September 16, 2024 at 9:10 a.m.

JeRoCo to Play Hope Library Concert Series Thursday 09/19

Pictured left to right: Fingers Jackman, Darrin Keiser, David Shewmake, Bill Warren, and Shaun Maddaloni. 2024. Photo credit: Bradley Dickens, submitted.
Pictured left to right: Fingers Jackman, Darrin Keiser, David Shewmake, Bill Warren, and Shaun Maddaloni. 2024. Photo credit: Bradley Dickens, submitted.

By Bradley Dickens

It will be a little bit of something for everyone when JeRoCo performs a free concert on the Hope Town Square at 6 p.m. Thursday as part of the Bartholomew County Library Hope Concert Series.

Founded in the fall of 2020, by Bill Warren and Darrin Keiser, the band has played several events, including the Bartholomew County Library Concert Series at the main campus in downtown Columbus.

“Darrin and I met and realized we had a lot in common like boats and motorcycles,” said Bill Warren. “Then we realized we shared an interest in music, too.”

JeRoCo derives its name from the three types of music it plays – Jesus (Christian) Rock, Rock’n’roll, and Country – and performs a wide variety of music sure to entertain everyone, including songs from Tom Petty, Toby Keith, and Marshall Tucker Band.

“We’re one of the few bands that plays those three genres,” Warren said. “It’s kind of our niche.”

Warren, a veteran of other local bands including Exit 76, Hard Luck, and Roundhouse, began playing guitar at 38 years old. It wasn’t long before he decided to form a band.

“It was just more fun to play with other people,” he said.

JeRoCo underwent a lineup change earlier this year and now includes Warren (rhythm guitar), Keiser (lead vocals, violin, and harmonica), Les ‘Fingers’ Jackman (bass), Shaun Maddaloni (lead guitar), and David Shewmake (drums).

Jackman, who played in a band with Warren 13 years ago, joined JeRoCo in January of this year.

“One thing that makes our band unique is our variety of vocals and our violin,” Jackman said. “We got three guys that can sing. We play a wide variety of music. We play some slow country, rock songs, and we’re going to jam too.”

When asked about adding contemporary Christian to the band’s lineup, Warren remarked, “It’s good to get a message out there while you are having fun.”

Those who are unable to make this show can check out JeRoCo at their show at 7 p.m. September 21 at Miss Betty’s Diner Theatre located at 107 Pleasant St. in Trafalgar. Tickets for the 09/21 event are $20 per person.   

HOPE