KTSW Loves: The Wednesday Night Band

By Reagan Whitenack

Community Relations Member

I never truly knew what defined blues music and I never cared to learn, until a random Wednesday night at Jack’s Roadhouse. A strange atmosphere of longing, yet a real sense, of togetherness at the same time. A true paradox, but a beautiful one. Ace Pepper and the WNB (Wednesday Night Band) opened my eyes and showed me what blues music really is, and all that it can be.

Almost like it was fate, I found myself in JAMS music, co-owned by Ace Pepper and Jeska Savage, while on the search for a guitar. Many may think the store, and even the men themselves are intimidating, so did I, though after spending probably close to an hour chatting endlessly with the owners I saw a lot more than an everyday guitar shop and two average men. I saw spunky men who have a passion, and dream to make the most of it.

During the hour or so chatter, Ace Pepper mentioned his love of all music, but specifically blues, and how every Wednesday he performed at Jack’s Roadhouse with his band. Beyond his band he performed with any willing musician, with any skill set, on the whim with no rehearsal.

After being almost entranced with Ace Pepper and his lively frame of mind, I showed up more than enthusiastically the next day to really see if this blues music stuff was worth the hype that built up in me. Thankfully it more than met my expectations and I got the opportunity to learn even more about the WNB while speaking to Ace Pepper.

“When I came to San Marcos I met a bunch of really wonderful people just right away and fell into a band just right away and just been doing that ever since,” said Ace.

The music community in San Marcos is something Ace couldn’t applaud enough.

“I’ve met some really cool people.. It’s about #1 being a good hang and #2 having chops.”

The conversation between Ace Pepper and I really opened my eyes up to how close the music community is in San Marcos across all ages and all genres, and because of this close knit community people such as Ace Pepper, the Wednesday Night Band, and many others are able to continue to flourish within their creative passions, spreading the love to others, and help newcomers into the community.

If you’re looking for a place to catch a vibe, meet some talented people, and play live, the Wednesday Night Band are the people for you. Every Wednesday from 7pm to 10pm at Jack’sRoadhouse the opportunity awaits, all you have to do is show up.

If you’re interested in playing in the Blue’s Jam, just bring your instrument and sign up on the WNB sign up sheet to play alongside skilled bassists, guitarists, even brass.

Don’t worry about knowing the music as Ace Pepper said best, “Blues is an open ended form of music, that if you just understand a couple of simple musical rules about how chords go together, you can play stuff you’ve never played before with strangers”.

Beyond JAMS music and Jack’s Roadhouse, you can find Ace Pepper, his musical endeavors, and where you can catch the next show on Instagram @AcePepper or through his website AcePepper.com