The Atkinsons are a rockin' Americana band from Richmond, VA. Formed in 2003, their main focus was to write and perform their own brand of original music, as well as incorporate select cover songs that complement their roots rock style. Rooted in rock, touched by country, and rich in harmonies, The Atkinsons merge their signature sound with bittersweet tales that are heartfelt and sometimes heartbreaking. Their originals are written with a hardcore honesty that chronicles rural America's life struggles and triumphs.  Influences range from Whiskeytown, Old 97s and Son Volt - to Old Crow Medicine Show, The Avett Brothers and Scott Miller - to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Rolling Stones and Green Day.

The Atkinsons' debut CD entitled "American Gothic" has received many great reviews and support. American Gothic is more than just an eleven-song compilation. It actually tells a story from start to finish. The first track introduces you to our nameless tragic hero. Throughout the CD you see him grow from a little boy to adulthood. And through a series of bad decisions and bad luck streaks, we eventually come to his death by the end of the CD. Although the lyrical content is dark, the music and melodies are upbeat. From country swing to straight-up rock, the mandolin and fiddle soaked songs keep your fingers snapping and toes tapping.

Need a press kit?  Go to the Promo page to get an EPK on Sonicbids.com.

The Atkinsons have played in many venues in Richmond including The National, Toad's Place (now the Hat Factory), Ashland Coffee & Tea, The Canal Club, Capital Ale House Music Hall, Cafe Diem, Poe's Pub, The Camel, Cary Street Cafe, Alley Katz, Grandpa Eddie's, Shenanigans, and others.  They have also played venues in  Charlottesville and Fredericksburg.

They have played  many outdoor festivals and events such as the Shockoe Craft Beer Festival, Rhythm Bets N' Brews, Brunswick Stew Festival, Glen Allen Day, River City Beer & Seafood Festival, St. Patrick's Irish Festival, Massey's Swinetangle BBQ, Henrico Humane Society's Bark in the Park, Carytown Watermelon Festival, Richmond Vegetarian Festival, Buena Vista Labor Day Festival, Beaverdam Heritage Days and others.  They've also played shows at The Diamond, Innsbrook Pavilion, Rockahock Amphitheater and the State Fair of Virginia.

The Atkinsons were featured on the emmy-nominated music series "The Music Seen" on WCVE Richmond PBS. Videos of ATK performing live at The Canal Club in Richmond, VA can be viewed on the Look & Listen page and on youtube.com.  ATK have also performed live on WTVR CBS-6 "Virginia This Morning" show and RICH-TV's "Real Estate Show". 

They have shared the stage with many great bands such as Cross Canadian Ragweed, Scott Miller and the Commonwealth, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Last Train Home, Wrinkle Neck Mules, The New Heathens, Sons of Bill, Moonshine Still, The Taters, Billy Ray Hatley and the Showdogs, Modern Groove Syndicate, Jeff Black, Dean Fields, Jackass Flats, and many others.  

The Atkinsons released their first full-length CD entitled "American Gothic" in 2007.  Many thanks go out to producer/recording engineer Steve Barber for all his hard work and patience with this project, and Bob Rupe for his wonderful mastering skills.  The Atkinsons are looking forward to getting back into the studio soon to start work on their second CD!  We also have some really great shows lined up for 2010, so we hope you catch us soon!

DICKIE WOOD

Lead vocals & guitar

JEFF WILLIAMS

Mandolin, acoustic guitar, & vocals

KRIS KRULL

Drums & vocals

RICKY BRELAND

Bass  guitar

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JAMIE WOOD

Percussion & backing vocals

MIKE FERRY

Fiddle