Marshall Thompson, aka “Marshall Stack” will bring his rich baritone voice and acoustic guitar work to South Stage Cellars, Jacksonville’s premier wine tasting room on Friday night, April 28, and again on Friday night, June 2. In his own style, the Jacksonville resident covers an eclectic array of songs across genres including Americana, acoustic rock, cross-over country, folk and originals. “I love playing Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Lyle Lovett because almost everyone knows the words and sings along. It’s a great night when the crowd sings with you and even breaks into dance.”
Although he is a relative newcomer to the Valley, locals will recognize Marshall’s music as he has played with TJ Elton, and several others, during TJ’s Tuesday Night Jam Sessions at the J’Ville Tavern. Marshall and his son, Noah, have also performed at Boomtown Saloon in Jacksonville, and Marshall is a member of Southern Oregon Songwriters Association. Regulars at South Stage will also recognize Marshall from sessions with Jeff Kloetzel, a man Marshall describes as “the finest, working musician in the Rogue Valley.” After hearing Marshall play music with Jeff, Porscha Schiller, South Stage’s Tasting Room manager, invited Marshall to come back on his own for a couple of dates in spring. Marshall admits, “I can’t think of a venue I’d rather play than South Stage Cellars tasting room. I love the place with its casual atmosphere, great ambience, and excellent wine.”
Before relocating to Jacksonville, Marshall played and sang for decades in Northern California. Starting as a soloist in church at five years-old, Marshall has continued to sing and perform. As a young musician, his band “Cayenne” booked gigs at honkytonks and bars all over the West, most notably playing at LA’s famous Troubadour. Eventually Marshall settled down in Chico, California, where he created and managed a successful television advertising company, while raising a family with his wife, Andrea.
Having lived in Jacksonville for more than a year, Marshall and his wife both say, “We love this town—the good food, the wine, the music scene and the welcoming spirit. And, it’s all there at South Stage Cellars in a comfortable, rustic setting…with live music on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings!” For more, www.southstagecellars.com.