written by Megan Oliver | photos by Ezra Marcos
On any given night, Americana jam band State of Jefferson is on stage with musicians from many bands and states. Together since 2002, core band members—Eric Maynard, Joe Ginet, Ryan Redding and Erik Vestnys (left to right)—call themselves a family band. The family refers not to blood relations, but to their Southern Oregon community, where their roots run deep. Redding says that State of Jefferson is more than a band, it is a social club that brings people together. The band also hosts the Jefferson State Music Festival and Hemp Expo (August 22 through 24). This year’s featured band is the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience.
