It is only fitting that The Contenders join BPAC's Troubadour Series, a series focused on individual and bands with North Carolina roots. The duo, Josh Day and Jay Nash, embody the true spirit of what it means to be a troubadour and their latest album "Laughing with the Reckless" is a testament to their strong bond and shared experiences of life on the road.

"Not many people know what it feels like, I fear, to be in so many strangers’ homes sharing music and stories, food and drink. But the troubadour knows. We do it all the time. And The Contenders mean to let you know it’s real, it gives them hope, and, lately, it breaks their hearts."

Opening for The Contenders is rising star and North Carolina native, Aaron Burdett.

Aaron was this past year's Grand Prize Winner of Our State Magazine's Carolina Songs Award with "Going Home to Carolina. The singer/songwriter was also just listed as one of the most important western NC musicians by WNC Magazine, along with Doc Watson, The Avett Bros, and The Steep Canyon Rangers. Working-class soul-grass with award-winning songwriting from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Chart-topping Bluegrass and Grassicana. Supporting summer 2021 release of the new album release Dream Rich, Dirt Poor on Organic Records.