Backstage Access Presents Turns Napa Valley Into an Intimate Country Music Escape

Some may say country music is best enjoyed from big stages with packed festival crowds, but those who’ve experienced Backstage Access Presents could argue that there’s something special about hearing it in the heart of Napa Valley, surrounded by stunning vineyards, good wine, and an intimate crowd.

Held April 14–16, the inaugural three-day destination event brought this setting to life, thanks to the vision of seasoned music industry executive and experiential strategist, Bobbii Jacobs, who has spent more than three decades building connections across every corner of the music industry.

With this latest venture, a hand-selected guest list of artists, media, brands, and industry leaders came together to enjoy live music, shared meals, and relaxed moments with views beyond compare. This space naturally resulted in meaningful conversations and sparked creative connections throughout a carefully curated string of experiences.

The week kicked off at Sleeping Giant in Napa with a Music Industry Luncheon featuring acoustic performances from Bradley Gaskin, Allie Colleen, Cyndi Thomson, and more, setting the tone for what was to come. As guests enjoyed their family-style meal, each of the acts took turns showcasing new music and sharing meaningful stories behind their work.

Speaking to Country Now before sitting down with his guitar in hand, Bradley Gaskin shared his appreciation for being included in the event, noting how meaningful opportunities like this are for him as an artist working hard each day to achieve his dreams.

“Me being a singer-songwriter from small town Alabama, anytime somebody reaches out…The whole goal as a kid growing up being a songwriter and an artist is to go out and play and perform for people. And so being invited and being part of such a cool thing is right up my alley,” he explained.

From there, guests headed over to Round Pond Estate Winery for a Golden Hour Reception, to enjoy a new scenery along with estate wines, regional bites from Hook & Cleaver Ranch and performances from Alex Lambert, Thelma & James, Liam St. John, and The 502s. Just as the sun set over the open fields surrounded by vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see, each artist took the stage one by one in the rustic barn venue, delivering stripped-down performances that paired perfectly with the golden-hour backdrop.

As guests enjoyed the music, they also made the rounds to explore the delicious eats, take advantage of the photo ops and shop a curated selection of brand partners.

Husband and wife duo, Thelma & James, revealed they are no strangers to the beautiful Napa Valley area and were eager to return, this time as part of the Backstage Access Presents lineup. Sitting in front of the crowd, they delivered a more intimate rendition of songs in their catalog including their latest, “Alternate Ending.”

“We had some of our favorite people writing with us that day and it kind of just fell out of the sky for us. It was like one of those magic writes,” the duo’s Jake Etheridge shared of the track.

His wife and duo partner, MacKenzie Porter, added, “We didn’t have the title or the idea or anything. We just were working on something else and then it kind of shifted into that song and we turned it in and our team really loves it. And I think people have been enjoying it.”

Later on, music echoed through the space of the private industry dinner at Louis Martini. The underground cellar, lined with towering barrels, featured a long communal table stretching the length of the room, with an intimate stage set at the very front.

One of the night’s performers, Jake Hoot proudly showcased stories ranging from love songs to a letter to the state of Colorado and more. He took in everything the space had to offer noting, “Stepping down in that cellar and doing our soundcheck, it just felt like those halls were made for music.”

When day two came around, artists including Kruse Brothers, Julia Cole, Emily Ann Roberts, Matt Stell, and Ty Myers took part in the “Pickin’ & Playin’” luncheon at Regusci Winery.

Roberts, who was a first-time visitor to Napa Valley, said the simplicity of singing with just her and her guitar was a nice change of pace compared to her usual full-band shows because it reminded her of the early days of performing.

“I started playing shows just with me and my guitar, sitting on a stool for tips, anywhere where they would let me come and play. And so anytime I get to get back to the basics, I think it’s really special. And in this environment, you don’t really need all that much to have a special moment. Just a simple guitar and a vocal will do the trick.”

Each delivering their sets in between hitting the golf course, Ty Myers and Matt Stell reflected on the experience, highlighting the mix of great food, wine, and connection.

“Had some great meals, some great wine, great fellowships, people that I’ve met because I’ve been out here before a time or two and get to see people that I consider friends and then make some new ones. And then we got to play some music the last couple nights,” Stell shared.

Myers added, “Destination spots to play music and are never going to let you down.”

The day continued with a wine tasting experience at Mark Herold Winery. As guests sipped on wine and enjoyed light bites, Cooper Riley, Sacha, Brett Kissel, and FILMORE all took the mic. Riley put it perfectly when he said, “There’s no better place than wine country. I mean it’s just beautiful. Beautiful scenery and great wine, great food. Really it doesn’t get much better than that.”

The live music continued into the night with Mainstage at the Mansion Gardens showcasing a mix of rising acts like Kalsey Kulyk, Madden Metcalf and Jacob Hackworth as well as hitmaker Parker McCollum.

Metcalf was eager to introduce Backstage Access Presents attendees to “all the songs that really described me as a person” from his debut EP, Saltwater Southern. Meanwhile, Hackworth did not hold back in expressing his excitement over stepping into a new setting with a fresh set of hears on songs like his radio debut, “What Took You So Long.”

“It’s a bunch of new faces, new people, and I’m excited for them to get to hear my music. I love concerts from the perspective of a listener to being able to perform them, and I think it’s always amazing. So I’m excited.,” Hackworth shared.

Parker McCollum gave the listeners a chance to really get to know him as he cracked jokes, interacted with individual audience members and even showcased a few brand-new unreleased songs, alongside his fan-favorites such as “Big Ole Fancy House.”

The final morning took place at Pahlmeyer with a vineyard brunch featuring acoustic performances that spanned beyond country music and tapped into true artistry from Tom Siletto, Kasey Tyndall, Maggie Rose, Shinedown, and Grace Potter. Prior to these performances, Hannah Dasher brought her fun-loving energy to the stage where she did a live cooking demonstration for her delicious blueberry biscuit recipe pulled straight from her Stand By Your Pan cook book.

“Since I balance the fender and the frying pan, I’m getting to do both,” she said previewing the event, before adding that she was “tickled” to be a part of the week.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Country Now (@countrynow)

A select group stuck around for the final event, Wine, Women & Song at Whetstone Wine Cellars, closing out the first-ever Backstage Access Presents experience in Napa Valley. The intimate afternoon was filled with even more wine and a real sense of women supporting women, as the artists shared personal stories through song.

By the time the last glass was poured, it was clear Backstage Access Presents had delivered on its promise to show that country music feels just as powerful, if not more, in a quieter setting surrounded by true music lovers with a shared openness to learn, connect, and grow.