The Evangeliners

Come dance and carry on with The Evangeliners, a mix of classic country, honky tonk, gospel and bluegrass featuring Elisabeth Ames, Tom Armstrong, Marty Henninger, Robin Suskind and Christine McCallister (sometimes Keith Brush).

Link: https://countrypolitansband.com/event/6203428/730747926/the-evangeliners

Honky Tonk Gospel with a Dancefloor Spirit

The Evangeliners are Portland’s most irresistible collision of the sacred and the spirited — a danceable gospel and honky tonk ensemble featuring leading lights from the city’s top Americana acts. Led by Elisabeth Ames of the internationally acclaimed Countrypolitans and Tom Armstrong, a revered traditionalist known for his deep-cut songwriting and old-school country croon, The Evangeliners blend high-lonesome harmonies, shuffling rhythms, and tear-stained twang into a genre-blurring celebration of American roots music.

Formed as a kind of musical revival meeting at the intersection of drinking songs and gospel truths, The Evangeliners channel the emotional weight of Louvin Brothers-style harmonies, the foot-stomping pulse of bluegrass, and the polished edge of classic honky tonk. It’s equal parts church choir and roadside bar, brought to life by a crack team of Portland musicians including Robin Suskind on pedal steel and electric guitar — a veteran of countless country sessions and stages.

Elisabeth Ames, whose work with The Countrypolitans has earned international recognition (including charting singles in Europe and studio collaborations with Lloyd Maines, Rosie Flores, and Dale Watson), brings a soulful vocal presence and original songwriting that evokes both Patsy Cline and Emmylou Harris. Together with Tom Armstrong’s deep knowledge of the genre and timeless delivery, the band performs everything from weeping waltzes and Saturday-night stompers to bluegrass-infused revival tunes and gospel barnburners.

Expect songs you can cry to. Expect songs you can two-step to.

The Evangeliners specialize in what they call “tear-in-your-beer gospel” — songs about heartbreak, redemption, whiskey, and salvation, all delivered with a reverence for tradition and a commitment to getting the dancefloor moving.

Whether they’re playing a roadhouse, a festival, or a Sunday afternoon party in the park, The Evangeliners will raise your spirits, break your heart, and make sure your boots get a workout.