Local musician celebrates album release at Alcazar Theatre

Santa Barbara musician and singer Jackson Gillies will celebrate the release of his debut album “High and Low” at the Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., on Friday, April 26, which will include performances of each track from the album, and a performance from Jax Plays Dead, honoring the music of the Grateful Dead. 

Gillies was the winner of the 2016 Teen Star USA competition in Santa Barbara when he was 16, and a contestant on season 17 of American Idol in 2019. He has since worked with musicians such as Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald and Jim Messina, performing at local concerts, benefits and philanthropic events. 

Gillies has been releasing one song from his nine-track album every month leading up to the release of his album. Gillies told CVN that he decided to hold his release party at the Alcazar Theatre after playing with several other artists at the “Americana Alive” show at the Alcazar on April 12, and after coordinating with the Alcazar’s Board President Mike Lazaro. 

Gillies and his band will perform the new songs, take an intermission and then welcome Jax Plays Dead, composed of Gillies, bassist Ben Congdon, guitarist Jaden Lehmen and David McInnes. Jax Plays Dead will perform songs honoring the legacy of the Grateful Dead.

The show will take place on Friday, April 26 at 8 p.m. at the Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $25 for premium seating; transportation from Santa Barbara is available by contacting Gillies through his website at jacksongilliesmusic.com.