xBk presents
Jesse Roper
w/ Ducharme-Jones
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14TH
Doors: 6pm | Show: 7pm
All Ages
*Limited seating available on a first come, first served basis. If you require ADA accommodations please reach out to [email protected]*
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•• JESSE ROPER ••
Based in Victoria, BC, Jesse Roper is a blues/Americana artist with a penchant for writing modern indie-infused blues music and delivering bombastic live performances buoyed by his virtuosic guitar playing. His innate and impressive musical talent has served him well, giving him the flexibility to play with soul icon Booker T. Jones, rock veteran Colin James, blues belter Beth Hart, and Canadian legend Burton Cummings. The stage is where Roper shines. It has been his home since overcoming crippling stage fright during his early twenties. Fear is a part of Roper’s past that barely seems real today - especially when you see the in-concert image of a six-string soldier, hair matted to his face, tearing up the stage, without a hint of second-guessing.
Roper’s last album ‘Horizons’ marked a sonic high point in his career thus far. Working closely with famed JUNO-nominated producer Gus van Go (Metric, The Stills, Whitehorse, Arkells, The Trews, Sam Roberts) on that new collection of songs has pushed Roper into creating some of his best work. “Recording with Gus and Werner F was on a whole new level.
Roper released the first single off his upcoming LP (to be released in late 2023) "Make It All Work Out" on March 29th, 2023. The song charted on Canadian terrestrial and satellite radio throughout the spring and early summer. Now all eyes are on the next release, “Throw This Rope” produced by Gus van Go (Metric, Whitehorse, Sam Roberts Band). The song will be the second of multiple energetic, fresh, soulful and r&b inspired tracks from a forthcoming LP that harkens the voices of JJ Cale, The Teskey Brothers, Ben Harper and others - while maintaining Roper's strong and unique expression in the genre.
When asked to describe the song, Jesse remarks, "Throw This Rope is about being told how to run your life and career by folks who are currently running theirs aground. I sure don’t know everything and I never will but I’ve been given every manner of advice from folks who have no idea what they're talking about. It’s frustrating sometimes."
Jesse is a master at connecting his personal story and experiences to his songwriting - crafting narratives that hit on life's challenges and eccentricities - but that remain upbeat, engaging and wildly entertaining songs.
Adventuresome doesn’t properly describe Roper as an artist, because when the guitar-wielding dynamo sets out to accomplish something, there’s no telling where his mind will wander, or when his energy will go.
instagram.com/jesseroperofficial/ | jesseroper.ca/ | facebook.com/jesseropermusic
•• DUCHARME-JONES ••
Known for exceptional musicianship and compelling songwriting, Ducharme-Jones creates original music rooted in heartfelt reflections on shared experiences, life’s journeys, and the pursuit of artistic fulfillment. Their songs blend evocative lyrics, rich vocal harmonies, and melodic guitar work into a distinctive sound that is both intimate and engaging. Thoughtfully crafted and emotionally resonant, their music draws listeners into stories that are at once personal and universal.
Equally celebrated for their warm stage presence, humorous storytelling, and musical excellence, Ducharme-Jones seamlessly blends influences from folk, rock, country, and Americana to create a sound uniquely their own. Their live performances offer an authentic connection with audiences, balancing heartfelt moments with wit, energy, and exceptional musicianship.
Native Iowans, Dave and Anne Ducharme-Jones spent many years immersed in the vibrant music communities of Marin County, California, and Austin, Texas, before returning to their Midwestern roots. Those diverse musical influences continue to shape their songwriting and performances today. Band members include Dave Ducharme-Jones (guitar, vocals), Anne Ducharme-Jones (rhythm guitar, vocals), Ben Mars (bass guitar, background vocals), and Jim Stevens (drums, percussion, background vocals).
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ADD ON OPTIONS
(does not include tickets for the show)
A limited amount of reserved tables are offered for this event if you'd like to ensure that you have seats. Reserved tables can comfortably accommodate up to a party of four individuals. Please note that the Reserved Table Add-On does not include a general admission ticket; each person must have their own general admission ticket for entry. For example, a party of three people would want to purchase THREE general admission tickets and ONE table. For all remaining tables, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Option #1: Floor High-Top Side Table : $50 (+ Fees)
Option #2: Premium Balcony High Top Table: $50 (+ Fees)
Jesse Roper
Ducharme-Jones
xBk Live
1159 24th Street
Des Moines, IA, 50311