The Jayhawks & James McMurtry in Boulder

The Jayhawks are an American band formed in Minneapolis in 1985. They play country rock and alternative country, and became known for the albums Hollywood Town Hall, Tomorrow the Green Grass and Rainy Day Music, as well as songs including “Blue,” “Waiting for the Sun” and “Save It for a Rainy Day.” In the 1990s, The Jayhawks toured clubs and theatres behind Hollywood Town Hall and Tomorrow the Green Grass. Mark Olson later rejoined Gary Louris and the band for reunion concerts, followed by touring connected to Mockingbird Time. In 2015, they marked their 30th anniversary with three nights at First Avenue in Minneapolis.

James McMurtry is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, born in Fort Worth in 1962 and associated with Austin’s roots-music scene. His narrative rock and country songwriting first appeared on the John Mellencamp-produced debut Too Long in the Wasteland; later touchstones include “Choctaw Bingo,” “We Can’t Make It Here,” Childish Things and The Horses and the Hounds. Live in Aught-Three documented McMurtry’s road band, the Heartless Bastards, and Live in Europe later captured the same guitar-led concert format overseas. He has played listening rooms and theatres including The Birchmere in Alexandria, while his Austin history includes a long-running series of Wednesday-night sets at the Continental Club.