Just Folkin' Around and evening of song and stories at Up The Creek Records

Vincent Lay

Singer Songwriter Vince Lay has been writing songs and performing in the bay area and greater United states for almost 30 Years! He's released over 30 records including 4 Original holiday records with more than 10 bands. Currently performing solo and fronting east bay psych punk band Sabertooth Unicorn ! Vince is a weirdo and he's not shy about it! He also teaches guitar bass ukulele songwriting and teen/adult bands! He also hosts Up The Creek Records Monthly open mic every 2nd Sunday of the month.

Shelby Helburn

For Shelby Helburn, the song always comes first. Based in Martinez, California, Helburn spent his first two records, Maybe Someday (2023) and Roll Away (2024), finding the sweet spot between the big, melodic hooks of 90s Britpop and the grounded storytelling of Americana. These albums made him a regular on Northern California radio and took him to stages across the Bay Area. While those early projects leaned into rich studio production, they were always anchored by a reverence for the songwriters who came before him.

In 2026, Helburn decided to strip everything back. His third album, The Way of Time, was born from a two-day recording marathon that prioritized gut feeling over technical perfection. Released on his 33rd birthday, the record is a "no-frills" collection of eight acoustic songs tracked live, capturing the raw, analogue warmth of demos that didn’t want to be fussed with. By leaning into the imperfections of a live take and handling the artwork himself, Helburn moved away from the traditional industry "hype train" to release something that feels honest and immediate.

On stage, that same unpretentious energy carries the show. Whether fronting a full band or standing alone with an acoustic guitar, Helburn’s sets are built on a direct connection with the people in the room. His songs are melodic and observant, cutting through the noise of the modern era to find something meaningful. With a fourth album already in the works for 2027, Helburn isn't interested in a formula—he’s honing his craft and following the music wherever it takes him.

Justin Jones

Justin Jones is a Central Valley songwriter whose music is rooted in California grit, plain truth, and strong songcraft. Folk and country at heart, with writing that stays sharp, grounded, and stripped of anything it doesn’t need.

Jubal Jake

Jubal Jake is the songwriting vehicle for Jeremy Swayne. His sound has been described as melancholy crooning with a soulful, baritone delivery that's remnicient of Gordon Lightfoot and Fred Neil. He currently has three EP's available with plans to release a full-length album in early 2027.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Up The Creek Records