Unplugged @ The Chapel – Jo James

jan 25 | 7:00–9:30PM | Smith Family Chapel

Riverbend Centre for the Arts Unplugged @ the Chapel is an acoustic concert series featuring some of the most talented artists in Austin. Proceeds will support the Art at the Bend and in our community.  

6:30PM – Doors Open | Pre-show mixer in the courtyard featuring local musician Josh Field. Brews and wine will be provided by local vendors!

7:30PM – Concert by Jo James with opening by Gritty Sunset

Cost: Balcony Seating - $25 and General Admission - Floor Seating - $35

Proceeds will support Hopefully Sow.

Event Photos by Jason Bollenbacher

American recording artist Jo James has a gift for songwriting and entertaining a crowd. His “retro” style incorporates elements of Blues, Soul, Gospel, and R&B. Jo delivers smooth grooves and soulful vocal expressions. From heavy-hitting stages to intimate heartfelt performances, Jo James continues to captivate audiences in a powerful way. Check out Jo's albums on apple music including his latest Found My Way (2023).

Jo has worked and performed with some of the industries top acts and also received the honor award at the 100% Music Songwriting Contest.

Jo uses his songwriting, stage performance, & life struggles in triumphs to encourage, uplift, & inspire others. His voice can simultaneously break a heart and heal any broken soul.

You may have seen him featured on Season 17 of The Voice. “Great raw talent and voice is lovely to listen to” – John Legend
“I love Jo’s voice” – Blake Shelton

Gritty Sunset story began on a bitterly cold Tuesday night in January of 2019 in Manhattan – yes it’s a cheesy start, but this is completely true and the story must be told – when COURTNEY received a text from a fellow singer and close friend asking her to come downtown to see some live music. Since the weather was so unpleasant, Courtney was not too keen on making the trek on the subway to the venue.

Her friend sweetened the deal by inviting her to sit in with the band and sing a couple of songs so she figured there was “nothing better to do” that evening. After a little grumble to herself, she threw on her large winter puffer jacket and off she went.

When she finally arrived, the atmosphere was a typical dimly lit lounge vibe that made it difficult to clearly see the faces of the musicians on the stage. In addition, ELI was wearing his signature style of a fedora hat that cast an even darker shadow over his eyes, creating that mysterious persona fabricated by so many musicians.

While in a small conversation near the bar, Courtney was stopped mid-sentence as she was interrupted by a beautifully captivating guitar solo. With a stern inquisitive tone, she blurted out, “Who is THAT!?”

She was so blown away by his tastefully skilled musicianship that she knew she had to meet him. Without agenda or expectation of any kind, she immediately made her friend introduce her to Eli, where at that time, she didn’t hesitate to instantly connect with him through instagram.

For the better part of 12 years, Josh Field has traveled the highways of America, singing songs and telling stories. In that time, the Austin-based musician and his band Brother Nothing have carved their own unique niche in the Americana music scene with a blues-fueled country-soul vibe.

Though he began working professionally as a full time musician 7 years ago, Josh Field’s musical journey began decades earlier. A talented multi-instrumentalist, he has played in a number of Austin bands including the six-piece Driftwood Revival, the traditional country Groovy Roots and the 2-piece rock band The Broken Hips.

As a band leader and solo artist, Josh Field’s music has connected with fans worldwide. The industry has taken notice as well. In recent years he has shared the stage with high-profile acts like Whiskey Myers, Blackberry Smoke, Charlie Robison and Billy Joe Shaver.

 In between gigs the singer has found time to hit the studio. In 2015 Josh Field and Brother Nothing released their debut album “All in My Mind.” The solo EP “Satisfied” followed and in 2017 he released the full-length “Reasons for Change.”

 Recently, Josh Field gave fans their first peak at his forthcoming album “As The Wind Blows” with a two track teaser released to Soundcloud. The short set features the introspective love song “The Last Time” followed by the powerful everyman philosophy of the soulful ballad, “Shine On.” The two songs provide an exciting peek under the hood of what promises to be a ground-breaking record.