George Strait Welcomes New Member to His Ace in the Hole Band
George Strait is still officially retired from full-time touring, but he’s making the most of live music finally re-opening by agreeing to some big shows coming up in the next year.
This includes King George re-booking a couple of his Las Vegas shows originally planned for 2020 to August 13th and 14th of this year. He’ll also be headlining both weekends of the Austin City Limits Festival coming up the first two weekends of October 2021. Strait also has a date with the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis scheduled for November 13th, and he will be appearing once again at Rodeo Houston in early 2022 for their 90th Anniversary.
And for these live shows and any others that may appear on the calendar, George Strait will have a new member of his legendary “Ace in the Hole” band. As you may recall, Strait’s long-time drummer Mike Kennedy died in a car accident in 2018. Subsequently, drummer Lonnie Wilson, who is best known for playing with Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and others, filled in for Kennedy. Lonnie Wilson is also known as a songwriter and producer, and has written numerous charting hits.
But now replacing Lonnie Wilson will be a guy some may know from the rock world. Bobby Jarzombek is known for playing behind Skid Row’s Sebastian Bach, as well as Halford, Riot, Fates Warning, and others. And now he will be the latest official member of the Ace in the Hole band.
“As the newest member of [George’s] Ace in the Hole band, last Saturday we played a private event in Austin, Texas and everything was awesome!” Jarzombek said recently on social media. “I am so glad to be here! Really looking forward to the future with George and the guys!”
Though mostly known for rock, Bobby Jarzombek has played in numerous country outfits as well, including with Freddy Cruz and the Noble Outlaws, and in the Texas Jamm Band, which is the Ace in the Hole’s other gig when not on tour with George Strait. From San Antonio, Jarzombek is known throughout Strait’s home region.
When Mike Kennedy passed away, Jarzombek shared, “It was always inspirational to hear Mike play with his amazing touch and feel… and also to watch him with his unique approach as a left handed guy playing on a right handed kit.”
Bobby Jarzombek is highly respected in the rock world, and even though his technical skills will not be fully realized in the more sedated drumming of traditional country, his taste and proficiency most certainly will.
May 23, 2021 @ 8:25 am
Q. What do you call someone who likes to hang out with musicians?
A. A drummer.
Q. What does it mean when drool is coming out of both corners of a drummer’s mouth?
A. The stage is level.
May 23, 2021 @ 12:55 pm
Groupy
May 24, 2021 @ 12:54 pm
Lol thanks I needed a good laugh!,,
May 23, 2021 @ 9:18 am
Interesting choice.
May 23, 2021 @ 11:54 am
I’d imagine Jarzombek will continue to do is other work. Playing with Strait is clearly now a part-time job.
May 23, 2021 @ 6:06 pm
Hey, look at Chris Shifflet, Foo Fighters guitarist , but hes dabbling in Country music on the side. Who knows, maybe the audience will get treated to a bit of double bass pedal on the western swing numbers.
I imagine the money potential with King George is significant. A pretty great gig for any drummer.
May 23, 2021 @ 2:57 pm
I did a show with Mike kennedy he was a great drummer and person he’s very missed
May 23, 2021 @ 6:07 pm
The rock world. Yeah, ok! Bobby Jarzombek is an absolute BEAST of a drummer. His brother is Ron Jarzombek of WatchTower and Spastic Ink (Bobby played drums for SI). All drummer jokes die at the feet of this guy. I mean, yeah, he’s lucky as hell to be in Ace in the Hole, but they’re lucky to have him as well
May 24, 2021 @ 12:28 am
Freaking awesome congrats Bobby. Certainly the best Texas Drummer in Texas thats for damm shure! And im a Texan metal head drummer. Cheers!
May 24, 2021 @ 5:15 am
George jus couldn’t stand it anymore when the man says he’s takin a walk u best follow because u jus dont know whats going to happen good see u on stage Gs
May 24, 2021 @ 3:17 pm
Did Strait hand him paper that said Check Yes or No when he offered the job?
May 26, 2021 @ 6:24 am
Bobby is a great drummer. I remember him well from my metal days in the late 80s and early 90s as a fan of the band Riot. Never would have guessed back then that he would become the drummer for George Strait. Never guessed back then I would return to loving the music I grew up listening to either. I’m sure he will be a great addition.