Tennessee Sheiks
“The band has been well received by local audiences, and the respect their peers have for their longevity puts them in a unique circle of local bands that maintain ties to Knoxville’s storied musical history while moving forward in new musical directions.” – The Daily Times
The Tennessee Sheiks defy categorization. The band, composed of several long-time Knoxville musicians, collectively represents the sweep of American roots music. These exceptional musicians trade solos on Swing, Bluegrass, Blues, Alt-country, Jazz, and originals, creating a distinctive exchange and synergy that make each performance a joy. The 2023 Tennessee Sheiks are Don Cassell (mandolin, guitar, dobro, and vocals), Nicholas Cassell (drums and percussion), Michael Crawley (harmonica and vocals), Barry “Po” Hannah (guitars), Vince Ilagan (bass), Marcus Shirley (piano/keyboards), Nancy Brennan Strange (vocals and guitar), Brent Thompson (vocals and guitar), and Don Wood (guitar and lap steel).
