Leon Majcen - House concert + Dinner show
Dec
7
6:30 PM18:30

Leon Majcen - House concert + Dinner show

  • 6086 Heardsville Road Cumming, GA, 30028 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We were introduced to Leon’s music through Nicholas Jamerson’s booking agent. We were immediately taken by Leon’s voice, guitar playing, and songwriting. His latest self-titled release has been in constant rotation in our house and we couldn’t be more excited to have him play a show for us. At 24, Leon has a bright future and we have a feeling this will be one of the moments where everyone in attendance will be able to look back and say, “remember when we saw Leon Majcen perform a house concert at Pono Acres?!”.

How to attend:

  • $50 per person (includes dinner and a commemorative poster)

  • Limited space available, reserve early:

    • Reservations must be made in advance of the show and will be confirmed once payment is received.  No door sales.

      • Email brian@ponoacres.com if you have any questions

    • Preferred payment methods include Venmo (@Brian-Koonin), PayPal (@Bkoonin), and Zelle (brian.koonin@gmail.com)

      • There are no physical tickets but the name and number in your party will be verified upon arrival

  • Schedule:

    • Dinner served from 7:00 - 8:00

      • Menu tbd

    • Music ~8:00 p.m.

  • BYOB

  • Seats provided

  • Overnight camping / glamping options available upon request

Pono Acres shows are private events open to friends of the farm and fans of the musicians we host.  No public ticket sales.

About Leon:

Leon Majcen is a musician whose story is one of resilience and determination. He grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida, the son of Bosnian war refugees who had fled their homeland in search of a better life for their children. From a young age, Leon was drawn to the power of storytelling through music, particularly the work of artists like Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, Bob Dylan, and Guy Clark.

Leon began playing in local bars while still in high school, honing his craft and building a loyal following. After graduating, he decided to pursue his passion for music in New York City, while attending college at New York University and playing shows around town. After a while, Leon came to the realization that the hustle and bustle of the city wasn't where his heart was at.

He returned home to Florida and took a job at a commercial fishing dock, filleting and packing fish while he planned his next move. And that move was to Nashville, where Leon hoped to make his mark as a singer-songwriter. Since arriving in Nashville, Leon has continued to develop his unique blend of Americana, folk, and country music, drawing on his experiences and his love of the outdoors to craft songs that are both poignant and powerful. With his heartfelt lyrics, soulful voice, and deft guitar work, Leon has built a strong following in Music City and beyond.

“The 12-song experience tells a tale that is inspired by a journey of growth for a songwriter but also a man. It is a quintessential offering for an early summer sit down with a record player and a thunderstorm in the background, a perfect escapism opportunity.” - American Songwriter

American Songwriter

“One quick listen to Florida native Leon Majcen and you know he is an old soul. His haunting storytelling and smokey vocals are helping to usher in the new class of country singers in Nashville. Close your eyes, you may think its even a modern day Townes Van Zandt.” - Backstage Bobbi

All Country News

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Conrad Moore - House concert + Dinner show
Jan
18
6:30 PM18:30

Conrad Moore - House concert + Dinner show

  • 6086 Heardsville Road Cumming, GA, 30028 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Conrad Moore was introduced to us through another Nicholas Jamerson connection. While he is in the early stages of his journey, his songs have a classic feel and we are excited to see how far his talent will take him.

How to attend:

  • $50 per person (includes dinner and a commemorative poster)

  • Limited space available, reserve early:

    • Reservations must be made in advance of the show and will be confirmed once payment is received.  No door sales.

      • Email brian@ponoacres.com if you have any questions

    • Preferred payment methods include Venmo (@Brian-Koonin), PayPal (@Bkoonin), and Zelle (brian.koonin@gmail.com)

      • There are no physical tickets but the name and number in your party will be verified upon arrival

  • Schedule:

    • Dinner served from 7:00 - 8:00

      • Menu tbd

    • Music ~8:00 p.m.

  • BYOB

  • Seats provided

  • Overnight camping / glamping options available upon request

Pono Acres shows are private events open to friends of the farm and fans of the musicians we host.  No public ticket sales.

About Conrad:

Conrad Moore is a North Georgia singer-songwriter who captures the soul of the working Southern man. His songs have roots in folk storytelling, which give a nod to the ups and downs of life, love and the pursuit of happiness. Washed in hints of booze, half-truths and motel rooms, his lyrics personify Mother Nature and her dance with Appalachia. The human condition and blue-collar woes are often his muses, although his songs have no shortage of heartbreak and day to day strife.

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Eric Lindell - House concert (SOLD OUT)
Feb
18
6:30 PM18:30

Eric Lindell - House concert (SOLD OUT)

  • Cumming, GA, 30028 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We consider ourselves very fortunate to have had the opportunity to host Eric for a fourth appearance. This one was solo electric. Sold out show full of many new faces. Eric was outstanding as always. He played 2 sets from 8:30 to just before 11. He played a great mix of his classics plus new material from the Oakland release that comes out in a couple days. Looking forward to having him back again soon.

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Kenny Roby @ Pono Acres (House concert)- November 11th, 2022
Nov
11
6:30 PM18:30

Kenny Roby @ Pono Acres (House concert)- November 11th, 2022

  • Cumming, GA, 30028 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Excerpt from Kenny’s bio:

“Whatever the metaphors used to describe his artistry, there is no denying that Kenny Roby is an under-appreciated American treasure.  He is a singer/songwriter with an abundance of gifts. Not the least of which is his ability to draw listeners into his world with disarming ease.”

Kenny’s musical career started by fronting a punk rock band that opened for the Suicidal Tendencies, Circle Jerks, Danzig, and Jane’s Addiction while he was in high school!   From there, he formed a band in North Carolina called Six String Drag that ruled the alt-country scene in the Carolinas in the mid to late 90’s alongside Whiskeytown and Son Volt.  During that run, he picked up a legion of well respected musicians as fans.  Steve Earle produced the bands debut album in 1997.   Patterson Hood of the Drive by Truckers and Citizen Cope also consider themselves big fans of Kenny’s music.  When Six String Drag disbanded in 1998, Kenny began releasing solo albums. His latest being the self-titled Kenny Roby that was just released on August 5th.

Kenny put on an incredible show. Super personable with his own unique storytelling style that was both funny and engaging. He had a way with the animals as they seemed to sense he was a special soul. We sure hope to host another show with Kenny in the future.

This was a dinner show and we need to get better about estimating quantities. We served carnitas and gave people the option to use a tortilla or a bed of lettuce. We offered Mexican cauliflower as a vegetarian option. The tomatoes pictured were part of the largest bowl of pico de gallo this side of the Mexico.

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Chris Stalcup & the Grange w/ Harmony and the Hunter
Oct
22
6:00 PM18:00

Chris Stalcup & the Grange w/ Harmony and the Hunter

  • 6086 Heardsville Road Cumming, GA, 30028 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This picture was taken during the Justin Wells house concert in February 2022.  So glad, that Wink, our OG cat, was able to convince Chris to bring his band to the Shady Grove stage.  We could not have asked for better weather.  Harmony and the Hunter opened the show.  It was their debut concert, but you’d have never guessed, they rocked.  Love that their lead singer, Marc English, rocked the Stalcup shirt for his performance.  No Pono Acres concert would be complete without a musician on horseback.  Chris’s back was acting up so he volunteered Nathan Green, his keyboardist, to take the honors.  Chris and the band never fail to impress and this was no exception.

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Justin Wells w/ Adam Lee - House concert
Feb
19
8:00 PM20:00

Justin Wells w/ Adam Lee - House concert

  • 6086 Heardsville Road Cumming, GA, 30028 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

It is always gratifying when artists want to come back.  Justin was back in the South and asked if we’d be interested in doing another show.  Of course we were thrilled to host round 2 and glad Adam Lee would be coming back as well.  We invited Chris Stalcup out to enjoy the show.  We’ve been following Chris Stalcup for awhile and knew that he and Justin were old friends.  What we didn’t expect was for Justin to put Chris on the spot by asking him to perform the  the encore.   Justin brought him up by saying “If somehow you live in the state of Georgia and have never heard Chris Stalcup’s music, you’re about to get your life changed.”

Super stoked that Chris Stalcup attended this show and gave us a 2 song encore!

Justin Wells @ Pono Acres 2/19/22

No Time for a Broken Heart

Going Down Grinnin'

Another Night Lonely

Never Better

After the Fall

Til the Stars Won't Burn (new song)

The Screaming Song

Walls Fall Down

Running Ragged (Steve Rodgers request)

The Highway Less Taken

The Plea (Josh Morningstar cover)

Still No Rain

It'll All Work Out

A Beautiful Bomb (new song)

Temporary Blue

Ruby

January in Louisiana

Your Song (Elton John cover)

Encore (Chris Stalcup)

The Dogs tease > Ogeechee River

Downhearted Fools!

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The Two Tracks - Shady Grove stage
Oct
9
8:00 PM20:00

The Two Tracks - Shady Grove stage

  • 6086 Heardsville Road Cumming, GA, 30028 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

First time in Georgia for this band, all the way from Sheridan, Wyoming.  While attendance was lighter than we had hoped, the band brought a ton of energy and made a bunch of new fans.  It would be tough to find a nicer and more gracious group of musicians.  Folks that stuck around after the show were treated to a special after party set.  Our friend Chip Jones, a talented full time musician in his own right, led a fireside jam with all the members of The Two Tracks taking part.   Definitely one of the best fireside jams we’ve ever had on the farm.

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Justin Wells w/ Adam Lee - House concert
Jul
26
8:00 PM20:00

Justin Wells w/ Adam Lee - House concert

  • 6086 Heardsville Road Cumming, GA, 30028 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Who has a show on a Monday night?!  A fanatical fan, that’s who!  I knew Justin had not made it to Georgia much, if ever, and was playing Eddies on a Sunday night to end his run.  We jumped on the opportunity to see if he would play a house concert here the following night. He did, and it did not disappoint.  He always puts on a great show and is so funny and engaging.  We wound up taking Justin and Adam on a late night tour of the farm to meet the animals and his commentary on the mule ride through dark unmarked trails was hilarious.   

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Jason Eady - Shady Grove stage
May
15
8:00 PM20:00

Jason Eady - Shady Grove stage

  • 6086 Heardsville Road Cumming, GA, 30028 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Jason’s first time on the outdoor stage and our first time using our own PA equipment.  Everything turned out great and since Jason was staying in the barn apartment, he hung out by the fire for a good bit after the show.  Super cool guy and we hope to have him back again soon.

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Jason Eady w/ Courtney Patton - House concert
Jan
29
8:00 PM20:00

Jason Eady w/ Courtney Patton - House concert

  • 6086 Heardsville Road Cumming, GA, 30028 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This was our second house concert and it was an unexpected surprise that Courtney was able to join Jason for our show.  It was also the first time we chose not to use any PA for a show.  Any concerns the volume would be too low instantly vanished as soon as they hit the first note.  Their voices and instruments completely filled the room.  The power and clarity of their harmonizing blew me away.

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Eric Lindell - Shady Grove stage
Oct
3
8:00 PM20:00

Eric Lindell - Shady Grove stage

  • 6086 Heardsville Road Cumming, GA, 30028 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Eric called this tour “Trans American Travelogue” because he was heading up the east coast on motorcycle with nothing but a backpack.  Pono Acres would be his first stop.  He set up his tent, right next to the silo.  The weather was chilly as you can see by Eric’s breath on the videos posted in the Concert gallery.  I don’t think he slept too well and later joked that he would be ditching the tent and staying in hotel rooms after that night.

Eric needed to borrow a guitar and amp.  My long time friend John Davis came through in spades.  Hooking Eric up with his beloved 1965 Fender Strat and Super Reverb.  Eric designed the poster and we brought Darin Back back to take pictures.  As usual, Darin did a phenomenal job on the pictures and video clips we’ve listed in the Concert gallery.

This is the one image I shot in this section on my iPhone. While it kind of looks like a spaceship about to take off, it is Eric’s campsite in front of the silo. You can barely make out his motorcycle..

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Charlie Mars - Shady Grove stage
Sep
12
8:00 PM20:00

Charlie Mars - Shady Grove stage

  • 6086 Heardsville Road Cumming, GA, 30028 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We got into Charlie back in 2012.   His album Blackberry Light was in heavy rotation on a family vacation to Nicaragua later that same year.  When we returned home, I took the entire family to see Charlie at Eddies Attic and from there, we were hooked.  Charlie brought along a photographer friend of his, Darin Back, to take some photos during his show.  Darin is an incredible photographer and overall good guy.  Several of he photos in this section as well as the two of the videos in the Around the Farm section came out of that visit.

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