At the end of 2008, in the midst of an intense economic recession, Jess Yoakum made the risky decision to leave her day job and follow her musical passion. She set out from her hometown of Boston, MA on a 2-month long national house concert and coffeehouse tour. While on tour, Yoakum felt called to leave Boston permanently and has now settled in Chicago, IL. Yoakum has begun to tour regularly around the midwest, singing songs from her debut album as well as her much anticipated sophomore album "This Quiet Mile" which will be released at the end of summer 2010.

She is accompanied by cellist Ira Ochs and violin/mandolin player Monica Hammer. "Yoakum's vocals transcend genre while pulling the listener in with uncommon tones and flavors. Lyrically refreshing, she hooks the listener with thoughts and ideas not often found in today's mainstream music." (IMG Music Promotions)