Lovesick Drifters

Apr 18 2025

Links

Location: R.A. Fountain

Garrett Newton Channels a Young Hank, Sr.
with an All-Star Band

“It’s like Hank Williams was singing in my living room,” one of our patrons said of the Lovesick Drifters’ November 2024 performance at RAF.

One of the hottest acts in East Carolina returns for another night of fun with one of the best Hank Williams’ tribute bands you’ll ever hear. Garrett’s also got an all-star band backing him up: Clyde Mattocks on pedal steel; Alan Hicks, bass; Steve Shannon, guitar; Lizzy Tobell, drums; and Keith Thomas, fiddle.

We first enjoyed Garrett when he was picking banjo in front of his own bluegrass band. Then he brought this band to town in January for an SRO concert, one of the best we’ve ever hosted. Look for them upcoming on PBS’s Song of the Mountains.

Garrett & legendary Snow Hill banjo picker Tim Myatt photo by Tom WHelan.

Garrett started out picking banjo with Lorraine Jordan’s Carolina Road.

Watch him and the Lovesicks perform “Lovesick Blues” at Lorraine’s Coffeehouse in January of this year. .At 23 and a fine guitarist himself, he released his first CD, Young Heart, Old Soul, on Pinecastle Records when he was but 17. In addition to an extensive repertoire of Hank, Sr. songs both familiar and obscure, he’s got the between-songs banter that’ll make you think you’re on a “Louisiana Hayride,” circa 1950.

Clyde Mattocks’ stellar career as band leader, session man, and mentor is legendary. He founded Super Grit Cowboy Band in 1974 and has fronted several outstanding bands whose performances we’ve enjoyed at RAF, including Without Further Ado and Highway 58.

Alan Hicks played bass for Super Grit for a decade and has also toured with David Alan Coe. From Wisconsin, Steve Shannon came out of retirement to join the Lovesicks. Lizzy Tobell started playing drums when she was 2! Now 13 (and under the guidance of Mattocks), she’s fronting her own band. Keith Thomas fiddled with the Tommy Edwards & the Bluegrass Experience for over 30 years.

Advance purchase of seats is recommended for this show. Links for reserved & general admission are below the photos.