South By Southwest Artist Heads To Jammin' Java

The last time Sam James was in the Washington, D.C. area, the young up-and-coming pop artist performed for President Obama at his inaugural ball.

But on Tuesday, Vienna residents will get a chance to see him live at performing alongside “Along Those Lines” and Jared Evans, who recently signed to Interscope Records.

The 23-year-old singer has come a long way from his early performances as a teenager at the local venues in his hometown of Worcester, Mass. In 2010 he was one of 10 BMI artists selected from around the world to perform live at the annual BMI/Billboard Magazine South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Texas. He’s also performed at the Super Bowl twice, as well as at Dick Cheney’s Inaugural Ball.

“There’s so many fantastic artists all over the world that never get recognized, and I’m trying to become more recognized everyday,” James said. “It’s a lot of work, a lot of sending stuff out to labels, a lot  of pounding the pavement, but I think its also about having a good core group of people around you.”

James recently worked on a record with Ray J, the well-known R&B singer-turned-reality star and brother of Grammy-award-winning singer Brandy.

“It's about doing as many projects that are worthwhile that you can. You have to weigh out the pros and cons for every project obviously," James said. "It's important to be able to come to DC and do a show for 100 people ... you're not from there. [But for me] it's important to be from Worcester and sell out Boston, it's important to sell out rooms in New York City. I travel a lot to help build my fan base.”

James mentions John Mayer and Maroon 5 as two of his largest musical influences. Show-goers can expect to hear a nice spin on alternative pop rock: His songs are smooth and soulful, and he brings an energetic presence to the stage.

He will be bringing  the Worcester, Mass., rap group GMB  to perform with him at Jammin' Java.

“It's going to be more of an acoustic set," he said. "We’re going to do a little hip hop, a little acoustic. It’s going to be really up-tempo, a really fun show."

The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Jammin' Java. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.