As has been noted, The Wayside was often considered the unofficial “house band” of True Tunes – mostly because True Tunes founder John J. Thompson was the lead singer and co-founder (along with his friend Rob Anstee) of the Americana alternative group and they were often used as an opening act for Chicago area appearances both at True Tunes, and for rock and alternative artists like Charlie Peacock, The 77s, Steve Taylor, and others at venues around the Chicago area in the late 80s and into the 90s. Cornerstone Festival regulars probably most remember The Wayside as regulars on the Gallery Stage.

While The Wayside remains a viable, and occasionally active group – now based out of Nashville (they played the AudioFeed Festival last summer and have popped up at various events over the years,) Michelle Thompson, who started as a backing vocalist in the band before gradually becoming a co-lead vocalist, has been busy writing and performing her own solo material as well. She released an EP, produced by Kenny Hutson (formerly of Over The Rhine and Vigilantes of Love and currently a touring member of David Crowder’s band,) called Words That Fell in 2015 and just released a brand new single called “It’s Christmas, Eve.” (The Wayside released a Christmas song last year as well, called “Where Is Jesus This Christmas?” and plan to have a new EP in 2020 and to re-issue their back catalog, including a possible limited vinyl release of their Farm album in honor of its 20th anniversary.

Thompson has been tapped to produce other music, including Americana Gospel Blues artist Sean Michel and indie Arkansas worship group Fox and Foal, which will be releasing in 2020 as well. To hear more of their music check out www.TheWaysideStore.com.