Guitarist Ron Artis II Bringing Infectious Joy To JamBase’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

The truth is, guitarist Ron Artis II was one of the first artists sought out for JamBase’s 25th Anniversary Quadranscentennial Silver Jubilee celebration this week with four nights of outstanding music in the Boston area. Join JamBase this Saturday, August 19 for a triple-header at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, Massachusetts that will feature a set by Artis backed by Sam Arnold on bass and Jarod Manis on drums.

Saturday’s lineup also includes a performance by pianist Holly Bowling and a headlining appearance by the Jennifer Hartswick Band. JamBase is thrilled to be joined by these artists in celebrating our 25 years of shared history. Click here for tickets.

Ron Artis II and his joyful songwriting and multi-instrumentalist skills entered the JamBase orbit around the summer of 2017. A native of Hawaii, Artis is one of several musical siblings that are the children of the late Hawaiian visual artist Ron Artis.

JamBase’s Yakima Pop-Up Stage video series recorded Artis II and his brother, Stevon Artis, at the 4 Peaks Music Festival 2017 in Bend, Oregon. Their performance at the Yakima Pop-Up Stage saw the siblings offer a rendition of “Who We Are.” Ron played ukulele and Stevon played acoustic guitar on the new-at-the-time original. Ron also recorded a solo guitar version of “Getting Older,” which appeared on the album What Music Means To Me that was released by Artis II and his other brother Thunderstorm Artis in 2017.

Watch “Who We Are” and “Getting Older” below:

Ron Artis II & The Truth were part of JamBase’s 20th anniversary celebration in 2019. The band performed at The Chapel in San Francisco on a lineup alongside Surprise Me Mr. Davis and Big Light. Surprise Me Mr. Davis — the supergroup consisting of The Slip and Nathan Moore — were billed as the “Camp Harry All-Stars.”

Ron showed off his songwriting skills and multi-instrumental prowess on both guitar and keys. Artis and company were joined by Brad Barr of Surprise Me Mr. Davis/The Slip/The Barr Brothers for “This Old World,” a song the band and their guest came up with earlier in the night during soundcheck. The bluesy number was a “one-time-only” affair as Ron has never played “This Old World” again.

Artis’ brother Stevon Artis was on drums and Ernie Ecraela Jr. was on bass for the Ron Artis II & The Truth set at JB20. Here’s more footage from the Chapel:

The previously mentioned “Camp Harry All-Stars” moniker was a reference to High Sierra Music Festival where JamBase and Ron Artis II teamed up again a month after The Chapel gig. Commanding the Bitchin’ Kitchen’ campground stage Ron Artis II & The Truth – again featuring Stevon and Ernie – ripped through “Walk That Walk” at HSMF 2019. The song appeared on the Ron Artis II album, Soul Street, which came out in 2018.

Watch Ron Artis II & The Truth “Walk That Walk” at Bitchin’ Kitchen’ here:

Artis, who currently resides on the mainland, returned to his native Hawaii for a recent run of shows on the big island at Blue Note Hawaii. Artis also contributed to the HiSessions for Maui livestream concert fundraiser to raise funds for recovery efforts following the deadly Maui wildfires. Visit https://linktr.ee/himaui for links to donate.

Joined by his daughter Ida Marie, his performance comes on at the 01:43:07 mark of the video below:

JamBase’s 25th Anniversary weekend of live music kicks off this Thursday, August 17 with the BT ALC Big Band, who will be joined by Jennifer Hartswick and many others at Sally O’Brien’s in Somerville. Tickets for the Thursday night kickoff will be available exclusively at the door.

The party continues this Friday, August 18 with local favorites Club d’Elf at Boston Harbor Distillery. Arrive early so you don’t miss a special set by Jennifer Hartswick and Nick Cassarino.

Following Saturday’s show with Jennifer Hartswick Band, Ron Artis II and Holly Bowling, a sold-out Umphrey’s McGee concert at Soundcheck Studios this Sunday, August 20 rounds out JamBase’s 25th Anniversary Quadranscentennial Silver Jubilee. Tickets remain for the other three celebratory concerts.

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Purchase JamBase’s 25th Anniversary Quadranscentennial Silver Jubilee Tickets

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