Pressing Strings
May 7th – Pressing Strings – When music is given the benefit of instinct, imagination and inspiration, the results are guaranteed to be good. So it ought to come as no surprise that the critically-acclaimed Annapolis Maryland-based trio, appropriately dubbed Pressing Strings, has infused those elements within their musical mantra the beginning. The band —Jordan Sokel (Guitar/Vocals), Nick Welker (Bass, Vocals), Justin Kruger (Drums, Vocals) and Austin Day(Keys, Guitar) can trace its origins to Sokel’s initial fascination with some iconic influences, among them, the usual suspects — Dylan, Marley, Simon, Withers, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, etc., as well as some more under the radar artists like Taj Mahal, R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, and Nick Drake.
“This band has had a lot of different parts and personalities over the years and if you listen closely, you can hear that in the music,” Sokel reflects. “It’s never been static; the chemistry and creativity has morphed and evolved and it’s still doing so now. However it has changed, one thing has stayed constant. Music has moved and motivated me ever since the first time I realized I could write songs and share them with an audience. That’s been my motivation ever since I was 20 years old and had my first opportunity to perform in front of a live audience. And after I learned how to record and shape songs in the studio, that was it, I was hooked.
Kruger was similarly inspired. He grew up in the Bay Area of California, the offspring of two working musicians and spent much of his youth behind soundboards and in green rooms. Like Sokel, college felt unsatisfactory so he began jumping into tour vans and onto festival stages in the western U.S. Giving him years in Jazz, Rock, Reggae, World, Country, Americana/Songwriter and even Comedy shows. After a decade plus, he moved to Maryland where he would begin again. First with the Annapolis scene. Then Baltimore city, Philadelphia, New York. Always knowing of Sokel and Welker’s forward motion and staying in close communication. JK was tapped to join full time in 2021. A singing drummer, adding 3 part harmonies and a new life to older tunes. Welker is a native of Annapolis. He first picked up the bass in 6th grade, and eventually started performing in his school’s orchestra before going on to form a band with some high school friends. He joined Pressing Strings in 2013 and has been with the group ever since.
These days, Sokel himself finds reflecting on all that Pressing Strings has accomplished thus far and how it’s impacted his life overall. “Music is an extension of who I am, what I’m going through, what I’m feeling, and the people who are meaningful in my life,” he maintains. “It offers me an avenue to share my feelings and, in doing so, connect with people. It’s never failed to give me comfort, in both the best and worst of times.”
That’s what great music is all about. It’s comforting to have Pressing Strings providing that comfort and concern.
General Admission: 25.00
Bar area doors open at 7pm
Main Concert Hall opens at 7:30pm
Music starts at 8pm