Tough Mama
Columbia, SC

Tough Mama, has been together for almost 2 years and has been successfully building a loyal fan base. Tough Mama plays music of all types of genres from jazz to rock and from blues to oldies. Their hope is to play music everyone can enjoy with a focus on vocal harmonies. Tough Mama includes Julia and Barton Beckham, Jenn McCallister and Mike Mahoney. This name, which comes from a Bob Dylan song, became even more fitting in March of 2007 when Julia and Barton had their first child.

Julia Beckham - Vocals and Guitar. Julia began playing guitar at the age of 16. Many years later she felt ready to share her music with others, so she began to seek out open-mic nights in the Columbia area. In addition to a full-time professional career, Julia answered a ‘musician wanted’ ad in the Free-Times newspaper which led her to playing with John Scollon as Heart and Soul. Various bands followed: The Resonators, Trio of Local Musicians and Family Jones Band. Julia was part of the choir in Stephen Williams production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2005. While with the Resonators she met her husband, Barton Beckham, and the two eventually formed their current band, Tough Mama.

Barton Beckham - Guitar and vocals. Barton has been a member of the Columbia music scene for many years. He played bass in King Cotton (bluegrass/rock) and then later with the popular Mountain Express Band (bluegrass/jam) which developed a strong fan base throughout the tri-state region. Next, Barton played guitar and piano in Mescaline Man with friends Stephen Williams and Casey Hammett. During this time, Barton had also joined and played organ with the Resonators (blues) and met his wife, Julia. After this band ended, Barton and Julia, determined to continue together musically, joined with Casey Hammett to form Trio of Local Musicians. This project focused on vocal harmonies and, though it was short-lived, it grew into Family Jones Band when the three added drummer, Scott Hilton and guitarists, Chance Glass and Stephen Williams. When this project came to an end is when he and Julia met and began playing with bassist, Mike Mahoney. Then, when Jennifer McCallister joined them, the band took on new life with strong vocal harmonies and a rarity of two front women. Together they became, Tough Mama. Among the most versatile musicians in Columbia, Barton plays the guitar, bass, piano (most anything with strings), organ, melodica and evens dabbles with playing the drums. Barton keeps us all on our toes - not only with his amazing guitar leads, but you never know what he will be playing next.

Jenn McCallister - Lead Vocals, Percussion. Jenn McCallister provided lead and backing vocals with the Zen Tricksters, and appeared on the Trickster's album "A Love Surreal". She has appeared alongside a number of local acts including Troubadour X. In addition Jenn had a lead role (as Mary Magdalene) in 2003's and 2005's Columbia, SC production of the music of "Jesus Christ Superstar". Jenn's passion for blues, soul, gospel, rock, country, and bluegrass shines in every tune they play. She writes and composes original material for the band Stillhouse on her own (Take Your Coat and Treat You Right). She sets an energetic tone to every Stillhouse gig with her powerhouse vocals, dancing and hand percussion.

Mike Mahoney - Bass. Mike has been playing bass and guitar for over 30 years, most notably in New Potato Caboose during its mid- to late 80's heyday, as well as in Wood n' Steel, Radio Mosaic, Fatback and the Groove Band and Mac's Allstars at Mac's on Main, and innumerable studio projects. Mike also composes original material for Stillhouse with Jenn McCallister (Sunday Stash. Treat You Right). His style is thunderous yet delicate as he provides the backbone for the Tough Mama repertoire.

Scott Hilton - Drums. [Bio coming ...]