Washington DC welcomed JJ Grey and the Mofro Band to the 9:30 Club on Thursday, March 7 for a night of blues driven, southern rock. JJ Grey and the Mofro Band are currently on their US tour with opener Southern Avenue, out of Tennessee. Unfortunately, the morning of the DC show, Southern Avenue became stranded on the road after their tour van’s transmission blew.

Every dark cloud has a silver lining however. This unfortunate incident created an opportunity for artists in the DMV to join the bill and open for JJ Grey and the Mofro Band at the 9:30 Club.

Jonny Grave, a singer, blues guitarist and songwriter of Washington DC, got the job the afternoon of the gig. Jonny was joined on stage by Ben Tufts, drummer of DC-based indie band Fuzzqueen and bassist, Ben Rikhoff.

Alchemical Records caught up with Jonny Grave after the show. Jonny told us that he got a call from Danny Schwartz around 1:30 to cancel his evening plans and get in touch immediately with All Good Presents. The gig was Jonny’s if he could put a band together in an hour. A few calls later and mission accomplished. Jonny told us, “The staff at 9:30 is a bunch of rare and fearless individuals who can take a dire situation like [this], and turn it into an amazing show. They’re top notch, and a joy to work with. I had a fantastic time, and can’t wait to come back.”

The crowd was undoubtedly impressed with the impromptu trio, who gave a steady rise to the energy level in the room to welcome the headliner.

JJ Grey and the Mofro did not disappoint. The Florida based band kept the crowd on their feet, the guitar picks flying and the organ and trumpets whaling. Alchemical Records would be remiss to not give a loud fist bump to Mofro trumpeter Dennis Marion of Baltimore, Md.

Kimberly Shires is a native of the DC Metropolitan area. Kimberly is a freelance writer, music degree holder, road bike warrior, songwriter, corporate ladder climber, and a Subaru driving nature enthusiast.