After spending his youth as an environmental activist, Mokai came down from his tree and began writing songs that find their way into your heart. Mokai (rhymes with woke-eye) has taken root in the Northern California music community as a performer at house concerts, clubs and music festivals.
His guitar echoes pre-war blues and Greenwich Village era folk, with songs the East Bay Express described as “…jazzy, jammy, bluesy structures around earthly laments, tales of ordinary folks, and the human struggle in general.” His third full-length album of original songs, “The Jaybird Said,” produced by James Nash, is heard on Northern CA listener-sponsored radio stations.
Together onstage with James, the two form a roots Americana duo that balances between sweet vocal harmonies and tight rhythms - pushing into meaningful and moving music on a tender folk ballad, then morphing into improvisation on swinging blues-based songs. Their rapport and easy-going approach makes for a fun-for-all evening, just having a good time playing music.
Working with Mokai, James lends his masterful musicianship to the songwriter, using mandolin, acoustic and electric lead guitar, and slide guitar to create set and setting for Mokai's lyrics and messages. For this special duo performance James and Mokai are performing some of the new songs they have been working on in the studio for an upcoming release.
James Nash has a musical breadth that is matched by his astonishing facility as a player and dynamic performer. This is something undeniable to those who witness it, leading reviewers to go to some lengths to describe him as "graceful but fiery... elegant and colorful... rampantly eclectic" (Guitar Player Magazine), and praise his “near-ideal balance of irreverence, chops, discipline, and originality” (Chicago Tribune). Heralded by Acoustic Guitar Magazine as a “revered new-acoustician,” he approaches the flat-top steel-string guitar with both the subtleties and bravado of a rock guitarist.
James has recorded and performed at countless festivals and venues across the country, serving as bandleader for ensembles with the likes of everyone from Elvis Costello to Emmylou Harris, Bela Fleck to Bob Weir, Chris Thile and Jerry Douglas to Darol Anger and Mike Marshall. Guitar Player Magazine listed him among the top 50 acoustic guitarists. His music has been featured on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered and Folk Alley.
Special Guests Meshach & Meredith
Born on the Bayou, Son of a Preacher, Meshach Jackson's revival roots meet the powerhouse pop soul vocalist Meredith McHenry. Together, their voices create lush tapestries, taking audiences by the hand, and leading them through a diverse emotional palate with humor, vulnerability, passion, and authenticity.
Together they have performed multiple times at the Bankhead Theater, Almost Famous, and the HopMonk Tavern Cookout Series and all over the Bay Area at breweries, wineries and too many house parties to count.
Tickets are $22 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.
Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.
The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.
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Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.
