CC Nichols

Good morning,

Today I finally get to say this: my album Hell on the Potomac is out in the world.

This record has been a long time coming. Some of these songs have already found their way into your lives over the past couple of years, and today they’re joined by four new ones that feel like the final pieces of the story. Together, they make the album I’ve been trying to complete for a long time.

Hell on the Potomac is a deeply regional record. It’s rooted in the place I grew up — the greater Cumberland area, the edges of West Virginia — and the values, contradictions, and stories that come with it. These songs are about work and wear, pride and frustration, humor and heartbreak. They’re about people who don’t always get written about, and places that don’t always make the map, but mean everything to the folks who call them home.

This album wouldn’t exist without some incredible people.

Ben Townsend produced the record and played more instruments than I can count. His patience, taste, and belief in these songs shaped them at every turn. 
Parker Schrecengost brought the heartbeat on drums.
William Bower laid down the electric guitar parts that gave these songs their edge and lift.

I’m grateful to all of them — and to everyone who listened to early versions, came to shows, or shared a song.

You can download the entire album for free on my website. Here is a link: https://ccnicholsmusic.com/album/3813296/hell-on-the-potomac

It is available on ALL the streaming services. Here's a Spotify link: Hell On The Potomac

One small bit of timing: one of the songs on the record is called “Naked on New Year’s Eve,” and today happens to be New Year’s Eve. It’s a fun duet I recorded with my wife about too much alcohol, bad influences, and lifelong love. It’s tongue-in-cheek, and we had a blast making it. Julie’s vocals on that song are, without question, the cutest thing I can think of.

This past summer on the road was a real joy, and playing these songs live reminded me why I do this in the first place. But at the end of the day, I love making records — sitting with the songs, chasing the feeling, trying to tell the truth as clearly as I can. Releasing this album feels like closing one chapter and opening the door to the next.

Thank you for being here, and for giving these songs a place to land. I hope Hell on the Potomac feels familiar in the best way.

Now comes the hard part — getting people to hear it. If you know someone who might connect with this music, I’d be grateful if you shared it with them. Word of mouth still means everything.

Thanks,

CC

P.S. If you’re interested in some other things I have going on, I also have a book coming out January 13 called I Can’t Believe They Let Me In: Confronting Imposter Syndrome and Letting Yourself In. You can find more about that here: https://ccnicholsauthor.com/. 

Hey friends—

I just wanted to say thanks for such a great run of shows this summer. From back‑porch singalongs to rowdy bars and quiet listening rooms, I’ve had a blast. Met a bunch of good folks along the way, and I’m carrying those smiles into the fall.

This Saturday, Oct 11, I’ll be at The Outpost for Catching the Salmon’s Wake: Fireside Jam. Leftover Salmon with special guest Sicard Hollow play Friday night, and I’m honored to follow them up on Saturday for the Fireside Jam series. I’ll be breaking out my favorite originals with a few surprise covers sprinkled in.

Click the picture to catch a short clip of me doing an Ozzy Osbourne cover—folk‑style. It’s one more warm night by the flame: stories, songs, and a few harmless lies. If you’ve been meaning to catch a set, this is a sweet one to land at.

→ Show info & directions: https://outpostnrg.com

After this, I’m planning to slow things down a bit—maybe one or two more dates before year’s end—but mostly taking a breather to rest, write, and wood‑shed some new songs. Performing live weekend after weekend is a grind, and I’m ready to let the well fill back up. If you want to hear about those last pop‑up gigs, make sure you’re on the list and keeping an eye on the site. And please, share it with your friends.

Mostly, I just want to say thank you for showing up—singing along, swapping stories, and reminding me why I do this.

One last note about performing live in barrooms and small venues: it’s not an easy thing. You never know what the night—or the crowd—might throw your way. I’ve been embraced, loved, and heckled. And through it all, I’ve grown, laughed, and kept truckin’. So, if you’re out and about and notice that lone musician standing in front of a mic, give them a nod and a tip—even if it’s not your kind of music. They’re brave souls doing their best to connect and entertain. And that, to me, is what the world needs more of: authentic connections.

See you by the fire,

CC Nichols
ccnicholsmusic.com

P.S. If you’ve got a friend who’d dig a night of campfire songs, send ’em this link: https://outpostnrg.com

Hey friends and fellow music lovers!

I’m beyond excited to share some big news: I’ll be playing Saturday, October 11, 2025, at The Outpost – New River Gorge, as part of their Fireside Jam series. It’s the perfect finale to what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend of music, camping, and good vibes in one of the most beautiful spots in West Virginia.

The night before—Friday, October 10—is going to be nothing short of legendary. Leftover Salmon is headlining the Groove in the Gorge Music Series to celebrate their 35th anniversary, serving up a night full of roots-rock, jamgrass magic, and improvisation that defies genre. They’ve built a legacy blending bluegrass, Cajun spice, New Orleans grooves, and fearless jams, and their current lineup—Drew Emmitt, Vince Herman, Andy Thorn (banjo), Greg Garrison (bass), Alwyn Robinson (drums), and Jay Starling (dobro & keys)—is being praised as one of their best ever.

Opening the night is Sicard Hollow, a fiery four-piece quickly making their mark in the progressive bluegrass scene. With influences from the Grateful Dead to New Grass Revival, they combine adventurous improvisation and razor-sharp musicianship into a sound that’s vibrant, unpredictable, and ridiculously fun.

So picture this: you pitch your tent, fire up the camp stove, maybe squeeze in a rafting trip or hike during the day, then dive head-first into that classic jam-band energy—campfire camaraderie, music under the stars, and a sea of smiling faces.

That’s the magic of The Outpost. Friday night’s Groove in the Gorge sets the tone, but the music doesn’t stop there. The Fireside Jam series keeps the weekend rolling, taking all the energy of the big stage—the dancing feet, the post-show buzz—and bringing it closer to the embers, where the music feels personal, spontaneous, and warm in every sense.

That’s where I come in. On Saturday, I’ll be stepping into that circle of firelight, guitar in hand, to carry the torch from the roar of the crowd to the kind of moments you remember on the ride home. I’ll bring my own brand of storytelling, string-twang, and soul under that big West Virginia sky.

This isn’t just another gig—it’s a celebration. One weekend. Two incredible nights of music. And a place where every note, laugh, and handshake feels like part of something bigger.

🌄 Plan Your Weekend Now
If you want the full experience, don’t wait—The Outpost is one of West Virginia’s premier spots for live music and camping, and weekends like this fill up fast. You can reserve your camping spot, grab event tickets, and find all the details about food, activities, and lodging right here:
👉 https://outpostnrg.com

Come for the Salmon, stay for the firelight, and leave with memories that’ll keep you smiling long after the last chord fades.

Let’s make these mountains echo with music.

— CC Nichols

Hey friends,

It’s been a packed summer—and a darn good one.

I’ve had more gigs these past few months than I can count, and every one of them has helped me grow the show into something better than the last one. What started as a mostly original set list has evolved into a more balanced mix of originals and covers. And you know what? I’m loving it.

Turns out, people really respond to a familiar song mixed in here and there—and it’s been fun for me too. I’ve learned a bunch of new tunes I never thought I’d play, and it’s opened up a whole new side of the live shows. Songs like “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (click the picture to be taken to a YouTube short of me singing it) now sit comfortably next to my originals like “Drunk in Montana Again” and “Consumption Blues.” It’s given me a way to meet people in the middle and keep things moving. And honestly, a lesson in performing. People want to hear something familiar. I want to connect and have a good time…so I'll give the people what they want.

What’s really meant the world to me this summer, though, is seeing familiar faces in the crowd—friends I hadn’t seen in years showing up to support the show. My class reunion was just a few days ago, and a couple of folks came out to a gig the night before. Totally unexpected. And totally heartwarming. I’ll never forget that.

As the fall creeps in, things are slowing down a bit gig-wise, but there are still a few shows on the calendar I’m especially excited about. Next show is this Sunday at Potomac Ridge Brewing in Sharpsburg, MD this Sunday August 3rd from 3-6. One big day is coming up on August 16th, where I’ll be doing a daytime set at the Lost River Classic Bicycle Race in Mathias, WV and then heading up to Cushwa Brewing in Williamsport, MD that evening for a full show. It’ll be a long day, but one full of music, friends, and good people—exactly what I love about this whole thing.

And don’t miss The Balcony show in Cumberland on September 26th—that one’s special. Some good friends own the place, and I’m so looking forward to playing right here in town.

There are still a couple more fall dates to be announced, so keep an eye out. I’m also deep into the process of putting together my first full-length album, hopefully out later this year. I’ve been putting everything I’ve got into these songs—this might be the most personal and polished project I’ve done yet.

Thanks to everyone who’s come out, listened, clapped, tipped, requested something weird, or just sat quietly and soaked it in. I’ve had a blast this summer, and it means a lot knowing y’all are out there rooting for me.

See you soon,
– CC

🎥 Watch me cover "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd here.
🎶 Tour Dates + Music at ccnicholsmusic.com

This past weekend was a whirlwind of music, connection, and good vibes deep in the heart of West Virginia. I had the pleasure of playing at two fantastic events: the Kindred Spirits Appalachian Underground Music Festival hosted by The Indie on Main, and the One Man Jam Festival at Omjf Silverlake. Both were packed with soul, community, and the kind of energy that reminds you why festival season is such a beautiful time of year.

First off, hats off to Scott C. Brooks, Flying Squirrel Ranch & Farm, and the whole team behind Kindred Spirits. The event had this welcoming, down-home feel—like stepping into a gathering of old friends, even if you hadn’t met them yet. The setting was stunning, the crowd was warm, and the music flowed like a mountain stream.

One of the real highlights was finally meeting Aristotle Jones. If you know anything about West Virginia music, you’ve probably heard his name. The man is just as cool in person as he is on stage—genuine, full of stories, and clearly driven by a deep love for the music and the people it brings together.

Then there was the One Man Jam Festival. What a cool setup—48 hours of stripped-down basics, with musicians doing one-hour sets, one after another. Raw and real. It’s always a joy to be around folks who just love music.

I also had a surprise run-in with Andrew Benson, the guy behind the Songs and Stories West Virginia podcast. I’ve admired his work for a while—he’s doing great things to shine a light on musicians from across the state. It was a treat to catch him there, and even better to hear his set. The guy’s the real deal, and what he’s doing for local and regional music is something special.

All in all, the weekend was a beautiful reminder of how music brings us together—under sun or stars (or in the case of this weekend - rain and clouds), on stages big or small, with familiar faces and new ones alike. Here’s to more weekends like this, more miles of music, and more stories to tell.

This Saturday, I’ll be playing a two-hour set at Berkeley Springs Brewery from 7-9 pm and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve made the decision to go all-original in my live sets, and Berkeley Springs Brewery is all about supporting original music. I’m thankful for the opportunity and looking forward to sharing my songs with a crowd that truly values the heart behind the music.

Hey folks,

It’s been a weird few weeks…invasive trees and Delfest.

Some of you might’ve noticed I took a bit of an unplanned break from performing lately. The reason? Well… I picked a fight with a Tree of Heaven — and lost.

Let me back up a bit. For those lucky enough not to know, the Tree of Heaven is this invasive, fast-growing tree that smells like burnt peanut butter and creeps into every inch of land it can find. It’s like the junk mail of the forest and crowds out all the native plant life that would otherwise thrive. On top of that, it’s a favorite hangout for one of the most unholy pests I’ve ever come across: the Spotted Lanternfly. These little devils look like a butterfly designed by a caffeinated 12-year-old with a paintball gun and they’re slowly gnawing their way across the Appalachian landscape like it owes them money.

Now, I’ve got a bit of land, and these trees are everywhere. So, I decided it was time to go full Rambo on them. Boots on. Gloves laced. Chainsaw ready. I did the research; found out the best way to stop them from coming back is to hit ‘em with a little herbicide cocktail right into the stump.

Only problem is, I wasn’t quite careful enough. One gust of wind later, and I accidentally inhaled a good lungful of the stuff. Ended up with a chemical burn on the back of my throat. Let me tell you, it felt like I gargled hot gravel and tried to sing through a kazoo made of fire. Singing? Not an option. Talking hurt. Even thinking about falsetto made my throat seize up.

So yeah, I took a solid 4-5 week hiatus to heal up. It was scary, honestly. Singing’s not just what I do, it’s how I process the world. Not being able to do that? It knocked me off center.

But I’m back now (a little wiser, a little warier of yardwork) and ready to hit the stage again. Starting this Sunday, June 1st, I’m rolling out a packed schedule of summer shows. If you’ve been wondering when we’d get a chance to catch up and swap stories over some live tunes and a cold drink, this is it.

And speaking of music, while I was recovering, I still got to enjoy some. I headed to DelFest, like I do every year, and soaked in a weekend of world-class pickin’. I especially loved catching sets from some of our own local heroes like Megan Jean’s Secret Family and Gilbert Lee and the Ghosts on the Radio. Both bands had GREAT sets. Seeing them up there reminded me exactly why I love doing what I do and fired me up for the summer ahead. 

🎸 Here’s where I’ll be coming up:

June 1 – Brewery and the Beast – Accident, MD (1–4 PM)
June 7 – Cushwa Brewing – Williamsport, MD (1–4 PM)
June 14 – Kindred Spirits Festival – Purgittsville, WV (2:45–3:50 PM)
June 21 – Berkeley Springs Brewing – Berkeley Springs, WV (7–9 PM)
June 26 – Tenth Ward Distilling Company – Frederick, MD (7–9 PM)
June 28 – Dig Deep Brewery – Cumberland, MD (7–9 PM)
July 23 – The Fifth Alehouse – Johnstown, PA (7–10 PM)
July 25 – Olde Bedford Brewing – Bedford, PA (6–9 PM)
August 3 – Potomac Ridge Brewing – Sharpsburg, MD (3–6 PM)

I’m especially excited about this weekend’s gig at Brewery and the Beast — great folks, great brews, and the perfect way to shake off the dust. Come on out, say hi, and let’s get the summer started right.

And hey, if you happen to know a tried-and-true method for banishing Tree of Heaven and Spotted Lanternflies that doesn’t involve a near-death experience, feel free to bring that wisdom to the merch table. We’ll swap war stories.

Thanks for sticking with me through the silence. Here’s to music, misadventures, and the kind of laughter that gets you through it all.

See you out there,
CC Nichols

Hey friends,

Hope this finds you well—and maybe with a cold drink in hand. I’ve got a lot of exciting stuff to share, so I’ll get right to it.

🎙️ Album News!

I just wrapped up studio work for a full album I’m hoping to release this fall. It’s been a real joy putting this one together. I had the pleasure of working with the always-amazing Ben Townsend, who wore all the hats—playing several instruments, engineering, and producing the whole thing.

Parker Schrecengost brought his signature groove on percussion, and William Bower laid down some truly stellar guitar—steel and otherwise. Oh, and I even roped in Julie Nichols for a duet that onery and fun.

I’m proud of all these songs, and I can’t wait for you to hear ’em.

🎶 New Songs, New Energy

With a bunch of gigs coming up, I’ve been back at the writing desk—leaning into the funny, upbeat side of things. I love a good slow burner (always will), but it turns out the pubs and breweries light up when the songs are toe-tappin’ and tongue-in-cheek.

So I wrote a few fresh ones to keep the energy high and the laughs rollin’. I’ll be mixing them into my live sets soon—come see how they sound in the wild.

📅 Updated Show Schedule

Here’s where I’ll be playing in the coming months. If I’m near your neck of the woods, come on out—I’d love to see ya.

🎸 March 15, 2025 – 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Dig Deep Brewery – Cumberland, MD

🎸 April 12, 2025 – 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Tie One On Tap House – Thomas, WV

🎸 April 26, 2025 – 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 The Venetian Pub – Milton, WV

🎸 June 1, 2025 – 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Brewery and the Beast – Accident, MD

🎸 June 7, 2025 – 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Cushwa Brewing – Williamsport, MD

🎸 June 14, 2025 – 2:45–3:50 PM
📍 Kindred Spirits Underground Appalachia Music Festival – Purgittsville, WV

🎸 June 21, 2025 – 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Berkeley Springs Brewing – Berkeley Springs, WV

🎸 June 26, 2025 – 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Tenth Ward Distilling Company – Frederick, MD

🎸 June 28, 2025 – 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Dig Deep Brewery – Cumberland, MD

🎸 August 3, 2025 – 3:00–6:00 PM
📍 Potomac Ridge Brewing – Sharpsburg, MD

🤝 Let’s Keep in Touch

If you’re coming out to a show, shoot me a message or just come say hi after the set—I love getting to know the folks who’ve been supporting this journey. And if you know someone who’d dig the tunes, feel free to pass this along.

Thanks, as always, for riding along with me on this wild little music road. More soon!

With gratitude and a lot of laughs,

CC Nichols

This weekend I’m heading to Tie One On Taphouse in Thomas, West Virginia—a town that feels like a front porch with a view of forever. Every time I play a show, the setlist shifts just a little. I shape it around the space, the people, and the kind of night I hope we all walk away remembering.

Some of these songs are unreleased, still raw from the writing room, and it means a lot to share them live for the first time. Here’s what I’m packing in the guitar case for this one—and why.

🎶 “Stop It” (Unreleased)
A sharp-edged breakup anthem wrapped in wit. It’s all about reclaiming your power when someone’s spent too long trying to grind it down. A crowd favorite in the making—loud, honest, and cathartic.

🎶 “Heartbreak and Trouble” (Unreleased)
This one’s pure grit and gravel. A tale of bad luck, worse decisions, and the consequences that come kickin’ in your door. There’s humor in the heartbreak, and it always gets a reaction.

🎶 “Long Line of Rust” (Unreleased)
A generational reckoning. This song speaks to inherited struggle—cycles of work, wear, and quiet hurt. But it’s also about breaking free and not letting your past write your future. Probably the heaviest one in the set.

🎶 “The Consumption Blues” (Unreleased)
Bluesy, bold, and biting. This song pokes at the empty promises of consumer culture. Spoiler: “I got enough” becomes a battle cry by the last chorus.

🎶 “Naked on New Year’s Eve” (Coming 2025)
A cheeky duet about champagne mistakes and moments that matter more than they should. It’s flirty, funny, and probably the only song I’ve written that features Memorial Day as a potential follow-up date. Releasing later this year, but you can catch it early on this tour. 

👉 Click here to watch a duet clip of me and Julie singing it.

🎶 “I’m So Proud” (Released 2024)
This one’s out in the world already, and it’s one I always look forward to playing. It’s about the quiet victories—the hard-earned kind that don’t come with applause but change everything. A love letter to growth, perseverance, and personal pride. 

📺 Click the image below to watch the official “I'm So Proud” video. Julie and I sport our proud Frankfort Falcon gear in this one!

If you’re making your way to Thomas this weekend, I hope this gives you a little something to look forward to. And if a song hits you just right—catch me after the show and tell me about it.

Music is meant to be shared.

🗓️ Upcoming Shows

🎸 April 12, 2025 – 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Tie One On Taphouse – Thomas, WV

🎸 April 26, 2025 – 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 The Venetian Pub – Milton, WV

🎸 June 1, 2025 – 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Brewery and the Beast – Accident, MD

🎸 June 14, 2025 – TBA
📍 (More details coming soon!)

🎸 June 21, 2025 – 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Berkeley Springs Brewing – Berkeley Springs, WV

🎸 June 26, 2025 – 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Tenth Ward Distilling Company – Frederick, MD

🎸 June 28, 2025 – 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Dig Deep Brewery – Cumberland, MD

🎸 August 3, 2025 – 3:00–6:00 PM
📍 Potomac Ridge Brewing – Sharpsburg, MD

See you out there,
—C.C.

Hey friends,

Just wanted to say how much fun I had playing at Dig Deep Brewery last weekend! The crowd was lively, the brews were cold, and the energy was just right. Nothing better than making music in a room full of good folks who are truly there for it.

Speaking of good times—Hooley Fest in Cumberland was an absolute blast. That whole town knows how to throw a party. I’ve got a short clip from the Dig Deep set to share with you. The song is called “Backside of Knobley”, and it’s an unreleased one about growing up in Carpendale, WV in the early ‘80s—back when bikes and busted knuckles were our main form of transportation. I name-drop a bunch of old friends in the tune… maybe you’ll recognize a few. Click Here!!!

Also, gotta give a big shoutout to Shanty Irish, the band I followed that night. These folks played five gigs around Cumberland in a single day. St. Patrick’s Day MVPs, no question. If you get a chance to see them live—go!

Now looking ahead—I’ve got some great shows coming up, and I’d love to see some familiar faces out there:

🎸 April 12, 2025 – 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Tie One On Tap House – Thomas, WV

🎸 June 1, 2025 – 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Brewery and the Beast – Accident, MD

🎸 June 14, 2025 – TBA
📍 (More details coming soon!)

🎸 June 21, 2025 – 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Berkeley Springs Brewing – Berkeley Springs, WV

🎸 June 28, 2025 – 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Dig Deep Brewery – Cumberland, MD

🎸 August 3, 2025 – 3:00–6:00 PM
📍 Potomac Ridge Brewing – Sharpsburg, MD

Mark your calendars, bring your friends, and let’s keep the good music rolling. And if you ever want to say hey or request a song, just hit reply—I always love hearing from you.

With gratitude and guitar picks,

CC Nichols

This past Saturday at my cousin Dave’s Rug Shop was one for the books. An intimate room, lined wall to wall with rugs that made for some sweet acoustics, packed with great people—old friends, new friends, and folks I hadn’t seen in way too long. That kind of surprise, seeing faces from every corner of life show up to share a night of music, is something I don’t take for granted. Humbled doesn’t cover it…THANKFUL!!! Thank you to everyone who was there.

One thing I love about playing in and around Cumberland is how deeply these songs belong to this place. A lot of my originals—like the yet-to-be-released Back Side of Knobley—come straight from growing up in Carpenter’s Addition, drawing from family stories, good times, and the rough patches that shaped us. Playing them here means something—where a line about Old German Beer, a shout out to close friends, or a Rust Belt story hits home in a way it wouldn’t anywhere else. That’s what makes these songs feel alive.

One of the best moments at the Rug Shop show came when my wife joined me onstage for two songs—an old-time classic, Greenback Dollar, and one of my own, the ornery and rowdy Naked on New Year’s Eve, which I’ll be releasing later this year. There’s something about sharing a song with someone who knows you better than anyone else that hits different. And as much as I'm trying to be the star, Julie ALWAYS steals the show. Click on the picture of us to see a YouTube short of that song.

That’s why I can’t wait for the next one. March 15th at Dig Deep Brewery, right in the middle of Cumberland’s Hooley Festival. The Rug Shop brought close-knit moments and familiar faces, but Dig Deep will fuel off a big, lively crowd. The energy of a festival night mixed with songs about our Appalachian area we all know? That’s something I’m looking forward to. We’ll be swapping stories about Cumberland, Carpendale, Appalachia, and all the people who make those places home.

If you were at the Rug Shop, you already know how much fun we can have. If you missed it, now’s your chance to jump in. Let’s pack the place, sing loud, and make some memories. I’ll be hitting the stage right after Shanty Irish, a crowd favorite every St. Patrick’s Day. And speaking of St. Patrick’s Day… it’s also my birthday. So, you know we’re gonna have a damn good time! 7:00 PM March 15th. Dig Deep Brewery. Be there!