Snakebeard Jackson

Snakebeard Jackson is a union of Rock, Bluegrass, Country and Blues. Comprised of six members with musical tastes as varied as their creative contributions, Snakebeard is host to a vocal/guitar team that strums, sings and screams the blues, a thundering stand up bass, a drummer that hits like a heavyweight, an agressive mandolin picker and one of the state's finest washboard players. In promotion of their new LP

The Burl, Snakebeard has built a large and loyal fanbase live in concert as well as online. The sound is classic and new. The songwriting hinges on the plight of fighters and the struggles of the losers
that win in the end.



Snakebeard Jackson has played in front of thousands of fans in South Dakota and Minnesota. From Yankton to Mankato. From Brookings to Vermillion. From Huron to Spearfish. And many Sioux Falls Saturday nights.
Snakebeard Jackson's first full length LP The Burl was released in October 2007. You can email here to order the CD or come to a show and pick one up. Listen to a preview now on our MySpace site. There are also koozies, stickers, sweatshirts and many different T-shirts for sale at shows or online.
Snakebeard Jackson has opened for the likes of Shooter Jennings, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Tesla, Cowboy Crush, Kansas and others. Snakebeard has also played with local Sioux Falls favorites Kory & The Fireflies, The Quaker City Night Hawks and Smoke & Mirrors. If you want to book Snakebeard Jackson please email by clicking here.




JOEY FOKKEN--Vocals/Lead Guitar

A natural tone vender and practiced string bender, a songsmith, stagehand, and feedback destroyer, Joey lends a helping hand to the vocals, solo's and sounds at Snakebeard shows. An unlikely disciple of the blues, knowing only a few scales, Joey does what he can with the few tools in his box. An old Gibson, a new Gibson and a middle-aged Martin make up his small six string army. A student of the guitar since age eleven, Joey traded his hair band heros for the tastes and influences of Tom Waits, Morphine, Social Distortion and the Rolling Stones. When he is asked about how to best enjoy a Snakebeard Jackson show, Joey says the following: "The more you drink the better we sound, the better we sound the more you dance, the more you dance the better we play. It's a cycle, really."

SEAN MCFARLAND--Vocals/Rhythm Guitar

Sean's interests delve into the naturals. From being an organic farmer to a goat herder to the rhythm guitarist and one of the vocalists of Snakebeard Jackson, his life experiences shaped the music that he brings to the band. From his earthy guitar tone to his sometimes downright dirty vocals, his wild-borne soul always shines through. Sean's early musical ventures included punk rock, hardcore metal and psychedelic rock. In college, a conflict with Sean's landlord motivated him to find a quieter instrument, switching from electric to acoustic guitar. This provoked a musical revelation for him and directed his folk-influenced path from there on.


MATT MCFARLAND--Drums/Percussion

Matt is the driving force behind Snakebeard Jackson. He is in no way, shape or form related to that scoundrel Sean McFarland. Just kidding, they're cousins but you'd think they're brothers. In a mostly folk oriented band, his frenetic drumming sty le is what lends the rock and roll to Snakebeard Jackson. Although Matt, like Sean, comes from a musical past such as punk rock and heavy metal, these influences only contribute to the powerful rhythms that Snakebeard creates.


TRAVIS JAMISON--Stand Up Bass

A life long string player, Travis began his musical career playing, of all things, the violin. Guitar also intrigued him in the upcoming years, but both served only as gateway instraments to the bass. Initially playing in his high school orchestra, and then dropping funky grooves in a jazz band, Travis had a very traditional start to his sub-harmonic studies. His philosophy soon changed turning him into the low end theorist he is today. Drawing on insparado from all muscial eras and genres, his influences range from The Beatles to Vivaldi, from Wu Tang to Hank Williams, and damn near everything in between. He and his bull-fiddle bring the sound and the fury wherever they go. For theirs is the power, the kingdom and glory, forever and ever.


CHARLES ANDERSON -- Mandolin and The Electric Triangle

Charles is a mandolin picker who strives for passionate musicanship. He screams, sweats, cries and dances his way across the stage at every show.
He just may be the finest mandolin player in South Dakota.
He is certainly the one with the most heart.


JESSE WILKENS--Washboard/Congas

It was in a friend's basement jam session when Jesse first picked up an old National Lingerie washboard and the rythyms started ringing. After a successful stint as the rythym man in the Blueglass Band and The Missouri River Old Time Champions, Jesse signed on with Snakebeard Jackson. He adds the magic touch to every song he plays. He has tried Tin, Brass, Glass, and Zinc style boards to get his sound. Jesse also adds a little low end to the drums by beating the skins on the djembe. Jesse's fanbase in the band could be described as a cult following. He loves the music and longs for the crowd's cheers each weekend.


Copyright 2007. Snakebeard Jackson. All rights reserved.