Knackered Ramblers
(Laura Boosinger & Mike Compton)
with Thomm Jutz & Erich Brace
In concert at the Madison County Arts Council.
Tickets by phone (828)649-1301
or online HERE.
Presented by the MCAC and the Bravo Group
as part of their ‘Long Leaf Pine Variety’ Series.
The MCAC is delighted to present an evening with the Knackered Ramblers, Mike Compton and Laura Boosinger, and the acclaimed singer-songwriter duo of Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz. Both duos perform nationally and internationally and present an engaging performance filled with stories, and original material based on the fabric of humanity.
In the world of Bluegrass and Appalachian Old-Time Laura Boosinger and Mike Compton are two of the most respected on the circuit. They appear as The Knackered Ramblers, a light-hearted poke at the length of their tenure.
Mentored by Bluegrass legend, Bill Monroe, Mike is a Grammy and IBMA Award-winning musician/composer. He is a founding member of The Nashville Bluegrass Band and has worked with big names such as John Hartford, Elvis Costello, Norman Blake and Doc Watson. He contributed to the “O Brother Where Art Thou?” soundtrack which just celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Grand Ole Opry.
Laura Boosinger studied traditional Appalachian music under the tutelage of David Holt, and was a member of his band, The Lightning Bolts. One of Laura’s truest musical friendships was the one she formed with George Shuffler, guitarist and bass player for the Stanley Brothers. Laura has been instrumental in maintaining the tradition of shaped note singing in workshops at major events like MerleFest. Her podcast “Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails” is featured on WNCW.
Their debut album “We B’ Ramblin’” has garnered this praise:
“It’s hardly surprising then that the pair’s initial collaboration, the aptly titled
We B Ramblin!, comes across as lively, compelling and thoroughly enticing. A combination of old-time tunes, Southern spirituals, and winsome originals, the music pays homage to a traditional tapestry. It’s an impressive debut, one that reflects Boosinger and Compton’s combined savvy and skills.”
Bluegrass Today
Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz are a formidable duo, two singer-songwriters from Nashville whose second album, Circle and Square, arrived in January, 2026. It’s a gorgeous rumination on creativity, art, beauty, love, and friendship in an age of destruction and hatred. Their last album, Simple Motion, hit #1 on the Folk DJ chart (FAI) in March, 2024.
Eric moved to Nashville twenty years ago from Washington D.C., where he was leading his acclaimed roots-rock band Last Train Home, named D.C.’s “Artist of the Year” in 2003 by the Washington Area Music Association.
Thomm moved to Music City from his birthplace of Germany in 2002 and immediately became an indispensable sideman to the likes of Nanci Griffith, Mary Gauthier, David Olney, Kim Richey, and others, while also building a studio and a reputation as a producer and songwriter.
Eric along with Peter Cooper earned a Grammy nomination for Best Children’s Record after making I Love: Tom T. Hall’s Songs of Fox Hollow.
Thomm was awarded “Songwriter of the Year” at the 2021 IBMA bluegrass awards. His songs have been recorded by the likes of Tim O’Brien, Billy Strings and the Steeldrivers.
“Simply stated their recording, Simple Motion, reflects these virtues.
“Both Brace and Jutz are in that pantheon of musicians that seem to be able to hit that elusive golden double – prolific and sustained excellence. This album does not disappoint…Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz can do no wrong.”
– Rob Dickens, Listening Through The Lens