Pressing Strings | August 4, 2026
Hailing from Annapolis, Maryland, Pressing Strings is a powerhouse trio–led by guitarist and vocalist Jordan Sokel–has earned a loyal following with their genre bending blend of blues, rock, and folk, wrapped in soul-stirring storytelling and toe tapping grooves. Their music resonates with the emotional grit of blues, the laid back swagger of folk, and the urgency of modern rock.
Whether delivering heartfelt ballads or energetic anthems, Pressing Strings weaves lyrical introspection and high-caliber musicianship that feels both fresh and familiar. Sokel’s smokey voice and intricate guitar work is complimented masterfully by a star rhythm section. Held down tightly by drummer Justin Kruger–an energetic and charismatic performer whose style mirrors his outside the box personality and unique approach to the instrument, along with bassist Nick Welker–a solid and stoic figure who picks melodic lines and chordal voicings that makes the trio sound full and lush. All three members sing, adding harmonies reminiscent of southern California in the 70’s. Together they push the limits of what a trio can do and provide an immersive, feel-good vibe that hits the audience’s heart as hard as it does the ears.
Recently the band has been touring the US coast to coast headlining clubs and delighting festival audiences at such festivals as Palisade Roots and Bluegrass Festival, FloydFest, Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, Firefly, Sweetwater 420Fest, Cavefest etc while sharing the stage alongside major artists like Gov’t Mule, Toad The Wet Sprocket, JJ Grey and Neil Francis.
Whether delivering heartfelt ballads or energetic anthems, Pressing Strings weaves lyrical introspection and high-caliber musicianship that feels both fresh and familiar. Sokel’s smokey voice and intricate guitar work is complimented masterfully by a star rhythm section. Held down tightly by drummer Justin Kruger–an energetic and charismatic performer whose style mirrors his outside the box personality and unique approach to the instrument, along with bassist Nick Welker–a solid and stoic figure who picks melodic lines and chordal voicings that makes the trio sound full and lush. All three members sing, adding harmonies reminiscent of southern California in the 70’s. Together they push the limits of what a trio can do and provide an immersive, feel-good vibe that hits the audience’s heart as hard as it does the ears.
Recently the band has been touring the US coast to coast headlining clubs and delighting festival audiences at such festivals as Palisade Roots and Bluegrass Festival, FloydFest, Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, Firefly, Sweetwater 420Fest, Cavefest etc while sharing the stage alongside major artists like Gov’t Mule, Toad The Wet Sprocket, JJ Grey and Neil Francis.