Sellers to open Thursday’s July Jamz

Published 1:15 am Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Local musician Jeff Sellers is fired up about performing at July Jamz on Thursday.

Sellers’ inspiration for getting into music came from his father, who was also a musician.

“My dad was a guitar player as well,” Sellers said. “And just like every young boy, I wanted to copy my dad.”

Sellers then took piano lessons for five years and incorporated his musical knowledge of the piano to the way he played guitar.

“Playing piano taught me how music works,” Sellers said. “So I started playing guitar to covers of all the music my dad listened to like Willie Nelson and Creedance Clearwater Revival.”

Just as Sellers’ father passed on his love of music to him, he passed it along to his son, Jacob, who will accompany him on stage, Thursday night.

Sellers’ 10-year-old son can already play the six string, the bass, the harmonica and the drums.

Jacob Sellers taught himself to play several instruments at only 10 years old.

“It makes me feel really proud and honored to have him perform with me,” Sellers said. “I introduced a few chords to him and told him that if he wanted to learn then he could so he has just picked it up and ran with it. He has been learning the way I learned, just listening to music and playing along.”

Sellers also performs with the First United Methodist Church at Andalusia Manor.

“Singing for the people of Andalusia Manor is the one thing in the month that I look forward to,” Sellers said. “Scott Rogers and a couple folks from the First United Methodist Church go down there and sing some gospel songs and perform for the residents. It is one of the most rewarding feelings to watch them tap their feet or sing along to the music.”

Sellers is often seen playing for Chamber of Commerce events and other musical events in town, but has been asked occasionally to play at birthday parties and private parties.

Sellers said that the support from the community definitely affects how he performs on stage.

“Having folks watch us and enjoy us play affects how we play on stage,” Sellers said. “All singers just want to perform and have a good time and the community’s support is great.”

Sellers will take the stage at the last day of July Jamz where he will open up for Issues and Kenny Heard at 6 p.m.