Juke Box Jam II at The Basement East

A night of soul & funk that took us back into another time

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The Basement East in Nashville was transformed into an old juke-joint/ sock hop with soul on Saturday night. The room was electric as people poured in, some donned in 1950’s and 60’s attire to watch a spectacular evening of beautiful music from the yesteryears. The stage was set with glittery streamers laced in a gold and red background, paper records looped around the venue, as a disco ball illuminated both floor and ceiling. There was an enchanting feeling that made me sense Michael J. Fox was about to blow up this “Under the Sea” monikered prom by ripping his cherry red Gibson ES-345 guitar and showing us the future of music.  

The Jukebox Jam was envisioned and created by Jonathan Plevyak who is himself, a Nashville soul singer with a nostalgic presence.  He said that he wanted to create a once-a-year showcase with some of the city’s best throwback sounding artists.  “It’s an opportunity for people dress up, to put away their phones, and dance” he told local media, “It’s a really special time to encourage community and collaboration during our noisy life.” 

The Basement East is the perfect place for community to happen.  The venue prides itself on encapsulating all sorts of music.  When I first moved to Nashville via Seattle, I thought all I was going to get was country music, but the first show I saw in town was here and its was Seattle’s own, Mudhoney.  That’s when you know you are in the right place.  The universe certainly sends out signals if you pay attention.  I often get guided by the music. 

I was invited out early to watch sound check by Cam Gallagher. Cam heads up Cam Gallagher & The Tasty Soul with his saxophone and leadership qualities that are as enthusiastic as Glenn Miller in the big band days. He is a group leader, a composer, a songwriter and he blows his horn with exuberant excitement. I first saw Cam fill a slot at 3^rd & Lindsey (Nashville) with southern rock band Parker Barrow. Cam lit up the stage with not only his brilliant playing but also a hype that took the tonality of the track to a next level standard. I’ve been wanting to see Cam and his full crew, doing his own project, for a while now and on this night, I had that chance to see it come to fruition. What I wasn’t expecting was the cavalcade of other talent that I would be immersed in as well. 

While watching CG&TTS set their instruments up and give us a slice of what was to come, I also witnessed the heart & soul that Cam brings to this group. He wants everything to go smoothly, yet he isn’t a stern general about the band’s performance. “Have fun,” I caught him saying. “Get big out there. Be like John Belushi. Maybe that’s a bad example.” The band laughed.  

The show started with Cam Gallagher & The Tasty Soul funka-fying the audience with a wash of big sound created by its players. The boisterous buoyancy of the band rumbled throughout the venue and set the tone for all the festivities of the night. My friends Sarah & Matt showed up as well, as I had been hyping this show to them all day.  We nodded in agreement as we imbibed the sonic entertainment. Our shuffling feet and swaying shoulders kept up to the sweltering melodies. The eruption of sound was mesmerizing as the Reservoir Dogs clad lads jumped around the stage bringing the onlookers to a funk fueled fanfare of toe tapping delight.  

Cam introduced the band as such, “I met these incredible people and dear friends studying music at Belmont University. When I started this band, all I ever wanted to do was bring people together through the power of funk music.  The formation of Cam Gallagher & The Tasty Soul is based upon- Unity!, Community! And Positivity! If that resonates with you, we’d love to welcome you with open arms, into our funk family.” That immediate family is Tenor Sax: Cam Gallagher, Alto Sax: Jacob Yim, Keys: John Lawrie, Guitar: Vincent Bonelli aka Vinny Bonz, Bass: Sam Spheeris, Drums: Tieraney Sage and Vocalist: Elijah Aaron.  The extended family on this night also included- Trumpet: Davis Ginn, Trumpet: Jimmy Owenby, Tenor sax: Jojo Fisher, and Baritone Sax: Joseph Trahan who were all stupendous.  

The Tasty Soul was indeed delicious with crushing blows of resonance.  The band played together as if they had been doing it for 100 years.  Elijah’s voice was an angelic cloud floating above the war zone that was the group.  They pounded and shouted through their instruments with a passion that could lift a smile to anyone within range – no matter how bad your day was. We were all one in that room. 

The show went on with so many talented people at the helm.  I couldn’t help but think “They should all be household names”.  Bird & Byron were the next to perform and when Blake popped the first vocal from within, we all took a step back to breathe in the moment.  Bird & Byron are an indie rock and soul duo based in Nashville, TN. After launching their careers in Los Angeles, Blake (Bird) and Nick (Byron) returned to their hometown of Columbus, OH during the pandemic. There, they released their first four singles, a music video for Life Is a Bore, and began their One Take Tuesday series, which drew attention from artists such as James Taylor, Willow Smith, Coldplay, and Noah Kahan. Be sure to follow them on social media for those banger takes. 

Kenny Sharp crooned his way into our hearts as well.  He belted out some Sam & Dave that would’ve had Sam & Dave taking notes. He calls his sound “Brown Liquor Music.” His style is rooted in the American South and reflects the rich sonic landscapes of Nashville, Memphis, and his familial home of the magical Muscle Shoals. You can hear that swampers edge in his voice. He had us lifted to the heavens as he sang.   

Tabitha Meeks made it to the stage as well to celebrate her birthday with us.  Tabitha shed radiance across the dimly lit space.  She was empowering the full essence of young Nancy Sinatra, in both ambience and voice- and in fact treated us to a gorgeous rendition of ‘These Boots Are Made For Walking’ by the daughter of Old Blue Eyes himself.

Things were in perfect harmony on a Saturday night in East Nashville. One new upstart announced after another and all of them heartwarming and breath-taking. The backing players switched in and out, but the sound never fluttered.  It was a constant echo of phenomenal spirit, love, and a dance worthy performance. 

Backing Tabitha was Jonathan Plevyak, who as I mentioned before, along with friends, put this entire showcase together.  He also played a fabulous set that had me wishing for more Rockabilly around these parts.  His very look, style and presentation of this music that sometimes gets lost in the annuals of history was on full display during his set.  You could almost see the shadows of Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash against the wall behind him as he flowed with his band.  The whispers of the legends that started it all were among us this eve.  Pay attention to those signs- sometimes you must close your eyes to see them clearly.   

Art Fishing Club had it popping off as the lead singer reached down towards an audience member and asked for her rhinestone encrusted, white cowboy hat.  She much obliged and we were sent into another display of excellent arrangements. The band is composed of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Christopher Kessenich, guitarist Chris Dunkley, drummer Jody Lee Oliver and bassist Matthew Chansey and they bring a unique indie folk/rock that blends with borderline sultry.  I got this Black Crowes vibe, sans the heavier rock, from the gig. 

AJ & The Jiggawatts brought the mood to super sexy with an atmosphere of Isaac Hayes meets Curtis Mayfield. I thought it apropos that a Jiggawatts reference occurred for this showcase. After all it was “1.21 jigawatts” that is the needed amount of electrical power to activate the flux capacitor and enable time travel in the DeLorean and get Marty back to his time in “Back to the Future”. Duh. AJ Eason and crew did send a pulse of electricity through our bodies as the group lent to a jazzier and deep groove. 

Dylan Chambers visited us all the way from Los Angeles a got us moving and shaking with classic hits from the time of Little Richard and Chubby Checker.  Chambers seems to bask in that Golden-Era of soul.  He was a fireball of positivity and just wanted everyone to get along.  I noticed most phones had been tucked away by the time of his slot and we were living more in the moment.  When Chambers plays, he strikes his guitar with verocity, and unleashes the demons that lay in those strings.   

Bre Kennedy finished off what was an endearing piece of time in our share existence.  She was the perfect ending to this line-up of aligned stars.  She was soft and poetic and this singer/songwriter made me think of one of my favorites in Brandi Carlile. Johnathan Plevyak and Cam Gallagher were back up on the stage as well.  Bre held notes that drifted throughout The Basement East and out into the streets for any other passerby’s to bask in.   

This show was needed.  I needed it and I know everyone else that was present did too.  The smiles and the hugs- the comradery and the embraces were evident throughout.  My only note- this should happen more.  

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I did get a quick interview with Cam Gallagher after the show for a few questions. He also told me that he wanted to be like Prince. He wasn’t telling me this from a machismo perspective and he is certainly as humble and kind as one can be. It’s the respect from his peers that he seeks. Prince never came out looking for adoration. He earned it through his actions. Cam is seeking community, as are we all. It’s easier to come together than you think. We need to stop being so divisive.

1. Who are the core members (and their instruments) of The Tasty Soul, and how did you all get together? Also, who is your favorite Beatle? 

The Tasty Soul is a funk collective with a rotating lineup of musicians. I’ve found that working with a fluid group rather than a fixed band creates a unique musical chemistry. Each player brings their own voice, style, and energy, and blending those diverse musical identities leads to some truly inspiring moments. It keeps the music fresh, dynamic, and constantly evolving. Surrounding myself with brilliant musicians who approach music from different angles has led to some unforgettable, euphoric experiences. 

That said, the lineup from our Jukebox Jam performance tends to be the most consistent version of the band. I met everyone during my time at Belmont University while earning my master’s in music. I was actually the assistant director for one of Belmont’s jazz small groups, which is where I met Vinny—he was in the ensemble I taught. The rest of the crew came together through classes like Big Band, Jazz Small Group, Commercial Winds Seminar, and through rehearsals with other friends’ bands on campus. 

As for my favorite Beatle? Without a doubt, it’s George Harrison. His musicality, songwriting, and spiritual approach to life have always deeply resonated with me and influenced the way I make music and move through the world. 

2. If you could be any cartoon character (no superheroes), who would you be? 

Easy—Taz the Tasmanian Devil. I love his energy, wildness, and unfiltered goofiness. There’s something beautiful about that kind of unchained joy. 

3. How did you get involved with Jukebox Jam? Were you part of the inaugural line-up? And do you like pineapple on pizza? 

I got involved through my good friend Jonathan Pevleyak. I’m proud to be one of the Jukebox Boys and was honored that he thought of me and The Tasty Soul to open the night. I was originally slated to play the very first Jukebox Jam, but I had a scheduling conflict with a private wedding gig in Seattle. 

And yes—pineapple 1000% belongs on pizza. Sweet and savory is one of the best flavor combinations out there. It’s like Batman and Robin…different, but better together. 

4. Who are some of your non-musical influences? 

My biggest inspirations outside of music are my parents, Kim and Spencer Gallagher. They’ve shaped me into the person I am and continue to lead by example every day through their empathy, dedication, and light-hearted spirit. 

I’m also a huge fan of Kobe Bryant. His mindset, preparation, and relentless work ethic have taught me so much about pushing boundaries, both professionally and personally. 

What is your spirit animal? 

I’d say my spirit animal is a bonobo monkey.  

5. What’s next for you? The band? And who’s your celebrity crush? 

I’m always working to grow—as a performer, musician, and person. My goal is to be 1% better every day, and to use music as a way to connect people and build community. I want to fully embrace every avenue the music world offers—touring as a saxophonist, composing and arranging for other artists, working in film and TV, continuing private instruction, and eventually teaching at the college level. Music is my life and I want to live in it, fully, 24/7. 

As for The Tasty Soul, I want to take the group on the road, record regularly, and use our platform to support music education and outreach. We aim to create opportunities to teach young musicians about community, unity, and joy through music—whether that’s masterclasses, local events, or collaborative performances. 

Margot Robbie. No explanation needed. 

6. Where do you see Cam Gallagher & The Tasty Soul in 3 to 5 years? Also, Blue Cheese or Ranch? 

In 3 to 5 years, I see Cam Gallagher & The Tasty Soul performing across the globe on major stages, touring the festival circuit, and building a strong presence as a community-focused band rooted in Nashville. We want to keep recording, releasing new music, and most importantly—having the time of our lives doing what we love. 

And honestly, why not both? Blue cheese and ranch each bring their own magic. 

Be Sure to Check Out Cam Gallagher & The Tasty Soul on 8/9/25 at Tomato Fest!