JerGriffin
Jeremiah Griffin is a northwest Arkansas based singer songwriter, musician, advocate and educator. His approach to interpreting favorite songs and writing new music is the same; finding the honest, real emotion at the heart of each story. With soulful vocals and a unique guitar style, JerGriffin Music lays his heart on the line with every note of songs like “Gone, Baby, Gone,” “Seven Robins” and “The Wild Look”. Jeremiah started writing songs at 15, forming bands to support his original songs. An Arkansas native, the landscapes of the river valley, Ozarks and pine forests resonate in the hills and valleys of Jer’s deep library of songs. He cut his teeth in the blues scene in Little Rock, listening to and learning from the gritty river city sound. His meandering path through the towns and schools of Arkansas was an expedition through the classical, theatrical, roots and blues of the rich musical landscape, influencing and guiding the musical journey of a unique and inspired artist each step of the way. Today, he combines more than three decades of writing, performing, teaching and learning to share his story of healing and restoration through music.
Lovetree
Lovetree is a project founded by Jeremiah Griffin and Lee Christenson in an effort to share the original music of its members. Originally inspired by the blues, songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, along with Jeremiah’s original compositions, have influenced the band's musical direction. The group of seasoned players quickly bonded on stage and in the studio into a versatile, authentic, and groovy ensemble with deep roots in the creative process and a love of forming community through the arts, especially music. In live performance the band presents an energetic, sincere, and soulful connection with the audience.
Lee Christenson, Drums, percussion
Lee has had the privilege of playing drums and recording with a wide variety of musicians, playing rock,
blues, country, reggae, soul/groove music, and rockabilly. He has performed in bands playing in a wide
variety of venues across the country. He started playing rock while in high school, and has performed
with Chuck Berry, Paul Rogers, Steve Hunter, Pork Armstrong, David Kimbrough Jr, and many
other talented bands and artists. He was the founding member of the Boogie Men (a South Florida
favorite that has been playing music for 30 years). He moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2008 and has
enjoyed the opportunities to play and record music with many talented musicians in the area. In addition
to music he enjoys fitness activities, biking, hiking, traveling, reading, fishing and spending time with his
best friend and wife Pam!
Rich Hightower, Bass, vocals
Rich Hightower, raised in the river town of Ft. Smith, has been a multi instrumentalist all of his life. Bringing the gift of music into his every day life as an RN for 31 years, Rich has a gentle touch and a stellar groove. Founding member of the Blue Springs Blues Band and bassist for the swinging Rachel B band since 2014, Rich’s rhythms and his soul are deep in the sounds of NWA since 2009.
Chris Carter, Guitar, Vocals
Ever since Chris first picked up a guitar as a kid, music has been his passion. He spent years practicing, learning from his favorite artists, and eventually joined local bands as a teen. Playing live is what he loves most—being part of a group of musicians, adding his piece to the mix, and sharing those moments with an audience. Chris is grateful for every chance to play, whether in a small room or on a bigger stage, and simply hopes to keep growing and connecting through music.
“For me, it’s not about standing out but being part of something that moves people.”
Founder of Ozark Dragonfly, Chris Carter