The Rise of JoJo Stockton

Over the last couple of years, entertainment has been on the rise in Roanoke, Virginia. Restaurants and downtown venues are setting the tone for the night, whether it is a date night, an evening out with friends or a corporate event. JoJo Stockton is one of the most sought-after musicians in the Roanoke Area. There is hardly a spot in Downtown Roanoke that Hot Sauce or Soul Acoustix has not touched. One of the things that sets JoJo Stockton apart is the same thing that keeps him booked; he brings a good time no matter the venue or genre. They can even make the event enjoyable for children like when Stuart Brown, The Human Jukebox of Soul Acoustix, inserts a nursey rhyme in the middle of a set. Everyone always leaves their show satisfied.

Music is one of the gifts in life that has the power to bring a people together. I was able to sit down with the artist and hear the story behind the music. When asked about the musical artistry in this area, JoJo says, “if the music scene is thriving, we all win”. JoJo is a humble man, who speaks highly of other artists. He backs up his words in action by supporting other fellow artists in the area on his free nights.

JoJo is a man that values time and artistry. He has numerous accomplishments under his belt so far. He recently released an album titled Cookies and Ice Cream which is an independent blues album. He has played for Roof Top Riot events and even for the Roanoke City Libraries. He has opened for Grammy award winning Delbert McClinton at The Harvester in Rocky Mount, played at the Greenbriar, and many other places around Southwest Virginia. But before all of these events there was an open mic night at local restaurant, The Blues BBQ.

On this particular night Jane Powell was hosting and said that she wished there was a guitarist in the house. In walks JoJo, the regulars take no time in giving it away by pointing him out that indeed he was her guy. He walked back to his car for the guitar he kept in his trunk, just in case an opportunity arose. JoJo says, “Life is your best teacher, you never know who is in the building”. That special night landed him his first paid performance.

JoJo then went on to frequent another open mic at Fork in the Market and like fate he was in the right place at the right time. The band that was set to play the next night called and told the manager that they were cancelling. As the manager felt like it would be impossible to get another band in its place, JoJo spoke up and said that he had a band. It was a done deal. On the next night, as the manager trusted him to do, he brought his band and he delivered.

Still, to this day he delivers and carries the torch in this area in the music industry. Because of his faithfulness to his music and the area, we have something to do at night. He is continuously exposing us to the plethora of talent right here in the Roanoke Valley.

Last year may be a tough year to beat but 2019 is just as promising. There will not be a shortage of entertainment. JoJo Stockton and his bands participate in three benefit shows a year. Lined up this year, they will play for Apple Ridge Farm, the Strawberry Festival, and the Roanoke Branch of the NAACP’s Jazz on the Lawn. JoJo already has an impressive schedule ahead of him. To stay up to date with JoJo’s latest events, check out his Facebook profile picture for the upcoming event flyer.

Events to look forward to

• Floyd Fest
• Summer Solstice
• Balloons over Alleghany
• Block Party at Fork in the Market
• Total Exposure at Greenbriar
• Sidewinders
• Unplugged at Wall Street Tavern – every Wednesday at 8:30pm

---