Jerron Paxton at Merlefest

Who is this guy? He was billed at Merlefest 2013 as Blind Boy Paxton but I’ve read he doesn’t like to called Blind Boy anymore. He dresses in a most peculiar manner as you can see in the photo.  When he speaks it’s with a Louisiana accent, but I read he comes from LA and lives in NYC. At Merlefest he made a comment about Baton Rouge being considered north where he comes from. And then he mentioned he was Jewish. His set was billed as African-American Old Time music, but he shrugged that off commenting that he was American but the rest of it was up for debate. I really had no idea what to expect from this character – that is until I heard him play. Jerron Paxton is in his mid-20s but he is highly accomplished on fiddle, guitar and banjo and is an extraordinary songster. Don’t worry about the schtick, the outfit, the accent, don’t worry about any of that. Just listen to this guy play! Here he is performing Casey Jones at Merlefest 2013 at the Traditional stage, channeling the late Furry Lewis. Sorry about the bad video quality. At least it gives you a little taste.