Dave Jackson

2 weeks ago | ijpr.org | Dave Jackson |Danielle Kelly

A rising star in the regional music scene, Adam Gabriel recently won the Ashland Folk Collective curated open mic competition. He and his band, the Cavaliers played at the Craterian Theatre in Medford before embarking on a national tour. Hear some new tunes in this JPR Live Session and learn about his lengthy music career and some upcoming releases.

2 months ago | ijpr.org | Dave Jackson

Enter Jesse Welles. The 30-year-old, originally from Arkansas who has been making music for the last 15 years just released Middle, an album currently climbing the Americana charts. He lists what he calls “American Wordsmiths” like Walt Whitman, Herman Melville and Mark Twain as influences for his lyrics. But instead of killing his darlings, he has used folk music to raise awareness for social change and express himself much like his 20th century counterparts.

2 months ago | ijpr.org | Dave Jackson

Mindy Smith got her first record deal after recording a version of Jolene for a Dolly Parton tribute which caught the attention of Dolly herself. In 2004, she received the best new/emerging artist award at the Americana Awards. She grew up in New York to adoptive parents who were involved in the church. She listened to what was popular on the radio at the time, artists like Cindy Lauper and the Cure, but was always intrigued by country music.

Mar 28, 2025 | ijpr.org | Dave Jackson

Maya de Vitry grew up surrounded by music. Her sister Nina has a solo album and plays in Noah Kahan's touring band. Her brother Kyle is also a recording artist. She initially received formal training in violin, honing her skills playing traditional roots music with family and friends. She is now adept at several instruments in addition to her vocal and songwriting skills. After spending about 10 years as part of the trio Stray Birds, Maya launched a solo career in 2019.

Jan 21, 2025 | ijpr.org | Dave Jackson

We were happy to invite Shook Twins back to the JPR performance studio for their 4th JPR Live Session. We caught up with them on a west coast tour with the Portland indie band Glitterfox. Calling both Sandpoint, Idaho and Portland, Oregon home, Shook Twins have been staples of the Portland music scene since the early 2010s. Their unique approach to songcraft and gorgeous matching vocals and harmonies combine for something that defies easy categorization.