I’m pleased to introduce you to Jami Lampkins, a talented singer and multi-instrumentalist and the newest member of The Dang-Its.

Band member changes can be hit and miss, but I’m here to tell you that Jami is a powerhouse who will ably help us maintain our high musical standards while keeping our eclectic repertoire, and will help us grow into new and exciting musical territory. Ms. Lampkins is a dynamic, energetic singer and a polished performer on guitar, banjo, mandolin and bass. Jami’s enthusiasm at the opportunity to join the band is matched by our enthusiasm (mine, Rick’s, Mark’s, and Pete’s) to work with her.

The Long Story. In the summer of 2008 local violinist Amber Dolphin did a show with The Dang-Its in SW Wisconsin. Amber and Jami had worked together in a touring country band, and Amber gave my name to Jami, who contacted me last autumn about studying swing guitar. We met, but at the time it didn’t seem that I had much to teach Jami, and that was the end of that. We exchanged CDs, however, and I heard her sing and play some amazing banjo. Fast forward to summer 2009. The band scheduled some performances that Sheila Voss was unable to do. Jami was one of a couple of guest artists we brought in for those shows, and from the start it was clear that her professionalism easily matched her obvious talent. She learned and very competently performed our tunes and we all thoroughly enjoyed the energy she brought to the shows. The amount of work she put in for just a couple of shows impressed us. As did her musicianship and showmanship.

When Sheila put in her notice, the guys and I spent a few weeks re-evaluating the band and deciding how to proceed. The only call we made was to Jami. We’re grateful that she said yes, and happy that she’s dived into the work with the same energy and dedication we saw last summer. We’ve been in rehearsal with her now for several weeks, and I’m jazzed with the way things are coming together. So is our newest band member. “It’s a Nashville-quality band with paying gigs. This is heaven!” says Jami, tongue only partly in-cheek. “The Dang-Its' energy is contagious and I'm so excited to be a part of that!”

If you’ve enjoyed The Dang-Its over the past 11 years, stick around for this next chapter. The Jami Lampkins era. It’s going to be a whole lotta fun.

Tom

P.S. We’re scheduling two official debut gigs with Jami:

Sunday November 29,  5:00 pm
Roxbury Tavern, Roxbury

Friday Dec. 4,  7:00 pm
The Brink Lounge, Madison

P.P.S. Photo shoots and promo re-designs take time and planning. We’ll get the web site updated ASAP.