Dubois County Free Press: Soul Singer Chris Jacobs to Play at The Astra

Musician Cris Jacobs will bring “his inspired, poignant songwriting, virtuoso guitar playing, and soulfully transcendent voice” to the historic Astra Theatre in Jasper on Saturday, May 18. Doors for this performance will open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are on sale now at www.TheNextAct.org. General admission tickets on the main floor and balcony are $20. Jacobs broke out on the music scene with his critically acclaimed 2016 album Dust to Gold, which spent time at #1 on both the RMR Roots and Rock charts. Since then, life has rolled on and brought about changes both throughout the world and more specifically for Jacobs himself. Marriage, fatherhood, and a thriving career made Jacobs realize that he would have to do things differently with his next works. His new album Color Where You Are is set to release April 12. The name of this album is a nod to writing this album wherever he was due to the many demands that accompanied his life changes. Color Where You Are is the work of an artist at an exciting new stage in his life and career, ready to use his talents to share a little beauty with the loved ones and fans who have already given so much to him. Jacobs’ album reflects several musical influences. “Painted Roads” was one of the first songs he and his band recorded for the new album, with his bandmates taking Jacobs’ original Tom Petty-inspired arrangement and giving it an off-kilter, syncopated groove. In a search for optimism and healing during trying times, Jacobs’ emotional vocal on the song “Afterglow” is buoyed by a passionate, swelling performance from the band Furthermore, Jacobs channels swampy, gritty, Southern rock influences on “Under the Big Top” that you can’t help but move to, while country and funk are merged on “Rooster Coop.” Spanning rock, folk, soul, and funk, Color Where You Are is a kaleidoscopic portrait of Cris Jacobs as a songwriter, musician, and bandleader. It is the work of a devoted father and an empathetic member of the human race. More than that, it’s a reminder that there’s beauty to be found everywhere if you just take a moment to color where you are. Chris Tapp from The Cold Stares will return to the Astra to open the show, and he will no doubt bring the authenticity that embodies the band. Tapp will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. In addition to sharing the evening with Cris Jacobs,make plans to attend events from the scheduled 2019 Next Act, Inc. shows including comedian Costaki Economopoulos on Friday, April 12, the 30th anniversary screening of the movie “Major League” on Saturday, April 20, and the screening of the original “Mary Poppins” on Saturday, June 1. Tickets and information on upcoming shows can be found at www.TheNextAct.org. The historic Astra Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Jasper, Indiana. Newly renovated with 357 seats, the Astra has main level and balcony seating with a concessions stand offering snacks, local craft and domestic beer, and wine that are available for purchase.