The Rockin' Jake Band got a taste of the town when they visited Orange City in July, 2010.
ORANGE CITY – The Rockin’ Jake Band wowed the crowd in Orange City last summer, so they’re coming back. They’re part of the Onstage Orange City series, performing in Windmill Park at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 7.
Rockin’ Jake plays harmonica like you’ve never heard before. Jake – Lawrence Jacobs – is a five-time winner of Off Beat Magazine’s “Best of the Beat,” for best harmonica player.
Originally from the East Coast, Jake was hit early by the “blues bug.” He’s primarily self-taught, but studied briefly with Jerry Portnoy, harmonica player for Muddy Waters. Based in New Orleans for many years, he played with Coco Robicheaux, Little Freddie King, Eddie Bo and many others. He’s been heard on the soundtrack of “The Big Easy” TV series and the theme for the “Mike Ditka Show.”
Hailing from St. Louis, he was nominated in April as the St. Louis Riverfront Times’ Best Blues Artist. Jake tours with his band from Coast to Coast, playing a hybrid of blues, zydeco, second line and swamp funk.
According to one reviewer, the band “rocks the stage with a first rate high energy performance.”
Sponsor of the evening is Northwestern State Bank. There is no charge for the show.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Concessions will be available. Rain location is the Orange City town hall.
And take note: beginning and advanced harmonica players can learn from Rockin’ Jake. Jake’s harmonica workshop – from 4-5 p.m. July 7 at Orange City town hall – is for students and adults. Cost is $5 before July 1, and $8 after July 1. The first 24 people to register will receive a free G Hohner harmonica and a how-to booklet, sponsored by the Arts Council.
Those who attended the workshop last year also have the opportunity to win a special prize.
Register by emailing the Orange City Arts Council, OCArts@orangecityiowa.com, calling 712.707.4885, or sending $5 to the Arts Council at P.O. Box 202, Orange City.
The Rockin' Jake Band is coming back to Orange City. They're the band whose high energy consistently brings audience members to their feet. Rockin' Jake will perform in Windmill Park at 7 p.m. July 7, sponsored by Northwestern Bank and the Onstage Orange City series. Jake's harmonica workshop is at 4 p.m. at Orange City town hall July 7; register with Orange City Arts Council, 707-4885.
