About the Artist/Ensemble

After Jack is a musical celebration of togetherness, hailing from Ferrum, VA, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The all-female ensemble performs music from, and inspired by, the rich musical traditions of the region. Founding members Rachel and Emily Blankenship-Tucker met in 2010, while working as professional actors in a regional theatre company. The duo cite their work with Rex Stephenson’s Jack Tale Players as the catalyst for their artistic collaborations, which celebrate traditional music, folklore, and and oral traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The pair are often joined in concert by songwriter Catherine Backus, who joined the group in 2019, rounding out the trio and bringing sparkling instrumentals and her own powerhouse vocals to the mix.

In addition to concert performances, the group also offers fun and educational performances for all ages with the Jack Tale Players, featuring additional veteran performers, with a repertoire of bluegrass, old-time, gospel, and country music and dramatized folktales performed in a highly physical and entertaining story theatre style.

The band also offers educational workshops in play-parties and Appalachian social dance, songwriting, creative drama, storytelling, and traditional music.

Concert/Performance Description

Concerts – A blend of original songwriting inspired by the music of Appalachia and unique arrangements of traditional and folk music. The group’s style is largely centered around their signature vocal harmonies, and the three members play an assortment of traditional instruments to compliment the sound. Audiences can expect to hear elements of old-time, bluegrass, country, and other folk styles in every performance.

Jack Tales  – This performance includes a combination of traditional music and story theatre. The Jack Tale Players have presented entertaining and educational plays since 1975, with traditional music and stories of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The show has delighted young and old with its fast-paced action, energetic actors, innovative staging, and foot-stomping music. Although the content of this performance is often tailored to suit a school-age audience, the program is also enjoyable and educational for a variety of settings and age groups.

Technical Requirements

A minimum stage or playing space of 8′ x 16′

For music performances, After Jack requires 4 vocal mics, 2 instrument mics, 2 DIs and 2-4 monitors. A tech rider will be provided with any updates.

For story performances and workshops, the group requests access to an electrical outlet and a ladder.

Contact After Jack for more information.

Educational Programs

Music – After Jack offers educational musical concerts for school-age audiences. These 40-60 minute interactive performances highlight the musical history and context that has shaped the group’s musicianship and repertoire, with an emphasis on old-time and bluegrass styles and oral tradition.

Story Theatre – The Jack Tale Players, in partnership with After Jack, incorporate mountain music with Rex Stephenson’s dramatized Appalachian folktales into fast-paced, highly engaging, entertaining, and educational shows suitable for any audience. Typically, these are 40-60 minutes.

Workshops  – For those who would like a more immersive experience in the oral traditions of music and storytelling or the social context of music in Appalachia, custom workshops on traditional music and singing, play parties and social dance, storytelling, and creative drama are available. These are entirely customizable to suit any audience.

Fees

Concerts $1000

Jack Tales $650-$1200

Workshops $200-$500

Contact After Jack for more information. Additional fees for travel may be added, and discounts are available for multiple bookings.