Charlie Sexton: guitar, vocals
David Grissom: guitar, vocals
Calder Allen: guitar, vocals
Two legends—among the most prestigious and recognized guitarists and bluesmen in the world—sharing the stage together for the first time. Charlie Sexton has played with David Bowie and has been at Bob Dylan’s side for many years. David Grissom has been the guitarist for John Mellencamp, James McMurtry, Buddy Guy, Robben Ford, the Dixie Chicks, the Allman Brothers, and many more. These two true guitar heroes have remarkable intersections in their artistic journeys. The Double Trouble — the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan’s band rhythm section—chose to continue playing only with Charlie’s band, the Arc Angels, and David’s band, Storyville. But Stevie Ray Vaughan isn’t the only shared mentor between Sexton and Grissom: both were taken under the wing of Joe Ely during his golden years (and in Sexton’s case, also by Terry Allen, one of Texas’ greatest songwriters). And this is where another extraordinary full circle moment happens—because at FolkClub, Charlie and David will introduce Italy to a young and talented Texan singer-songwriter: Calder Allen. At just 21 years old, Calder represents the third generation of a musical legacy that began with his grandfather Terry Allen and continued with his uncle Bukka Allen. Charlie Sexton himself is betting on him—not only producing his music but even turning down a tour with Elvis Costello to personally accompany him to Italy. There’s already a huge buzz around this young talent, with critics comparing him to Ryan Bingham. A young “son of art” who is already an incredible reality!
An unmissable concert, organized in collaboration with the historic magazine Buscadero.
A magical event that could only happen at FolkClub!
Charlie Sexton has been Bob Dylan’s guitarist from 2009 since 2020. The son of a teenage mother, Charlie arrived in Austin, Texas, at the age of four. Growing up by her side, he frequented some of Austin’s most iconic music clubs, such as the Armadillo World Headquarters and Soap Creek Saloon. After living on the outskirts of the city with his mother, Sexton moved downtown on his own at the age of 12. His musical heroes—Joe Ely, Jimmie Vaughan, and Stevie Ray Vaughan—welcomed and supported him until he could stand on his own, taking him under their wing and turning venues like Split Rail and the blues club Antone’s into real classrooms for him. From that moment, Sexton made a name for himself in the music industry. He debuted with "Pictures For Pleasure" in 1985 at just 16 years old and quickly became known as a true guitar prodigy. Even before his debut album, he created a variety of acts and rhythms, spending his teenage years as a highly sought-after session musician. Sexton continued developing his guitar skills, recording with artists such as Ron Wood, Keith Richards, Don Henley, and Bob Dylan. This success was followed by the release of a self-titled album—his second—at just 20 years old. He opened concerts for David Bowie and Bob Dylan, and that was just the beginning. Charle became a member of Austin’s Arc Angels, alongside Doyle Bramhall II, Tommy Shannon, and Chris “Whipper” Layton, releasing a self-titled album with Geffen Records. When the Arc Angels disbanded, Sexton—just 24 years old—was already recognized as a respected blues musician. However, refusing to be confined to a single genre, he formed the Charlie Sexton Sextet, releasing "Under The Wishing Tree" with MCA Records, an album that showcased his extraordinary musical versatility—ranging from Celtic-influenced rock to folk-rock, blues, and high-energy rock ‘n’ roll. In 1999, Bob Dylan called on him to replace Bucky Baxter. Sexton had already played with Dylan at a 1996 Austin concert and on demo recordings from 1983. Critics widely praised him, especially his duet with guitarist Larry Campbell in Dylan’s band. That lineup is considered one of the best ensembles Dylan has ever had, recording "Things Have Changed" (from the 2000 film "Wonder Boys") and the 2001 album "Love and Theft". Even while working with Dylan, Sexton continued collaborating with other artists, producing albums like Double Trouble’s "Been a Long Time" and Lucinda Williams’ "Essence". After leaving Dylan’s band, he produced several records, including Edie Brickell’s "Volcano", Jon Dee Graham’s "Great Battle", and Shannon McNally’s "Geronimo". In late 2005, he released "Cruel and Gentle Things". In 2009, Charlie rejoined Dylan’s band, replacing guitarist Danny Freeman. He appears on Dylan’s albums "Tempest" (2012), "Shadows in the Night" (2015), and "Rough and Rowdy Ways" (2020). As a songwriter, Sexton writes about what he knows, blending autobiographical experiences with Texas-inspired imagery. He considers Bob Dylan his greatest lyrical influence, while his guitar style is deeply shaped by Austin legends Jimmie Vaughan and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. Faithful to his own path, Charlie Sexton continues to perform alongside the greatest musicians of our time, recently touring, recording, and playing with artists like Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, and Bob Dylan. The best is yet to come for an artist like Sexton—his legacy is already cemented in rock ‘n’ roll history and the rich musical tradition of Austin.
David Grissom. What do John Mellencamp, Ringo Starr, Robben Ford, Buddy Guy, John Mayall, The Allman Brothers, Joe Ely, James McMurtry, The Dixie Chicks, and Chris Isaak all have in common? The answer: the extraordinary guitarist David Grissom, who has played and contributed to the sound of all these artists—and many more. Grissom’s career began in Austin in 1983, when he moved to the Texas capital and immediately landed a gig as the lead guitarist for Lucinda Williams and Lou Ann Barton. In 1985, he joined Joe Ely’s band, recording and touring non-stop until 1991, when he got the call from John Mellencamp. Grissom’s guitar work became a defining feature of Mellencamp’s sound, as heard on the albums "Whenever We Wanted", "Dance Naked", and especially the masterpiece "Human Wheels". After the intense experience alongside Mellencamp, David returns to Austin to form his Storyville which sees him alongside drummer Chris Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon (former members of the Arc Angels and rhythm section of Double Trouble with the legendary Steve Ray Vaughan) as well as singer Malford Miligan. Atlantic Records released two cult-classic Storyville albums, both of which received critical acclaim. In recent years, Grissom has continued his prestigious collaborations, including Buddy Guy’s last three albums, while also maintaining a relentless live performance schedule and focusing on his own music. In 2007, Paul Reed Smith Guitars launched the DGT (David Grissom Tremolo) model, personally designed by Grissom—a culmination of his 25-year collaboration with PRS. He has traveled the world showcasing the instrument, performing alongside guitar legends like Orianthi, Brent Mason, and Santana. His name frequently graces the pages of Guitar Player, Guitar World, Musician, and Vintage Guitar, with cover stories and in-depth features dedicated to his unparalleled artistry. There’s no doubt: David Grissom is one of the greatest guitarists of all time—an exceptional artist.
Calder Allen has always been a writer and illustrator, but his true passion is music. Over time, he honed his skills and built a solid reputation as a talented songwriter and dynamic performer. Despite his young age—just 21 years old—he has already toured with some of the biggest names in country and Americana music, including Cody Jinks, Wade Bowen, Miranda Lambert, Turnpike Troubadours, The Red Clay Strays, Shane Smith & The Saints, and Charles Wesley Godwin. He has also performed at major festivals such as Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Two Step Inn, and Oceans Calling. His high-energy, emotionally charged live shows have earned him a loyal following, solidifying his place in a prestigious and ever-evolving music scene. A fifth-generation Texan, Calder is a true Austinite—his maternal family settled in Austin in 1890, while his paternal roots trace back to Lubbock. His musical and artistic heritage runs deep: his grandmother was one of the Burke sisters, known for their yodeling harmonies; his paternal grandparents are Terry Allen (the legendary country singer-songwriter and visual artist) and Jo Harvey Allen (writer, actress, and artist); his father, Bale Allen, uncle Bukka Allen, and older brother Sled Allen are all musicians and mentors to him. “There was always an instrument around when I was a kid—something to play with. Even if I didn’t know how to use it properly, picking it up was always an adventure,” Calder recalls. "During the holidays, we would go visit my father in Santa Fe [where Terry and Jo Harvey eventually settled after leaving Texas, editor's note]. Not only would the whole family gather there, but my father’s friends—who are all musicians and artists—would be there as well. So it was always a creative time. At every party, we’d all be scattered around the living room, each playing something." Fly fishing as a way of life: when he’s not writing or performing, Calder can be found in a river, wearing his fishing boots, casting lines—an art taught to him by his older brother.
A truly unmissable evening awaits!
