To whom it may concern – I write today in my role as Entertainment Director for Den Devine Restaurant & Music Hall, in Broadbeach QLD Australia. The business commenced in August 2020 during CV19 in an audacious attempt to bring LIVE Music to the Gold Coast community. It’s a small venue, seating 75, licensed to 128 patrons, operating Tues to Sunday year round, supporting LIVE Music each night. It’s hard to believe now, that “Juke Joint” first gig with us was Saturday 12 November, 2022. The band under the leadership of Darren Griffis, drove down from Gympie, set up, sound checked & where ready right on time. They looked ready & very different to what the venue had hosted up till that moment in time. A few WTF glances around the venue but within 2 minutes & 2/3 of the way through their first song…heads where nodding, feet where tapping, smiles spreading & classic joy of LIVE music kicked in and stayed! By mid-gig, place was full & people where milling outside…to get in. Debut night at Den Devine – won’t forget that in a hurry. Since that time ‘Juke Joint ‘ & their smaller iteration ‘Southern Express’ have continued to journey south to the GC & entertain the good people of Broadbeach, guests, family & friends that come to us from everywhere. “Juke Joint” have built a following around their entertaining & somewhat quirky set list, musicianship & their all encompassing ‘good ole boys’ vibe. We are committed to booking “Juke Joint” for future gigs into 2023, including the closing gig to our ‘Groundwater Festival’ lineup. Den Devine, loves & respects “Juke Joint”. On a personal note, Darren is a fine fella, a real professional & great man to work with. Regards & Goodvibes
Terrence J Paull
Devine Entertainment
“That was seriously good entertainment. Well done guys. Banjo in a boogie band? Brilliant. And wait…what??!!! Distortion uke solo!!!!!”
Brendan Lamar - Entertainment Booker
Mission Beach Blues Bar
Juke Joint
Location:
Queensland
Members:
Darren Griffis – Vocals/Guitar
Gary Graham – Bass/Harmonica
Roy Bentham – Lead Guitar
Justin Mogler – Drums
Southern blues in the style of ZZ Top, Black Crowes and Rolling Stones.
Approved Bio:
JUKEJOINT is a rocking 4 piece blues band who love smashing out their own brand of bourbon soaked blues. Over the past 18 months the band has been rocking venues from Cairns to Gold Coast, including festivals such as Gympie Muster, Minden Music Festival and Wolvi Stomp.
In 2023 the boys have released 2 songs. Swivel Neck Boy & I Liked You Betta. Both have had radio play throughout Australia and support from ABC radio.
The band JUKEJOINT is Justin Mogler on drums, Gary Graham on bass and harmonica, Roy Bentham on lead guitar and Darren on rhythm guitar and vocals. The band can work in several different formats, as a 5 piece with keys and as a 7 piece with backup singers. JUKEJOINT are building a reputation as a band that puts on a show. Every night they are on a quest to turn every venue they play into their own personal JUKEJOINT.
Approved Images:
Members Bios:
Darren Griffis
Darren has played many venues and festivals including:
- Blues on Broadbeach
- Revamp the Amp
- Solbar
- Gympie Muster
- Duporth Tavern
- Sublime Brewery
- Norton Music Factory
Darren has supported some of the top blues musicians in Australia including:
- Lloyd Speigel
- Lachy Doley
- Daniel Champagne
Gary Graham
Gary “The Geezer” Graham was born and raising in the UK. Growing up Gary played in many funk and blues bands and also made an impression on the dance scene as DJ Delicious. His local music scene included the likes of Chris Martin from Coldplay and Gary worked with Tom York from Radiohead. Gary then moved to Australia in 1997 and has been in the Sunshine Coast Music scene ever since. He also worked hard within the music industry and became Australia’s top sales person for Roland keyboards in 2001. Gary is classically trained pianist and accomplished bass and guitar player for over 35 years. Gary has a love of blues music and also plays harmonica and ukulele.
Roy Bentham
Roy started guitar late 19 years of age found the blues right away.
Roy played in cover bands for years around Mackay and North Qld but never found the blues in any of that music that was going on at that time.
Roy found steel guitars and banjo’s in early 2019 and played in bluegrass band Bearded Betty before changing tempo and joined JUKEJOINT.
Justin Mogler
Justin had been a session drummer on the Sunshine Coast for many years now. He has played festivals and rodeos with bands such as Junction Road and East Creek Blues Band. He has now found a home with Jukejoint. He is endorsed by Chaos Drums.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
For Bookings contact Darren on 0431 112164
Email: pitmoleproductions@hotmail.com
Messenger: Click here