The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College welcomes The Young Fables to the stage on October 21 at 7:30pm. With beautiful harmonies, thoughtful songwriting, and a story as compelling as their music, this Tennessee duo offers an evening built on honesty, hope, and genuine human connection.
Tickets are $40, $30, and $25.
The Young Fables are vocalist Laurel Wright and guitarist-songwriter Wesley Lunsford. Together, they create country-pop and roots music that feels both timeless and fresh. Their songs explore love, family, grief, resilience, mental health, and the unexpected turns that shape our lives. They are gifted storytellers, but what makes their work especially meaningful is their willingness to be vulnerable and meet listeners exactly where they are.
Laurel grew up in Maryville, Tennessee, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. She began singing in church at age 3 and picked up her first guitar at 10 following the death of her great-grandfather. With her mother’s help, she wrote her first song.
By her sophomore year of high school, Laurel knew music wasn’t simply an interest — it was the path she wanted to follow. She became homeschooled so she could devote more time to singing, writing, and practicing. At age 16, she became the youngest person ever to win the Texaco Country Showdown, a record she still holds. That year, approximately 50,000 performers entered the nationwide competition. Laurel was one of five finalists invited to perform original music at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium, where she received the $100,000 grand prize during an event hosted by LeAnn Rimes.
The day after her 19th birthday, Laurel moved to Nashville. She worked as a restaurant hostess while pursuing her music and, within a year, was making music full-time alongside Wes. Laurel was also a semifinalist during Seasons 13 and 14 of “American Idol” and reached the top 48 during Season 15.
Wes grew up in Tallassee, Tennessee, in a family that loved and supported music. His mother signed him up for piano lessons at age 9 and gave him his first guitar for Christmas at 14. His early influences included The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd — artists whose adventurous, distinctive approaches to music helped shape his own.
At 15, Wes formed a band and became its lead singer and guitarist. He later studied music business at Middle Tennessee State University before earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee with a concentration in studio music and jazz.
Wes spent several years performing with bands throughout the eastern United States and also lived in China for six months, playing music seven days a week. Interestingly, during his time in China, he began listening to — and falling in love with — country music. When he was offered another contract overseas, he declined and returned home to Tennessee to pursue country music.
That decision ultimately brought Laurel and Wes together.
When Laurel’s guitarist backed out of a performance at the last minute, a mutual friend suggested Wes as a fill-in. The musical connection was immediate. Wes became Laurel’s lead guitarist, and before long, the two were performing every show and writing every song together.
After several years of working in Nashville, they met Patryk Larney of Hope Tree Entertainment and officially became The Young Fables. Their first album, “Two,” introduced audiences to the pair’s natural chemistry and heartfelt approach to songwriting. They later worked with Grammy Award-winning producer Mitch Dane on their second album, “Old Songs.”
Shortly before the release of “Old Songs,” Laurel’s 19-year-old sister and best friend, Lindy, died in a car accident. Later that same year, Laurel’s father died from a heart attack. Those unimaginable losses became part of Laurel and Wes’ personal and creative journey, deepening their commitment to songs that speak openly about grief, healing, and mental health.
Their music offers comfort without pretending that life is simple. That honesty has created a devoted community around the duo and earned them the Troy Gentry Compassion Award in 2021.
The Young Fables have received praise from Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, and Travis Tritt. Their work has appeared on Rolling Stone’s “10 Best Country and Americana Songs of the Week,” and they have opened for Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Rascal Flatts, Randy Houser, Scotty McCreery, The Band Perry and Joe Nichols.
They were personally invited by Shania Twain to appear on the television series “Real Country” and have been recognized as BMI and Texas Roadhouse Artists of the Month.
Their award-winning feature documentary, “The Fable of a Song,” takes viewers behind the scenes of their remarkable journey. The film won the Audience Choice Award at the Nashville Film Festival and now streams worldwide on Amazon Prime Video.
Signed to a publishing agreement with BMG, Laurel and Wes continue to write and release original music. Their fourth studio album, “Short Stories,” became their most successful release to date. In 2026, they will return to the studio with Grammy-nominated producer, mixer, and engineer Bobby Holland to record their fifth album.
The Young Fables bring us more than a concert. They bring an evening of beautiful music, authentic storytelling, and the reminder that even our most difficult experiences can connect us to one another.
Join us at the Community Concert Hall on October 21 at 7:30pm.
The Young Fables
October 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Community Concert Hall
Tickets: $40 / $30 / $25
For tickets and more information, contact the Community Concert Hall box office or visit www.durangoconcerts.com.