PRESS-KIT

I am a country*grassroots singer-songwriter and am joined by ‘The FIRE’ to make an exciting four(4) piece band.  We keep audiences engaged or entertained with a variety of upbeat COVERS / 'sing-along' songs, and 'story-telling ORIGINALS'.  We call our show ‘THE HISTORY of HONKY-TONK Music’ which includes:

  • Honky-tonk dance covers {Examples - The Delmore Brothers ‘Freight Train Boogie’, Ernest Tubb ‘Driving Nails’, Hank Thompson ‘Cincinnati Lou’, Hank Sr Jambalaya, Santo & Johnny Sleepwalk, Hank 3rd Honky-Tonk Girl, Grateful Dead's I know you rider, Allman Brothers ‘Ramblin Man’}
  • Country/bluegrass sing-alongs {Examples - Merle Haggard ‘Mama Tried’, Country Gentlemen ‘Fox on the Run’, John Denver ‘Country Roads’, Johnny Cash ‘Ring of Fire’, Roger Miller ‘King of the Road’, & many others}
  • Originals inspired by Gary's true life experience.

We have played a variety of venues around the DMV including Dominion Raceway, Merriweather, National Cherry Blossom Festival, breweries, wineries & more.  We have opened for Whey Jennings (Waylon Jennings grandson) & Craig Campbell at Dominion Raceway. We have headlined at Leesburg VA's ‘Acoustic on the Green’.  I have two(2) albums out with the latest album 'Back to the Farm' having five(5) songs on approximately 4000 radio channels 2021/2022 promoted by Muscle Shoals legend Stephen Foster.  Gary Jay & The FIRE are:

Gary Jay - Singer-songwriter, vocals, guitar, percussion.  Gary invented a unique percussion device for his guitar so no drums or loopers are needed.

Lavinia Reid - Electrifying Fiddle.

Chris Thompson (aka Mr. Lonesome) - 1956 Fender Triple Neck ‘Daddy Long-Legs’ Steel Guitar.

Robert Friedensen - Upright and Electric BASS.

NOTE: The 'HISTORY of HONKY-TONK Music’ can include a special multi-media presentation depending on budget / venue preferences.  DUO or TRIO may also be available.

VENUES / FESTIVALS:

Gary Jay has played a variety of festivals and venues including: The Groove at DOMINION RACEWAY, Baltimore Fest at Merriweather, National Cherry Blossom Festival, Acoustic on the Green(Leesburg), Bluemont Fair, North Mountain Arts Festival, Taste of Leesburg, Roundhill Hometown Festival, Arlington County Fair, World Police Games, Jammin Java, Farm Brewery Gainesville VA, Bear Chase Brewery, Dirt Farm Brewery, Antietam Creek Vineyards, Deathridge Brewery, Baldtop Brewery, Prince Michael Winery, Vanish Brewery, Old Bust Head Brewery, Two Twisted Posts Vineyard, Spankys, Velocity5, Dogfish Ale House, Horseshoe Curve Restaurant, Brewbakers, Griffin Tavern, Worthog brewery, Molly's Irish Pub, Gypsy Sallys, National Conference Center, Cascades Overlook Center, Mark's Pub, Paddy's Irish Pub, American Legion Post 71, Purcellville American Legion, Eagles Club, Addy's Lounge, Blue Fox Billiards, Winners Circle Saloon, Barrel Oak Winery, Blue Valley Vineyards, Harpers Ferry Brewing, Harpers Ferry Event Barn, 50West Vineyards, The Wine Kitchen, & more.

PRESS:

  • Mentioned in 'Readers Digest' national blog Memorial Day 2021 for things to do:

           Readers Digest BLOG Link

  • I just wanted to say THANK YOU for being a part of our very first TASTE Leesburg!! The turnout surpassed our expectations. Thank you all for your top notch performance.-Events Coordinator Town of Leesburg Department of Parks & Recreation 2018
  • Great day & FANTASTIC MUSIC!  Glad to have you, see you soon.  TTP Winery 2019.
  • Speaking with a lady after our DIRT FARM show she says I know where you two should play, the seldom seen are playing there. It's in Alexandria 'The Birchmere'. I said I would love to open for someone like that..  She says, "No.. you need your own show there!"  Wow, I think that is probably the best compliment I have ever heard. Quote from unknown/new fan. -Dirt Farm Nov 29th 2019
  • From recent fundraiser gig comments from the organizers: "You are the best we ever had at this event." & "You sound like a FULL BAND" (speaking to our DUO & relates to my unique percussion device).  Sep 28th, 2019.
Photo from 'The GROOVE' Dominion Raceway - opening for Whey Jennings Jan 2021.

Photo from 'The GROOVE' Dominion Raceway - opening for Whey Jennings Jan 2021.

Featured in local paper, photo from playing Bluemont Fair 2022.

Featured in local paper, photo from playing Bluemont Fair 2022.

Very exciting to play with the Electrifying Gypsy fiddler Lavinia Reid :-)

Very exciting to play with the Electrifying Gypsy fiddler Lavinia Reid :-)