Did you know Owensboro is home to a vibrant community of local talent, and it’s not all bluegrass! From soulful singer-songwriters to genre-bending bands, our city’s music scene is full of rising stars. Catch a few of them live now… before they’re selling out arenas. Here are just a few of the many that you can find performing!
Cam Thompson is a country singer-songwriter from Owensboro, Kentucky, known for blending heartfelt storytelling with a mix of modern and classic country influences. Look out for his latest single, Sober Side of Sorry.
Sons of Habit is a dynamic new folk-rock-blues band born right here in Owensboro in May 2024. What started as a casual jam session among longtime local musicians—Mitchell Douglas (lead vocals, guitar), Hagan Edge (bass, harmonica, piano), Dalton Daniels (lead guitar), and Jeffrey Parish (drums)—quickly blossomed into something special when they wrote their breakout single “Madeline” in just 30 minutes
Ariel & The HighWheels are an energetic rock-infused group rooted in Owensboro. Led by powerful female vocals from Ariel Harper, the band blends rock, Southern rock, and Americana with spirited performances that leave audiences wanting more. Formed in 2021, the lineup includes Ariel Harper (vocals), John McCormack (guitar), Kevin Crowe (drums), and Kris Crowe (B3/keys)
LaTasha Shemwell is a classically trained Neo-soul/R&B singer-songwriter from Owensboro, known for her emotionally rich, mood-driven sound. Beyond her captivating solo work, including recent singles like “Reverse” and “It’s Not Complicated”, she’s an experienced vocal coach shaping local talent. As lead singer of the band No Limits, LaTasha brings stage presence, vocal finesse, and a deeply personal style to both performance spaces and teaching studios alike.
DJ Shay is a hometown DJ from Owensboro, Kentucky, known for her contagious energy and unmatched talent on the decks. After graduating from the University of Louisville, she traveled the country attending music festivals and soon found herself behind the turntables at her very first DJ gig in Owensboro, with just two weeks of prep under her belt.
Hayley Payne is a country singer-songwriter from Owensboro, Kentucky, whose heartfelt lyrics and warm vocals have garnered attention across the country music scene. Inspired by artists like Taylor Swift, Sara Evans, and Shania Twain, Hayley began her musical journey in community theater and piano before gravitating toward country music.
Monte Skelton is a captivating and accomplished multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator based in Evansville, Indiana. Renowned for his dynamic live looping performances on saxophone, guitar, bass, and electronic wind instrument, he has released eight albums and earned multiple local honors, including Best Local Musician and Musician of the Year.