Having grown up in Pinal County, Jay Mitchell was influenced by the rock and country sounds he listened to on local radio stations. In 1981, he formed the Canyon State Band, with the desire to play the style of country music that influenced his Arizona Up bringing. 

Canyon State Band has performed predominantly in the Apache Jct. area but has ventured out to play in the greater Phoenix area, Payson, Coolidge, and the White Mountains of Arizona. They have opened for a few national acts (T.G. Shepherd, Sweethearts of Rodeo, Delbert McClinton, Little Jimmy Dickens) but Jay’s fondest desire is to entertain in a more intimate setting.

In the 1990’s, Canyon State Band was the house band for the unprecedented 5 years at Arizona Joe’s, the hottest nightclub in Apache Jct. In 1999 the Band was asked to play for Hale Elementary School (Mesa) Grandparent’s Day and has continued that tradition for 23 consecutive years. Several other Mesa Schools have also had Canyon State play for their Western BBQ days, as the band has an appeal to young and old alike. 

If you like the music of artists like Merle Haggard, George Strait, and Charlie Daniels, then you’ll enjoy the band’s “20th Century Country” repertoire. They also include a little classic rock n roll in their shows. 

Decades ago, Canyon State Band was the first to play an engagement at the Hondoh Casino Showroom, preceding the Grand Opening that featured Freddie Fender. Now the band is really looking forward to performing for the Old Time Fiddle and Acoustic Celebration Kickoff!