Clay Parker And Jodi James Fundraising Concert to Benefit Front Yard Bikes
Clay Parker and Jodi James are a nationally-touring folk-rock band known for their pure vocal tones and direct delivery of lyrics and melodies that are informed by the folk tradition without being boxed in by it. Over the years they have played at venues across the country, from house concerts to theaters and festival stages, including repeat performances at the New Orleans’ Jazz Fest. This November they will be playing at the New Folk Old Folk Festival in Fischer, Texas. In 2018 they were named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know,” though these days they are not likely to be categorized as country artists.
Parker and James’ music reflects jazz, rock, country, and contemporary folk influences, but their highest commitment is not to a specific genre, but to the emotional storytelling of the music – an emotional storytelling not merely contained in the lyrics, but one that emerges from the totality of the musical experience. In fact, the lyrics are often abstract or give hints of a story rather than the story itself. But far from being a source of frustration for the listener, this abstractness serves as an open invitation into a world the artists and listeners co-create. And while their lyrics may be hazy or abstract, their sound rests on a sturdy foundation of technical excellence in singing and playing. Clay Parker’s understated guitar playing, sometimes showing a jazz influence, adds complexity while always keeping the song at the center. Jodi James’ voice is nothing short of magical. And while James’s and Parker’s vocal harmonies are a prominent feature of their music, each are fully capable of carrying a song’s melody alone, and the role of lead vocalist often swaps between them from song to song. What began as an acoustic duo has since evolved into a full-band identity with Parker and James on electric guitars and vocals, David Hinson on bass, and Michael Cole on drums.
Opener and concert organizer Katie Love is a long-time member of the University United Methodist church and an up-and-coming contemporary folk musician. Love released her debut album Time for Moving On in January 2026. She marked her arrival to the local music scene with a sold-out album release show at MidCity Ballroom and has continued to fill rooms ever since. This summer she played her first two out-of-state shows, opening for Terry Klein at NeWorlDeli in Austin, TX, and sharing a double-headliner show with Eric Schmitt at Kojak’s Cafe in Houston. Her sound has been compared to Jason Isbell or a young Brandi Carlile. She is currently working on her second album, this time with a full band.
