BORDERTOWN
Classic Rock • Country • Dance
Bordertown was formed when a group of long-time friends got together for a New Year’s Eve jam. Even after many years, the musical chemistry was still there and Bordertown was born. The band members each have more than 30 years experience playing music from coast-to-coast and internationally. Set lists include songs by Keith Urban, Def Leppard, Blake Shelton, The Eagles, Dwight Yoakam, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beatles, Aerosmith, and many more (more songs here). Bordertown is available to play at most venues, private parties, weddings, and other special events.
CHAD JASNA
Guitar, Vocals
I have a lifelong love of all things pertaining to music. It is my passion. It is who I am.
I grew up watching my dad play drums in cover bands. From an early age, I enjoyed hearing him play both rock and country. I got my first guitar in 1987. Steve Lockridge started showing me a few things and soon became my mentor and lifelong friend. I played in a couple of Christian rock bands with Steve from 1987-1992.
After marrying my high school sweetheart and starting a family, I began playing country music. I eventually moved to Nashville, had a manager and did a lot of demo work. My time in the Music City was a blast but it kept me away from my family for extended periods of time. I moved back to the River Valley area and have enjoyed singing, playing guitar, drums and bass in various bands ever since.
It’s funny how things always come back around full circle. I am honored to be playing music with Steve again, as well as the other members of Bordertown. My time in Nashville taught me that family always comes first. That’s what makes this band so unique and special. We are more than a group of dedicated professional musicians. We are a family.
STEVE LOCKRIDGE
Guitar, Vocals
I started playing guitar in December 1983. By listening to everything I could get my hands on with LA and Nashville session guitarists on it, my playing progressed rapidly.
By early 1985, I was asked to play with some of the best musicians in the River Valley. One member of that band, Anthony Sallee, played professionally with Whiteheart, Michael W. Smith, Phil Keaggy, John Elefante, and several other artists as a session bassist. Playing with guys who were better than me helped to improve my playing even more.
In 1991, some good friends and I formed the band Nehemiah. That band included Bordertown vocalist/guitarist Chad Jasna. Nehemiah released its first album, “Dangerous”, in 1993. Nehemiah became a regional success and attracted the ear of several industry people. Mark Clay, bassist for Nehemiah from 1992 to 1994, was recruited into a professional gig and has been the bassist for legendary Christian group Newsong for many years. In 2005, Nehemiah retired.
I am so honored to play with the guys in Bordertown. I have known most of the guys in the band at least 30 years and they are like family. They are great musicians and singers and I am having a blast learning to play some country which I’ve never done before!
MITCH HUGHES
Bass, Vocals
I started playing bass the summer after the 9th grade, when I was 14 years old. I had a friend who played guitar so I picked up the bass. We mainly played as a garage band just for fun. Later on in high school, we formed a band called Dragon. We wore matching Jimi Hendrix-style t-shirts. We looked ridiculous. Dragon played in our high school talent show and blew everyone away. I also played with other friends for other events. Needless to say, I was hooked on the bass.
Over time, I played with several local bands: The Shift, G.T. Hood, Watchmen The ET Praise Band, Troublemakers, and countless backyard jam sessions. Some with one of my favorite guitarists, Gary Hutchison.
I am extremely honored to play with the other guys in Bordertown and I am ready to kick it.
CHRIS BEAM
Drums, Vocals
I started playing drums in 1974. I have played in a few different bands in the River Valley. After getting married and moving to Conway, I mostly played in church and in a few Christian bands.
Since moving back to the Fort Smith area, I’m still playing in church, as well as a few bands around town. I’ve played with Dove award winner Andy Chrisman (4Him) and Grammy winner Russ Taff. I’m very excited to be the newest member of Bordertown. I’m looking forward to getting to know these talented musicians & making some terrific music together.