ALEX BERGAN & JESSE RAY SMITH

ALEX BERGAN

As a native of Iowa, Alex began writing music at the age of 15. Like many artists, he’s navigated through countless avenues trying to find the most honest and authentic version of his sound. Once a successful formula was found, it didn’t take long until he’d open for artists such as Nathaniel Rateliff, Todd Day Wait, John Butler, Riley Downing (The Deslondes), Clem Snide and Kenny Loggins, to name a few.

Now residing in San Diego, byway of a ten-year Naval career, Alex has made his mark within that scene. In 2023, he earned a nomination from the San Diego Music Awards for ‘Best Folk/Acoustic Album’ with nods to his EP, My Notebook. In 2024, Alex put another notch in the belt with a San Diego Music Award win for his acclaimed single, Unpromised Land. He just landed another SDMA nomination for his tune, Ghost in the Addict. Alex has also been nominated in San Diego Magazine’s “2025 People of the Year” for Best Singer / Songwriter and Best Male Vocalist.

Alex’s debut album, “Undercover” is out now and features a wide array of friends and guest singers. Among that list are David Ramirez, Francis Blume, Ash Easton and Justin John Rodriguez.

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JESSE RAY SMITH

“Through and through he represents a Southern California essence of down-to-earth sunshine vibes”. 

To Jesse Ray Smith, home is in the heart of California, as if raised by a family of tumbleweeds along Interstate 5, forever rolling with the Santa Ana winds. In his voice you hear the dust from the highway and the yearning of an old soul seeking redemption under the endless power lines. Jesse is a singer-songwriter, a husband and a father, dedicated to the pursuit of crafting timeless songs and records with his longtime writing partners Sean Cox Briar (Guitar) & John Varn (Keys). His brand of Modern Americana blends current indie folk flavors with southern & heartland rock sounds of the past, harkening artists such as Bob Segar, Chris Stapleton, and Tom Petty, but also courageously exploring a deeper songbook, at times akin to Paul Simon and CSNY. On his 2023 album 'Back to Yesterday', produced by 2023 Grammy Winning Producer Tyler Chester (Best Folk Album), Jesse's top shelf band of road weathered Bay Area players delivers a unique experience best described as "Heartland Rock with Heartbreak Soul". A Jesse Ray Smith live show is full of love and power that will leave your soul soaring and is not to be missed. Let’s take a drive from the coast to the desert with the top down.

“Jesse Ray Smith music sounds like a new version of rock legends such as the Doobie Brothers, Tom Petty, and Jackson Browne, as well as the Heartland Rock movement legends like Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp & Bob Seger.” 

 Meesha De Rumi | 2024 | Backstage 360