Band Bio

Formed in 2019, Blockhouse Valley quickly gained a reputation for their unique take on popular songs and their ability to connect with audiences of all ages. The band's lineup would make you think of a folk or bluegrass band, but you'll quickly be surprised as these talented musicians start to rock a Michael Jackson or Red Hot Chilli Peppers song.

The band's original music recalls living in the American Rust Belt and the experiences of growing up in the Midwest and Appalachian regions. These roots are the true inspiration for the instrumentation of the band having been heavily influenced by the regional folk and bluegrass sounds while also being exposed to the popular alternative, rock, blues, pop, and country music of the 90s and 00s. Blockhouse Valley isn’t shy to pull from all of these influences in creating their own original songs as heard in their debut self-titled EP.

Tracks

1. Shaker Square

2. Ohio

3. Scene of the Crime

4. It's What I Wanted

5. Tangled Together

6. Until Then

"Blockhouse Valley's debut album takes listeners on a journey through the Rust Belt's faded factories, struggling towns, and unyielding heartland. With compelling songwriting and virtuosic musicianship, the band's mix of bluegrass, folk, and Americana draws from tradition while embracing a modern perspective. These are songs for anyone who's ever felt trapped, defeated, or heartbroken - and for those who refuse to give up hope."

-Lori Stratton (The Stratton Setlist)

Press Kit

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Meet the Band!

Ashleigh Glass

Ashleigh has been singing since before she could talk. She was raised in West Virginia in a musical family where the joke was that you just found a harmony that wasn’t already taken. Her first loves were musical theater, opera, and anything Grandpa was playing. She grew into pop, rock, alternative, and had a burgeoning emo and goth phase before determining that she loved music too much to leave anything out. Ashleigh met Cody through a mutual friend while she was working on an audition for the Toledo Opera Chorus.

Cody Cooper

Cody Cooper always knew that he needed to leave Ohio. Hailing from the Blockhouse Valley in Clinton, Tennessee, his grandparents were touring musicians for decades and are always quick to share their passion, advice, and a never-ending trove of incredible stories. He studied jazz at Bowling Green State University and enjoys the technical aspects of music composition and the challenge of improvisation. He moved to Michigan in 2015, and in 2016, he and Ashleigh started performing together.

Jon Howard

Jon has been playing guitar for as long as he can remember as well as other instruments sporadically, such as accordion, piano, bass guitar, mandolin, trumpet, banjo, ukulele, and drums to name a few. Between his parents and close friends, he was encouraged to pick up the 6-string at the tender age of 12 and has never looked back. Hailing from Taylor, Michigan, his tenure in the music business has led him to play with a few prominent local country artists and perform at events such as the 99.5 Downtown Hoedown. He met Cody and Ashleigh at an Open Mic Night in Trenton, Michigan one fateful night in 2019. After several chance encounters and friendly meet-ups, Jon joined the Blockhouse Valley line-up. The rest is history!

Danny Steinkopf

Blockhouse Valley’s inaugural performance was opening for a band called “Wunderkid.” Danny was the bassist for that band, so when Blockhouse Valley expanded in 2022, they knew he’d be a great addition! Danny started studying music early through school ensembles and local theater. He graduated from Adrian College in 2014, and has remained local to Adrian since. Danny enjoys disc golf, videogames, and bodybuilding in his free time.