First Jason Brings Horror Punk to Battle Creek's Music Factory

Horror fans and punk rockers, take note... a legend is coming to Battle Creek.

 

Ari Lehman, the actor who played the first Jason Voorhees in the iconic "Friday the 13th" film franchise, is bringing his band First Jason to The Music Factory on March 20. The show promises a night of horror-themed punk rock and heavy metal that fans will not soon forget.

 

Lehman's band delivers a unique sound that blends punk rock energy with heavy metal power, all wrapped in a horror movie aesthetic. For fans of the genre, it is a perfect combination of two worlds: classic slasher films and high-energy live music.

 

The 60-year-old New York native, now based in Chicago, is more than just an actor who played a famous killer. He is a classically trained pianist who attended New York University, a composer, and a performing artist who has built a second career in music.

 

First Jason formed as a way for Lehman to celebrate his place in horror history. The band's name directly references his distinction as the original Jason Voorhees, the masked killer who launched one of cinema's most successful horror franchises.

 

In 2025, the band signed with Windsor-based CDN Records, the largest independent record label and distributor specializing in extreme metal music in Canada. The partnership has helped expand their reach to metal fans across North America.

 

Their latest album, "Into the Fray," features a collaboration with Harry Manfredini, the legendary soundtrack composer for the "Friday the 13th" series. The album includes seven original tracks that dive deep into horror themes.

 

"The album has seven original tracks and primarily our songs are about Jason and other topics within the horror realm," Lehman explained.

 

The Battle Creek show is part of a growing Michigan presence for the band. They have previously performed in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Kalamazoo, but this will be their first time in Battle Creek.

 

Promoter Jeffrey Hill booked the show and has assembled an impressive lineup of opening acts. Biddy Bre, First Aid Spray, and Decyphered will take the stage before First Jason, giving local music fans a full night of entertainment.

 

The show runs from 8 to 11:30 p.m., with tickets available through Eventbrite or at the door.

 

Lehman is excited about bringing the First Jason experience to a new audience. "This is the initial show promoter Jeff Hill booked with us and things are going great," he said.

 

So what can Battle Creek audiences expect? Lehman promises a high-energy performance that showcases the band's strengths.

 

"They are going to get a killer set of all original music, largely about Jason Voorhees," he said. "Our performance, our musicianship and our stage presence are our greatest assets. We love, love, love playing live for people."

 

The horror experience does not stop with the music. Lehman says the show will feature a Jason Voorhees cosplayer on stage, adding visual flair to the already theatrical performance.

 

The band's lineup includes Lehman on vocals and keyboards, Bass Amp on bass, guitarist Eddie Machete, and drummer Crumpy, who also creates artwork for the group.

 

For horror movie fans in Battle Creek, this is a rare chance to see a piece of cinema history in person. Lehman's portrayal of young Jason Voorhees in the original 1980 film launched a franchise that has spawned twelve movies, a TV series, video games, and countless merchandise lines.

 

Now, more than four decades later, Lehman has transformed that legacy into a musical career that brings horror fans together for nights of punk rock mayhem.

 

The Music Factory will host the event, giving Battle Creek residents a chance to experience national touring acts without leaving town. For a city building its reputation as an entertainment destination, shows like this help put Battle Creek on the map.

 

Mark your calendars for March 20. Jason is coming to town... and this time, he is bringing guitars.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: When and where is the First Jason concert in Battle Creek?
A: First Jason will perform on March 20, 2026, from 8 to 11:30 p.m. at The Music Factory in Battle Creek. Tickets are available through Eventbrite or at the door.

 

Q: Who is Ari Lehman and what is First Jason?
A: Ari Lehman is the actor who played the first Jason Voorhees in the original "Friday the 13th" movie. First Jason is his punk rock/heavy metal band that performs horror-themed music. The band includes Lehman on vocals and keyboards, Bass Amp on bass, Eddie Machete on guitar, and Crumpy on drums.

 

Q: Who else is performing at the concert?
A: First Jason will be joined by opening acts Biddy Bre, First Aid Spray, and Decyphered. The show will also feature a Jason Voorhees cosplayer on stage during First Jason's performance.