How often do you see an upcoming star perform at Players Pub and Grille in St. Joseph? Not often. But 14-year-old Jack Adams, of St. Joseph, is an exception.
Since Jack began playing two years ago, many doors have been opened.
Jack’s first public performance was when he was in seventh grade and he performed for his middle school talent show. Little did he know what the future held for him after just one onstage performance.
Last summer, he attended Open Mic’s hosted by Riversong Music Society, where he had received critical feedback on how to become a better artist from other-minded musicians. This was a giant leap for Jack and got him thinking even deeper into his music career.
When it came to his 14th birthday, Jack gave a 40-minute performance at the Acorn Theater. Already being nervous, his mother and father have invited a group of his friends to view the set as well. After the gig, Jack had formed a vision for his future.
This spring, Jack and his family were eating a meal at  the Players Pub and Grille. Before they were about to leave, Jack walked up to owner, Robert Montgomery, and asked him if he would be interested in having live music. After a one-hour audition two weeks later, Montgomery had agreed to give him the opportunity to perform.
But what makes Jack stand above the rest of the crowd is the era of music he plays.
“When I was a little kid, my father popped in a Buddy Holly CD and I was instantly in love,” said Jack, who is a fan of oldies from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s and knows more than 100 unique from those decades.
Some of the first songs he learned to play were classics: The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Wind Cries Mary.” Others include Elvis, Bob Marley, Eric Clapton, Beach Boys and The Who.
Jack is looking at a packed schedule that includes being a featured performer  Sept. 14 at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph as a Riversong Music Society Young Talent Showcase Honoree.
“I would love to continue music in the future,” Jack said.