Jess Yoakum: The Band

Jess Yoakum - Lead Singer/Songwriter

At the end of 2008, in the midst of an intense economic recession, Jess Yoakum made the risky decision to leave her day job and pursue her musical calling as a songwriter and performer. She set out from her hometown of Boston, MA on a 2-month long national house concert and coffeehouse tour. Traveling by Greyhound bus, Yoakum found herself in places off the traditional tour routes, including the homes of friends and family throughout the country.

Yoakum's style, described as "Patty Griffin joined forces with the Sundays" (Coffehouse Tour, Heather Corcoran) is well suited to intimate venues and listening rooms. IMG Music Promotions says, "Yoakum's vocals transcend genre while pulling the listener in with uncommon tones and flavors. Lyrically refreshing, she hooks the listener with thoughts and ideas not often found in today's mainstream music..."

While on tour, Yoakum was so compelled by the talent and warmth of the Chicago music scene, that she left Boston a few months after returning from tour and has now settled there. She compiled the best of her songwriting over the last 4 years and recorded This Quiet Mile in her new home with engineer and producer, Christopher Greene at Truself Music. Contemplative and lyric-driven, the album is a reflection on life, love, and growing through where we are to arrive where we're meant to be.

Ira Ochs - Cellist

Since arriving in Chicago in March 2008, Ira Ochs has been opening eyes with his original approach to the cello.  With influences ranging from John Fahey to John Coltrane, Ira constantly finds imaginative ways to break down the walls of genre and push listeners into new territory.  Ira is a preferred collaborator for many Chicago-based singer-songwriters, enjoying an especially productive relationship with Jess Yoakum, performing all over the Midwest.

Monica Hammer - Fiddle, Harmony Singer

Meg Thomas - Percussionist

Meg Thomas, percussionist and drummer based out of Chicago, is an active performer in many different musical ensembles and bands.  Her musical background finds her incorporating elements from world to rock to classical.  Meg's experience with congas, darbuka, cajon, djembe, bodhrán, tabla, along with other percussion instruments creates a unique approach to each song.  In addition to being an active performer, Meg plays recording sessions, puts on percussion seminars, teaches private lessons, and writes the Drum and Percussion Tips of the Month column for the webzine, ChicagoMusicGuide.com.  Meg is a Vic Firth Private Drum Teacher and has a Sabian Cymbal endorsement.