News Flash

Singer/songwriter Jacob Vanko will release his first full-length album, “Ten Years,” with his band at the Hampton History Museum as part of their monthly music series on Wednesday, October 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (special time for this event, regularly 6:00-8:00 p.m.). Special guest singer/songwriter Bob Lewis from Nashville will join Vanko to open the show.

In describing his debut CD, Vanko says, “The songs are all derived from personal life stories, people who have been a big part of my life and people I briefly crossed paths with. These songs are like chapters of one book out of a 10 book series. Some are just written from the perspective of a third party fly on the wall watching a small slice of middle class life unfold. Some are built from feelings of redemption and ambition. Others poured out in the middle of a quiet, lonely night.”  

Vanko was born and raised in the Anthracite Coal Region of Northeast Pennsylvania. The blue-collar towns of the once vibrant valley nestled in Pennsylvania’s slice of the Appalachian Mountains was a compelling backdrop for the young artist’s narrative and poetic songwriting style. An old soul at heart, Jacob found a sense of comfort in performing and writing. Learning to play blues and Folk with his father while being influenced by classic rock and grunge made for a unique evolution in writing, composition and storytelling. Touching on observational themes from first-hand experiences brings a distinct intimacy to the songs.  

When asked about his songwriting style, Vanko states, “My influences range from Bruce Springsteen and John Prine to Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder. I listen to all kinds of music and admire authentic songs. I'm just trying to write from my soul and mind. And my definitions of abstract things like ‘soul’ and ‘mind’ are probably different than the listener’s definitions. We all hear and see things differently. That's beautiful. Humans are complex and let's take that complexity for a ride. It's not a rock album. It's not a folk album. It's not a country album. But it's also all of those.” 

Jakob Vanko’s band is: Ben Lassiter, electric guitar, lap steel; Chris Brydge, upright bass; Dale Lazar, drums; and William Belongia, keyboard, guitar.

Hampton History Museum
Museum members are free, non-members $5. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Hampton History Museum. Doors open open at 6:30 p.m. for this special event. Seating and capacity are limited.

Held in the Hampton History Museum’s Great Hall on the third Wednesday of each month, the Front Porch Music Series presents different genres and of music that have shaped the American soundscape and influenced talent in Hampton Roads’ vibrant music scene.