JigJam's Residencies at McGurk's Are a Must-See for Irish Bluegrass Lovers

By on Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 9:05 am

As Steve Leftridge explains in this week's RFT, one of the top Irish bluegrass bands in the world, JigJam, recently moved to St. Louis, and its members had one very smart reason for that: McGurk's.

Increasingly in demand across America, JigJam realized they could tour much more easily from a base in the U.S. — and that John D. McGurk's offered the perfect place for extended residencies between tours.

Photographer Zachary Linhares recently caught the band working its magic a quiet Thursday night. Enjoy the highlights, and don't forget to read Leftridge's profile.
Scroll down to view images
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JigJam on the stage at John D. McGurk's on Thursday, February 22.
ZACHARY LINHARES
JigJam on the stage at John D. McGurk's on Thursday, February 22.
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McGurk's opened in 1978 and has grown much bigger in its 40-plus years in Soulard.
ZACHARY LINHARES
McGurk's opened in 1978 and has grown much bigger in its 40-plus years in Soulard.
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The band behind the bar at John D. McGurk's.
ZACHARY LINHARES
The band behind the bar at John D. McGurk's.
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Patrons enjoy a mellow weeknight.
ZACHARY LINHARES
Patrons enjoy a mellow weeknight.
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JigJam is in fine company in Soulard, as this wall of Irish music luminaries at John D. McGurk's makes clear.
ZACHARY LINHARES
JigJam is in fine company in Soulard, as this wall of Irish music luminaries at John D. McGurk's makes clear.
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The best place to hear the band is a seat at the bar.
ZACHARY LINHARES
The best place to hear the band is a seat at the bar.
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JigJam's new album is fittingly titled Across the Pond.
ZACHARY LINHARES
JigJam's new album is fittingly titled Across the Pond.
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The album was recorded in St. Louis and debuts March 1.
ZACHARY LINHARES
The album was recorded in St. Louis and debuts March 1.
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In St. Louis, the band picked up a new member: fiddler Kevin Buckley.
ZACHARY LINHARES
In St. Louis, the band picked up a new member: fiddler Kevin Buckley.
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Daithi Melia shows his stuff.
ZACHARY LINHARES
Daithi Melia shows his stuff.
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Singer/guitarist Jamie McKeogh.
ZACHARY LINHARES
Singer/guitarist Jamie McKeogh.
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The band also includes Gavin Strappe, who plays tenor guitar as well as mandolin.
ZACHARY LINHARES
The band also includes Gavin Strappe, who plays tenor guitar as well as mandolin.
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JigJam's Residencies at McGurk's Are a Must-See for Irish Bluegrass Lovers
ZACHARY LINHARES
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JigJam's Residencies at McGurk's Are a Must-See for Irish Bluegrass Lovers
ZACHARY LINHARES
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JigJam's Residencies at McGurk's Are a Must-See for Irish Bluegrass Lovers
ZACHARY LINHARES
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JigJam's Residencies at McGurk's Are a Must-See for Irish Bluegrass Lovers
ZACHARY LINHARES
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JigJam's Residencies at McGurk's Are a Must-See for Irish Bluegrass Lovers
ZACHARY LINHARES
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JigJam's Residencies at McGurk's Are a Must-See for Irish Bluegrass Lovers
ZACHARY LINHARES
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JigJam's Residencies at McGurk's Are a Must-See for Irish Bluegrass Lovers
ZACHARY LINHARES
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JigJam's Residencies at McGurk's Are a Must-See for Irish Bluegrass Lovers
ZACHARY LINHARES
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