2025 HAD BEEN A BUSY, BUSY YEAR for JR & the Bad OX Band. 

2025 had been a busy, busy year for JR & the Bad OX Band.  42 gigs in total for the year, writing new songs, recording songs, traveling for events and just enjoying the company of friends, family, and fans.  Performing music rules!

The highlight of the year was to be asked to perform at the BC Country Music Association annual awards weekend for a short Spotlight Showcase set.  My friend, Gary Brewer and I traveled over to Coquitlam in late May and performed the first set of the Spotlight Showcase for the weekend.  Being brand new at this type of event, we thought we were first as we are newbies, but in fact, we found that being first allowed us to be heard by all those in attendance at the John B Pub.  PS> thanks to the John B Pub and all the staff for their hosting this event and the gracious manner in hosting all the musicians.

 I got an opportunity to play as the lead in band for Mr. Leeroy Stagger at a friend’s outdoor house party.  Some of Leeroy’s band accompanied me during my performance and helped make the afternoon fantastic.  Again, this was a first in Johns’s musical journey.  Again, hoping that there will be many more house events in the band’s future.

We also played the Special Woodstock Festival in August.  This is such a special event presented for the celebration of music for all walks of people in our world.  John was joined by Gary Brewer (lead guitar, slide guitar and vocals), Doug Thorstienson (bass & vocals), Al Ogilvy (lead guitar and vocals), Mike Mitchell (harmonica, vocals, and percussion) with a cameo performance on drums by Ron Ogden.  AND…. A special appearance by our new friend Sean, who came up to play Little Cowboy, a John original, along with a few others.  Such a grand time was had by all.  We are honoured to be part of the Special Woodstock family.

The balance of gigs in the year includes senior’s homes, farmers markets, care homes, and the Galey Farms Octoberfest celebrations.