The Sportsman Tavern, Shawn Benfield

Hailing from the hills of WV, drawing influence from all eras of music, from the Texas songwriter greats to Elliott Smith and Jason Isbell. Shawn Benfield blends his own pop sensibilities with classic country to create a unique sound that is distinct yet familiar. Shawn released his first ep “The Shorter It Gets, The Harder It Hits…” in 2020 to rave reviews. In 2022, he released the follow-up full-length “Way of the World”. Spill Magazine gave it 4 stars out of 5. Benfield is currently touring in support of “Way of the World.” Follow Shawn on Facebook at Facebook.com/shawnbenfieldofficial for updated tour schedules. Shawn has performed on Red Barn Radio, the Jerry Springer Podcast, and W.B. Walker’s Old Soul Radio Show, and has shared the stage with Arlo McKinley, Josh Morningstar, Hank IV, Casper McWade, Justin Wells, Creed Fisher, and Sunny Sweeney, to name a few.

The Sportsman Tavern serves great cocktails, doesn’t accept reservations, and has bar games. It’s a Sports Bar & Dive Bar with live music. The Sportsman Tavern on Edgar Avenue is no stranger to the Ronceverte community. It opened in the 1930s and remained open until the 1970s, closing only briefly as it changed hands. In early 2023, local developers Mark Trent and Dan Withrow led an eight-month community effort to purchase, gut-renovate, and reopen The Sportsman. Their goal was to create an inclusive community hub that sparks broader revival in Ronceverte. Floral tributes from local businesses and leaders marked the grand reopening as an actual town celebration.