The Mission

THE MANKIN BROTHERS! {3rd Thurs} @ The Mission
2021-10-21 19:30 - 2023-04-20 22:30 (America/Chicago) | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@5pm/SHOW 7:30-10:30PM
NO COVER – Tips kindly appreciated!
FACEBOOK {The Mankin Brothers}
FACEBOOK {Down Side Up}

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Aaron and Ryan Mankin, drummer and guitarist from regional rock band, Down Side Up bringing a brotherly acoustic duo to The Mission stage. Tons of buttery harmonies and humor. It’s a family thang!

Kenny Hunt {ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR!!}
2022-04-05 19:00 - 21:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@5pm
SHOW 7-9pm
NO COVER – Tips kindly appreciated!
Kenny Hunt hosts our popular Tuesday ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR! No Cover, but tips are kindly appreciated. Grab some grub for carry out or delivery and join us for some Live and Local!!
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Lead vocalist and guitarist for many local projects including Shakey Ground, The Missionaries (The Mission’s Sunday host band), sitting in with Planet Jazz, Buddha Blue, and many others Kenny brings a versatile songbook to our stage. This JTown native knows his way around a fretboard and promises to make ‘ya glad you chose The Mission for an early evening of music!

Open Mic Night @ The Mission!!
2022-04-06 19:00 - 23:00, 2022-05-04 19:00 - 23:00, 2022-05-18 19:00 - 23:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@5pm
SignUp@6:30pm
SHOW@7PM
No Cover- Tips kindly appreciated!!

15 Minute Time Slot includes set up and performance
Music – solo/duo/trio or more, All genres welcome. Poetry, comedy, spoken word, dance. Bring whatya got!
Minors are welcome, but will need a parent/guardian to join them.
Early Sign Up available for 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30 and 9:45 through the link below:

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Please respect your reserved time and arrive 30 minutes ahead of your chosen time.

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9 Tips to Rock Open Mic
Featured Article, How To Making Music
Any performer will tell you that you can practice for years in the comfort and privacy of your room, but it’s not until you take your act to a stage in front of live people that you’ll really hone your craft. If you’re not ready to book shows of your own, how can you get comfortable on a stage? Open mic events can solve the problem.

Open mic nights serve as incubators for beginning musicians, or for more practiced types, they are a great way to test new material before throwing it into a big show. For the totally fresh player, it can be a daunting experience. Here are 9 tips to rock open mic so you will be prepared to take the stage and get the most out of the experience.
9 Tips to Rock Open Mic
1. Know what kind of an open mic it is. Do a little research before you attend the event. Open mics are not universally the same. Some are all acoustic (no microphones or plugged-in instruments); some are coffeehouse-style where people sit in silence listening to players; some are jams where a backing band or equipment might be provided. Make a trip down to the open mic you’ve got in mind before you participate, or contact the host to get the details.
2. Everyone at an open mic knows it’s an open mic. People there are not expecting a Lady Gaga production to walk through the door. They’re expecting a musician (or possibly a small group) to share some material that might be polished, or it might be the first time performed on a stage. Don’t stress about what people will think. They understand the spirit of the event.
3. Feel totally comfortable with your material. You’ll probably only have a few songs (many open mics are set by a song or time limit, usually about three songs or 15 minutes @ The Mission), so make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. Just in case you get rattled on stage, make sure you know the tunes in and out.
4. Don’t stress about what to bring. Whoever is running the open mic will have equipment for you and they should be fully capable of setting you up with it. If you’ve never plugged in a guitar or sung into a microphone—don’t worry. They’ll make sure you do it right and that it sounds good. That’s part of the Open Mic experience at The Mission. We have a full back line: Guitars – acoustic/electric, electric & amp and bass & amp. Full drum kit & Yamaha keyboard. Mics, cables, stands. And our sound technician is here to help.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask. Open mic beginners may think they are completely at the host’s mercy. Truth is, we’re here to make you sound good! That said, if you can’t hear yourself, vocals are too loud, guitar is too quiet, whatever, by all means, tell them!
6. Don’t be afraid to trust. The host should understand their sound system very well, so trust that once you’re settled on stage they’re making it sound right out front. If you’re happy with what’s in your monitor sound, leave the rest to them. We know our system inside and out. It’s a small room and you have 15 minutes. Let us do our job and make the room sound perfect for your performance.
7. Support other players. If you don’t want to be judged, don’t judge other people. Open mics are a place to try material you might not get to try on other stages. Celebrate the people who come to share their art. Cannot emphasize this enough! This is the spirit of Open Mic Nights at The Mission. Enough said.
8. Network. Open mics are musician hangouts—take advantage! If you’re looking to start a band or find musicians to see elsewhere, there’s a good chance they’ll be hanging out at an open mic. We’re on Season 13 at The Mission full of Open Mic Stories of success.
9. Learn from the experience. Every time you walk away from an open mic, there is something to learn. How were you received? What feedback did people give you? Did you feel more comfortable? How did you compare with the other players? Honestly analyze the event to improve your performance next time. And take the compliments even if you know you made mistakes. You still entertained folks.
(10) And finally, HAVE FUN! Open mics are meant, most of all, to be fun. Musicians get to mingle, everyone gets to play, and even if you have the biggest flub of all time—it’s all in the spirit of open mic. To take the stage at all is to win. Enjoy it, learn from the experience, and have a good time! Join us for Open Mic Night, share some air and feel the Mission Magic!

Just Us Band {LIVE!!} @ The Mission
2022-04-15 20:30 - 2022-04-16 00:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@5pm
SHOW 8:30-Midnight
$5 COVER CHARGE
Friday Night with the new JUST US BAND at The Mission as we keep it Live and Local! Shelly & Ted Tyson, Kenny Hunt and Patty Crane share the stage with some classic country swing. We appreciate y’alls’ support of local live music!

Shea & Shorty {FRIDAY NIGHT!!} @ The Mission
2022-04-22 20:30 - 2022-04-23 00:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@5pm
SHOW 8:30-Midnight
No Cover – Tips kindly appreciated
FACEBOOK LINK {Shea and Shorty}
Grab some grub for carry out or delivery and join us for some Live and Local!!
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Shea and Shorty is a two piece acoustic duo. We play an ecclectic mix of old and new music which includes Blues, Country, and a little bit of rock and roll! Pink, Lady GaGa, Ed Sheeran, Mark Cohn, and many more covers!!!!

Sunday Blues Jam @ The Mission
2022-04-24 15:00 - 19:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@2pm
BLUES JAM 3-7PM
No Cover – Tips kindly appreciated!
LAST Sundays at The Mission we jam! Spread the word, invite folks and kindly consider supporting the blues jam culture. Invite YOUNG players. A successful jam is a reflection of a healthy music community. It is also an imperative opportunity to blend generations through music. Don’t let this be a lost art on our watch.
Host band: The Missionaries {Home grown host band}
Kenny Hunt – Guitar/Vocals
Keith Lanig – Guitar/Vocals
Robert Duckworth – Bass
Ted Tyson – Drums
Sign up will start promptly at 2pm. Host band to kick things off @ 3pm…all those who sign up at a reasonable time, WILL get to perform.
If you are new to blues jams, don’t let this scare you away. Remember, it is a time to learn, grow and network. To our seasoned musicians, yes it is a time to have fun. It is also a time to pass along what you know through encouragement. Each of you had a mentor at one point in your musical career. Kindly remember that.
We’ve got a good thing going on with our Sunday Jams. Join us!

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SINGER-SONGWRITER Open Mic Night @ The Mission!
2022-04-27 19:00 - 23:00, 2022-06-08 19:30 - 23:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@5pm

SHOW@7PM

NO COVER – Tips are kindly appreciated!!
SIGN UP ⇒
Unlike our usual Open Mic Night 15 minute time slots, we get to enjoy 25 minutes (20 minimum) of your original material. Solo acoustic to full band! We will provide a full backline as there will be no time for change over. Open Mic Night at The Mission is an environment of encouragement from the staff to patrons. Our stage is open.
The Mission Family is excited to offer this special evening. Come support our artists for a NO COVER, NO COVER(S) night!

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Kenny Hunt & Paul Laemmli {SATURDAY NIGHT!!} @ The Mission
2022-04-30 20:30 - 23:30 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@6pm
SHOW 8:30-11:30pm
COVER – $5
Kenny Hunt and Paul Laemmli grab their guitars and our stage this Saturday night. You should grab some grub for carry out or delivery and join us for some Live and Local!!
KENNY HUNT
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Lead vocalist and guitarist for many local projects including Shakey Ground, The Missionaries (The Mission’s Sunday host band), sitting in with Planet Jazz, Buddha Blue, and many others Kenny brings a versatile songbook to our stage. This JTown native knows his way around a fretboard and promises to make ‘ya glad you chose The Mission for an early evening of music!

PAUL LAEMMLI

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Raised throughout Mid-Missouri, Paul grew up swimming in the deep end of a family of musicians. Paul honed his craft around the wood stove at the family cabin, in churches, and in the blues clubs of Kansas City and Springfield, MO. While playing all over the great state of Missouri, he earned a music degree and continues to earn a reputation for connecting people with story songs and skillful guitar work. Heavily influenced by the Springfield Sound and the blues scene in Kansas City, Paul currently resides near his grandparent’s home in Jefferson City, Missouri where you can find him playing his red Fender Stratocaster wherever people gather to share life, love, and music.

You will find Paul performing as a solo artist, duo or sitting in with full bands, including the powerhouse blues band, Buddha Blue…a perfectly well rounded musician and performer. You may have seen Paul at Gumbo Bottoms, Rose Music Hall, Logboat Brewery, The Outpost, The Mission just to name a few. Former local projects also include Bird’s Eye Blues Band, Rose Ridge and Monroe Street Jubilee Band

Olivia Taylor {ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR!!}
2022-05-03 19:30 - 21:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@5pm
SHOW 7-9PM
No Cover – Tips kindly appreciated!!
Olivia Taylor hosts our popular Tuesday ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR! No Cover, but tips are kindly appreciated. Grab some grub for carry out or delivery and join us for some Live and Local!!
INSTAGRAM {Olivia Taylor}

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From our local Jefferson City town looking for venues to play at, Olivia Taylor found The Mission. She does a mix of bluegrass, indie, & pop and have played out before. She has originals and covers she performs. Date and time doesn’t matter, she’s always ready to play.

Pat Kay {FIRST THURS} @ The Mission!!
2022-05-05 19:00 - 22:30 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@4pm
SHOW@7pm
No Cover – Tips are kindly appreciated!
We’re so excited to fire back up a longstanding JCMO Tradition:
FIRST THURSDAYS are BACK!
Pat Kay of The Kay Brothers and MK Ultra brings FIRST THURSDAYS back to our stage! Pushing a decade of memories, we’re definitely excited to see some familiar faces and welcome new ones!!
FACEBOOK {Pat Kay}

INSTAGRAM {MK Ultra}

FACEBOOK {MK Ultra}
WEBSITE {The Kay Brothers}

Decadent Nation & Hang Your Hate {LIVE} @ The Mission!!
2022-05-07 20:00 - 23:30 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@6pm
SHOW@8pm
Advanced Tickets $6
Tickets @Door $8
WEBSITE {Decadent Nation}
FACEBOOK {Decadent Nation}
YOUTUBE {Decadent Nation}

Decadent Nation’s brand of high energy, socio-political rock n’ roll has been quietly burning in the American underground music scene for years. Now, the band’s message is more relevant than ever. Having released multiple albums to critical acclaim and touring coast to coast, the band has found a new spark with a fresh lineup and the epic new Universal Music Group release Battleship Empire. With a new momentum, the band is looking to take the mantle once worn by such acts as System of a Down or Rage Against the Machine. Decadent Nation is the new musical voice of resistance and the message has been heard loud and clear as the band have been filling venues on recent tours. Whether it is their through-the-roof energy live performances or their meticulous musicianship, DN’s blues based, Alternative Rock sound is as infectiously catchy as it is powerful.

HANG YOUR HATE
FACEBOOK {Hang Your Hate}

Josh Morningstar & Billy Don Burns {RETUN!!} @ The Mission
2022-05-21 20:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
BUY YOUR TICKETS AT THE DOOR
Doors@6pm
SHOW@8pm
Tickets @Door $12
TABLE RESERVATIONS $20 – SOLD OUT
WEBSITE {Josh Morningstar}
FACEBOOK {Josh Morningstar}

Last night, the blue light reflected off of the cement in a tiny listening lounge in St. Charles, Iowa. A conformed church housed a bar in the front full of rogue townies, and a lounge in the back. “Turn your phones off,” the host of the lounge barked into the microphone. “Turn them off, sit back, and pay attention. This guy is quiet, and he’s going to tell you some stories.” And my eyebrows raised when his hoarse voice breathed life into a quiet, rapt crowd. With his eyes closed, he sang songs -chunks of him offered up to a willing mass. “I’m not a singer,” he said eventually, looking down at his guitar. I leaned in to listen harder. “I’m not a guitarist. I’m a song writer. “In his songs were stories and in his stories were words pushed together that took my breath away, and in his stories were words that oozed the Blood from the Before, and in his stories were ripped edges. I wanted to know it all. I wanted to know the names of the chunks and I wanted to inspect the hole in his chest and I wanted to know where those melodies come from and I wanted to know how he chooses the words. I wanted to know what he has written on the scraps of paper in his wallet and I wanted to know if his handwriting changes when he knows it’s a good one. It was a listening lounge, and we were supposed to be quiet and listen, but he played a song we all knew. And we sang the words with him. We couldn’t help it -not one single person. A crooked grin formed behind the microphone and I’m fairly certain that’s why he does what he does. Not for the lights. Not for the cheers. For sure not for the money. He does it for the people that hear the story and say, “Yes. Me, too. I have been there, too. “In a town out in the middle of the cornfields of Iowa, a group of people sang the words back to him that he had written. A melody chunked out of one disaster from his life, and sewn together with a rhyme, and maybe that’s how you heal the hurt….Vulnerability. Standing up on a stage when you’d rather be holding a pen. Sure looks an awful lot like courage.-Rebecca Cooper, Author
A curious and fresh combination of grit and humor, Josh Morningstar is knocking down stereotypes with his worn boots and unforgettable raspy voice. He is a small-town boy that originally hails from Funkstown, Maryland, and he carries those roots in a suitcase with him everywhere he goes. His small-town charm is evident in the way he greets people, and in the conversational way that he weaves the stories of his life into his music.
In front of the bright lights and behind the microphone isn’t where Morningstar feels most at home. Named the 2018 Texas Radio Songwriter of the Year, he and his Kristofferson signed guitar have knocked out melodies in dingy hotels all across the country. He’s written songs alongside Kendell Marvel, Channing Wilson, Autumn McEntire, and many more. Morningstar was also the writer of several Cody Jinks songs, including his #1 hit “Must Be The Whiskey”.
His lyrics force listeners to sit up and pay attention, and his songs are always full of truth-bearing stories. The familial connection Morningstar forges with people continues long after his shows are over. Josh Morningstar has shared the stage with some of today’s most sought after folk and country artists, including Shooter Jennings, Cody Jinks, Tyler Childers, Todd Snider, Colter Wall, and Ward Davis. Morningstar continues to lead the charge on the front lines of a new wave of country music – one full of soulful honesty, the familiar and true twang of an old guitar, and provoking melodies that tattoo stories to the souls of the listeners. His ability to write about tragedies and victories enamor his tribe of self-proclaimed “Crazies”, and the best part of it all is that he’s just getting started.
Song writing credits with: Hayes Carll, “Big” Al Anderson (NRBQ), Kendell Marvel, Cody Jinks, Erin Enderlin, Autumn McEntire, Hannah Blaylock (Edens Edge), Sunny Sweeney, Ward Davis, Larry McCoy, Mark McGuinn, Billy Don Burns, Alex Williams, Channing WIlson, Wyatt Durette, Casper McWade, Steve Dean, Chris Gantry, John Berry, Sam Williams, Waylon Payne

WEBSITE {Billy Don Burns}
FACEBOOK {Billy Don Burns}

“Billy Don Burns is a true Country Music Warrior. He wears his battle scars with honor, depicting the stories of his life in his songs with brutal and beautiful honesty. He’s respected far and wide for his long career in songwriting and performing, and he’s still out there. He’s lived it and breathed it through lifetimes of country music passion and pain. Carrying the guitar like a sword on his back, he battles for the Poet. He battles for the Artist. He battles for the souls who defy modern convention. And every time he strikes a chord in some smoke-filled Honky Tonk, he wins. Billy Don Burns started out in this business working with legends, and somewhere along the way he became one himself.”
-Outlaw Magazine
“Friend forever
Billy Don is wise beyond his years
Great writer
Great man
A leader in all walks of life
The best man to have on your side
No matter how dangerous the situation”
– Billy Joe Shaver

Sunday Blues Jam @ The Mission!!
2022-05-22 15:00 - 19:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@2pm
BLUES JAM 3-7PM
No Cover – Tips kindly appreciated!
LAST Sundays at The Mission we jam! Spread the word, invite folks and kindly consider supporting the blues jam culture. Invite YOUNG players. A successful jam is a reflection of a healthy music community. It is also an imperative opportunity to blend generations through music. Don’t let this be a lost art on our watch.
Host band: The Missionaries {Home grown host band}
Kenny Hunt – Guitar/Vocals
Johnny D’Agostino – Key/Vocals
Robert Duckworth – Bass
Jimmy Culberton – Drums
Sign up will start promptly at 2pm. Host band to kick things off @ 3pm…all those who sign up at a reasonable time, WILL get to perform.
If you are new to blues jams, don’t let this scare you away. Remember, it is a time to learn, grow and network. To our seasoned musicians, yes it is a time to have fun. It is also a time to pass along what you know through encouragement. Each of you had a mentor at one point in your musical career. Kindly remember that.
We’ve got a good thing going on with our Sunday Jams. Join us!

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Planet Jazz {Second Thurs} @ The Mission!
2022-06-09 19:00 - 23:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@5pm
MUSIC@7-10pm
No Cover – Tips kindly appreciated!
FACEBOOK {Planet Jazz}
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Planet Jazz, one of the most popular Jazz groups in Mid-Missouri for over twenty five years. Mixing up Jazz with Reggae, Swing, Cajun and Island.
Mark Atkins Lieberman: Guitar
Monte Safford: Drums
Bill Roe: Bass

Griff "N Green {SATURDAY} @ The Mission!
2022-06-11 20:00 - 23:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@6pm
Show@8pm
Cover Charge $5

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Ben will be joined on stage by Matt “Griff” Griffin!

FACEBOOK LINK {Ben Green}
“I feel privileged to pay tribute to the legends of blues men and women who came before me. I honor their work, lives, honesty and creativity. My original music is inspired by my family, work and common man’s blues. Hope you like it.” Ben Green
Ben Green is a Deep Roots Blues songwriter with an original slide guitar style. For over twenty years, Ben has performed as a solo artist & has become a favorite among his listeners. He also collaborates with other great talent for some one of kind performances.
Released in December 2012, his Fourth CD “Can’t Live Without ’em” demonstrates once again his gifted songwriting skills, strong vocals and distinctive finger pickin’ and slide work. Definitely his best collection to date, his music matures with each release. And with more songs in the wind or already finished, he plans another release in 2013. You can purchase the newest recording, MP3 or CD at CD Baby:
His third collection, “Westboro Blues”, was released in 2008 and is a heavy dose of what he refers to as a “front porch pickin’ kind of blues”.
Performing on a variety of acoustic six & twelve string guitars, Ben is more than ready to get the Blues & ALWAYS leaves you wanting more!!
Ben Green represented MO Blues Association Inc in the 2009 International Blues Challenge as a semi-finalist in the Solo/Duo Category. He was one of sixty challengers from around the world.
Ben has been married to his lovely wife, Carlene for 16 years and together they have four beautiful children. Ben is a hard working man and father whose music is often inspired by his work and family.

OPEN MIC NIGHT @ The Mission
2022-06-15 19:00 - 23:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States

THE MANKIN BROTHERS! {3rd Thurs} @ The Mission
2022-06-16 19:30 - 22:30 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@5pm SHOW
7:30-10:30PM
NO COVER – Tips kindly appreciated!
FACEBOOK {The Mankin Brothers}
FACEBOOK {Down Side Up}

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Aaron and Ryan Mankin, drummer and guitarist from regional rock band, Down Side Up bringing a brotherly acoustic duo to The Mission stage. Tons of buttery harmonies and humor. It’s a family thang!

'The Bloodiest 47' @ The Mission
2022-06-18 20:00 - 2022-06-19 00:30 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@6pm
SHOW@8
COVER CHARGE $5

Come Join Us At The Mission In The Capital City For A Night Of Great Music!
Just Right Around The Corner From One Of The Most Bloodiest, Brutal Prisons In The US

With Performances By:
*TRRdZ* (JeffCity)
Yeah/Whatever
*Love-Seats* (JeffCity)
Garage/Grunge/Post Punk
FACEBOOK {Love-Seats}
*Sacred Pyre* (CoMo)
Metalcore/Deathore
FACEBOOK {Sacred Pyre}
*Provoke the Colossus* (CoMo)
Thrashy/Death/Groove
FACEBOOK {Provoke The Colossus}

Closed 6/28 - Open 6/29 for Open Mic NIGHT
2022-06-21 08:00 - 17:00 | MO

SINGER-SONGWRITER Open Mic Night @ The Mission!
2022-06-22 19:00 - 23:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@5pm SHOW@7PM NO COVER – Tips are kindly appreciated!!
SIGN UP ⇒
Unlike our usual Open Mic Night 15 minute time slots, we get to enjoy 25 minutes (20 minimum) of your original material. Solo acoustic to full band! We will provide a full backline as there will be no time for change over. Open Mic Night at The Mission is an environment of encouragement from the staff to patrons. Our stage is open.
The Mission Family is excited to offer this special evening. Come support our artists for a NO COVER, NO COVER(S) night!

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Closed 6/23 - Open 6/24 for Kris Lager Band
2022-06-23 18:00 - 2022-06-24 18:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States

KRIS LAGER BAND {Returns!!} @ The Mission
2022-06-24 21:00 - 2022-06-25 00:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@5pm
SHOW@9pm
Tickets @DOOR $10
FACEBOOK {Kris Lager Band}
WEBSITE {Kris Lager Band}

Kris Lager is a one-of-a-kind songwriter, guitarist, singer, keyboardist, and entertainer. An intense and charismatic performer who has traveled across the country honing his craft over the last two decades . He has developed a unique ‘Celebrate Life’ message and mantra that emanates with every performance. A message that creates a congregation of dancing, singing, and clapping people with smiles on their faces at every show.
Many of his peers are calling him: “One of the most gifted songwriters of his generation.”
World renowned musician Andy Frasco recently called Kris “His favorite songwriter!” on his ‘World Saving Podcast’ and said a lot of the songs for which he has built his ‘positive’ foundation on were written by Kris. Legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Producer, who has mixed two of Kris’ albums, Jim Gaines (Santana, SRV, Van Morrison, Steve Miller) says Kris has “A great voice and great songs!” Paste Magazine calls the music “The kind of toe-tapping rhythm that sometimes you just need to make it through a day.”
A Lincoln native based out of Omaha, Nebraska, Kris and his band have built a reputation as a hardworking Independent band refusing to play by industry rules or pander for awards and accolades. They just hit the road and the stage with an intense purpose of uplifting and engaging audiences while delivering a flavorful gumbo of feel good rhythms and soulful songs.
New album: ‘Blues Lover’
It seems like a lot of folks have gotten rather nostalgic throughout this past year and a half of the pandemic and it is safe to say Kris Lager has too. He found himself going back to his blues roots; back to where he started when he first picked up a guitar.
His first stage experiences were at a weekly Blues Jam at Duggan’s Pub in Lincoln, Nebraska and also playing at the world famous Zoo Bar. Kris Frequently played alongside Nebraska Blues legends such as Magic Slim, Lil’ Slim, Baby Jason, and Sean Benjamin. All of them nurturing and inspiring his love for blues music.
“I’ve never released a straight up blues record before and I thought.. you know what? I’m gonna go for it. I’m gonna record these songs that I’ve been playing for twenty years and just have some fun.” said Kris. Eight of his most beloved blues songs as well as two original tunes comprise the new album ‘Blues Lover’.
There’s two Albert King tracks, a Shuggie Otis tune as well as Buddy Guy, Paul Butterfield, Shawn Holt, Snooky Pryor, and Blind Lemon Jefferson covers on the recording rounded out by two original songs: ‘I Just Want To See You happy’ and ‘Back Home To The Blues’ co-written by Mark Ryan.
The album was recorded and mixed by Kris Lager himself at his studio ‘The Conduit’ and released on his label ‘Fervent Ameba Records’. The first of many self-produced recordings according to Kris. All songs were recorded live straight to tape using his legendary Tascam 388 tape machine. “This recording was exactly the sound I was going after. A squishy analog sound that gives the listener an old school vibe. A vibe that I really dig as a blues lover and I think other blues lovers will too. With the help of Doug Van Sloun from Focus Mastering I believe we achieved a great sounding recording.” exclaims Kris.

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For well over a decade The Kris Lager Band has been a vehicle for Kris Lager’s unique brand of original music. Self described as ‘Heavy Soul & Boogie Trance’ KLB doesn’t fall neatly into any one category or genre. The best way to categorize them would be ‘Feel Good Music’ because as soon as it hits you, you just feel good! Whether it is a funky soulful number, a groovy beat, a boogie guitar driven riff, or a tug on your heart strings ballad. A KLB song or show has that ability to just lift you up and make you feel good EVERYTIME!!
A KLB show is a legitimate Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival and an Electric Church. The energy this band throws out from the drop of the first note creates a feel good dancing, singing, and hollering great time. One that is truly contagious and impossible to sit still through. Kris Lager is one of the most dynamic front men you’ll ever witness with an unrivaled level of intensity and showmanship. He delivers raw, and powerful music through his emotional guitar playing and singing.
This brand of ‘Feel Good Music’ all begins with intentions. “I began playing music and writing music purely as a means of expression.” says Kris. “Put me in a crowded room and I wouldn’t say two words, but if you gave me a guitar and a microphone you would have to kick me off of the stage. I found music to be a wonderful safe haven in which I could exist and escape to whenever I desired. As I matured and grew I realized just how much joy could come from communicating with your bandmates and entertaining people, all the while expressing myself at the same time.”
As soon as Kris hits the stage you get the feeling you are witnessing a man on a mission. “I hit the stage with one intention and that is lifting up spirits. I believe the way to do that is through awareness of myself and others. It is something I call ‘The Holy Trinity of music’. There is me, the musician, and then my bandmates (or the people I am creating the music with), and then there is the audience. When I am in constant awareness of all three elements that is when the real magic happens. That is what I strive for as a performer, musician, and songwriter.”
That is just scratching the surface of all of the nuances and ingredients that went into this record and whats behind KLB. Please download or pick up the CD and help keep these troubadours on the road. There are also plenty of music in KLB’s back catalogue to dig into, and definitely go see KLB whenever they come to your neck of the woods. They will change your life!
CELEBRATE LIFE!!!
The Legendary Bluesman, Tab Benoit is also a fan. Proclaiming “These guys are the real deal! Go see them whenever they come to your town!” He produced and recorded KLB’s 2013 release ‘Platte River Runaway’ at his home studio in Houma, Louisiana. Soon after they worked with Tab Benoit they went to San Francisco and recorded with Bay area funk maestros, Monophonics at their Transistor Studios. The result was 2014’s ‘Heavy Soul & Boogie Trance’ mixed by Orgone’s Sergio Rios. The release caught the attention of Ohio’s Colemine Records, who released two of the tracks as a 45 and also featured the release on their internationally distributed Soul Slabs LP.

2010 @ The Mission….we love us some Kris Lager Band!

Closed 6/25 - Open Sunday 6/26
2022-06-25 18:00 - 2022-06-26 01:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States

Sunday Blues Jam!! @ The Mission
2022-06-26 15:00 - 19:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors@2pm
BLUES JAM 3-7PM
No Cover – Tips kindly appreciated!
LAST Sundays at The Mission we jam! Spread the word, invite folks and kindly consider supporting the blues jam culture. Invite YOUNG players. A successful jam is a reflection of a healthy music community. It is also an imperative opportunity to blend generations through music. Don’t let this be a lost art on our watch.
Host band: The Missionaries {Home grown host band}
special guest Kyle Caraway – Guitar/Vocals
Johnny D’Agostino – Key/Vocals
Robert Duckworth – Bass
Jimmy Culberton – Drums
Sign up will start promptly at 2pm. Host band to kick things off @ 3pm…all those who sign up at a reasonable time, WILL get to perform.
If you are new to blues jams, don’t let this scare you away. Remember, it is a time to learn, grow and network. To our seasoned musicians, yes it is a time to have fun. It is also a time to pass along what you know through encouragement. Each of you had a mentor at one point in your musical career. Kindly remember that.
We’ve got a good thing going on with our Sunday Jams. Join us!

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Open Mic Night @ The Mission!
2022-06-29 19:00 - 23:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States

Closed 6/30 - Open 7/1 for Forrest McCurren and The Daily Special
2022-06-30 17:00 - 2022-07-01 01:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States

Forrest McCurren {DEBUTS} @ The Mission!!
2022-07-01 20:30 - 2022-07-02 00:00 | The Mission, 915 E High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Doors @5PM
SHOW 8:30-Midnight
TICKETS @DOOR $12
FACEBOOK {Forrest McCurren}
WEBSITE {Forrest McCurren}

Missouri-raised singer-songwriter Forrest McCurren’s music is a celebration of the “luckiness of life.” In fact, you could consider his debut album Oh Me, Oh My (out August 19) a soundtrack to those moments of human connection that feel almost cosmic. (“To me, the best songs are human and help us to realize how much we all share,” McCurren says.) Debut single “Little Rock,” inspired by John Prine, a long roadtrip and a roadside motel, finds the Midwest troubadour penning a homesick love song for his wife Margaret. “I had been on the road for a couple days, following different rivers (mainly the Mississippi) and listening to different records (mainly CCR and John Prine’s ‘Sweet Revenge’) when I pulled into Little Rock. I booked the motel room based on the roadside, neon sign I had seen on Google images, usually a safe bet, but when I checked-in the room was a complete mess and the AC wouldn’t turn off,” McCurren tells Wide Open Country. “I probably could have had my room switched but the owner, and from what I could tell the only employee, was a sweet lady named Ramona that had run the place since the 60’s and I didn’t want to trouble her so I decided I’d go out and stay up late enough that I didn’t care that the bed sheets hadn’t been washed. I woke up the next morning with a hangover and a heartache for home and Margaret. I sang the lines into my phone on my drive back to Missouri and wrote it down as soon as I got home (after hugs and kisses).” The song’s video features Forrest and Margaret hitting the road for a scenic Missouri road trip. “Margaret and I met up with buddies, and creative-forces-of-nature, Brett Jackson (also a mid-Missourian) and Aaron Lawrence of Intrepid Creative. One of my favorite movie lines is from Cool Hand Luke when Paul Newman says, ‘I never planned anything in my life’ and this video was no exception save one ‘planning’ aka whiskey-drinking session the night before,” he says. “I wanted the video to reflect the chorus of the song, being away from home and missing it and/or someone. The result was a long, winding drive from Kansas City back to my Papaw’s (Big Forrest) farm in Mid-Missouri with Margaret in the passenger seat and the Intrepid Creative boys right behind. Important stops included: highway firework/cigarette store, hidden Missouri river lookouts, small town main streets, Crazy Good Burritos in Columbia, and the fields and forests of Callaway County.” Raised on the lyrics of Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen and Townes Van Zandt, McCurren values truth and human connection above all in his songwriting. “I never had a plan in my life; music has always given me something to keep mefocused,” he says in a press statement. “I always try to write one true sentence. Most of the songs I have kept, the first line I wrote was the first line of the song. Words come first, then melodies get inspired by the words. I trust the quickness of the way I write. I am always jotting down rhymes. Songs have given me a way of understanding who I am and relating to people.” Wide Open Country – BY BOBBIE JEAN SAWYER | MAY 19, 2022
