Friday evening, I took my first road trip of 2019 to the Joshua Bates Centre in Athens to see Kingston’s The Jordy Jackson Band. The Joshua Bates Centre is a gem of a place to see a show, it’s acoustics are nothing short of amazing, everything just sounds so good in there. I would rather see a band in a nice intimate setting like this than one of those big venues or festivals. Jordy is not a stranger to those bigger shows though with visits to The Tweed Stampede, Trackside Music Festival, and the Havelock Country Jamboree under his belt.

Jordy Jackson Band. Joshua Bates Centre, Athens. April 5, 2019. Photo: Ron Pettitt

Jordy played some songs we all knew, but also sprinkled in a few originals as well as giving us an acoustic taste of some new stuff he has been working on. His Canadian Redneck EP has been well received by not only the fans but has also been featured on radio from time to time. Jordy’s music is country but there is also a lively rocky flavour and he can belt out a ballad with the best of them too. He sings about the simple things, things we can all relate to. If you can’t find a little piece of yourself in a Jordy Jackson song, well, you just might not be Canadian.

Jordy Jackson Band. Joshua Bates Centre, Athens. April 5, 2019. Photo: Ron Pettitt

Jordy has been playing in front of fans for some time and shows complete comfort onstage whether playing with the full band or all by himself with his guitar. During the first set, he treated us to a more laid-back glimpse of some acoustic versions of new music that he has been working on. I get to see a lot of people emerging these days and there are plenty of interesting acts in Canada right now. It is exciting to hear people like Jordy, working hard to make his mark and creating his own sound.

We obviously are going to hear plenty more in the future. I had to leave the show early but am already looking forward to crossing paths with The Jordy Jackson Band again.