First Note is First Class

eudaimonia*First Note is First Class by Tracy Louthain

Tommy Jackson has launched a melodic new venture. A successful financial advisor in Birmingham, Ala., and brother of local musician Tim Jackson, he has combined two of his passions — business and music — into First Note Music Hall. The jazzy lounge, located in Redfish Village at County Road 83 and 30A, connects talented musicians from around the country with music loving audiences along the Emerald Coast.

“After watching my brother, I thought there must be a way to bridge the gap between artistry and business,” said First Note Owner Tommy Jackson. “First Note is a mini-university for many of the artists.”

As proof of First Note’s success, featured artists such as Kaci Bolls, Dean Alexander and the Henningsens have been performing to sold-out crowds since the lounge’s soft launch last summer, catapulting their careers. “We’re proud that four acts that played here are signing national deals,” said Jackson.

First Note’s cozy, 144-seat listening hall creates an intimate atmosphere for the artists to share their personal stories and songs with audience members. Each show features four to six artists, representing different musical genres that range from country and blues to pop and jazz. Each show is as unexpected as a guitar riff with the artists performing individually as well as with one another, creating a musical extravaganza that often inspires a standing ovation.

*happiness is …

 Tommy Jackson’s new music hall is first rate. Photo by Scott Holstein