WINNER OF THE 2022 PICKIN IN THE PINES BLUEGRASS & ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Cross-Eyed Possum
Out On My Own
The Cross-Eyed Possum is an identical twin led Americana/Newgrass band that plays with the energy of a folk-rock band through the lens of intimacy created as an acoustic trio. Their music is an amalgamation of their collective love for passionate rock ‘n’ roll, their experience with the free and honest feeling found in acoustic/bluegrass festivals, and their time spent dedicated to the adventurous tendencies of jazz and classical music composition while attending universities. The band is currently celebrating their second studio album “Out On My Own.”
Jason Howard
Upright Bass, Vocals
Jason Howard is a double bassist who has been playing music since middle school and has continued to play professionally with Jonah in Cross-Eyed Possum after graduating with a degree in music performance from Northern Arizona State University in May 2022. In the duration of his high school career, Jason experienced success in multiple scenarios both within the fields of competitive high school competitions and the professional music world. He made all state twice for both orchestra and jazz, taking first in orchestra once and first in jazz both times. During this time, he and his twin brother began writing and performing music together on stages all around the state of Arizona. Jason also joined the band "Sugar and the Mint" while in high school, with whom he won numerous competitions including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Contest and toured the music festival scene extensively. Jason also experienced numerous successes during his time at NAU, including opportunities such as playing principal bass for the NAU Symphony, the Flagstaff Symphony, Verde Valley Symphony, and playing with the top jazz combo in his school. He also won the NAU concerto competition his junior year, toured around the country multiple times with The Cross-Eyed Possum, and wrote multiple solo pieces for the double bass.
Jonah Howard
Guitar, Vocals
Jonah graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University in May 2022 with a degree in Jazz Performance and a certificate in Music Entrepreneurship. During these college years he had the opportunity to tour with Cross-Eyed Possum several times across the country, as well as play with several bands in the Phoenix area. At school he performed in some of the top ensembles under the direction of Michael Kocour and Lewis Nash. He also wrote and produced much original music for jazz recitals and for classes that he attended at ASU's Popular Music School. Some of this music will feature in upcoming Cross-Eyed Possum projects.