Hometown St.Thomas September 2024

Jeff Butler LOCAL MUSICIAN PROFILE

Jeff Butler is a musician who has spent decades honing his craft and bringing a unique blend of acoustic guitar music to local audiences. From the Beastie Boys to the Beach Boys covers, Jeff’s repertoire spans a wide range of genres, making him a versatile performer who connects deeply with his audience. “A lot of patio music,” Jeff describes his style, focusing on the familiar songs that bring joy and nostalgia to listeners. Currently, he’s assembling a set filled with classics like Brown Eyed Girl, Jack and Diane, and Summer of ‘69 — songs that resonate with people across generations. Jeff believes that in a world increasingly dominated by digital experiences, there’s a growing desire for authentic human connections. “People really want to be at the show,” he explains. “They want to be in that environment where they get to sing along and experience it.” He emphasizes the importance of familiarity in his performances, as audiences tend to lose interest if they can’t sing along. However, Jeff also enjoys surprising his audience with his unique takes on well-known songs. For instance, his acoustic rendition of Paul Revere by the Beastie Boys offers a fresh, unexpected twist on the original rap track. Jeff’s passion for music is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Raised in a musical family, his parents played a significant role in shaping his love for music. His father played guitar, and his mother was involved in the late 70s and early 80s music scene in St. Thomas. Jeff recalls fond memories of family gatherings in Sarnia, where he would jump on stage with his relatives and

perform. By the age of four or five, he was already singing House of the Rising Sun with confidence. Jeff is not only a performer but also a mentor to young artists through his company, Jeff Butler Productions. He collaborates with venues like Railway City Brewery and helps aspiring musicians find their footing in the industry. Jeff is committed to supporting local talent by providing opportunities to perform and by sharing the knowledge needed to succeed in the business. “I’m not trying to make money off of it at all,” he says. “I’m trying to build a music community.”

To catch Jeff live, he can often be found singing at From the Vines and Railway City Brewing in St. Thomas, or at the Fire Hall Market in Port Stanley.

OPEN Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm 215 Main Street, Port Stanley 519-782-7467 www.studiostyle.ca

Hometown St. Thomas • September 2024 • Page 27

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