Rockin’ Roots Events brings one of America’s hottest roots-rock exports to the Kent coast, as Handsome Jack make their Margate debut at Olby’s Soul Café on Thursday 19 November 2026. Fresh from the release of their acclaimed sixth album Barnburners!, the New York trio serve up a potent blend of swampy blues, gritty boogie, Southern soul and vintage rock ‘n’ roll — all delivered with the kind of raw, sweat-soaked energy that’s made them one of the most talked-about live acts on the American circuit. In the intimate surroundings of Margate Old Town’s finest music room, this is live music in Kent exactly as it should be: up close, loud and unmissable
From Lockport, New York, Handsome Jack are one of America’s finest modern roots-rock bands — a trio fusing blues, soul, boogie and classic rock into a sound that’s timeless yet unmistakably their own. Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Jamison Passuite with bassist Joey Verdonselli and drummer Bennie Hayes, they draw on the great traditions of Memphis, Muscle Shoals and Chicago blues while sounding thoroughly contemporary. Fans include Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes and Ben McLeod of All Them Witches, who produced their acclaimed 2021 album Get Humble.
In February 2026, Handsome Jack released their sixth studio album, Barnburners!, via Alive Naturalsound Records. Featuring ten infectious tracks including “Poly Molly,” “Let’s Go Downtown” and “Do It! To It!,” the album showcases the band’s signature blend of swampy blues, soulful grooves, vintage rock ‘n’ roll and rich vocal harmonies. Hailed as one of their strongest releases to date, Barnburners! has been praised for its irresistible songwriting, outstanding musicianship and authentic celebration of American roots music.
Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Jamison Passuite, alongside bassist Joey Verdonselli and drummer Bennie Hayes, Handsome Jack deliver a sound inspired by the great traditions of Memphis, Muscle Shoals, Chicago blues and 1970s rock while remaining fresh, vibrant and unmistakably contemporary. Their music effortlessly bridges the gap between gritty barroom boogie, Southern soul and hook-filled rock ‘n’ roll.
Handsome Jack have shared stages with Rival Sons, Gov’t Mule, The Sheepdogs, Monster Truck, Blue Cheer, J. Geils, Robert Randolph and many more, building a reputation as one of the hardest-working and most exciting touring bands on the American roots-rock circuit. Whether igniting festival crowds or packing intimate clubs with their infectious energy, Handsome Jack continue to prove why they’re regarded as one of the leading lights of today’s blues-rock revival. With Barnburners! setting a new benchmark for the band, they remain a must-see live act for fans of soulful, groove-driven American rock ‘n’ roll.
This one-night-only Margate show is part of Rockin’ Roots Events’ biggest month yet — a November run of live blues and roots shows across Kent, from Faversham and Rainham to Bromley and Birchington. For Thanet music fans, it’s a rare chance to catch a genuine American touring band in an intimate East Kent room, without the trek to London. Olby’s Soul Café has quietly become one of the coast’s best-loved live music spots, and its warm, up-close atmosphere is tailor-made for a band built on groove, grit and soul. Make a proper night of it: doors open at 7pm. Advance tickets are £20 / Door Tickets will be £25 if still available — and this room will not stay quiet for long.
Olby’s Soul Café, 3–5 King Street, Margate CT9 1DD. In the heart of Margate Old Town, a short walk from Margate station (high-speed from London St Pancras ~90 mins). Limited street parking nearby; town centre car parks within walking distance.
