Rising Stars: Meet Brian Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Jones.

Hi Brian, We’re so excited to have you on the platform. Before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
When I turned twelve, a Christmas gift changed my world forever: my first guitar. It was a pivotal moment in my life, marking the beginning of a journey deeply intertwined with rock ‘n’ roll. Thanks to my father’s early introduction to iconic bands like Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers, and Jimi Hendrix, I was immersed in the magic of music from a tender age. By age eighteen, destiny led me to an extraordinary vocalist named Damon D’Andrea. Together, we ignited the stage with the band Hybrid, captivating audiences across our town. This partnership was more than just music; it was a revelation that illuminated my path forward. I realized that music wasn’t just a passion—it was my calling, my livelihood waiting to be embraced.

Though the band eventually parted ways, Damon and I persisted, morphing into an acoustic powerhouse that refused to fade into obscurity. In 2009, our journey led us to the Open Mic stage at Ruckus Pizza in Mission Valley Shopping Center, nestled across from NC State. With the departure of the previous host, an opportunity presented itself. With determination and a bit of persuasion, I stepped into the role of host, breathing new life into the Open Mic scene. Soon, word spread of the vibrant hub we’d created, drawing offers from other venues eager to replicate our success. Thus, Southern Roots Entertainment was born in 2010 and is dedicated to curating unparalleled open-mic experiences for musicians of all stripes.

Today, with nine thriving Open Mics scattered across The Triangle and more on the horizon, I live the adage: “Do what you love for a living, and you’ll never work another day in your life.” The fulfillment I derive from fostering these musical gatherings is immeasurable. Open Mics are more than just stages; they’re sanctuaries where musicians of every caliber converge to share their craft. It’s a place where friendships are forged, dreams take flight, and the magic of music unites us all.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The business was flourishing and thriving until the pandemic struck. Suddenly, the entire world stopped, and the vibrant entertainment scene we once knew ceased. Gone were the days of live music and open mic nights. With my cherished open mic gigs lost, uncertainty loomed over the possibility of the music scene ever bouncing back. In response to this unprecedented challenge, I pivoted. For the initial two years of the pandemic, I ventured into a new realm: launching my own landscape company. It was a leap into the unknown, driven by necessity and a determination to weather the storm. As time passed and the world gradually began reopening its doors, opportunities emerged again. Offers to host open mic events started trickling in, signaling a glimmer of hope for the revival of the music community. Seizing these opportunities enthusiastically, I returned to the familiar spotlight, albeit with newfound resilience and experience.

Today, as the world continues its journey towards recovery, my business has survived and thrived. With each passing day, it grows stronger, expanding its reach and impact. What began as a response to adversity has blossomed into a testament to perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit. As I embark on the next chapter of growth, I am grateful for the challenges that led me here and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
As the proprietor of Southern Roots Entertainment, headquartered in Raleigh, NC, we pride ourselves on our niche expertise in organizing dynamic open mic events. Our mission is twofold: to offer talented musicians a stage to spotlight their craft and to provide venues with an avenue to augment their revenue streams. What distinguishes us from the rest is our commitment to fostering a nurturing environment devoid of judgment, where musicians can freely express themselves. Moreover, we go beyond mere event organization; we actively cultivate communities and forge lasting friendships among musicians, enriching the cultural fabric of our region. Southern Roots Entertainment collaborates closely with Rocket Music Booking, offering local musicians invaluable opportunities to audition for one of central North Carolina’s premier booking agents, potentially securing coveted gigs. Additionally, as a board member of Guitarists for Good, a volunteer-driven, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, I am proud to be part of a mission dedicated to spreading the joy of music through the gift of guitars. Our focus is providing instruments to shelters serving the temporarily homeless within our communities. We firmly believe in the transformative power of music, offering solace, resilience, and a sense of belonging during challenging times, particularly during shelter stays.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Always be kind, remain steadfast in your beliefs, and never surrender.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.southernrootsentertainment.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/southernrootsent
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/southernrootsentertainment