According to the band’s own bio, Junkyard Jane “rose by night in the tide flats of Tacoma, Washington from a deadly mephitic brew of blues, swamp gas, rockabilly, old engine parts, country, motor oil, folk, funk and used kitty litter.” Seeking new touring horizons, the four Janies have now relocated to the “Americana-friendly city” of Louisville.

Their four CDs of “swampabilly roots music”—a highly original blend reflecting a wide range of stylistic influences—have won critical acclaim, and the band has won several awards, including the prestigious Washington State BB Award for Best Band. Junkyard Jane also was one of only eight groups from a pool of thousands to make the final round at the 2001 International Band Challenge in Memphis.

Ductape & Sagebrush, Janie’s fourth release, showcases a journey into the rootsy, acoustic side of the band, while the third album, Swampabilly Snake Oil Freak Show, serves up corn-fed, swampy, jug band blues. JJ’s sophomore effort, Milkin’ the Frog, won a BB Award for Best NW Recording and features all original music. The band members also wrote all the cuts on their debut CD, Washboard Highway, which was named one of the top 10 NW recordings by KPLU radio.

Program 619

A preview of Actors Theatre of Louisville’s 2004 Humana Festival of New American Plays, sculptor Garry Bibbs of Lexington, and the “swampabilly” music of Junkyard Jane. (#619)

Program 634

A look at Actors Theatre of Louisville’s 2004 Humana Festival of New American Plays, sculptor Garry Bibbs of Lexington, and the “swampabilly” music of Junkyard Jane. (#634)