Hailing from the heart of Louisiana where the blues runs deep, Adam Williams brings soul, grit, and decades of musical passion to Midlife Trip. A High Country local since 1998, Adam has been raising his family in the very mountains that now echo with his sound. Music has always been part of his DNA — his father, a blues musician-turned-preacher, lit the spark early on. From learning blues licks at home to playing piano through his school years, Adam’s musical foundation was steeped in legends like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, SRV, and later, the Grateful Dead. 

His guitar journey took off during his days as a raft guide in the late ’90s, where riverside campfires and acoustic jam sessions sharpened his chops. Since 2020, Adam has been channeling that lifelong love for music into Midlife Trip (and Dawgful Dead before that), where his storytelling and sound find a home among kindred spirits and a growing crowd of music lovers.

Born in Charlotte and raised in Hickory, NC, Craig Barnette’s musical journey began early with piano lessons from his mom and a first love for the upright bass in middle school orchestra. From recording albums in high school to running sound for Battle of the Bands concerts, Craig’s passion for rhythm and groove has always run deep. 

Craig returned to his upright bass roots after moving to Boone, where he crossed paths with the band. Craig anchors the band’s sound with a deep pocket and a love for musical exploration — always ready to follow the jam wherever it leads, usually with a quick wit that keeps the whole band (and crowd) smiling.

Mike found his musical home when he landed in Boone in 2007, diving headfirst into the town’s rich tapestry of jams, bluegrass circles, and Americana roots. Whether trading licks at Murphy’s or jamming at the Pedalin’ Pig, he quickly became a familiar face in the High Country scene. Over the years, he’s played with local favorites like Madtom and The Chubs, and lent his sound as a sideman to singer-songwriter Will Easter.

Though he started on rhythm guitar, Mike’s musical palette has since expanded—he’s now adding layers of Dobro, banjo, and harmonica to the mix, always chasing the sound that best serves the song. A longtime member of The Dawgful Dead, he’s now channeling that same freewheeling spirit into Midlife Trip, where acoustic jams meet seasoned soul. For Mike, it’s all about the groove, the people, and loving every minute of the ride.

Cole Peters is the electrifying piano and keys player for Midlife Trip, bringing a rare mix of virtuosity, soul, and creativity to the band’s sound. A lifelong musician, Cole started playing piano at a young age, quickly showing the kind of natural talent and ear that set him on a fast track toward mastery.

Now studying music at Appalachian State University, Cole has become a standout force in the High Country music scene. His foundations in classical technique, paired with a deep love for modern and traditional jazz, shape his improvisational voice—equal parts adventurous, tasteful, and effortlessly musical.

Whether he’s laying down lush textures, driving rhythmic grooves, or launching into soaring solos, Cole elevates every performance. His versatility and musical maturity anchor the band’s harmonic landscape and push Midlife Trip into fresh, exciting territory.

Offstage, Cole continues to refine his craft, studying under world-class faculty and immersing himself in the rich jazz community at App State. Onstage, he’s the quiet storm—precise, expressive, and always in the pocket.