Legends Bar and Grill in Hamilton, Ohio was destroyed by a fire last August. It should re-open in another month. The Marathon Music Showcase/ Fundraiser for Legends Bar and Grill will be held on Sept. 15 at Froggy’s in Monroe, Ohio. The benefit will help will help Legends Bar and Grill restock so they can re-open. Kristopher J will be one of nearly 30 musical acts to perform.
When did you start singing? I started singing at a young age, I always had a passion for lyricist that could express themselves through story telling.
How would you describe your music? I would describe my music as broad as I sing and play what I call Blues country rock. Being from Portsmouth, OH my influences also have a little blue grass sprinkled in.
Who are your musical influences? My musical influences are broad and deep. I dove into the Delta blues and the English invasion once I started studying music. I would be remiss if I did not mention the 80’s rock bands that kicked the door in. I also am a huge Pearl Jam fan and have seen them live numerous times.
What is your favorite concert you have attended? My favorite concert I ever attended was Tom Petty about 15 years ago. He blew me away with how great he was live.
What made it memorable? What made it so memorable was how blown away my wife was by him. She went out and bought a bunch of his CD’s and we went on a Petty binge that summer. What also made it so memorable was that our intentions were to see the Black Crowes who opened but Petty as he should was fantastic, God rest his soul!
What is your favorite place to perform? What do you like about it? My favorite place to perform is a sticky question but Froggy’s is where I currently host open mic on Tuesday’s and where this benefit is being held. I love the Barrel as well as it has a huge stage. Any venue that hires me to play is always given my utmost respect though.
Other than artists, who has been influential in your decision to become a singer? I remember the very first complete song I wrote on guitar and wrote lyrics to. I still play it today it is called “Midnight Train”.
What was the first song you wrote? I remember the very first complete song I wrote on guitar and wrote lyrics to. I still play it today it is called “Midnight Train”.
What is your favorite original song? What was the inspiration behind it? Rick, my favorite original song is “The Whiskey’s all Gone” I wrote it in about five minutes and it was inspired by my beloved Honkey Tonk Musicians that I have to give credit to is Jordan Wood and Nick Giese. Love those guys and love sharing a stage with them.
Anything else you would like to add? When I was 21 years old I took the train from Terminal Station all the way to San Diego, CA in 1998. I fronted an all original band called Brother Jed until we disbanded and I moved back to Cincinnati. Those were some great times but also very grueling.
Where can people hear your music? You can hear me at my Facebook page Kristopher J Band. Also, I am hosting open mic at Froggy’s every Tuesday and I welcome all genres.