(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Invigorated by their recent 10-Year Reunion show at The Saint, Lightning Jar returns for a holiday homecoming on Thursday, December 29 at Langosta Lounge. This time, they've asked Nashville songwriters and Asbury Park friends Ashley McKinley and Colton Kayser to join them. The special songwriter's holiday show includes Ashley McKinley, Colton Kayser Band, and Lightning Jar. Showtime is 8:00pm.
In an email sent to their fanbase, Lightning Jar explained how the first show came together. "In the fall of 2021, the Lightning Jar crew found ourselves together for the first time in years. Jason was getting married, and at the dinner tables we shared stories from our time together in music. Soon, we became aware that it had been almost 10 years since the release of our LP, So Long Traveler. We agreed this was a good time to celebrate."
"Hard to believe it's been 10 years since Lightning Jar released our debut LP, So Long Traveler. In our short time together, Lightning Jar found success as one of New Jersey's premier acoustic acts. In 2012, we were nominated for multiple Asbury Music Awards and won the 'Best Band' category at the JAMs. Join us back where so much of that chapter occurred: The Saint in Asbury Park. We cannot wait to see so many familiar faces," said Lightning Jar.
Having grown up on a horse farm in Howell, New Jersey – just a skip away from the musically-infested streets of renowned Asbury Park – Ashley McKinley has long been exposed to the ever-budding potential of the music industry. With influences including Christina Perri, Kacey Musgraves, The Dixie Chicks, and Carole King; and sound resembling Brandi Carlile, she’s well-equipped to make her mark as a powerful female in not only the Nashville scene but the even wider margins of an entertainment business that knows no bounds.
Over the last few years, McKinley has been balancing life as a songwriting major at Nashville’s well-known Belmont University, while also recording hours in the studio and on the small stage. As of recent, she has established a joint venture with Asbury Park-based Telegraph Hill Records, which serves artists throughout the Jersey Shore and New York City area. Having graced the ears of many locals and passersby with her natural talents on acoustic guitar and piano, she has earned her spot in many noteworthy writer’s rounds and mini-festivals, including those at venues like 3rd & Lindsley, Belcourt Taps, and Alley Taps, located in famed Printer’s Alley of downtown Nashville. Her featured performances include favorites and sneak peeks alike from her 2017 debut album Wishful Thinking, a plethora of heartfelt and strong-willed ballads, including her first single “I Can,” which rightfully served as an introduction into a successful end to the decade with her most-streamed tracks to date, “The Truth Is” and “Break Even,” both 2019 singles. “The Truth Is” has also made its mark in being added to many prominent Spotify playlists spanning genres and audiences. With an impressive running start, McKinley is on track to make waves in the growing contemporary country market.
New Jersey singer-songwriter Colton Kayser grew up daydreaming in class and writing songs by the binder. As he grew, so did his work ethic, and he has been quietly chipping away and perfecting his craft ever since.
A debut record, cross country touring, and countless gigs later, Kayser is set to release his second record, Place to Settle.
“This record is about dealing with the uncertainties of life and finding your way through them. There were a lot of variables in my life at the time, and they definitely influenced my writing.”
His sound has further cemented itself in the alt-country/americana world while retaining the melodic pop accessibility of his previous release.
Langosta Lounge is located at 1000 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
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