Today we’d like to introduce you to John Nutt.
Hi John, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I moved to Dallas in 2000 coming from a career as a touring musician looking to move into the education field but continue my work as an artist on a more local level. Over the next few years, I worked with several bands but always had a tie to my East Texas roots and the band I started with my brother Mile Post 595.
The band program I developed at my high school offered more than band classes. As the program grew, we added Jazz and Rock Band classes as well as steel drums and AP Music Theory. From these classes came graduates who were trained up to be great session players and working musicians. Several of them now work with me in my groups or in their own groups working with John Wesley Entertainment.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Keeping a “day job” has allowed me to work at a steady pace in growing the business. That balance has made the growth painless. We went from a dozen events a year to over 100, with DJs and Karoake thrown in to meet the demands of the area.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have seven albums I’ve recorded over the years, but I am most proud of the first release from Mile Post 595 that went out after covid. It features our usual eclectic mix of Americana with several original songs as well as tunes from Dan Baird, George Harrison, and even Danny Elfman. I run a Logic Pro studio in my home and produce videos for Youtube and Facebook / Instagram.
I’m a firm believer in tight harmony vocals and see that as something that sets our band apart. I also believe musicianship is more about passion and expression that technical. It’s what keeps the human element alive. The musicians that work with me have a lot of the same concepts, and most of us have been playing together for decades. The last truth I hold to is I only play with friends. Life is too short to spend it with people that don’t bring you joy, and egos are the ruin of all things creative.
The band also works in different sizes and configurations for events. It allows us to work in any space and with most budgets. Everything from my solo looping show to a 5-piece party band.
What do you think about happiness?
I love it when a plan comes together! We do everything we can to make each event a success. To me that includes publicity and conversions up front as well as taking the time to get a working knowledge of what is needed from us to be the best for our clients. Most of our venues have used us monthly for over 5 years. I believe this is because we stay fresh musically and provide quality consistently.
Pricing:
- Solo Looping Show- $500
- 3 Piece Acoustic Jam – $800
- 4 Piece Dance Band – $1200
- 5 Piece Party Band – $1500
- All based on 3-hour shows
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JohnWesleyEntertainment.com
Image Credits
Jason Bowie
John Nutt
Alan Evans
Jillian Nutt
Justin Butler
Cody Schwartz
April Lewis
