John Thomas Draper (vocals; acoustic, electric, and resophonic slide guitars; harmonicas) plays blues and roots music in Salt Lake City, UT and the surrounding area as a solo artist, and with The Dusty Boxcars, a duo with vocalist Kerry Strazdins. He also led and fronted the now defunct Clarksdale Ghosts. Fans know him for his lively performances, gritty baritone voice, and intricate guitar work.
In 2014, he performed at The Utah Arts Festival as a finalist for the Susanne Milsaps Performing Songwriter Showcase. The same year, he founded the Annual SLC Leonard Cohen Tribute Concert at Fats Grill, a popular bar in Salt Lake's Sugar House neighborhood.
His blues influences include classic Delta, Chicago and Texas blues masters such as Robert Johnson, Skip James, Son House, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Howlin' Wolf, among others. He also finds inspiration in jazz, soul, classic country and rock, and songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Townes Van Zandt, and Tom Waits.
As a solo act or band member, he has played over 1,000 shows in coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. He has also performed at weddings, parties, house concerts, farmers markets, festivals, fundraisers, and corporate events.
Currently fans might see him perform at Snowbird Ski Resort's Tram Club, The Snow Lodge at Deer Valley, The Garage on Beck, Park City's Silver Star Cafe, Fats Bar and Grill, The Vertical Diner, and other local establishments.
For booking information and rates, contact him at jtdrapermusic@gmail.com, or call 801-755-5194.