Family-made music can be magic, Jesse Stratton and his 14-year-old son Joshua intend to prove just that. Playing the saxophone, percussion and singing harmonies, the teenager performs original Alternative Country and Americana songs written by his father who also plays the sax, along with the guitar and lead vocals. The two-hour Jesse Stratton Band concert is free, family-friendly and open to the public.

Research has shown that playing instruments and singing together as a family, can make people happier, increase family cohesion and empathy, and reduce stress. Music at home can also improve memory, increase academic skills, and encourage creativity. “Music has always been a bonding experience for our family, and performing together is incredibly rewarding,” said Jesse Stratton of Wimberley, Texas. “Having Joshua by my side on stage brings a unique energy and joy to our music, and we can’t wait to share that with the audience at Music in the Museum.”

Hailing from the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Jesse Stratton introduces his newly-released 2024 album ‘The Sounds & The Colors’, which music critics describe as embodying the essence of Alternative Country and Americana. “With Jesse as the lead vocalist, songwriter, and a multi-instrumentalist for his band, audiences can expect a musical experience steeped in authenticity and raw emotion,” says Martha Huett, media liaison for the Music in the Museum program. “Adding to the magic is young Joshua, who enriches Jesse’s performances with his stage presence and musical prowess.”

This father-son duo adds an extra layer of charm and dynamism to the stage, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and electrifying.

Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Turnpike Troubadours, Stratton crafts meaningful songs that resonate with audiences, especially those familiar with the Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country. Stratton’s music blends storytelling with melodies. One original piece, ‘IH-35’, tells the story of a man’s enduring love, comparing it to the on-going construction of the notoriously congested interstate highway.

“Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience Jesse Stratton’s genuine and captivating performances as he continues to tour across Texas, Wisconsin, and the Midwest each summer,” says Nicole DeGuzman, Executive Director of the Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center. “Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his music for the first time, Music in the Museum promises an afternoon of musical brilliance that will leave you wanting more.”