Jon Eric Music

To find “like minded” kindred spirits in the music community is something that can warm the very soul from the inside out.

HERE (click) is something that I am going to be on fire about. This particular artist, Mark Newton was my bluegrass HERO growing up. And to see him doing what has has done all these years makes for a role model that many a recording artist truly strives to be.  To put on a venue of this magnitude with by far some of the BEST bluegrass talent one can see! Well, check out the flier below- and you will see exactly what I mean.

If you are into GOLF- Then THIS  is another fundraiser right around the corner- Mark will be putting on.

ANYONE can play- Celebrities ARE encouraged-

But this event is ONLY limited to the 1st 36 teams that reserved!

For James Monroe High School Athletics

I would be totally laughed at if I picked up a club. Shot a 42 once on an 18 hole course…

… the next day I tried the 2ND HOLE!

Check out this flier for the September 19th line-up!

FUNDRAISER for James Monroe High School Athletics Department

The academy…j/k

Aaron for the amazing guitar work and singing he did!

The Industry for allowing me to play on some of the BEST stage real estate in Iowa City! Yes we were DOWNSTAIRS! I was so amazed when finding out that we were going to play the main stage of this amazing live music venue.

Thanks to Joe for the call to do it! Anytime my friend—

Thanks also for the generosity of River and the Tributaries

They also allowed me to play a little “funk” banjo on a tune they played.You all HAVE to see them sing and play- what a FUN show they put on.  Yeah , SPREAD the word about them- they’re gonna be the talk of the town soon!

Thank you to ALL the fans friends (and even neighbors) who came out in support of my playing- even through the years-

I have and always will be so grateful as musicians are NOTHING without those to listen and shake a tail feather.

Thanks to the ICFLP for the afternoon gig as well.  Was given some blankets donated and they all went to good homes… Hand Crocheted! So they were made with love and will keep the chills off.

Last but not least thank you JayMunda (make sure you see bottom of this page for link)

In the new fresh look to my website! He can build yours too- or help in whatever business/marketing needs you may have. Make sure you tell him I sent ya though- (grin).

What a night-

Good night all- see ya in the mornin’

Been out and about pickin’ up a storm!

From local jams, sitting in with other talented bands and players-

to actually getting the opportunity to cut tracks in the studio.

One never knows where I will “show up” next.

Though I am humbled to my very fingertips for the opportunity to play music for a living.

Always learning and growing both musically and as a man I truly wish to be. It is an onward and upward process that requires diligence, patience, passion and hard work. Nothing ever comes easy- but I have it in me to take this as far as it will go.

All I do know is that one can never try to stop a movin’ train…

And it has already left the station! Are you on board???

Feel free to check out the brand NEW

jamming video my buddy Aaron and I put together on You Tube.

Just jamming around and for fun but what a good picker!

Been quite a busy week working on crafting the music

to make great sounds in the future.

By far one of my all time favorite actors of our generation.

This being my opinion and not that of the Hollywood elite.

Her true works and ability stand out, in my heart, well above

so many in doing her craft- while still maintaining a sense of family

and grounded roots to her integrity of work.

Happy Birthday Megan.

These may be of interest to banjo, bluegrass music, or those who share the “blues” of our financial situation here in the United States.

Many people are loosing their homes, or retirement investments. Some are worried about the stock market roller-coaster.

So Many Americans are wondering how they are just going to “get by” in this kind of economy. And in the unsettling times we live in where there is so much need-

PLEASE remember to be thankful for what you have.

And remember that the USA is one country that does NOT back down from a challenge! United We Stand, helping out and working together for a common goal.  Living in Iowa has taught me a lot about the kind of life I wish to live. To work hard and give back what has been a blessing for me over the years.

THAT’S where the BANJO comes in-

How can one instrument make a difference?

We have an African American President!

This is an African American instrument-

2009 is definately the year of the “Under-DAWG”!

You see- All my life, being a banjo player and musician,  I have lived in VERY modest means. Without asking for much- just making do. Meanwhile working on my musical craft-honing it down to a razor sharp edge.  So I understand what it is truly like in those most trying of times.

So this is the reason— sharing these videos with you in hopes that it will brighten your day even for a moment-

Have a great day everyone!

~JE

Jon Eric playing SALT CREEK on the 5 string banjo

Jon Eric playing \”Cool Your Jets\” on the Nechville ELECTRIC Banjo

Feel Free to comment or share with friends- that’s why they are there- to give YOU what music has given ME over the years.

Been working in the studio for a few new upcoming projects I have had kicking around for far too long- Ideas of branching out with different sounds the banjo can do seem to flow out onto the tracks.Iowa Flood. If you can donate to one of the MANY causes close to your heart, please do, as there is still much need in the surrounding areas.The Mill! If I play there any more during the week they’ll start charging me RENT! I sure do like playing there though…HERE Just a small way of giving back to the Iowa City community when it has given so much to me musically.

The student load for banjo, guitar and voice has picked up (a bit) now that people are recovering from the

The time schedules definitely keep me hopping and driving all over Iowa to keep up.

Last week I sat in with one of my students @ The Mill- who asked me to sit in with him as he did his 1st open mic on Monday- Then we all played till about closing time. Making for some HAPPY fingers and good times.

-Wednesday- Sitting in with the Burlington Street Bluegrass Band was quite a “treat”. The “veterans” of the Iowa City music scene are so gracious to allow me to cut my teeth on that ole’ stage @

Was asked to and got to play a Tuesday and Thursday during the lunch hour for some “VIP” guests

-Thursday- Was able to hit a local jam after my last student. Some of the people at the jam have been made aware of the causes I care a bit about and were so sweet to have DONATED
3 HUGE bags of clothes for the cause- I have NO idea where those bungee cords came from but they all were tied up tight in the back of my old Ford pick-up and I drove them on back.

-Friday- was working in 2 separate studios on various projects. -Saturday- was doing a bit of banjo in Ames. (LATE)

-Sunday- I was asked and played banjo for the offertory for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
Then back in the studio from 2-4pm.

Needless to say- it has been a busy week.
With a new one just beginning…