Thank You merlefest 2026.
Based out of Greensboro, NC, the band features upbeat songs that get your feet moving. Their music pulls styles from the roots of Rock & Roll and R&B, including West Coast Swing, Chicago Blues, Memphis Rockabilly, Elvis and a dose of Chuck Berry. This is the music the Stones, Beatles and Allman Brothers were listening to and playing at the start of their careers.
The JumpStarters take songs from 1945-1965 and give them a new twist. The
common thread is it makes you move. It could be shuffling your feet or full on dancing; this music makes you move.
The Band started in 2015 and features Bryan Smith on Vocals and Guitar, Steve Blake on Saxophone, Doug Dennis on Bass and Roy Brown on Drums. The
JumpStarters have played swing dances, clubs and festivals across the Carolinas, including performances at MerleFest in 2018 and 2021. These music veterans are ready to introduce this style to a whole new generation.
So bring your dancing shoes and be prepared to
Shake Yo’ Shimmy.
Thank You MerleFest 2021
On the Dance Stage MerleFest 2021
Smitty and the JumpStarters were invited back to MerleFest and played the Dance Stage, September 19, 2021. Very honored to be a two time alumni in this musical family. It was a hot afternoon on the grounds and on the stages. Mavis Staples played the main stage later that afternoon along with Melissa Etheridge as the closer. One big highlight at MerleFest 2021 was Tedeschi Trucks band on Friday night along with Leann Rimes playing before. Great Festival!!!
Hats SOLD OUT!!
On Stage at the Tanger Canter
June 16th , 2021, Smitty and the JumpStarters are the first band to play the Steven Tanger Performance Arts Center in Greensboro, NC. The Center was to open March 2020 but the shutdown cancelled all shows. It is about to do a grand opening and they needed a show to practice. We got the honor along with Keith Byrd's band Fynz. We did a sound check on Tuesday and on Wednesday we did a set on the big stage. What a treat to play this State of the Art performance hall.
MerleFest 2018 on the Dance Stage
This rocking, swinging quartet plays music to get your feet moving. Their music is based in the blues but easily passes through Rockabilly, Jump Blues and other vintage styles. The band has logged six years together and first appeared at MerleFest on the Dance stage in 2018.
Let's Get Jumpstarted
In April of 2020 (right after the Covid lockdown), they released their second CD with 12 Jumpstarters tunes and originals. The new CD “Let’s Get Jumpstarted” has gained much success on the airways. Two different songs reached #1 on the Roadhouse Blues & Boogie chart along with three songs appearing on the Beach Top 40 charts. The JumpStarters have a local, regional and global connection playing JumpStarters's music.
Bryan "Smitty" Smith
This Triad music veteran has performed Blues in and around North Carolina since the Mid 80's. His previous band "Blues World Order" logged in 15 years of festivals and club dates throughout the state. In the mid 90's he joined Johnnie Whitlocks' Amazing Blues Caucus where he first played with Sax player Steve Blake.
Steve Blake
Steve is one of the founding members of the the Triad's hottest Latin Band, "West End Mambo" A graduate of Berklee College of Music, his tool box includes many instruments and styles. Back in the 90's, Steve and Bryan played together in Johnnie Whitocks' Amazing Blues Caucus Band.
Doug Dennis
Doug's music career needs its own chapter in The Music History of Greensboro. He was the original Bass player in "Brice Street", and has been in many music projects over the years.
Roy Brown
Another Greensboro music veteran and graduate of UNCG's School of Music. Roy has anchored many bands and projects over the years. Roy was the founding member of "Dr. Brown's Code Blue Revue" back in the day where Steve Blake joined them on Sax.
