This article was published in the March 13 2013 print edition of the Scuppernong Reminder.
The local music scene in Tyrell County continues to grow.

Jonny Waters and Company is adding to that growth.

The band consisting of Jonny Waters (lead vocals, guitar), Cory Waters (percussion), Jake Brickhouse (bass, vocals), Alex Jolly (drums), was recently named OBX’s Entertainment’s 2012 band of the year.

An official bio of the band describes the growth of the band.

“Jon began his musical career in his hometown marching band and has played with numerous friends along the way. Jon’s music has been influenced by his life’s path, from being raised on a farm in small town USA; to spending hours on the Albemarle Sound farming the waters; to keeping the peace and guarding our freedom in the US Army during a tour in Iraq,” reads a portion of the bio.

Jon got back from Iraq and was stationed in Germany when he started performing live.

“I performed solo for a couple of years and I registered to do the battle of the bands at ECU,” he said.

Jon is currently a grad student at ECU where he is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration.

The band influences range from Johnny Cash,Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Derek Trucks.

The band has played at locations in Columbia and the Tyrrell County area like the Old Salt Oyster bar, Legion Beach, and the Good Times Tavern.

Most of the band’s performances are in the Outer Banks.

Jon said that playing music for him is relaxing and fun when he is by himself or getting together with family for various functions.

However for himself, Jake, and Alex the band is their source of income.

This means a different set of expectations.

The band gets hired by establishments to do weddings, birthday parties, and be house entertainment for night clubs.

“It is definitely more pressure because you have to think about the fact that you are providing a service and a product. It is more than just a self-serving creative process. You have to keep in mind what people want,” Jon explained.

Jon explained that he hopes the band continues to grow with each opportunity.

“I am fully invested in music right now,” he said.