa began songwriting in 2007, and released her first full-length album, "ALESI,” in December 2008. Around the same time, she started developing a love for songwriting, she began performing as rhythm guitarist and vocalist in the trio, High Maintenance. In the four years with High Maintenance, Melissa built up her own repertoire and began playing as a solo artist. In 2012, she recorded her second album, "House of Stones," with Jimm Mosher at Hit Music Inc., in North Carolina.
During the next few years of developing her craft as a songwriter and guitarist, Melissa met Johnny Neel of the Allman Bros. Band. In May 2015, Melissa headed down to Nashville to record her third studio album, Lie Again, with Johnny. Melissa is currently promoting her album and playing shows on the East Coast.
"In the House" at the Grinder House is broadcast live on WFMC Jams every Friday from 6-8pm central.
In mid 2014, Rebecca Dawkins and Tim O’Donnell, of The Nouveaux Honkies, hoisted anchor and set sail in their rebuilt RV. The journey started in South Florida and took them as far west as the Rockies, as far north as the Great Lakes, as far east as Cape Cod, and returned south for the winter. It’s been somewhere around 150 thousand miles, 600 shows, and at least one million smiles that has influenced The Nouveaux Honkies and their Loud In Here CD release in March of 2018. The New Year will also see TNH with a permanent residence in Knoxville, TN. O’Donnell says, “We based out of Tennessee the last two summers and fell in love with the Smokies. Knoxville will be a wonderful spring through fall hub for traveling and we also love this little city.” Their 2015 release, “Blues For Country,” masterfully blended styles. Their new release, “Loud In Here,” is a continuance of that same concept, respecting the greats and creating their own gumbo, which reveals a highway of influences.
"In the House" at the Grinder House is broadcast live on WFMC Jams every Friday from 6-8pm central.
Ava Davis is a 22 year old singer/songwriter from Nashville, TN. Influenced by the sounds of Joss Stone and Colbie Caillat, Ava’s vocal styling is an infusion of pop and blues punctuated by her own unique twist. A soulful songstress, Ava has been characterized as a female John Mayer.
Ava started entering competitions at a young age and rapidly began capturing both judges and audiences attention. Most notably, she placed in the top 5 of the national "CCM Create an Artist” contest. She has also won the “Sing your heart out” competition, “Rising Star of TN”, and many others.
Having performed across the Southeast, Ava is no stranger to the stage. She began performing at fairs and festivals at the age of 12. Since then, she has performed at venues, such as, the Commodore Grille, 3rd and Lindsley, Opry Mills Mall, Wild Wing Cafe, Twangs, The Fillin Station, The Nashville Palace, The Row and many others. Ava has become a crowd favorite for music lovers of all ages.
Living in Nashville has given Ava the opportunity to meet and work with several award-winning songwriters and producers. She is currently writing for her second EP to be released later this year.
"In the House" at the Grinder House is broadcast live on WFMC Jams every Friday from 6-8pm central.
