For the past 15 years Jimmie’s Chicken Shack has been performing and writing music together. The band has shared the stage with many other bands such as Live, 311, Creed, and Fuel.

“Touring with the other bands is like hanging out with friends,” said the band’s Jimmie Haha. There are four members of the band that have all originated from other bands. Band members include Jimi Haha (guitar, lead vocals), Jerome Maffeo (drums), Matt Jones (guitar, vocals), and Christian Valiente (bass, vocals).

Playing at least one concert a week the band is constantly on tour. In addition to the 2008 release on regional indie label Fowl Records, the Maryland-based band has also worked with other record companies such as Rocket Records, Def Jam, and Koch Records that released some of their other albums.

Jimmie’s Chicken Shack will be coming to Awful Arthur’s, 1302 West Main Street in Salem on July 18 at 9 p.m. The band has come to Salem for years and is looking forward to coming back again. “Every concert is different and we don’t have a set agenda for the evening,” Haha said. Tickets for the show are $10.

On its latest album, Fail on Cue, every song is different, and for JCS fans, this album will offer a different sound from those previous. “Every record sounds different from every record, a different sound on each one,” Haha said. JCS has honed its own sound over the years, giving them a different feel from every other band out there today that are all starting to sound the same.

The lyrics also are unique to the band. From “17″ to “Caught Down” to “Waiting Room” each song has its own story to tell. The band’s music is entertaining and upbeat. While kicking back and listening to the album, or driving down the road jamming out to the record, you will never know what to expect next in your first listen. For alternative music fans, though, a first listen will surely not be the last.

Jimmie’s Chicken Shacks plans to play for about two hours on the July 18. So come out to support live music and listen to your favorite JCS songs live!

Anna Keffer is an intern for the New River Voice and writes articles for a song.