Summer’s here, and the van’s loaded. Samantha Gray & The Jukebox Jam are back on the circuit, bringing the fire with a setlist soaked in R&B, deep-dish blues, and that raw, original soul we’ve been cooking for years now. We’re keeping it live across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia—and this time, we’re even throwing in a few lakeside shows for good measure. Click on the Performances link in the menu to see where out next gig is happening near you.
There’s a new bassman holding down the groove—Robert McClain—and he’s stepping in strong behind my old friends Tommy Starnes and Charlie Aesque. We’ve already played a few sets together, and it’s locked in tight. We’ve got that thing again. You’ll feel it when you hear it.
Me? I’m glad. Between weekly bike rides through Southwest Virginia’s backroads and this beautiful chaos of loading keys in and out of venues, this is the rhythm I live for. I’m 62 now, and I still treat every stage like church—every note a little prayer, every night another page in a long, loud story I never want to finish.
Truth is, the live music scene ain’t as thick as it used to be. Karaoke’s got its corner, and tribute bands are making their money. But real bands? Original music? In Kingsport, they’re harder to find. Venues are fewer, crowds are quieter. A lot of folks my age are sliding into that slow lane—grandkids, routines, comfort. I’m not ready for that yet.
So I’ve got the Nord, the Moog, and the Prophet ready to ride shotgun. The plan? Hit the road, hit the stage, and see who we find along the way. Maybe some old friends. Maybe some new ones. But always—always—the music.
We’re out here doing what we love. Hope to see you along the way.