Jackson Ward

jacksonwardmusic.com

Second Place: Honkytonk Heroes

Third Place: Everwilde

The first- and second-place winners traded places from their rankings last year. The newer band, Jackson Ward, mixes originals with country hits from the likes of Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley. Honkytonk Heroes also mix covers of original country classics by the likes of George Jones with the new-school country music. Chesterfield County-based group Everwilde, formed in 2007 by lead singer Daniel Nicholls and drummer Shawn Drudge, performs country originals they describe as “pure country, influenced by Southern rock and blues.” The band also has had success as a repeat top five finalist in Snagajob’s Hourly Gig Contest.