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Wild Ponies

Wild Ponies are unafraid to cross boundaries, determined to carry on a heritage that's been decades in the making. That independent streak also holds true for Doug and Telisha Williams, who take their band name from the small-but-mighty animal that roams their native Virginia highlands.

The married duo's music draws on old-time tradition while embracing the fierce spirit of the songwriters who inspire them Hazel Dickens, Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams, to name a few. On tour, Doug swaps out acoustic and electric guitar, while Telisha plays upright bass. Often supported by a drummer, Wild Ponies' dynamic live shows are assertive and engaging.

While the duo does cover heavy topics in their songwriting grief, abuse, fatal decisions they're just as likely to chat up the crowd and throw in sparkling songs like "Things That Used to Shine." And they don't do sappy love songs, although their chemistry is evident on stage and off.

"We are really lucky. We've been playing music together for a long time," says Doug Williams. "A lot of the people who play with us, they're obviously leaving somebody at home whenever they go out on the road. It makes it a lot harder for them. It's easier to get homesick that way. We work together, we live together, we play together -- everything we do, we do together."

Common Fence Music offers finest folk, roots and world music in an intimate 200 seat listening room. Doors open at 7 pm to the "Folk Tailgate Party." Don't forget your picnic basket!