Apalachin Native and Nashville Musician Opens for Scotty McCreery at Spiedie Fest

Attendees of the Scotty McCreery concert at Spiedie Fest on Saturday, August 5 were in for an extraordinary treat. Not only did they witness an incredible performance from talented artists hailing from Nashville, but they were also treated to a special homecoming from a local musician.

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Michael Boris, one-half of the dynamic duo known as Arbor North, was born and raised in Apalachin and had deep ties to Spiedie Fest as he attended the festival as a child.

After high school, Boris embarked on a musical journey that led him to Belmont University in Nashville. There, he honed his skills and pursued a career as a professional drummer, showcasing his talent on renowned stages and festivals across the country. He even performed at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, where he shared the stage with country music icons like Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Eric Church, and Luke Bryan.

Before Arbor North, Boris played a significant role in the success of the band Lockeland as the band's drummer. Two of Lockeland's singles, "Til The Cows Come Home" and "Made For Mornings," achieved recognition by landing on the Top 40 list on the Music Row Country Breakout Chart. Industry critics also took note of Lockeland's potential, as Maverick Magazine featured them as one of the "Top 8 Artists to Watch in 2020."  Lockeland disbanded in 2021.

Fate brought Boris and his wife, AC Jones, together at a music industry gathering in Nashville in early 2020. Despite a brief encounter, they immediately felt a deep connection. This connection blossomed into a long-distance relationship during the pandemic, and in October 2021, the couple exchanged vows.

For this couple, love became the driving force behind the creation of Arbor North. Singing together while bonding over coffee in their kitchen, Boris and Jones discovered that they had a harmony that not only highlighted their voices but also flowed into their collaborative songwriting sessions. With influences spanning modern country, rock, soul, and a touch of funk, the sound of Arbor North is both unique and eclectic.

The duo has crafted a musical experience that evokes nostalgia and seamlessly intertwines their love of each other. Their autobiographical lyrics capture the essence of their identity and the values they hold.