Hubby Jenkins to Bring American Roots Music and Storytelling to Marlborough

When Hubby Jenkins takes the stage at the Federated Church in Marlborough on June 11, audiences can expect more than a traditional concert. According to Kathy Oliver, a member of the Social Justice team at the Federated Church — which is sponsoring Jenkins' performance — Jenkins' performances blend music, history and storytelling in a way that invites audiences into the traditions behind the songs while keeping the focus firmly on the music itself. "I would expect first, plenty of toe-tapping and shoulder swaying music," Oliver said. "Jenkins doesn't preach his music or his message, but he makes the origins of American old-time music with ease and generosity. Online, I saw Jenkins introduce a song performed by Uncle Dave Macon, the first featured musician on Grand Ole Opry, saying in effect that he learned the piece from Uncle Dave's work." The performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Federated Church, located at 16 Pleasant St. Admission is by donation, with organizers suggesting a contribution of $10. For Jenkins, the concert represents another stop in a career that has taken him from New York City subway platforms and sidewalks to folk festivals, concert halls and music venues around the world. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Jenkins originally began his musical journey playing saxophone and bass guitar. Over time, his interests expanded as he explored the roots of traditional American music and the influence African American musicians had on the development of genres ranging from blues and ragtime to folk, country and old-time string band music. According to his biography, Jenkins developed much of his early musical foundation as a busker, honing his guitar playing and vocal style while performing throughout New York City and later traveling across the country playing in coffee shops, bars and house concerts. That path eventually led him to become a member of the Grammy-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops, a group widely recognized for helping bring renewed attention to Black string band traditions and old-time American music. Jenkins performed with the group from 2010 to 2016, playing instruments including banjo, guitar and bones. During his time with the band, its album Leaving Eden received a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album in 2012. He later joined the touring band of Rhiannon Giddens and continued performing internationally before pursuing a solo career focused on performance, education and musical preservation. His work earned him a nomination for Instrumentalist of the Year at the Americana Music Honors & Awards in 2015. Today, Jenkins performs as a multi-instrumentalist, educator and musical folklorist, often using concerts and workshops as opportunities to explore the history behind traditional American music. His performances frequently incorporate banjo, guitar, bones and vocals while drawing connections between different musical traditions that developed across the United States. Oliver said one of the aspects she finds most compelling about Jenkins' work is the way he demonstrates the interconnected nature of various American music styles. "He definitely can play in a lot of traditional American styles. And he does," Oliver said. "There's country, blues, ragtime, gospel, traditional jazz. All of it has its roots in African American music. He says he is now interested in exploring work songs and prison songs. One thing I'm relearning, besides more about the roots of American music, is that music is a universal language." That broad musical approach reflects Jenkins' long-standing interest in tracing the historical threads that connect different genres. His biography notes he became fascinated with how African American musical traditions influenced country blues, ragtime, fiddle tunes, banjo music and traditional jazz. Rather than focusing on a single genre, his performances often move between styles while highlighting the shared influences and cultural exchanges that shaped American music over generations. At the same time, those who have attended Jenkins' performances often note the educational aspects of his work do not overshadow the entertainment value. His concerts frequently combine storytelling, humor, historical anecdotes and audience engagement alongside musical performances. Whether discussing the origins of a particular song, explaining the history of an instrument or sharing stories about musicians who influenced him, Jenkins presents information in a conversational format that appeals to longtime folk music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The upcoming Marlborough performance also reflects a broader interest in preserving and sharing traditional American music at a time when many artists and organizations are working to document and celebrate historical musical traditions. Throughout his career, Jenkins has performed at festivals, workshops and educational programs across the U.S. while continuing to study and interpret music rooted in earlier generations of American culture. His performances often emphasize the idea that traditional music remains a living art form — one that continues to evolve while maintaining connections to its historical foundations. For local audiences, the June 11 concert offers an opportunity to experience an artist whose work spans performance, historical exploration and cultural education. While Jenkins' credentials include Grammy recognition, Americana Award nominations and appearances on major stages, organizers say the heart of his performances remains grounded in connecting directly with audiences through songs and stories. Those attending can expect an evening that blends traditional American music with historical context, offering a closer look at the influences and traditions that continue to shape many of the genres listeners hear today. The Federated Church is handicap accessible. Additional parking will be available at the adjacent Frost Free Library. For more information, visit hubbyjenkins.com/tour