The name Poplar Tent Revival is somewhat inspired by the children's book "Bessie Smith and the Night Riders" which is based on a true story. Bessie, recounts that at a performance in Concord, North Carolina, Ku Klux Klan members began to collapse the tent under which she was performing. When the male members of her band refused to confront them, Smith “ran towards the intruders, stopped within a few feet of them, placed one hand on her hip, and shook a clenched fist at the Klansmen. ‘What the f*ck you think you’re doin’?... I’ll get the whole damn tent out here if I have to. You just pick up them sheets and run!’” They did precisely that, to the sound of continued threats. Bessie was never afraid to back up her words with action—and at six feet tall and over 200 pounds, her actions spoke just as loud as her words. And that’s loud, indeed.

Marc Brookshire-guitar, Mike Herman-bass and Matt Cole-drums and friends share one thing in common. They like to play America's roots music. Mississippi-Delta Blues, Chicago Blues, Post war R&B, Texas, West Coast and Country Swing. So come hear our little trio with the big sound!