Michael Martin, apart from being a long-time friend of The Scene and patron of the arts in Muncie, is the creative force behind the Michael Martin Band — a gritty Americana group with with Irish folk and country influences. Their high energy performances, two of which are captured here, is the driving force behind a repertoire of originals and familiar covers, all performed with authenticity and roots-based soul.

A staple of the Indiana music scene, Dan Schepper is the lead vocalist and songwriter of Cowboy Angels. He’s also performed with Everything Now and The Bonesetters. He describes his songwriting as “soulful midwestern rock and roll songs.”

“Cowboy Angels were born out of the singing and songwriting of Dan England, and have been assembled to play his soulful midwestern rock and roll songs to the delight of many. The Burden of Love and Sin is a confident and promising set of songs that let you know that this band isn’t goofing around. With plans to tour and record on an infinitely repeating cycle until the end of time, the Cowboy Angels give us much to look forward to.”