Johnny Campbell Band

Bandleader Johnny Campbell, a 3rd-gen fiddler, grew up immersed in the music of bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe. His distinctive long-bow fiddling style is inspired by his heroes, Kenny Baker, and his own brother, Jimmy Campbell, who was a Bluegrass Boy having played in Monroe's band. Johnny has collaborated with renowned artists such as Peter Rowan, Jim Lauderdale, David Davis, James Monroe as well as Northern California favorites Pete Hicks, Del Williams and Ed Neff. With a career spanning decades, Johnny has released four CDs that showcase his deep-rooted bluegrass tradition. His career also includes the achievements of being a founding member of Volunteeer String Band and being a member of Windy Hill when they took 1st place at String Summit and 2nd place at RockyGrass band competitions.

Phyllis Erck, a banjo player and tenor vocalist, has been a passionate advocate for bluegrass music since 2001. Originally from Sulphur Springs, Texas, she grew up immersed in music, thanks to her father, a radio DJ who hosted legends like Johnny Cash and George Jones. Phyllis started her career playing dobro with Blue Angel Bluegrass in 1995, cutting her teeth in the New England bluegrass scene. A versatile performer, she has been a stalwart of bluegrass in both the Northeast and Northwest, performing with bands such as Ramblin’ Rose, Hot House Tomatoes, The Alley Cats, Blue to the Bone, and the Ruby Jewel Band. Career highlights include performing at the IBMA Awards with Jerry Douglas and singing tenor with Del McCoury at the Noppet Hill Bluegrass Festival.

Longtime bandmate Jeff Burke is a seasoned bluegrass musician and instructor from Oldwick, New Jersey. He began his career in 1995 with the duo Jeff & Vida, blending Appalachian bluegrass, old-time country, and blues while performing in New Orleans until 2005. Jeff holds a bachelor's degree in music and philosophy from New York University and teaches guitar, mandolin, and banjo, certified in the Wernick Method. He founded the bluegrass jamming class at the Station Inn in Nashville and has worked with the Country Music Hall of Fame on youth programs. In 2020, Jeff began booking for the iconic Station Inn and later joined Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in Nashville. He has performed at notable venues, including The Ryman Auditorium and MerleFest, and is a member of the International Bluegrass Music Association. With over 29 years as a professional musician, he remains a vital force in the Nashville bluegrass scene. He has been performing with Johnny Campbell Band since 2013.

Charlie Pate, a Nashville native, launched his career immediately after high school, signing publishing and record deals. Growing up in Nashville gave him the unique opportunity to perform alongside some of the city's greatest songwriters, sharpening his craft in the heart of Music City. As a Belmont University student in music composition, Charlie has become a well-rounded multi-instrumentalist and an A-list songwriter. Now a regular performer on Broadway and a sought-after session musician, he’s earned the title of a “Nashville Cat.”

The band showcases original songs, like "Goin' Up the Hill," which evoke the timelessness of the American songbook, alongside carefully selected tracks from the traditional bluegrass repertoire. His music, whether his own or classics like Johnny Cash's "I Guess Things Happen That Way," captures the spirit of American roots music.

David Long plays bluegrass with devil-may-care verve and sings original songs invested with the deep soul of a man who has known more than his share of trouble. With mandolin mentor Mike Compton, Long recorded the duo album Stomp in 2006 for bluegrass kingpin David Grisman’s label, Acoustic Disc. But the most personal statement of Long’s art to date is his debut solo album, A Public Record, which features nine originals performed live-in-the-studio by the mandolinist-singer and an ace band in Bristol, Virginia, recorded with the sort of vintage analog gear that the pioneers of country music would’ve recognized. Along with its rousing instrumental work, A Public Record also captures Long’s uncommon individuality as a singer and songwriter, with the album featuring such cathartic highlights as “Comeback Kid,” “Oblivion,” “Before I Hit the Grave” and “Pray That Sunday Never Comes.” David plays guitar with the Johnny Campbell Band.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

To join our mailing list, please click here.

Thank you for your support!

Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Host or Publisher Sam Rudin