Pressing Strings - Soulful Americana with Grit and Groove

Thursday, July 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM EST | $28 GA

Harmony In The Woods

Hailing from Annapolis, Maryland, Pressing Strings is a powerhouse trio led by guitarist and vocalist Jordan Sokel, earning a loyal following with their genre-bending blend of blues, rock, and folk, wrapped in soul-stirring storytelling and toe-tapping grooves. Their music resonates with the emotional grit of blues, the laid-back swagger of folk, and the urgency of modern rock.

Whether delivering heartfelt ballads or energetic anthems, Pressing Strings weaves lyrical introspection with high-caliber musicianship that feels both fresh and familiar. Sokel’s smoky voice and intricate guitar work are complemented masterfully by a standout rhythm section. The trio is anchored by drummer Justin Kruger — an energetic and charismatic performer whose style mirrors his outside-the-box personality and unique approach to the instrument — alongside bassist Nick Welker, a solid and stoic presence who crafts melodic bass lines and chordal voicings that give the trio a full, lush sound.

All three members contribute vocals, adding harmonies reminiscent of Southern California in the 1970s. Together, they push the limits of what a trio can accomplish, creating an immersive, feel-good experience that hits the audience’s heart as powerfully as it does their ears.

Recently, the band has toured coast to coast across the U.S., headlining clubs and captivating festival audiences at events such as Palisade Roots and Bluegrass Festival, FloydFest, Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, Firefly, Sweetwater 420Fest, and CaveFest, while sharing the stage with major artists including Gov’t Mule, Toad the Wet Sprocket, JJ Grey, and Neil Francis.