Musicians Trent Wagler and Jay Lapp are biking their way to the University of Lynchburg Pavilion for a Sept. 30 concert of innovative American music, all the more enterprising because they carry their instruments via two ordinary bicycles. The 7:30 p.m. event, sponsored in part by University of Lynchburg, is free and open to the public.
The “Steel Wheel Duo” decided to take up the test of touring on bike to kick the oil habit. “In theory, I have always believed in biking to work,” Wagler says. “For most of us it makes a lot of sense. Touring long-term by bicycle wouldn’t be extremely practical. But who knows? We hope to make this an annual event, but for now, we just want to see if we can do it!”
Steel Wheel Duo will start the journey in late September through early October, lasting for a week. They intend to start and end in Wagler’s hometown of Harrisonburg, Va.
Wagler and Lapp’s music has been described as “a force to be reckoned with.” They perform original American roots music infused with an acoustic blend of country, gospel, blues, and rock and roll. In a review for their latest album Adrienna Valentine, Wagler’s voice was said to possess “a gospel-tinged soulfulness,” and the collaborative group was dubbed Shenandoah Valley’s newest and brightest songwriting force.
Steel Wheel Duo’s tour is supported by Wyse Cycles and The Community Bicycle Shops/One Mile Challenge in Harrisonburg.