An Americana and roots
collective.

The North Country Shoeshiners are an Americana and roots collective built around honest songwriting, live musicianship, and the belief that a good song should still mean something.

At the center of the project is the partnership between Kristofer Lee Bentley, a founding member of the Kentucky duo Sundy Best, and Robbie Carrier, the band's founder and musical director. Kristofer carries most of the lead vocals and acoustic guitar work; Robbie shapes the sound from cajón, saxophone, harmonica, harmony, and guitar. Around them rotates a trusted group of North Country musicians and special guests.

The two met in Lexington, Kentucky in 2016. Robbie had only ever played music inside church walls, and without Kristofer's insistence that he play at all — and his patience in helping Robbie come out of that shell — the Shoeshiners would not exist. What started between two players has grown into a collective that brings together two distinct landscapes and musical traditions: the Appalachian sound that shaped their roots and the rugged character of life in Northern New York. In a lot of ways, they ended up having church outside the four walls.

Their performances move easily between original songs, country and folk standards, bluegrass textures, Southern-rock influences, and the kind of deep-cut favorites musicians play because they genuinely love them. Some nights are stripped down to voices and acoustic instruments. Others grow into a full roots ensemble with harmonies, rhythm, and guest players.

The North Country Shoeshiners are not built around polish for polish's sake. They are built around stories, songs, musicianship, and the connection that happens when a room begins listening together.

Rooted in Appalachia. Made in the North Country.