Friday, July 30, 8pm
The Nickel Slots,
Americana String Band
on Tour from Sacramento
Listening to The Nickel Slots is like sitting around the campfire on a warm summer night. From the sentimental folk story to the foot-stomping, raucous sing-along, their alt-country rock songs make you nod in recollection of a long-lost memory or shared experience of pain, joy, heartache, love, hope, and redemption. Performing together since November 2008, the band has already built a devoted following in their home base of Sacramento, and a song from their September 2009 debut CD spent a month in rotation on KWOD 106.5 FM's Sounds of Sacramento series before that station's demise in May 2009.
Lead singer and acoustic guitarist Tony
Brusca has a knack for connecting with audiences like few other
singers. Bassist and mandolin player Paul Zinn's backing vocals
lock in perfectly with Tony, and his bass lines just can't sit
still. Christopher Amaral, The Nickel Slots' versatile drummer,
adds distinct power to the band's sound. His brother and SAMMIE
Award-winning electric guitarist Steve Amaral throws down licks
that dance across the line between rock and country. www.thenickelslotsmusic.com
Saturday, July 31,
8pm
Battlehooch, Folk
Rock
on Tour from San Francisco
"Shape-Shifting Orchestral Rock music for people who like dancing while thinking." Battlehooch unabashedly walks the line between pop sensibility and avant garde experimentation, bending the chaotic into the melodic and evoking passionate responses in everyone that hears them.
For their self-titled album (out April
16th, 2010), Battlehooch sought to capture the raw energy of
their infamous live show without sacrificing their characteristic
musical sophistication. After polishing new material on
tours across the west coast, the band returned home to San Francisco
to lay down the tracks live in the studio. The result is
an incredibly rich and dynamic record that recalls musical shape-shifters
like Os Mutantes, Fiery Furnaces, and The Mothers of Invention
while never shying away from the opportunity to roll out sweet
vocal melodies and considerate songwriting. www.battlehooch.com
Monday, August 2,
signups start at 8pm
Southtown Open Mic
Talent Search
CASH PRIZE for Top
3 Acts!
FireWorks hosts this weekly showcase of local talent - acoustic, vocals, percussion, blues, freestyle, spoken word, humorists & more. The show starts with a non-competitive Open Mic warmup round, then performers have a chance to compete in the Talent Search for the cash! (All competing performers are asked to contribute $5 for the cash prize purse.) For more info contact Ocean Liff-Anderson, FireWorks Proprietor & Open Mic Host.
Open Mic is Again
"Under-21 Friendly!"
Sunday, August 6,
8pm
Gabriel Surley, Atmospheric
Guitar & Vocals
Gabriel Surley is a singer/songwriter and multi instrumentalist. His sound and songs come from a love for ambience, building tension release, ecclectic rythme and descriptive storytelling. * Nominated for Best Acoustic Artist in 2009 by the Alchemist * 1st Place Winner January 25, 2010 Southtown Talent Search*
"As long as I live, I will always be a work in progress" - Gabriel
Saturday, August 7
Two Sets: 4-6pm AND 9-11pm
on the Street Party stage
Sar Shalom, Funk
Roots Reggae
Music has the power to heal, and that's exactly what Sar Shalom is achieving. A clever but eclectic mix of reggae, rock, hip hop, funk and jazz make this six piece ensemble stand out from the rest. Lead singer Santino Cadiz started Sar Shalom in 2008 with a group of friends with members of the Southtown Hounds and Badfish band to create a new sound. From fifties style Bob Marley skank, to Neo fusion psychedelic jam, Sar Shalom is breaking down barriers of musical stereotypes and incorporating a positive message to a world struggling with loving one another.
Lead guitarist (Luke Thomas) soothing melodies will take your mind on an epic journey, with lofty style Jerry Garcia riffs that will keep you wanting more. Rockin the Bass (Aarron Wooton) with His non conventional approach and applied music theory will hit your soul with the Itis like a hot greasy pork chop on a summers night. Sultry saxophonist (Peter W.A) is the veteran of the group, adding layers of flavor to this already complex recipe of sound. Music teacher and Keyboardist/ trombone player (Ed Propst) never fails to hypnotize with His love for music with is displayed at every performance. And finally, on the drums (Brad Burnheimer) attacks each style with a calm connectedness that can only be approached by a person whose musical background is as diversified as his. Sar Shalom's new self titled album was released in early September 2009 and is available for download on Itunes. http://www.myspace.com/thesarshalomproject
The 4pm Sar Shalom gig is part of First Alternative
Co-op's 40th
Anniversary celebration!
Our neighbors to the immediate north are celebrating 40 years and still scoopin! Vist First Alternative's South Store parking lot from 4-6pm for "tons of vendors doing samples, fun games and AMAZING PRIZES, history and scrap booking." FireWorks will host a beer garden in our parking lot, featuring Happy Hour prices on all Block 15 pints!
Monday, August 9,
signups start at 8pm
Southtown Open Mic
Talent Search
CASH PRIZE for Top
3 Acts!
FireWorks hosts this weekly showcase of local talent - acoustic, vocals, percussion, blues, freestyle, spoken word, humorists & more. The show starts with a non-competitive Open Mic warmup round, then performers have a chance to compete in the Talent Search for the cash! (All competing performers are asked to contribute $5 for the cash prize purse.) For more info contact Ocean Liff-Anderson, FireWorks Proprietor & Open Mic Host.
Open Mic is Again
"Under-21 Friendly!"
Friday, August 13, 8pm
Becky White &
the Secret Mission, Rootsy Folk Punk Devotional
on Tour from Berkely
"This love is like a river. This love is like an ocean. This love is like a fire. And I put my body in it."
Becky White is a dedicated
earth activist and life-long naturalist, holding a degree in
conservation biology. She believes in using music and art as
crucial tools towards planetary balance. Becky is co-founder
of the Oxygen Collective, a group of artists and activists who
tour in Priscilla, a bus that runs on 100% vegetable bioiesel.
The Oxygen Collective create innovative tours through the country
as one strand of a larger global movement based in social and
earth justice. www.beckywhitemusic.org
Saturday, August 14,
8pm
Adam Scramstad, Blues
Guitar & Vocals
Adam Scramstad is a strong
fingerstyle Blues performer with intricate and exciting guitar
skills. He recently finished recording his solo album entitled
"No Sun Around Blues", produced by Blues guitar legend
Terry Robb. Dinner reservations advised: call (541)754-6958.
www.MySpace.com/AdamScramstad
Sunday, August 15,
2-10pm
Southtown Street Party
Benefit for Benton Habitat for Humanity
with Roundhouse Bluegrass
Band
Roundhouse was founded in 1994 by Ron Leavitt and Kim Jones. Mandolin player Ron has an unerring ear for harmonies. Kim grew up with country and bluegrass music and writes many of the original compositions, singing "high harmony" above the guys. The third founding band member, Joe Denhof, who also contributes original material to Roundhouse's song collection. His distinctive rhythmic guitar style gives Roundhouse it's edge. The newest member, Donn Whitten has been a student of the banjo for many years. Roundhouse performs something for everyone: bluegrass, southern rock, doo-wop, gospel, country, blazing instrumentals and original compositions.
Visit Roundhouse at www.roundhouse-band.com
Monday, August 16,
signups start at 8pm
Southtown Open Mic
Talent Search
CASH PRIZE for Top
3 Acts!
FireWorks hosts this weekly showcase of local talent - acoustic, vocals, percussion, blues, freestyle, spoken word, humorists & more. The show starts with a non-competitive Open Mic warmup round, then performers have a chance to compete in the Talent Search for the cash! (All competing performers are asked to contribute $5 for the cash prize purse.) For more info contact Ocean Liff-Anderson, FireWorks Proprietor & Open Mic Host.
Open Mic is Again
"Under-21 Friendly!"
Friday, August 20,
8pm
Al Rivers, Blues
Guitar and Vocals
"Aw yeah, this is blues the way
we like it. Rain fall. Tree shakin'. Likin' yo' peaches. Truck
broke. Good gal gone. Al Rivers walks the same old rode, but
utterly without pretension or artifice. He has a great, scraping
voice and a nimble, dirty way with the guitar." - Victory
Music Review, Tacoma, WA 2006. www.myspace.com/alriversblues
Saturday, August 21,
8pm
Billy and Grace Tea,
Folk Gypsy Jazz
on Tour from Nevada City
Billy and Grace Tea bring their deep love of the natural world to their music with charisma, chemistry, lyrical prowess, and coyote wit.
They jump from fiddle to bass, guitar to alto saxophone, picking up rattles, bells, slapsticks, and shakers between.
Their sound holds gypsy jazz, blues, hip hop, folk, delicious words, danceable grooves, and earthy beats.
Moving through moods, slipping into stories, weaving many tales into one web, Billy and Grace Tea wish to nourish the collective creative imagination with their music and enthusiastic presence.
Monday, August 23,
signups start at 8pm
Southtown Open Mic
Talent Search
CASH PRIZE for Top
3 Acts!
FireWorks hosts this weekly showcase of local talent - acoustic, vocals, percussion, blues, freestyle, spoken word, humorists & more. The show starts with a non-competitive Open Mic warmup round, then performers have a chance to compete in the Talent Search for the cash! (All competing performers are asked to contribute $5 for the cash prize purse.) For more info contact Ocean Liff-Anderson, FireWorks Proprietor & Open Mic Host.
Open Mic is Again
"Under-21 Friendly!"
Friday, August 27,
8pm
Jesse Meade, Acoustic
Rhythm & Blues
Jesse Meade is a singer-songwriter now living in Eugene, Oregon. He accompanies himself with his own finger-style, acoustic guitar playing. His influences include musicians like: Ray Charles, Hank Williams, Elizabeth Cotten, John Hurt, Sam Cooke, Patsy Cline, Fats Domino, and Aretha Franklin. Hear samples of Jesse's music at www.jessemeade.com
Saturday, August 28,
8pm
Brooks Robertson,
Funky Fingerstyle Guitar
It's this remarkable contrast that constantly fascinates audiences around the globe: They see a somewhat shy, introverted young man standing or sitting on stage, while hearing him play the most staggering version of "Cannonball Rag". Brooks Robertson just doesn't need much more than two thumbs, eight fingers and six strings on a wooden box to carry his listeners away.
Hailed by prominent exponents of his instrument like Nokie Edwards, Thom Bresh, John Jorgenson and Mason Williams, the young fingerstyle guitarist embodies the creative vision of a postmodern world: It's the music that counts. Brooks utilizes his superb technical abilities to play bass, rhythm and melody simultaneously and surpass the borders of conventional genres. He merges hauntingly beautiful compositions, country rhythms and jazzy harmonies with funky licks into his very own art form sometimes delivered with a punch, sometimes with a smile.
Brooks was born in Eugene/Oregon in 1989. Seeing Buster B. Jones perform at a festival near his home town became a life-changing experience for the kid from the sticks. Just eleven years old, he was immediately inclined to pick up the guitar. Soon, the world renowned fingerstyle virtuoso and instructor dedicated his spare time to introducing his new fan into the secrets of the fretboard, and after six months of lessons the natural talent performed his first show with his mentor.
http://www.brooksrobertson.com
Monday, August 30,
signups start at 8pm
Southtown Open Mic
Talent Search
CASH PRIZE for Top
3 Acts!
FireWorks hosts this weekly showcase of local talent - acoustic, vocals, percussion, blues, freestyle, spoken word, humorists & more. The show starts with a non-competitive Open Mic warmup round, then performers have a chance to compete in the Talent Search for the cash! (All competing performers are asked to contribute $5 for the cash prize purse.) For more info contact Ocean Liff-Anderson, FireWorks Proprietor & Open Mic Host.
Open Mic is Again
"Under-21 Friendly!"
Friday, September
3, 8pm
Sound Semantics,
Folk Indie
If a singer/songwriter, folk troupe, indie pop idol and rock band collided and put on two really nice hats you'd be left with something like Sound Semantics. Eran Schweitzer (guitar, vocals, percussion) and Allie Silverberg (vocals, percussion) make up this duo based in Portland, Oregon. Influences range from The Beatles to Radiohead, The Avett Brothers to Etta James, Paul Simon to Regina Spektor, Elliott Smith to Debussy (no, really), "and most everything else we've ever heard. Ever."
Sound Semantics' second album, "at
the drop of a hat," was released on June 5th, 2010, followed
by a three-week tour across the western US. www.SoundSemantics.com
TBA, July 2010
Part III: Build a
Cob Sauna! Workshop
On the Watershed in Philomath, covers wall building, cob infill, window & door framing, plasters. Stay tuned for more info...
TBA, Comin' Soon
Valeri Lopez, Indie
Folk Rock
The humble musings of Miss Valeri Lopez settle down on the ear as droplets in Portland's lake of folk, subtly, yet with a ripple nonetheless. Banjo twanging and guitar strumming softly, Valeri's meek and soulful voice brings to mind fields and pastures of the wide Midwest despite her being "from Los Angeles of all places." Between her and just one other band mate, you hear a cornucopia of sound, dabbling toy piano, flute hiding behind keys and organs, and strings plucking away like birds landing on country clouds. myspace.com/valerilopez
Dinner reservations advised:
call (541)754-6958.
TBA, Comin' Soon!
Tony Noble, Electric
Blues
Long time favorite at
Open Mic Talent Search, Tony Noble shares his exceptional slide
guitar technique. Tony reports he has been influenced by Jimi
Hendrix, Pink Floyd, R.L. Burnside, Led Zeppelin, The Doors,
Bob Marley, and John Lee Hooker among others. Hear
Tony's music at www.MySpace.com/NobleBlues Dinner reservations advised:
call (541)754-6958.
TBA, Comin' Soon!
Jimmy Falkner and
Dave Chiller, World Beat Guitar & Percussion
Jimmy and Dave offer a journey into the flavors of jazz and folk with echoes of global influences. The duo brings out Falkner's soulful compositions, moving from soothing to spicy, through an interplay of the voices of the sweet Thormahlen guitar, the sublime resonance of the Swiss Hang, Indian tabla, African djembe and more.
Dinner reservations advised: call (541)754-6958.
TBA, Comin' Soon!
Melanie Reid, Americana
Blues
A Corvallis native, Melanie's sweet and soulful voice expresses her unique musical style, woven from a wide variety of influences, experiences and travels. Her songs may take the listener on a journey they won't soon forget! Melanie is often joined on the stage by musical friends familiar to the Southtown Open Mic. Visit Melanie online at www.myspace.com/melaniekreid
TBA,
Comin' Soon!
Wild Iris, Tribal
Bellydance Troupe
The Wild Iris Tribe is a collective of dancers dedicated to the study, performance, and embrace of tribal belly dance and the sisterhood in which it is created.
The Wild Iris Tribe consists of students from Samara's Level two class, and local collaborating dancers. We perform improvisational and choreographed dances based in the tribal style of belly dance. Our dance embraces the movements, costuming, and intentions of numerous cultures and dance styles. We come together in celebration, inspiration, and honor. Join in the experience through one of our regular performances in Corvallis and the surrounding areas.
www.bijouproject.com/wildiris.html
TBA, Comin' Soon!
Big Outside, Reggae
Funk
The band Big Outside,
formerly The Peoples Front of Corvallis, is grounded in reggae
with funk, world and rock influences. The songs' compelling lyrics
are propelled forward by vocalist Nicole Padilla. Her voice has
been described as unique, powerful, and sassy. Truely a voice
that defies genres. Backing up Nicole is a band of lifelong musicians
that bring a grooving energy and intelligence to each song. Jacquez
is a solid reggae drummer taking influence from classic reggae
sounds like Marley, Culture and Toots. Rhine Chesshire holds
down the bass with his love of low frequency vibes designed to
move the waist. On keys is Evelyn Idzerda (The Summit Underground)
is a well versed musician comfortable in many genres. Luke Painter
(Happy Savage) is an energetic and tasteful guitar player who
brings influences from around the world. Also, we are joined
by Brian Jones on saxophone. Brian is recent music school graduate
with a flare for solos. Its music to get to moving and lyrics
to inspire thought. Come see for yourself. www.myspace.com/bigoutside
TBA, Comin' Soon!
Cloud Mountain Ramblers,
Olde Time String Band
Cloud Mountain Ramblers plays the finest
Old Time Mountain Music, with musical roots in the Ozarks, Ireland
and Africa. The band features John Meade on banjo and Joe Huff
on fiddle. myspace.com/cloudmountainramblers
TBA, Comin' Soon!
(Coin of the Realm Orchestra)
with International Fiddle Champion Zach Konowalchuk
(Coin of the Realm Orchestra) embodies the true spirit of traditional
Ukrainian folk music. The band joined together in 2005 on the
premise of keeping the music of the old culture alive. Zach Konowalchuk,
classically trained violinist and great grandson of the relatively
unknown violinist Vasyl Shalay, brings to life folk melodies
transcribed from old recordings. It is suspected that his style
is eerily reminiscent (although no one alive today can confirm
this) of great grandpa Shalay, who was often summoned to play
kolomyjkas at neighborhood zabavas. Zahraj, Shalay! they used
to yell (so Baba said).
Accompanied by orchestra archivist and principal kobza-ist in training David Konowalchuk, as well as whatever other various and sundry mendicant musicians happen to be readily on hand, Coin of the Realm Orchestra indefatigably performs a conglomeration of kozachoks, kolomyjkas, waltzes, polkas, and the occasional oberek. They must be heard to be believed!
Visit Coin of the Realm at www.MySpace.com/CoinoftheRealm Dinner reservations advised: call (541)754-6958.