Award-winning classic rock band offers solid melodies and lyrics

The Jensen Community Center kicks off its Jensen Performing Arts 2024-25 concert series with The Mascot Theory September 28. This classic-rock inspired band from Madison formed more than a decade ago and have performed at a number of major Wisconsin music festivals including Summerfest, Freak Fest, and the Mile of Music Festival, sharing the stage with such acts as The BoDeans, America, Don McLean, The Jayhawks, Andy Frasco and the UN, Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, and American Aquarium. Along the way, the group has collected a Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Best Male Vocalist award for singer/songwriter Erik Kjelland, a nomination for Best Americana/folk artist, and more than 20 Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) awards including back-to-back 2016 and 2017 Artist of the Year awards.

After several years of performing, the group refocused its musical efforts during COVID to shift from acoustic-driven folk-rock music to their current classic-rock-inspired sound. With the core foundation of lead singer Kjelland and the rhythm section of bass guitarist Nick Fry and drummer Paul Metz, The Mascot Theory added lead guitarist Cory Swadley, who brings a strong musical swagger and reverence to the guitar gods of the past.

The group’s new sound and music, featured on its “Every Sign of Life” album, is reminiscent of the Eagles or Poco, with some Rolling Stones guitar swagger, a little ZZ Top blues rock, and a dash of the Pink Floyd mood, but never straying far from the core of the Tom Petty/Beatle-esque importance of solid melody and lyrics.

Advance general admission tickets are $15 for adults or $12 for students at jensencommunitycenter.ticketspice.com/tmt through September 28 at 11 a.m. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door for $18 and $15, respectively. Come early for a reception at 6 p.m. that will include a sampling of BBQ delicacies for purchase by Beard Bros BBQ and bar drinks from the Jensen Center. Doors to the theater open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m., with a short intermission during the show for more locally crafted food and drinks, which can be enjoyed on the Center’s newly opened International Bank of Amherst Terrace.

For more information, visit jensencenter.org, find us on Facebook at Jensen Community Center/Community Spirit, or call (715) 824-5202.