Savannah's own Jalen Reyes takes center stage at Dog Days Fest with a little help from friends
Savannah singer-songwriter Jalen Reyes is set to take the main stage at Starland Yard this Saturday as part of the inaugural Dog Days Fest. Reyes, a skilled drummer, has made a name for himself through his collaborations with Reverend Bro Diddley and the Hips, and Dustin Price, solidifying his reputation in the local music scene.
Reyes' journey through music began at a young age within the vibrant walls of a Pentecostal church, where his father served as pastor. Immersed in the rich melodies and soulful harmonies of gospel music, Reyes developed a deep-rooted passion for rhythm and percussion. He soon discovered his affinity for the drums and embarked on a lifelong journey of musical exploration.
“It was a hell of a childhood," Reyes recalled. "It was good. I was loved, luckily. My parents were good people and still are good people. And they didn't let anyone brainwash me too hard, but it was still, you know, church every Sunday, every Wednesday, it was the whole kit and caboodle. A lot of scrutiny. A lot of any little thing would come with shame, because you're supposed to be, you know, the son of the pastor. It was a lot of responsibility for a child. But it was at church that I fell in love with music.”
Overview: Inaugural Dog Days Fest kicks off three days of summer jams in Starland District
Americana: Savannah native Anna Kellam returns to hometown stage for Dog Days Fest, June 3
Carving his own path
Reyes' deep connection to his musical roots in the church continues to inspire his artistry. Drawing from his spiritual upbringing, he infuses his music with a profound sense of authenticity and emotion. Each beat of the drum, every lyric uttered, reflects his unwavering dedication to his craft and his desire to connect with audiences on a deep, soulful level.
The multifaceted artist's prowess extends beyond the drum kit with thought-provoking songs driven by grunge-tinged vocals. Reyes effortlessly weaves heartfelt lyrics with infectious melodies, crafting compositions that resonate with listeners on a profound level. His versatility has garnered attention from fellow musicians, whose different styles and stylings have influenced Reyes and vice-versa. His tenure with Reverend Bro Diddley showcased his dynamic drumming style, contributing to the band's energetic and engaging live performances. Audiences have been captivated by the sheer intensity and precision with which Reyes propels the rhythm forward, serving as the heartbeat of the band's sound.
Now, Reyes says he's trying to carve his own path.
“These days, I'm really, really into recording myself and have a little studio at my house. So that has been consuming all my time, trying to learn how to record better and how to record more efficiently," said Reyes, adding another skill to his many hyphens. "So much stuff has really taken a vocal-centric approach, you know, not necessarily alternative rock, like it has been in the past... just more of a soulful move is what I'm kind of going towards, just started writing songs that meant more to me, started playing with musicians that understand me, and we gel together.”
But during Dog Days, Reyes plans to bring to the stage a few of his music friends.
“We have a decent band to accompany me during the festival. My wife Hannah Reyes will be doing some of the background vocals and percussions. Ty Thompson will be playing the bass, and Andrew Sovine on the drums, and my good buddy Dylan Lee is going to be playing electric guitar.
Dog Days Fest also gives him an opportunity to catch some acts, something that's hard to do when you're playing the circuit. "As a music fan, I am looking forward to Anna Kellam’s return to Savannah and can’t wait to see Dougie Poole on the stage."
If You Go >>
What: Dog Days Fest
When: 1:30 p.m., June 3
Where: Starland Yard Main Stage, 2411 DeSoto Ave.
Cost: $20-160
Info: dogdayspresents.com
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah's own Jalen Reyes takes the main stage at Dog Days Fest
