JJ Grey & Mofro Concert at Fort East Martello:  a Fusion of Southern Rock, Swamp Funk, and Memphis Soul

JJ Grey dubbed “the north Florida sage and soul-bent swamp rocker”—and his band Mofro will perform at Fort East Martello on Saturday, January 2, along with opening act Kaleigh Baker.   Photo courtesy of Bob Adamek Photography

When you get an opportunity to see a concert where the lead vocalist has been dubbed “the north Florida sage and soul-bent swamp rocker,” you really ought to take it— especially when that rocker is backed by a six-piece band.

JJ Grey & Mofro is set to grace the Key West stage on Saturday, January 2, 2016 for a family-friendly concert at the historic Fort East Martello’s parade grounds at 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.  The Jacksonville, Florida band offers audiences a soulful blend of blues, rock, folk, funk, gospel, R&B and Southern-inspired narratives and have been lauded in major media outlets such as New York Times, Wall Street Journal and NPR.

Grey and his band have toured widely with more than 120 live shows a year, playing the gamut from local juke joints to major festivals and offering forth an immense stage presence that appeals to roots-rock aficionados and those who appreciate a good funk rave-up. The emotive vocalist (who also plays the piano, guitar, and harmonica) pens all of the band’s lyrics, deeply influenced by greats such as Otis Redding, Big Bad John, Jim Reeves, Jerry Reed, and Lynyrd Skynard.

“JJ Grey grew up in Florida and many of his songs directly relate to the natural beauty of our state,” says Evan Haskell, co-producer of the evening’s presenter Key West Concerts.  “I find his music uplifting and full of joy and awe.  All the while, it’s good Southern rock.”

 

His current seven piece band brings in both “groove and grace in equal measure,” says the New York Times, complete with trumpet and tenor saxophone against acoustic and electric guitars, a Hammond B-3 organ, and definitive drums.

“With JJ Grey & Mofro, we get the full seven-piece band, bringing a live show that’s not to be missed,” says Haskell.

The concert will feature the band’s 9th album, “Ol Glory,” an American hybrid of funky grooves, brass-infused anthems, and gospel glory.  Flavored by archival R&B, the album captures the intimacy and fierceness defined by his live performances and is considered the best he’s put forth yet.

The family-friendly event is part of the Music at Martello Series— a program established by the concert’s host Key West Art & Historical Society to promote the arts and bring live music to the Keys.  It will feature a “festival-like” atmosphere with food vendors, a “kid’s zone” sponsored by Healthy Start, complete with a bounce house, and a “backyard casual” setup for the early-evening concert.

“The Society is thrilled to host JJ Grey & Mofro at Fort East Martello,” says Executive Director Michael Gieda. “This concert continues the long tradition of the Fort being a community-centered venue for all to enjoy and offers amazing acoustics for concert audiences.”

Sponsored in part by We Cycle, Wonder Dog Productions, the Eden House, Florida Keys Media, and Shipyard Brewing Company, portions of the evening’s proceeds will help benefit The Society’s educational offerings.  A cash bar and select Key West food vendors will be available on the concert’s grounds. Parking will be available for $5 and will help fund the local environmental organization Reef Relief. Bike parking is free.

“As always, our shows are family friendly and serve to support some great organizations,” says Haskell.  “And what better way to begin the New Year than with a great concert under the stars with your friends?

JJ Grey & Mofro starts at 7pm with opening act Kaleigh Baker—a jazzy, blues rock powerhouse—at 5:45. Doors open at 5pm.  Discounted tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 at keywestconcerts.com or at the door for $30.  Key West Art & Historical Society members can call 305.295.6616 x 106 for special member-priced tickets and to join KWAHS to receive member benefits.  Children under 12 are free. For more information, contact [email protected]. Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.

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