We are thrilled to welcome rising Americana artist Jason Kenney to the Red Light Cafe stage as part of the Frank Hamilton Concert Series! Jason is a real Georgia gem who has been compared to the intellect of Harry Chapin, the lightheartedness of Jim Croce and the intensity of Lyle Lovett. While he does not sound like any of these folks, he he channels like them. He has that kind of insight and is tapped in to the same creative spigot. He’s that good.
The music of Jason Kenney IS Americana. The nuts and bolts are acoustic-based, yet electric, folk and rock with a slight country twist. Dig deeper and it comes up completely fresh with a nod to the past. His songs are well-crafted, the musicianship is right where it needs to be and the voice is like a sunny spring morning bursting with energy. It’s music you’ll want to listen to over and over again. Music that needs to be heard. Music that will endure.
Jason frequently works with Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls and A-list Producer John Keane and has sharied the stage with the likes of Zac Brown, Shawn Mullins, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Jonathan Byrd, Corey Smith and many more on their level. It paints a picture of an up-and-coming young artist ready to pick up the Americana flag and hightail it up the hill.
His first solo effort, “Turn This Sorrow Into Joy”, was released in April of 2014 and was produced by John Keane and features Amy Ray throughout, among others. The release truly channels the energy of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie in its call to the downhearted and weary to carry on – together.
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Georgia native BJ Wilbanks creates blues-infused rock music reminiscent of a bygone era, combining deeply-rooted Delta blues, funk, soul, and acoustic Southern rock to create a sound that is familiar, yet uniquely his own. BJ has developed his own sub-genre of Americana which he refers to as “back porch soul.” His tales of heartache, love, and life combine artfully with an engaging live performance.
BJ’s original songs range from heart break romantic to bad a$$ stomp-your-foot groove. He’ll often sling his guitar over his lap to play a slide tune that will transport you to a smoky blues bar in the bayou and then chase it with a tune that will bring you back to reality with an original rock anthem. Simply said, BJ Wilbanks has the ability to take you on a musical journey. His considerable songwriting chops include catchy tunes sporting meaningful lyrics that emote a truth incorporating life and all that it has to offer, and the rootsy melodies and sentimental lyrics provide a mental escape hatch to a simpler, more fulfilling life.
TDawg Presents 