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This band brings great LIVE music and entertainment to local bars and places to eat in the Lake Norman area.
The band members (pictured above left to right) are Bryan Evans (Guitar and Bass), Kim Gilliam (keyboard), Brian O’Day (Drums), Bill Migaditch (Lead Guitar) and John Jakubowski (Lead Vocalist.) They are standing in front of the Classic 1952 Ford Pickup truck which belongs to lead singer John Jakubowski’s father. (Photo courtesy from John Jakubowski)
These talented musicians are a joy to watch — plus – no matter your age — everyone can identify and relate to their playlist –especially when it is LIVE music.
“I cannot get enough music in my life,” says lead singer John Jakubowski. “At every possible moment, I have something playing on the car radio or throughout the house.” In addition, Jakubowski loves to sing and play the guitar.
As a teenager, he played in a “garage band” and performed at a few high school parties; however – when he went to college – Jakubowski’s dreams of becoming a professional musician were put on the backburner.
In the summer of 1991 — while on a family vacation at The Outer Banks – John met Susan. Their friendship bloomed into love and they were married a couple of years later.
They are thrilled with their decision. “We love lake living and the small town feel of Mooresville. The PEOPLE are great! Plus Downtown has really come alive in the past few years. We have never regretted our choice to move.”
Ironically, forming The D7 Band was a bit of a fluke. Approximately a year and a half ago, Bryan Evans and Kim Gilliam were jamming with some folks at the Lake Norman Yacht Club and Jakubowski joined them as they played. Bryan and Kim agreed, “Let’s start a band.” It was as simple and as wonderful as making the statement! Voila! A dream came true!
“We got lucky because our first time playing at Shoals was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving,” says Jakubowski. “At that time in 2023, Shoals was under new management and the owner – Andy – was willing to take a gamble on our D7 Band.”
The musicians texted their family and friends – invited them to Shoals – the word spread — and the place was packed. The owner was thrilled. “In-between the 1st and 2nd set,” Jakubowski states with a smile, “The manager dropped our paycheck in the tip bucket and said the owner wants to book you EVERY MONTH in 2024 because they are having their best night yet!“
Needless to say, the band members were excited. “It validated us!” they joyfully exclaimed.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for a special one year anniversary performance on Wednesday, November 27th at SHOALS and join the fun! “It’s going to be a blast!”
Shoals Bar & Grill is located at 1098 Brawley School Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117 (in the same shopping center as Food Lion and Ace Hardware.) This is a fabulous place to eat lunch or dinner, unwind after a busy day, watch a sporting event on multiple TVs, spend time with friends and – occasionally, listen to great live music. It offers take out, dining in, outdoor seating, catering and private parties. If you have questions: 704-660-1211
Check out the menu on the website https://shoalsbarandgrill.com/. Just looking at the choices will make your mouth water. Food is delicious. Bar drinks are reasonable. Ambiance is rustic and welcoming. Service is great! It’s a fabulous place to gather!
“Shoals is the best place to go for music and food,” claims loyal customer Jennifer Self. “The potato skins are so good! Plus, I always see someone I know and meet someone new every time I go to Shoals.”
The Cabin is located on Lake Norman in Davidson at 400 North Harbor Place Drive, Suite A. It is an intimate venue — cozy and comfortable — with a lovely water view. They occasionally have live music, and The D7 Band plays there periodically. NOTE: The Cabin is closed on Mondays – Open on Tuesday through Sunday at 5:00. This is another amazing place to gather. https://www.thecabinpublkn.com/
When The D7 Band plays at The Cabin, there are only four musicians. They are “nicknamed” The Dm7.
The Barrel is a popular wine and beer bar located at 1082 Brawley School Rd sandwiched between The Food Lion and Ace Hardware. It is also a gift shop and a great place to find a present for wine lovers.
The D7 Band is scheduled to play at this classy venue on Saturday, August 3rd 7:00 and 10:00. Come early to get a premium spot. “At The Barrel, because of its size, we generally play a lighter more acoustical mix of music,” states John Jakubowski. “We really like the vibe at The Barrel. It’s very relaxed which is why their loyal customers enjoy going there so much.”
“When I first started with The D7 Band, I quickly discovered that I needed to work on overcoming the fear of being on stage,” admitted John. For Jakubowski, it was one thing to sing and play – jamming with friends – BUT – it was quite another to stand in front of people and perform.
“There was an announcement at my church that they were looking for guitar players and singers. Shelby Kirk, a worship member at Williamson’s Chapel, reached out to me and invited me to their practices.” Jakubowski confessed that he attended several practices before he gained enough courage to go on stage and play in front of the congregation. The more Sundays he played with the praise team, the more confident he became.
“The great part for me is that my friends saw something in me that I – for whatever reason – could not see in myself,” John professed. “They brought it out in me and it brings me great JOY! Music is a lifelong hobby (and a dream) — heart and brain pleasing – in so many ways! I highly recommend it! ROCK ON!”
In addition to facing his fear, Williamson’s Chapel is where John met Jennifer Self – a talented vocalist on the Praise Team. She became an avid fan of John and his D7 band. Before long, she was invited to be an occasional guest vocalist at the local gigs.
“I think D7 is what every local band needs to be… a collection of musicians who want the bar crowd to sing and dance with them,” claims Jennifer Self. Enthusiastically, she adds, “It’s fun! D7 is about making your night out a really good time.”
“John is a great lead singer. The crowd loves him,” Jennifer Self proclaims with enthusiasm. “He puts in so much effort and time into the music choices and sound. I met him in our church praise band where I’ve gotten to know him as one of the kindest men I’ve ever known. Good guy with a great voice.”
Saturday, August 3rd – Dm7 – The Barrel (7-10)
Friday, August 9th – Dm7 – The Cabin
Saturday, August 24th – D7 – Shoals (7-10)
Friday, October 4th – D7 – Shoals (7-10)
Friday, October 11th – Dm7 – The Cabin
Wednesday, November – D7 – 27th – Shoals (7-10)
Article and Pictures by Tesa Jones
Tesa Jones is a graduate of Elon College, now Elon University, a mother of two, a grandmother of five, and she currently resides in Mooresville with her husband. She is a published author, an avid blogger, and a passionate photographer. Learn more about Tesa Jones at www.booksbytesajones.com/book and contact her via:
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