Deep Roots: Sandpoint’s Original Songwriter Showcase returns for 2nd year
By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff
Some of North Idaho’s favorite stars will take the stage Saturday, Sept. 13 for the second annual Deep Roots: Sandpoint’s Original Songwriter Showcase at the Hive (207 N. First Ave.). The 21+ concert begins at 7 p.m. and will feature familiar names in the Sandpoint music scene: Katelyn Shook, Josh Hedlund, Kevin Dorin, Hunter Jones, Ben Olson, Russ Sabin, Justin Landis and Sadie Sicilia.
“Mack Deibel and I put this event together initially to get Josh, Katelyn and Ben onstage at The Hive in an intimate setting,” said Dorin. “Those three are world-class songwriters in my opinion, and I’m grateful to be able to share the stage with them.”
Dorin, who co-founded the showcase, has a classic folk voice you might expect to hear on a well-worn, heirloom record. His passionate vibrato is the link that ties his music together as he experiments with different genres — sometimes leaning toward rock, other times folk. (Listen on kevindorin.com.)
“This is like a Sandpoint all-stars private concert that you’re all invited to,” said Deibel. “They’re picking their favorite songs — songs that may have great meaning to them or the ones they’re most proud of — and you get to see them up close in a room that is truly created for music experiences, from the sound system to the nearly in-the-round fully seated setup.”
Crowds around the nation recognize Katelyn Shook as one half of the beloved local duo Shook Twins. Whether she’s performing solo or in a group, her quirky folk music drives audiences onto the dance floor for an unforgettable experience every time. (Listen on shooktwins.com.)
Hedlund is another household name in Sandpoint, and anyone with any knowledge of the local music scene has been moved by his bittersweet songs. His original indie-folk somehow captures the feeling of North Idaho — from the mountains to the people. (Listen at joshhedlund.bandcamp.com.)
Coming off a recent Festival at Sandpoint performance, Reader Publisher Ben Olson, of Harold’s IGA and Blird, teaches his audience to expect the unexpected. One moment he’ll come out with a downtempo electronic, lo-fi beat with introspective lyrics and the next he’ll burst into an indie-folk rock comedy song. (Listen on Spotify and YouTube.)
“Hunter, Sadie, Justin and Russ are songwriters who have been on our radar as talented songwriters and performers for quite some time,” said Deibel. “We have personal and/or professional relationships with them in some form because of their talent and our belief in just how special they all are. For them to join us is a huge boon for all those who come out to see the show because they’re all simply fabulous.”
Jones is best known as the frontman for the psych-rock band the Wow Wows, whose high-energy shows have earned them a dedicated fanbase throughout the Inland Northwest. In contrast, Jones’ solo work can take on a slower, more melodic sound reminiscent of popular indie bands like Big Thief.
Audiences may recognize Sabin by his stage name, Devlin Jones, and from his many other artistic endeavors. Sabin’s music is a throwback in the best way, often leaning into the softer side of ’70s and ’90s rock. (Listen at devlinjones.com.)
Anyone who’s heard live music in Sandpoint — even if it’s not his main bands, Cedar and Boyer and Little Wolf —has heard Landis. Watch him take center stage and support the night’s other artists with his technical instrumentation.
Last but not least, Sicilia has been a staple of the area music scene since childhood, often performing alongside her father, Mike Wagoner. Her bluesy voice brings a deep richness to folk music. (Listen on YouTube.)
“This isn’t background music; this is purposeful enjoyment of a collective group of amazing artists that are letting you into their souls and creative minds and processes that go into writing some of their favorite songs,” said Deibel. “You’ll hear stories. You’ll be blown away with Sandpoint’s magic once again.”
In addition to the Sept. 13 showcase, Dorin and Deibel intend to host three or four additional concerts highlighting different genres and artists.
“We would also like to do an event with all female songwriters,” said Dorin. “I’ve been in the music industry for over 20 years, and there are walls that still need to be broken down to provide opportunities and inspire more female artists to grow into their potential.”
Deep Roots tickets begin at $29 at livefromthehive.com. Ticket-holders will receive special access to live recordings of the songs to relive the night’s performances for years to come.
“I can flat out promise your readers that there is not a single event this weekend more worthy of your support, or from which you will garner more value,” said Dorin.
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