Reverend Jon Takes the Stage with Red Dirt Magic

The second installment of the weekly Red Dirt Concert series is set for Friday, September 13, with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. The event will be held at the Posse Grounds Pavilion within the Barbara Antonsen Memorial Park in Posse Grounds Park. Folk artist Jonathan Cady from Flagstaff will open the concert, followed by headliner Reverend Jon, a synth-pop artist from Jerome.

“The selection committee did a fantastic job curating acts that resonate well together,” said Jason Vargo, the Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator. “Jonathan Cady embodies the quintessential singer-songwriter experience, effortlessly combining guitar and vocals in an earthy, engaging manner.”

Vargo also praised Reverend Jon’s unique approach. “He crafts an auditory journey with his setup, layering elements that emulate a full band experience through adept programming and performance.”

Reverend Jon, also known as Jon Margulies, describes his sound as “synth pop for people who like post-rock.” He has enhanced his one-man show by pre-recording additional musical elements to create a rich, layered sound. Recently, he collaborated with drummer Lou Moretti from Sedona’s The Naughty Bits for his upcoming performances.

Margulies aims for about 90% of his setlist to feature original compositions, occasionally including a cover of a Thompson Twins song. He believes his music serves a higher purpose, addressing personal struggles alongside universal inquiries. This belief is informed by his background with a New Age religious community and his ongoing conversion to Eastern Orthodoxy.

After moving to Jerome in 2020, Margulies established Old School Studios at the Jerome Arts Center. “For a decade, I searched for a unique location to open a studio,” he said. “Jerome offered a great destination, with lower overhead and growing artistic appeal.”

“I guarantee attendees will hear something entirely new,” he added. “Anyone with a bit of musical curiosity will find delight in my performance.”

The concert’s opening act, Jonathan Cady, will showcase his folk artistry at the Posse Grounds Pavilion. He emphasizes the significance of his songwriting process, noting that he draws inspiration from various environments he has experienced.

“My songwriting process is my pride,” Cady explained. “Each song embodies the scenery of its creation. I draw from nature and influences like Passenger and William Fitzsimmons.” Since moving from Hawaii to Flagstaff in 2020, his music reflects the diverse landscapes of northern Arizona.

“Nature fuels my creative process, allowing inspiration to emerge effortlessly,” he said. “Certain songs unfold simply by observing the world around me.”

Cady expressed excitement about performing in Sedona for the first time. “I feel honored to be part of this event and can’t wait to engage with new faces while sharing my stories and songs,” he stated.