Chamomile and Whiskey came about like all good, simple things--by making two things into one. In the case of this group, Marie Borgman and Koda Kerl--native musicians of Nelson County, Virginia--combined chamomile tea with Evan Williams whiskey one evening. They decided that what they had made tasted like their sound. Although the group has evolved since forming in 2011, it, like the subtle mixture of herbal tea and whiskey, has matured and found its own sly, subtle voice. If a band has feet, then Chamomile and Whiskey has both on them firmly on the ground. But if a band is a living thing like a plant--which the best bands are--Chamomile and Whiskey has grown from roots set deep in Americana, blues, Celtic, old-time and the singer-songwriter tradition of the south. The group has developed a more electric sound with Drew Kimball on guitar and enhanced the foundational fiddle and guitar sound with drummer Stuart Gunter. Their last studio album was recorded in 2019 in Nashville by Ken Coomer of Wilco and Uncle Tupelo. It sounds like music that is lived in and lived through. Their sound tastes like Chamomile and Whiskey.
A singer-songwriter born in Guam and raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Rebecca Porter is forging her way in country music, balancing her distinctive storytelling with the dynamics of her commanding voice. Porter’s lifelong connection to music guided her through a decade’s worth of live performance, experience she used to independently record and release her debut EP, Prime Rainbow Conditions. In 2023, Porter continues her steady climb as one of Virginia’s artists-on-the-rise with a bustling schedule of live shows, three summer single releases, as well as the upcoming release of her second EP, a crowdfunded project called, Queen of the Local (Deluxe).
The Rivanna Roots concert series would not be possible without the support of our premier season sponsor Flow Automotive of Charlottesville, and our supporting sponsors Sun Tribe Solar and Martin Horn Inc. A special thank you to our food and beverage partners, Potter’s Craft Cider, Champion Brewing Co, Blenheim Vineyards, and Sticks Kebob Shop. We also thank Virginia is for Lovers and CACVB for their continuous support of all that we do at The Front Porch!