River Driver

Named after the early log drivers who sang folk ballads while traveling down rivers far from home, River Driver brings new life to traditional folk tunes from Canada, the U.S., Ireland, and Scotland. Their raucous fiddle, dynamic drumming, and electrifying live performances grab audiences from the first note. Whether charging into the crowd mid-song or leaping from table to table in lively pub gigs, fiddler Shelly New and guitarist Michael Logan exude energy that’s impossible to resist—sparking dancing, clapping, singing, and celebratory cheers in their unique barn-dance, rock show experience.

The foursome, rounded out by bassist Steve Henry and drummer Danny Rasailly, blends a wide range of influences to create a vibrant fusion of sound that captivates listeners of all ages. Their setlist spans from Hank Williams to Guns N’ Roses, weaving bluegrass, Cajun, Texas country, Celtic, and Americana folk into a unique, high-energy tapestry. With creative arrangements, powerhouse vocals, and screaming fiddle solos, River Driver guarantees an unforgettable experience.

River Driver debuted their studio EP, Traces, in 2023, immediately hitting the road to showcase their eclectic influences. From bluegrass-inspired banjo and harmonica solos to searing electric guitar riffs, their performances push genre boundaries while staying rooted in the storytelling tradition of folk music. Following the success of Traces, the band released Flanagan’s Shenanigans: Live at The Celt in 2024, recorded at the world-famous venue in McKinney, Texas. This live album perfectly captures the infectious energy that’s made them a standout favorite at music festivals across the southern U.S.