JAY BRAGG: THE WIZARD OF WHIMSY
Third-Generation Artist & Creator of New Vaudeville
Nashville-based, New England-raised singer-songwriter Jay Bragg and his family have celebrated American music on stage for nearly a century. A third-generation vaudevillian known as The Wizard of Whimsy, Bragg has written hundreds of songs and delivered over 4,000 performances nationwide. With masterful command of vintage Americana—country, rock, jazz, and rhythm & blues—he delights audiences through encyclopedic musical knowledge, witty storytelling, and carefully curated American song honoring our multicultural entertainment heritage.
The best origin stories begin before birth. While pregnant with Jay, his mother placed headphones from the mixing board on her stomach during his father's gospel band performances, allowing the future entertainer to absorb the vibrations of Black spiritual traditions before he drew breath. This prenatal connection to gospel, blues, and soul music—combined with his vaudeville grandparents' teachings that true magic happens when artistry meets community—created a cellular-level understanding of American entertainment's authentic multicultural roots. Jay inherited not just talent, but mission: preserving the sophisticated variety traditions his grandparents mastered while proving they can still serve contemporary audiences seeking genuine connection.
From intimate acoustic performances to high-octane honky tonk revues to his New Vaudeville variety experiences and revival of the singing telegram tradition, Bragg serves as one of the few living bridges to America's rich entertainment history. His work has earned Nashville validation through collaborations with Alan Jackson and Chris Stapleton, 13 studio albums, and critical acclaim from Saving Country Music. But his deepest commitment remains honoring his father's wish during cancer treatment: "Carry the torch. Keep bringing joy to people who need it most"—a promise Jay fulfills through regular hospice performances and his lifelong dedication to entertainment as healing, community-building cultural medicine.
Current Artistic Offerings
🎭 Jay Bragg's New Vaudeville
The Last American Variety Show
Complete theatrical experiences featuring original compositions, specialty performers, and sophisticated variety entertainment that transforms venues into cultural destinations for discerning audiences.
🎄 Christmas in New Vaudeville
Vintage Holiday Sophistication
Elevated seasonal entertainment featuring original holiday compositions and variety performers, now in its fifth successful year creating magical holiday experiences for sophisticated audiences.
🎵 One Man Band from Nashville
Musical Virtuosity That Must Be Seen to Be Believed
Solo performance mastery featuring five instruments played simultaneously—a display of musical skill and entertainment artistry perfect for intimate venues and discerning audiences.
🎪 Solo & Ensemble Jazz Experiences
From Intimate Crooner Sets to Full Band Sophistication
Flexible musical experiences spanning solo piano performances to full jazz ensemble, featuring original compositions and American songbook classics for venues seeking authentic musical excellence.
🎸 The Complete American Songbook
Hit Parade Party & Classic Rock/Country Experience
Two decades of party band mastery including Honky Tonk Row residencies translated into high octane hit parade shows. From classic rock anthems to country favorites spanning the past 60 years—delivered with the musical virtuosity and authentic charm that only a Nashville-credentialed artist can provide.
🎵 Jay Bragg's Acoustic Singing Telegram
Celebrating Life's Special Moments & Healing Musical Companionship
Nashville's most unique musical services—from surprise birthday performances to healing musical companionship for seniors. As "The Wizard of Whimsy," Jay combines 22+ years of professional entertainment experience with 2+ years of hospice volunteer work to create deeply meaningful musical moments that celebrate life, provide comfort, and strengthen family connections through personalized performance and authentic charm.
🏢 Sophisticated Event Entertainment
Musical Curation for Discerning Gatherings
Premium entertainment services for upscale events requiring authentic musical mastery, from intimate executive gatherings to cultural programming for sophisticated venues.
The Artistic Vision
Jay Bragg represents the evolution of American entertainment—an authentic artist honoring genuine heritage while creating contemporary cultural experiences that serve sophisticated audiences and strengthen community bonds. Through musical mastery spanning traditional country to jazz sophistication, New Vaudeville cultural programming, and entertainment that ranges from intimate acoustic experiences to full variety spectacles, Jay proves that authentic artistry can transform both individual gatherings and cultural landscapes.
This is sophisticated entertainment for audiences who value authenticity, musical excellence, and experiences that create lasting cultural impact.
"While others follow trends, Jay Bragg creates cultural movements that preserve America's sophisticated entertainment heritage while building community in our divided world."
