Jonathan Barker: Press

Jonathan, George is right your new CD kicks ass.

Great cd my brotha! Good vibes :)

YOU'RE GOOD

I love this music. Why hadn't I heard you before?
This CD was a real pleasure to listen to. I love a wide range of music and liked the way Jonathan was thoughtful and very melodic.I haven't got a favourite track yet, but will let on grow on me( although My Love isn't Shallow is doing well). How about promoting this in the UK?

Very good music and vocals as well as arrangement.
I have known the artist for several years but have not gotten the opportunity to hear him perform. The CD was very good. I could recognize the different influences especially Jackson Browne. The arrangement was well executed. I received the CD very quickly.

Electric Woodshed
As the sun begins to set over downtown Blacksburg on Friday, you better believe the Woodshed will escort in the night with some full-tilt rock 'n' roll reminiscent of Southern greats such as the Allman Brothers Band and Littlefeat. This is their 15th Steppin' Out and they'll play a special tribute to fallen percussionist Sterling Smiley, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2002.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Who: Craig Counts (guitar), Dan Dunlap (guitar), Jonathan Barker (piano/organ), Greg Bump (bass), George Penn (drums)
Style: "We are a reminder of rock 'n' roll, a rock 'n' roll that still has its roots in musicianship, people playing their instruments and singing for a good time, " Counts said. "And Jonathan on the keys is a real treat. He can really blow your mind, and we're turning him loose for Steppin' Out."
On Steppin' Out: "It's great playing during an outdoor festival atmosphere, and it's a great slot with the sun going down," Counts said. "We always have a big crowd and [have] been a local town favorite. We live here and have roots here ... it's special."

This weekend, Radford After Five will welcome The Pop Rivets, a regional group that is becoming rather well-known for their diverse musical stylings and their high-energy performances.

"Our music is a blend of everything," said drummer Ted Grigorieff in a recent interview. "You are as likely to hear Elvis as you are the Kings of Leon. The music is very diverse. All the members have really different tastes in music and this certainly is evident in how we sound and what we play. The best way to describe how we perform is eruptive and active."

The Pop Rivets will bring their varied musical style into downtown Radford this Friday evening for the fourth installment of the Main Street Radford "Radford After Five" downtown concert series.

Despite their eclectic musical style, the group's love of performing ties them together and helps keep the relationship between the band members healthy as they try to juggle performing and their personal obligations.

"Like any other relationship, being in a band takes a lot of time and sacrifices," explained guitarist and singer Brian Holt. "I've always felt that if you want to do something, you will make the time to do it. I've always wanted to play in a great band, and I am willing to do everything I can to make it happen."

As the group continues to play and gain a local following, they look forward to performances, such as the Radford After Five show, that will help them introduce themselves to new fans.

"Radford carries a good energy and appreciation for live music," says keyboard player Jonathan Barker. "The crowd there is always very responsive to good music and we hope to provide them with something they will enjoy."

The group is also becoming well-known via the website www.myspace.com/thepoprivets, where the band has posted a profile and samples of their songs for all to hear and enjoy.

Despite all the hard work and juggling of outside obligations, the band has never lost sight or love of their original goal - giving the audience, whether one of diehard fans or newcomers to their sound, a great show.

"When the chemistry is there on stage and everyone in the band knows it," says Barker, "the music just flows forward with no effort, an unspoken magic. It drives us musicians toward the next show in search of reliving that feeling."

For the group, performing isn't just a job, but a lifelong love and dream that is coming true. "My first guitar teacher told me long ago, 'Keep playing, because you never know..'," says Holt, "that way, when the time is right, you're ready. You never know what might happen."

The Pop Rivets will play Main Street Radford's After Five on Friday, Sept. 15, 2006.

From: Jon Judah [mailto:jonjudah@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 9:53 PM
To: Andy Jaspen @ Sam Hill Entertainment
Subject: Re: Two Dudes and Dickens follow ups

Andy -

Hope all is well - we're back from our honeymoon and slowly adjusting to the married life;)

Two Dudes were absolutlely amazing - you rock, bud. Two Dudes showed up at our rehearsal dinner and amazed all 120+ guests with their versatility and talent, including my father who must have asked them for about 30 business cards after they wrapped up their set. Fantastic, man. First class - showed up on time, were polite and courteous, and accomodated as much as possible given the time and setting. Couldn't have been better.

Again, thank you for everything, it was your insight and advice that led to such a great result, and I appreciate all your responses to my many emails and phone calls. You made me look cool....people were coming up time and time again asking "Where did you find these guys?" - and I dropped Sam Hill and your name at least 10 times. In fact, my best man just got engaged and I've already passed your info on to him, so you may get a call or two in the coming months.

Thanks again bud, and if there is anything I can do to further show my support for your efforts (send me your supervisor's name and/or any feedback info you guys have, if possible) please let me know!

Cheers,

Jon

From: jennifer mozolic
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:49 AM
To: Justin @ Sam Hill Entertainment; ryanmaccubbin@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: 6/23 - Two Dudes Acoustic Band

Hi Justin,

Thanks for following up, the two/five dudes were awesome at our wedding! They sounded great, they were fun to work with, and they had everyone dancing and having a great time. The song that they learned for us was fantastic, and they even played some songs that weren't on their song list, but that we had mentioned we liked. We really appreciate you helping us out getting them booked, it was a pleasure to work with you -- we've already recommended Sam Hill and the Two Dudes to several people, and we'd be glad to give references if they are ever needed.

Thanks again!!

Jen and Ryan

-----Original Message-----
From: Noelle Garner
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 9:17 AM
To: Justin @ Sam Hill Entertainment; Charlie @ Sam Hill Entertainment
Subject: Two Dudes

Good morning,

I just wanted to let you know we had a GREAT party! The Two Dudes band was just great and played the perfect music for David….everyone was dancing and having a lot of fun. I really appreciate your professionalism and you all were just awesome to work with. You helped us find the perfect band for our party!

Thanks for everything!

Noelle Garner

From: Terri McKinney
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 11:14 AM
To: Andy Jaspen at Sam Hill Entertainment
Subject: RE: The Other White Meat follow up


Hi Andy,

The Other White Meat was outstanding! Our guests had a great time.

I have some co-workers/client contacts who are interested in keeping the band name on file. Do you think I could receive some additional demo tapes? Thanks again for all of your help.

Terri McKinney
Account Manager
Swanson Russell Associates

From: Emily Metro
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 9:53 AM
To: 'Justin @ Sam Hill Entertainment'
Subject: RE: 11/4 - Two Dudes Acoustic Group

Hi Justin,

Thanks so much for setting me up with Two Dudes Acoustic Duo...the band was GREAT!!! They were perfect for our wedding and so nice!!! I will call you
soon and talk with you more. But they were just perfect.

Thanks so much!
Emily

Emily Phillips
Director of Annual Giving
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond

Susan Haggerty plays Roanoke's Blue Ridge Blues Fest with support from Hoppie Vaughan, Jonathan Barker, Tom Hearn, and Mark