Based out of Huntsville, Alabama, the Allen Watkins Band plays the kind of music that doesn’t much care about staying in one lane. Bluegrass, blues, rock, folk, and a healthy dose of good storytelling all find their way into the mix. The result is a rootsy, energetic sound that’s hard to put in a box — and honestly, they’re pretty happy about that.

The band released a new album of all-original music on August 1, featuring songs that cover a lot of ground. There are stories inspired by 1890s immigration, songs about making it through some pretty dark places, and plenty in between. Some tunes hit with a rock-and-roll punch, while others settle into a soulful groove.

At the center of it all is guitarist and banjo player Allen Watkins, a nationally acclaimed touring musician and three-time Alabama State Champion for finger-style guitar. Allen has shared stages with bluegrass favorites including Lonesome River Band and Claire Lynch, and has recorded alongside legends Tony Rice and Mark Johnson.

Singer-songwriter Connie Watkins is the voice behind many of the band's stories. Her songs range from historical tales to deeply personal, modern-day tales, always with an eye for the details that make a story feel real. Her songwriting is featured on the streaming EP Dakotah Landing. 

Holding down the low end is Joe Parker, who brings nearly 40 years of bass-playing experience to the group. With a background steeped in jazz and blues, Joe gives the band its groove and keeps everyone pointed in roughly the same musical direction. 

Then there’s Garrett Smith, a classically trained violinist who has performed with the Huntsville Symphony and various Celtic ensembles. His fiddle and mandolin playing bring another layer to the band’s acoustic sound, along with the occasional reminder that bluegrass and rock can coexist quite peacefully, despite their best efforts to keep things complicated.

Put it all together and you get the Allen Watkins Band: seasoned musicians, original songs, plenty of stories, and a live show that moves from acoustic picking to bluesy grooves to full-on rock. They may not fit neatly into a genre, but they seem to be having a pretty good time not fitting.

Contact: Allen and Connie Watkins
allenwatkinsband@gmail.com