Open Folk Presents: Midnight Gaucho + Justin Levine + Rocko Wheeler

Justin Levine, raised in the Santa Monica Mountains, channels the natural beauty of his surroundings into his folk-inspired music. Known for playing bass in various bands, Levine has recently been recording under the name Thelonious Bear with help from long-time collaborator Andrew Ampaya. His music draws from legends like Neil Young and contemporary artists such as Devendra Banhart. Thelonious Bear has released several tracks, including “Song For A Horse” in April 2024, with an EP planned for early 2025. Levine’s music reflects his warm, open nature, and he feels fortunate to share his songs with a supportive community of musicians

Midnight Gaucho is the musical moniker of Argentine singer-songwriter Fede Petro. Blending American and Argentine folk, he has collaborated with various artists as a producer and multi-instrumentalist. Now, with two new singles, including his first original song in five years, “If I Leave,” Midnight Gaucho is back. Currently based in Los Angeles, he’s performing with a full band, sharing both old and new songs. The singer-songwriter Agustin Donati will be a special guest of Fede Petro for this show.

Rocko Wheeler, a troubadour from the piney woods of East Texas, has crafted a distinctive blend of Americana and folk music, enriched by his journey from local gigs to national tours. He has recorded in Nashville’s renowned studios, collaborating with talents like Grammy winner Sean Sullivan and producer Andrija Tokic.
Now based in Los Angeles, Rocko regularly performs at venues like Desert5 Spot and Hotel Café. His debut album, The Book of Rocko Wheeler, gained attention, followed by the track “The Ghost Got Loose” for Floyd’s 99 Barbershop’s campaign. His upcoming album, West Coast Gold, releasing in November 2024, reflects his journey from Texas to L.A., capturing his soul and storytelling spirit.

Listen to these artists here:

Instagram: @_midnightgaucho @rockowheeler @barebear77