Cast Iron Cowboys: Bringing the Honky Tonk Heat to Photo City
The road to Cast Iron Cowboys started, fittingly, on the open mic circuit in Ithaca, New York. "Several of us met each other and really connected at open mic events around Ithaca at first - shaking hands with Josh on his way out the door at Deep Dive was the turn of the key that got this engine started," Max recalls; and soon enough, the band took form. With Margaret Harper on mandolin and vocals, Zeb Whitford on drums, Joe Hayward juggling banjo and pedal steel, and Nate Marshall adding harmonica and keys, this six-piece honky tonk outfit has been captivating crowds with their blend of classic country, rootsy rock, and dance-ready energy.
Now, after making waves across the Finger Lakes and beyond, Cast Iron Cowboys are bringing their high-energy honky tonk sound to Photo City Music Hall in Rochester on Saturday, February 22nd. If you’re looking for a boot-stomping, two-stepping good time, this is a night you don’t want to miss. Grab your tickets here.
What’s in a Name?
As with many great band names, the birth of Cast Iron Cowboys was part accident, part inspiration. In the early days, a group text conversation bounced around potential names—some too serious, some too silly—until Josh sent a picture of his cast iron pan after making breakfast. The alliterative, down-home ring of it stuck, and just like that, a band was born.
A Sound That Sticks
Describing their sound, Max Moses puts it best: "We’re a high-energy country western band with a focus on vocal harmonies and diverse instrumentation. We blend original material with some of our favorite covers, putting our own spin on everything we play. Think classic country with a modern edge—a little rootsy, a little blues rock and roll, and definitely danceable."
Drawing inspiration from Merle Travis, Doc Watson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Willie Nelson, Cast Iron Cowboys bring both musicianship and showmanship to the stage. It’s not just about the notes—it’s about creating a communal experience, where audiences feel as much a part of the show as the band itself.
Max adds, "Something I’ve learned about country music is that self-awareness is key. Being able to not take yourself too seriously, to have a sense of humor, is so important. When you can harness that properly, you can make really true fundamental points about the way people feel and about truths you see in the world."
Memorable Moments & Honky Tonk Hijinks
One of their most unforgettable performances? Grassroots Festival 2024. Playing a late-night cabaret set and a sunset dance tent slot, Cast Iron Cowboys delivered what they consider their biggest milestone to date.
And when it comes to creativity, nothing tops their Truck Show at Stone Bend Farm, where pickup trucks circled the stage like an amphitheater, serving as VIP seating for honking, tailgating fans. "We love to color outside the lines and execute ideas that sometimes take some warming up to," Max explains.
On the road, the band keeps things interesting. While some stories may be "lost to addled memory or oaths of secrecy," one thing is clear: they like to push boundaries and bring a unique experience to every show.
The Heart of the Matter
Beyond the fun and the late nights, the Cowboys are deeply passionate about their craft. Max describes the magic of live performance as a “nigh-telepathic effect” where emotion and authenticity connect artist and audience. "A song is a container of truth, however metaphorical, recorded out of someone’s life. The times that someone has something to say about music I’ve written and the way I’ve delivered it that made me feel really understood are the most memorable to me."
Josh echoes that sentiment, saying "When we finish a song and are proud of the product—this music that didn’t exist before now does—it’s the best feeling in the world."
When it comes to the future, the band dreams of playing at The Grand Ole Opry and Austin City Limits, proving that their blend of honky tonk, Americana, and outlaw country is built to last.
Catch Them at Photo City
Join Cast Iron Cowboys for Honky Tonk Night on Saturday, February 22nd, hosted by Hey Dude After Hours at Photo City Music Hall. Get ready for raucous country western, foot-stomping rhythms, and an all-night dance floor. Also performing on Saturday are Drew Kiddoo & the Blackouts, Dirt Turtles, Jeff Riales & Mike Wittek, Texas Headphones, Janet Batch, Los Pajaritos, and Crooked Kit.
Looking for even more? The night before, Friday, February 21st, Hey Dude After Hours is also presenting Folky Tonk, featuring Jatoba, Jungle Steve Band, a John Prine Tribute featuring Tyler Westcott & Fran Broderick, Deco & the Dusters, Head to the Roots, Adrianna Noone, Fran Broderick, and Tyler Westcott. Check out both events here and get your Honky Tonk tickets now.
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