Familiar Faces
MAN ON FIRE Before moving to Mankato, musician Jeremy Poland opened for Switchfoot
J Photos by Pat Christman
NAME:
Jeremy Poland OCCUPATION: Musician/sub slinger
HOMETOWN: Sylacauga, Alabama
GUILTY PLEASURE SONG? “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DISH?
Oh man. I’m always hungry so it’s hard to pick a favorite — burgers, wings and fries
12 • OCTOBER 2020 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
eremy Poland — the man’s name is ubiquitous with excellent customer service, music and infectious positivity. Poland moved to Mankato from Florida in 2012 — though originally from Alabama — and stuck around. Many have come to see Poland at the Jersey Mike’s in Mankato. Not one customer can pass by him without a smile and “How ya’ doin’?” His passion lies in music, starting from an early age and discovering the love for his career through church. Jeremy Poland averaged performing 170 stages last year with his band, The Jeremy Poland Band, and with premier band IV Play. The pandemic halted many of those shows, either causing them to be rescheduled or canceled. But the musician kept on performing, even through virtual platforms. Because, after all, the show must go on. MANKATO MAGAZINE: You joined Mankato’s premier band IV Play in 2013. What has that been like and what’s your favorite part about performing? JEREMY POLAND: It’s been crazy, fun and knowledgeable. My favorite part about performing... there’s just something about a beautiful summer night with lots of people singing back to you that I just can’t get enough of. Everyone’s looking for an escape for just a little while and music connects so many feelings and people — my escape becomes people’s escape and I’m so glad. MM: Currently, you have two albums, “Timeless Soul” and “Southbound Heart.” Can you tell us a little bit more about each one? JP: Definitely! “Southbound Heart” came out in 2015. A lot of my songs on this album are based on just living. Things I’ve seen, things I’ve been through, love and breakups. “Southbound Heart” was a lot of songs that I had written living in Alabama, Florida and newly living in Minnesota. There are a couple of songs on the album my friend Lantz Dale wrote — “Antarctica” and “Falling From Grace” — that didn’t fit his style which I’m so glad he let me sing because they are wonderful songs. And a couple we wrote together. Favorite song? Man, I don’t even know. I think my favorite part about all the songs are … I can listen
