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Local award-winning Night Owl Country Band announced in a noon news release today that Hope native and singer/songwriter Avery Tallent and former Hauser Jet and singer Sarah Lee Chapman have officially joined the band. 

"I've always admired this great group of guys for their musical talents on the stage," 27-year-old Tallent says. "And for their genuine good-hearted personalities off the stage." 

Excited for the opportunity, Tallent is no stranger to the stage as he has been performing for 15 years and during that time had the honor of playing many stages throughout southern Indiana, including as opening act for the NOCB on a few occasions, including when they performed at the Kentucky Opry, as well as the Pixy Theatre in Edinburgh, he adds. 

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to make music with these guys," Tallent says. "And to be a part of the Night Owl family."

Chapman, who is also Lee's sister, brings with her a lifelong repertoire of Dolly Parton as she began singing the country icon's classics at the age of 3 and she's never stopped. By the age of 10, she was performing in a gospel band with Lee as she tickled the ivories as pianist. And from there she went on to perform with the Gospel Light Singers for more than a decade. 

A life of family, parenting, ministering and performing has led to today... certainly, an exciting place to be as she and her mandolin have officially joined the band; where she will also sing harmony and some lead, according to Lee. 

"I have loved country music my entire life," Chapman says. "So, it's been fun standing on a stage and whipping out some Dolly, Judds and [Dixie] Chicks."

Lead singer Lee says the band couldn't be more excited to welcome the pair and that the talented two "will add so much" to the band's continued evolution as it looks forward to celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025.

As a nod to all the hard work, ups, downs, and all the in between that has led to now, this year's tour will be called "The Owl Harvest," Lee says.

"We have put in the work, we have built our resume," Lee says. "We are excited to see what Harvest this year brings."

Stay up to date with the latest NOCB hoots and news HERE.

To learn more about the band and catch a sneak peek of the coming year's performances, visit HERE. 

Avery Tallent performs at WILLow LeaVes of Hope in Hope, Ind., 2024.
Photo credit: Night Owl Country Band, submitted.