Jared Michael Hobgood (a.k.a. Mojito Joe) was born in Evansville, IN. His first paid gig was doing dinner theatre when he was 12. At 13 he learned to play guitar and at 16 he was playing in bars before he even supposed to be in them-- quickly discovering they never card the entertainment. After a couple of years playing clubs around the Lake Barkley area of Kentucky, MJ played the Ann Arbor area (while attending the University of Michigan) including the folk club "The Ark", a venue which featured musicians like Ritchie Havens and Chrissie Hynde.
After Mojito got tired of digging his jeep out of 6 feet of snow, he moved to the balmy climes of Florida. Settling in South Tampa, MJ played bars/clubs in Ybor City, New Orleans, Gainesville, Tampa, Jacksonville, Sarasota, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami.
After a couple of years of performing down south, he decided to try his show overseas. He moved to London to study acting and stand-up comedy. He also performed his show in cities across Europe. After returning to the United States he decided to attend law school at the University of Florida.
During summer break he went on vacation to Key West “for a couple days.” While relaxing one day on Duval street, he stopped at an Irish bar that had opened that week. The owner of Irish Kevin’s asked him to sing a couple songs. That was 9 years ago. Mojito Joe fell in love with Key West and made it his home.
With his trademark black guayabera and Panama hat, Mojito Joe has earned his title as “The Hardest Working Man in Key West” by delivering his high energy interactive show of sing alongs and “caribbean travel rock” night after night at Irish Kevin’s since they opened their doors in ‘98. He has been voted "Best Irish Entertainer of the Year" and was runner up (to Irish Kevin) for "Entertainer of the Year." MJ has recorded 3 CDs that can be heard on the air in markets from Baltimore to San Diego. Clips of his show have appeared on A&E, the BBC, E!, Mtv, and an adult film that shall remain nameless (no joke).
Since moving to Key West, Mojito has lived/traveled/performed through 6 of the 7 continents on planet Earth, including, but not limited to, cities in England, Scotland, Wales, France, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Turkey, Spain, Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, Canada, Mauritania, South Africa, Swazi, Zimbabwe, Zambia & the islands of : Cuba, the Bahamas, Cozumel, St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, Kuauii, Hawaii, Oahu, Ambergris Caye and St. Thomas. These days he can be found in bars and airports from Paris to Panama, Havana to Hawaii, and Costa Rica to Cape Town. With a guitar on his back and a smile on his face, Mojito Joe looks forward to the next adventure that calls.
"How lucky am I? I actually look forward to going to work. Besides porn stars, not a whole lot of people can say that. So, many thanks to all of you for coming out to my shows, listening to my music, and for keeping me on vacation. Be easy."
-- Mojito Joe
© 2007 MOJITO JOE
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