Jumpstart

When you enter the building, there is an undeniable anticipation filling the air. The rooms are filled with people, all involved in conversations with old friends, new friends, and those friends yet to be. They all have one thing in common – they know good live music when they hear it, and tonight, like so many nights before, they will hear it again. They are here to enjoy the incredible sound of Jumpstart, a band hailing from Tulsa, but one that doesn’t limit their fan base there. This band is awesome, and Grand Lakers know they will always have a Grand time when Jumpstart is in the area!

Jumpstart frequently plays all over Oklahoma in places such as Oklahoma City, Drumright, Perry, Cushing, Sapulpa, and of course, Grand Lake. They’ve been seen all over Tulsa as well, in clubs like The Elephant Run, Black Jack's, The Break, The Varsity and at the historical Cains Ballroom. In fact, Jumpstart recently opened for Chris Duarte at Cains!

They’ve also performed as far away as Colorado and South Dakota. Jumpstart also plays charity events such as Peebly Road Hippie Fest in Oklahoma City and benefits for Multiple Sclerosis. The band has also been showcased at the Big Splash family waterpark.

They are a variety band that plays just about anything you can think of...in addition to the huge amount of originals, they play music ranging from The Presidents of the United States to Buddy Holly from Led Zepplin to Tracy Chapman from Sister Hazel to James Taylor and from The Doors to Matchbox 20.

Let’s meet the band!

Jumpstart was formed about 15 years ago by Bobby Metcalf. Bobby is “a little something for everyone on lead vocals and lead guitar.” He has been playing for over 25 years all over the great US and has opened up for such acts as: Leslie West, Pat Travers, L.A. Guns and most recently Chris Duarte at Cains Ballroom. Bobby started singing in school functions and, on rare occasions, he could be heard belting out a song in the middle of class without warning. His passion for the guitar started the second he picked one up and taught himself how to play. Bobby learns music strictly by ear, and can pick up a guitar and strum an original song right off the top of his head. He also plays piano and drums.

“It’s refreshing to see the members of the band switch instruments,” he explains. The music that Bobby plays is always a treat whether it is original or not he never plays a song the same way twice!

“The beat man,” Jim Ragsdale, is the drummer for the band. Jim has been with Jumpstart for 5 years. After being in hiatus for 12 years, Jim saw something in the band that made him come out of hiding. As well as the percussion part of the band, Jim also contributes vocally and switches off with Bobby to play the guitar...left handed no less.

“Jim has been one of the finest drummers that Jumpstart has come across in a long time,” says Bobby.

Bass player Mick Jacobs has been with Jumpstart for 6 years. Mick is formally of the Baker Brothers, and finally made the switch to Rock music with Jumpstart. Although most musicians have a hard time with the change in music styles, Mick went at it like he was the Bass player for Grand Funk.

“Mick's unusual bass style is a must see,” says Bobby.