Susto Stringband brings Appalachian-tinged indie folk rock to Heartwood Soundstage on July 16

Press release from Heartwood Soundstage

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On Tuesday, July 16, Heartwood Soundstage will welcome the transformative new project from indie favorite Justin Osborne: Susto Stringband. Blending the raw lyricism and confessional songwriting Osborne is known for with the lush harmonies and pastoral instrumentation of Holler Choir, Susto Stringband reimagines modern indie rock through the timeless textures of Appalachian string music.

Expect a performance both soul-stirring and sonically transportive. The ballads and refrains remain—laden with emotional gravity—but now they echo through a landscape of verdant harmonies, banjo twang, and a distinctly Southern spiritualism. Susto Stringband evokes an Arcadian dream of harmony with the natural world, even as Osborne’s lyrics navigate the harder truths of heartbreak, self-reckoning, and survival.

Opening the evening is Jacksonville Beach’s own Howdy, a coastal cowboy whose stripped-down acoustic style conjures both the folk tradition and salt-sprayed nostalgia. With a sound rooted in country, folk, and classic singer-songwriter sensibilities, Howdy’s songs are a slow burn—honest, evocative, and steeped in emotional truth.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now at heartwoodsoundstage.com.