Buckner brings ‘The Voice’ musicians to town

Andy Buckner is a club owner’s dream. With roots planted deep in Appalachian soil, the country rocker routinely packs in large and enthusiastic crowds with “good Southern music,” in his own words. A frequent visitor to White Horse Black Mountain, he returns Saturday, April 23 with his potent mix of Southern rock, outlaw country, blues and bluegrass.

Buckner, a contestant on Season 9 of television’s “The Voice,” will be joined for a special all-star show by fellow former Voice performers Dustin Christensen, James Dupre, Patrick Dodd and Carey Murdock, plus Nasheville’s Wes Kirkpatrick.

Buckner’s North Carolina mountain childhood was filled with music, but he decided to become a performer after seeing his first cousin Josh Goforth play a concert with traditional music performer David Holt.

Buckner became obsessed with learning every instrument he could get his hands on. By age 16, he was playing bass, banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle and dobro. He also discovered his calling as a songwriter, all the while maintaining a busy schedule competing at festivals, touring, and performing with many established artists and bands.

After graduating from high school, he attended East Tennessee State University, becoming the first freshman since Kenny Chesney to earn a spot in the prestigious ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band.

He’s since positioned himself as a dynamic solo artist with an authentic Southern country boy perspective.

Joey Huffman (formerly of Drivin’ N Cryin’, Matchbox 20, Soul Asylum, now with Hank Williams, Jr.), who produced and played on Buckner’s self-titled CD, said that “Andy is the real deal. He is one of the most talented singers, songwriters and musicians I have worked with.”

Hear The Voice

Who: Andy Buckner

When: 8 p.m. April 23

Where: White Horse Black Mountain

Cost: $10 advance, $12 door