Sam Ness ’15
From theater performer, to full-time busker and wanderer, festivals and cafés, Sam Ness has shared the stage with acts such as America, Styx, Night Ranger, Chris Barron (Spin Doctors), and many others. Mixing Traditional Folk/Americana roots with a new-age Alternative Singer/Songwriter feel, Sam Ness finds inspiration in the ancient cobblestone streets across the globe. Sometimes wild and dance oriented, other moments raw, emotional, and filled with moments of silence, Sam’s show changes every night. His percussive playing paired with an assortment of special effects including a loop system, have built a sound larger than most full bands. Sam has taken home a handful of Madison Area Music Awards including Male Vocalist of the Year (2019, 2020, 2021), Alternative Album of the Year (Whispered on the Wind 2018), Madison Area Breakthrough Artist Second Runner up (2017), Cover Song of the Year (Bonnie Raitt’s I Can’t Make You Love Me 2020), Unique Performer of the Year (2021).
