Coffeehouse Collective: Jay Burnam and Jason Archer
A brisk night of songs and socializing at Collective Coffee
Thanksgiving Weekend 2023 brought a night of great singer/songwriters, and the discovery of a new coffee hangout for this appreciator of both java and local music. Wichita Falls songwriter Jay Burnam played an acoustic outdoor show on the patio at Collective Coffee, and well-known local singer/songwriter Jason Archer joined in support.
It was a good crowd for an outdoor show on such a chilly evening — 40 or 50 strong by my count — and the crowd kept warm with coffee and hot chocolate, huddled together under blankets and coats while Jay entertained with his original music.
It was really a special treat for attendees because we all got to hear music that Jay has never recorded, and in one instance, he even played a song that he told the crowd he had “never played for anyone.” Jay and I spoke before his set and he claimed James Taylor and the late John Prine among his influences, and it shows in his songs. Jay’s youthful voice also reminds me a bit of Passenger, who had a hit with “Let Her Go” a few years ago.
Although Jay says the music on his Spotify channel is old, I can confirm that’s it’s all still enjoyable stuff and you should follow Jay on Spotify.
The supporting act for the night was Jason Archer, who offered some covers and a number of originals in his Americana style, accompanying himself on the harmonica at times.
Jason has more than one full album available to stream, and the ability to hit you right in the heart with his message. Listen to Middle of Nowhere and Every Now and Then and tell me I’m wrong.
Jason welcomed his wife, Rachel, to join him for a couple tracks at the end of his set and I was reminded how sweet and pleasurable it is to just listen to two voices harmonize with minimal accompaniment. They were great.
This show was the first we attended at Collective Coffee, and it’s actually a pretty cool little place for an acoustic show.
Collective Coffee is located on Taft Boulevard in a former gas station, beautifully remodeled into a coffee shop., and co-owned by another name familiar to those in the Wichita Falls music scene, Darion Ryan Roberts. We’ll be seeing more shows at Collective Coffee.
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