Tickets sold by the Ellijay Music Festival Appalachian Beverage Presents A Night of Surrender Hill with Mathew Von Doran & David Ellis and Special Guest Mike Blakely About Robin Dean Salmon and Afton Seekins Salmon are the heart and soul of Surrender Hill, an Americana duo whose music weaves together soulful country, roots rock, and heartfelt storytelling. Now based in North Georgia, this husband-and-wife team has built a reputation for their rich harmonies, evocative lyrics, and a sound that bridges rural American traditions with a global perspective. With a discography spanning multiple albums, including their latest release River of Tears (2024), Surrender Hill continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their authentic, lived-in songs and dynamic live performances. Robin Dean Salmon Born in Durban, South Africa, Robin’s early life was shaped by the turmoil of apartheid, prompting his family’s move to a Texas longhorn ranch in the early 1980s. Influenced by an eclectic mix of Bob Wills, the Sex Pistols, Marty Robbins, and The Clash, he began songwriting at 15 and later fronted the punk rock band See No Evil, securing a major-label deal with Sony Music in New York City. After years in the rock scene, Robin returned to his roots, embracing alt-country and Americana. A seasoned producer and performer, his work reflects a deep understanding of the human condition, earning praise from peers like Rodney Crowell, who calls him “smart, funny, poetic, and in possession of a melodic wit.” Afton Seekins Salmon Originally from Alaska, Afton split her childhood between the rugged fishing village of Homer and the frontier town of Camp Verde, Arizona. Raised in a hardworking family of entrepreneurs and instilled with strong ethics, she found her passion in music and dance. After a successful stint as a choreographer in New York City during her 20s, Afton returned to Arizona, transforming her journal entries into soul-stirring songs. Her powerful voice—often compared to Dolly Parton and Bonnie Raitt—brings a timeless country resonance to Surrender Hill, complementing Robin’s grittier tones with angelic harmonies. Musical Journey Robin and Afton met in 2013 at a gig in Sedona, Arizona, and formed Surrender Hill in 2014, blending their distinct backgrounds into a unified sound. Their debut self-titled album arrived in 2015, followed by acclaimed releases like Right Here Right Now (2017), Tore Down Fences (2018), A Whole Lot of Freedom (2020), and the ambitious double album Just Another Honky Tonk in a Quiet Western Town (2022). Known for their relentless touring—over 200 shows annually pre-pandemic—they’ve played everywhere from American wineries to South African resorts, honing a live act that’s as raw as it is refined. Why Surrender Hill Named after a historic site in South Africa where the Anglo-Boer War ended, Surrender Hill embodies resilience, unity, and the power of surrender—not to defeat, but to love and creativity. Together, Robi...
