Grayson Jenkins returns to the Monarch with Jake Dillon Groves and it's going to be so good!
Ticketed Show
Doors 7p // 8p Music
BYOB + <3
Born and raised in Muhlenberg County, KY (yes, the one from John Prine’s “Paradise”) on a small goat and horse farm in the heart of coal country, Grayson Jenkins is equal parts songwriter, storyteller, country music artist, and traveler. At his core, Jenkins is a curious truth-seeker, observing and writing about his own choices and circumstances; along with those of family, friends and strangers. He finds inspiration in his travels, conversations at the grocery store, traumatic events, and really anything that life sheds an interesting light on. Jenkins' songs have gained the admiration of a loyal following, and fellow songwriters like Pony Bradshaw, Vincent Neil Emerson, and Nicholas Jamerson - all of whom have brought Jenkins on the road with them in the past two years.
After 10+ years spent in Lexington, KY, where he obtained agricultural degrees from and worked for the University of Kentucky, Jenkins now travels extensively across the United States and beyond, staying for short stints in places that inspire him while maintaining a home base in Kentucky. Though he’s not sure where exactly to call “home” at this point in his life, he finds his purpose in the pursuit of songwriting and performing his brand of country music with over one-quarter million miles logged touring across the U.S., UK, and Canada. Like fellow Kentuckians, Sturgill Simpson and Keith Whitley, Grayson Jenkins has carved out his own corner in country music through the release of four independent albums and heavy touring. His releases have garnered the attention of American Songwriter and The Bluegrass Situation, while he has made festival appearances at Railbird Music Festival, Master Musicians Festival, and more.
With a hopeful resignation and canny insight into the ways of the world, Jenkins delivers songs influenced by his own searches for truth, world travels, and turns of phrases found in the rich storytelling communities across Kentucky and beyond. As a listener, you may just find some truth in his songs for yourself.
Jake is a harmonica player from Louisville, KY who tours internationally with Canadian Country/Western artist Colter Wall. He can be heard on several of Colter’s releases, as well as recordings by other Americana artists (see playlist below for full catalog). Jake also plays with regional artist Tyler Lance Walker Gill’s band, The Wolfm’n, and is constantly sitting in and working with new artists.
Starting out, Jake was inspired by Bob Dylan to take up the harmonica, but quickly discovered its special role in blues music. Having already fallen in love with country blues artists like Skip James, jumping into Chicago blues style harmonica was not a big leap. With the help of the recordings of Little Walter et al, and the recent proliferation of online harmonica learning resources (mainly Howard Levy’s Harmonica School on artistworks.com), Jake was able to hone his craft over the last 10 years or so. He will never stop striving to improve, however!
Nowadays, Jake takes his inspiration mainly from country and old time players, such as Deford Bailey, Charlie McCoy, Buddy Greene, Doc Watson, and many others. However, blues greats such as Little Walter and Gary Primich’s playing may still be heard in his style. The harmonica is thriving like it hasn’t in a long long time, and Jake is thrilled to be a part of the renaissance.
Jake is endorsed by Hohner Harmonicas and has played them his entire career as a harmonica player. For the best sound you gotta play the best! He teaches harmonica via video conference or in person at the Louisville Folk School. Contact him directly for information on rates and times. Also, if you need session harmonica work for your recording, don’t be afraid to reach out! Jake can record remotely as well.
Apart from his harmonica playing, Jake also writes songs and plays guitar, and one day hopes to have his own album out that combines all aspects of his musical personality. He is a radio DJ on Louisville’s 97.1 WXOX-LP. You can hear his shows Fridays 10am – noon eastern time on the airwaves in Louisville. You can listen from anywhere via the ArtxFM app or go to artxfm.com. Shows are uploaded to mixcloud.com/faintofharp and mixcloud.com/jakesjumble, respectively. In his free time Jake enjoys golfing, doing yoga, doing crossword puzzles, hanging out with his cats and spending time with his family and friends.
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