credit:  Steph Stewart

Blue Cactus at Stephen F's Bar

Mar 14, 2025

9:30pm – 10:05pm CT

Stephen F's Bar

Blue Cactus got their start among the active honky-tonk circuit of North Carolina, developing an electrified twang that now branches out effortlessly into folk, alt-country, and psychedelic-tinged rock. Blue Cactus has supported a diverse set of artists over its eight-year history (The War & Treaty, Town Mountain, and Steve Gunn, among others), Stewart’s introspective lyricism and Arnez’s skill for lush arrangements fueling the band’s potency in studio and on stage.

On their third full-length album, Believer, the duo’s sound ascends to new heights with a collection of piercing songs penned and sung primarily by Stewart, her rich voice narrating explorations of chronic illness, ruptured dreams, and the potential of hope. Praised by No Depression for their ability to paint “beautiful pictures of limitless possibility” in roots music, the duo has drawn comparisons to Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris. On Believer, Blue Cactus continues to showcase skillful and adventurous roots music with a deeply personal heart.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Primary Access
Free to the Public
About
From: Chapel Hill, NC, United States
Genre: Alt Country
Subgenre: Americana
Type: Showcase