Jason Lee McKinney Band (JLMB) is pleased to announce they are embarking on a tour of Southwest Asia military bases and installations with Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) from May 18, 2017 through June 2, 2017. This announcement comes on the heels of the band’s April 22, 2017 release of the Triple EP set, “Sacred, Southern, Soul.”
“Simply put this an opportunity for us to go and serve those who serve us every day,” said McKinney. “The military literally put their lives in danger so that we can have the freedom to play this silly little thing we call music, it is our honor to do this and we are beyond excited.
AFE, the official Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, designed this tour specifically for the JLMB.
“Traveling across the world to perform for our U.S. service members is definitely an exciting opportunity but we also recognize that it can also be somewhat grueling for the entertainers—particularly on some of the longer tours to more remote locations,” said Major Jody Wynans, Chief of Armed Forces Entertainment. “So, we always appreciate the level of dedication in our touring artists like the Jason Lee McKinney Band. More importantly, it’s appreciated by the military audiences who enjoy the shows, especially those who are stationed so far away from home.”
A two-time nationally signed recording artist, powerhouse vocalist, and songwriter, McKinney weaves a narrative that is both uniquely his and everyman’s story. An intellectual troubadour who writes and sings from the depths of an earthy soul, McKinney’s live shows are fast paced, dynamic events that leave audiences exhausted, yet longing for more. He has shared the stage with artists such as Josh Turner, Chris Stapleton, Turnpike Troubadours, Steel Drivers, The Black Lilies, William Clark Green, Zane Williams, Walt Wilkins, JB and the Moonshine Band, Southern Avenue, Grammy-nominated bluegrass band Blue Highway and others.
McKinney has worked with music legends such as Tommy Sims (Garth Brooks, Bruce Springsteen, and Eric Clapton), and has played over 2,000 shows, released seven full-length albums and three EPs, and has had five hits on four different charts (“Take Me There” and “Boy Meets Girl” on the Christian Rock charts, “Hey DJ” and “Find Me” on the CMJ charts).
As part of the current band lineup that includes Barry Strauser and Billy Wright, JLMB has released five records, celebrated as their 2016 radio single, “Lisha’s Leaving,” hit #7 on the Texas Music Airwaves Chart, headlined festivals in Poland (Piknik Festival), Germany (Pullman City), and France (Country Rendevous) and appeared at large domestic festivals Merlefest (Wilkesboro, NC) and Riverbend (Chattanooga, TN). With a smooth and charming stage presence that aligns himself as one of the guys, without losing the distant aloof rock star vibe, McKinney commands the stage, every night a night to remember for everyone, in every town, on every stage he plays.
“Sacred, Southern, Soul” is poised to leave listeners with a newfound sense of identity, comfort and southern spunk. Tagged as “Sanctified, Chicken Fried, Roots Revived, with an American Soul,” the EPs create a vibrant character and provide a sense of musical excellence. Leaving a collective signature on these 15 songs that is unmistakable, they showcase the different facets of the band’s well-rounded appreciation for music with a three-fold multi-genre vessel (American Rock; Red Dirt/Traditional Country; Memphis soul) that pays respect to every influence and brings out the best in every listener. From beginning to end, you can hear McKinney give each song everything he’s got while perfectly balancing conviction and passion with a solid American roots attitude.
# # #
About Armed Forces Entertainment
Armed Forces Entertainment is the official Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment. Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. For more information visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
For more information on Jason Lee McKinney Band, view his website at www.jasonleemckinneyband.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
For more information, to schedule an interview, or request a physical copy, please contact:
Armed Forces Entertainment | Erini Marvin | EM: Erini@rc-co.com | PH: 210-748-5388
SpinDrift Media & Entertainment | Ami Blackwell |EM: ami@spindriftme.com |PH: 281-832-6696
