From one award show to another, a musical duo that features a guitarist from Jefferson is continuing to gain accolades. 

Singer-songwriter Chad Elliott is one-half of the Weary Ramblers, with fiddliest Kathryn Severing-Fox, and they recently earned the Song of the Year-Americana Duo/Group/Collab from the Josie Music Awards that were held this past weekend at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. For Elliott, being in the Grand Ole Opry was a kind of bucket list item as he says it was exciting and a surreal moment to be on that stage. 

Severing-Fox echoes Elliott’s sentiment and adds that they both are grateful to be in the same sacred circle where several musical legends had left their mark. She appreciates the Josie Music Awards for making it possible for independent artists to be celebrated. 

The collaborative duo move onto the Iowa Music Awards that are happening this weekend, as the Weary Ramblers are nominated for Best Acoustic Artist of the Year. Elliott explains the logistics of touring, promoting and performing across the country after releasing their self-titled album last year, and how that has led to all of these award nominations.

“As a solo artist, there’s so many out there doing it that it’s just like you’re one in the wash if they’re not really paying attention, because everyone can get online nowadays and share their songs. And so, as a band, you’ve got this extra energy walking into venues and you can get a little more energy with the fan base too. Plus, we have multiple people working it, so that helps.” 

The Weary Ramblers also earned another award from the International Acoustic Music Awards for the Best Group/Duo.