12 Piece Afro-Beat Band led by Danjuma Adamu from Nigeria

Sat. July 5 at 8pm $10 adv./$10 door
Dance – ages 21 +

Five horns, two guitars, one bass, one drummer, one conga master, one keyboard and a dancer.  Danjuma & Friends are a big showband playing Afro-Beat, Highlife, Sukus and Afro-Funk.  Get ready to dance all night long. !”

Tue. July 8 at 7:30pm $10 adv./$10 door 
  Dance – ages 21 +

Taj Weeks voice is nothing short of heavenly.  Check out his MySpace site listed below for instant verification. Taj Weekes & Adowa present a brand new experience in classic roots reggae. With wry trenchant lyrics, a haunting dusky quiver in his voice and the knock-down sound of his band Adowa , Taj has managed to weave a rare social consciousness with an unforgettable reggae groove. Born and raised on the island of St. Lucia , Weekes grew up the youngest of ten children in a family where music was always present. The radio was a source of untold treasures, playing everything from rock, country, R&B, soul, jazz and more, and Weekes grew up blissfully unaware of category or genre - to him, great music was (and is) great music no matter what the style. By age five, Taj was singing in church and by eleven he was composing his own calypso music. His older brother’s immersion in Rastafari provided Taj with a spiritual awakening and a context for his burgeoning worldview. Artist site: www.tajandadowa.com Tunes and Video: www.myspace.com/tajweekesadowa

Urban Folk

Wed. July 9 at 7:30pm $13 adv./$15 door seated <21 w/parent

In the two years since releasing her critically-acclaimed debut with Hybrid Recordings, Linger, Jen Chapin has toured the East coast, West, South and Midwest , given TV performances ranging from the WB Morning News to Late Nite with Conan O'Brien, and given birth to a baby boy. Along the way, she has recorded with her band a fresh new album of 11 songs of desire and frustration (both personal and political), whimsy and hopefulness – Ready . Jen Chapin's songs reflect a diversity of experience in life and in music. Harry Chapin's daughter, Jen's earthy sound has been called “urban folk” — an acknowledgement of both her family's fertile folk-rock legacy, and of her own background studying at Berklee College of Music. Jen plays with her band the Rosetta Trio are Stephen Crump, Jamie Fox and Liberty Ellman. Tunes and video at http://www.jenchapin.com

Sat. July 12 at 8pm $13 adv./$15 door       
     dance ages 21 +

Folk and Roll poised for greatness

Sun July 20 at 7pm $12 adv./$14 door seated concert <21 w/parent

Cadillac Sky will be featured at this spring's Strawberry Music Festival. They are one hot progressive bluegrass unit. When the first strains of Cadillac Sky's “Born Lonesome” come pulsing out of the speakers, it's immediately apparent that there's a different kind of roots band on the scene—one wrapped in tradition, but not bound by it. That song, which opens their Skaggs Family Records debut, Blind Man Walking , has a high, lonesome sound that would do the great Ralph Stanley proud. And when they follow that up with “You Again,” a song where they display the ferocious intensity of the great rock and roll bands, it's obvious Cadillac Sky is a band poised for greatness. www.cadillacsky.net and see and hear them at www.myspace.com/cadillacsky .

Mon. July 21 at 7:30pm $10 adv./$10 door   seated concert <21 w/parent

Anne's song 'STUPID' is on Disc 4 of Time Life's "FOUR DECADES OF FOLK ROCK" which features artists from Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Suzanne Vega etc. The box set is out now and available everywhere!  As one of the foremost female guitarists of our time, Anne has been invited to play at the Jimi Hendrix Tribute Concert at the Adelaide Guitar Festival alongside world renowned guitarists such as Vernon Reid and John Hammond. Anne has appeared as guest guitarist/vocalist on albums by Michelle Shocked, Gina Villalobos and  Stephen Rowe and has been featured in Guitar Player Magazine, No Depression, Harp, Performing Songwriter, Billboard, Australian Musician. She has released her fourth solo album, Koala Motel, to critical acclaim. Guests on 'Koala Motel' include Lucinda Williams, John Doe, Nancy Wilson (Heart), Jim Lauderdale and Doug 'Lovejoy' Pettibone.  She is currently producing her new album in Nashville at her own Flying Machine Studio set to be released in July 2008.  She is playing guitar, mandolin, banjo, piano and pedal steel on the new album. Michael Gaither: "A brilliant debut CD from Michael Gaither. A fine blend of folk, bluegrass, alternative country and Americana in its purest sense. Aside from the strong songwriting ability and Slaid Cleaves-style vocals, Michael surrounds himself with very strong and multi-talented musicians.” Jeff Scammon, Wild West Radio/KVMR FM, Nevada City Artist site: www.annemccue.com and http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=127690  and www.michaelgaither.com    Tunes: www.myspace.com/annemccue Video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwPRmwRslRg

Tue. July 22 at 7:30pm $12 adv./$14 door
dance ages 21 +

Susie Keynes from the Australian band FRUIT is lead rocker. Here is her story in her words: My name is Susie Keynes. I am a fiery redhead and I confess — I love to rock. I am a quintessential rocker girl who chooses a guitar for its tone first and then for its colour. When both are happening it is a very good day. I have notched up a lot of years on the road - the last dozen with the relentlessly dynamic and road wearing band Fruit. We have toured tirelessly to much of the world, made 8 records, sold around 100,000 of them and carved a life of independence and great satisfaction. That journey is resting for now.Introducing Redhead. Redhead is Susie Keynes on acoustic and electric guitar, CJ Rhodes on bass and Yanya Boston on drums. A bright, tight three-piece, Redhead delivers a sonic punch shifting between acoustic plaintiveness and the explosion of raucous girl-rock. With the freshness of any young band, Redhead combines a bristling energy, great songwriting, ear-tugging tunes, seasoned players and the size defying vocals of a none-too-diminuitive redhead.

Artist site: www.redheadmusic.com.au

Pierre Bensusan just won the 2008 Guitar Player Readers choice award in April

French guitarist blends N African, Celtic, jazz, classical

Wed. July 23 at 8pm $20 adv./$22 door 
seated concert <21 w/parent
WELCOMED BY FIDDLING CRICKET CONCERTS

This French guitarist was actually born in Algeria and has long been fascinated with his North African roots as well as the Celtic folk traditions of western Europe. After making a name for himself as a folk musician in the late '70s, Bensusan began to incorporate jazz and classical elements into his music, creating a virtuosic, highly original style on the acoustic guitar. ~ Linda Kohanov, All Music Guide Artist site:  www.pierrebensusan.com and www.myspace.com/pierrebensusan

Fri. July 25 at 8pm $10 adv./$10 door 
 dance ages 21 +

WELCOMED BY FIDDLING CRICKET CONCERTS

 Chojo Jacques, the fiddle and mandolin player of Waybacks and Houston Jones fame, brings his Hillbilly Jazz Band to Don Quixote’s. With influences from Vassar Clements to Jimmy Bryant and Speedy West, Chojo has a collection of first call hot licks players for this special dance show. With Chojo will be Lead Guitar - Jesse Harris (Rancho Deluxe), Pedal Steel - Dave Zirbel (Johnny Dilks, Commander Cody), Drums - Kenny Owens(Jim Campilongo, Peter Rowan), bass - Paul Olguin (Shana Morrison, Jeffrey Halford).  Artist site: http://chojo.net/press_kit.htm 

Sat. July 26 at 8pm $20 adv./$23 door 
seated concert <21 w/parent

Antsy McClain is a songwriter, story-teller and entertainer who sings about life in an American trailer park. His band, The Trailer Park Troubadours, are a skilled assortment of musicians who play in the rootsy, rock and roll tradition of their hard-working, blue collar forefathers. Their live shows are a unique, critically-acclaimed mix of masterful musicianship and  self-deprecating humor. Antsy McClain, the Troubs lead singer and songwriter, is pushing the boundaries of juke-box-heaven music.  The Trailercana format is exploding all across the country with the most trusted name in musical comedy combined with hot pickin’ and sweet singin’. 

• Fun for all at:  www.unhitched.com
  

Bluegrass that will blow you away

Sun. July 27 at 7pm $10 adv./$12 door seated <21 w/parent

"Once or twice a year I come across a CD from new artists that simply blows me away. Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain have done it with their debut self-titled effort. Backed by an extremely talented group of young players, Carrie, who has been gifted with a voice that produces a rich and powerful vocal performance, and Hard Rain have a very bright future. This is one of those CDs I'll have to replace because I've played it so many times at home, in my car and at the office ." C.J. Snow – Country / Bluegrass Buyer for Borders . Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain's album has reached #5 on Bluegrass Unlimited's top and "Seven Miles From Wichita" reached #1 on BluegrassRadio.org , www.carriehasslerandhardrain.com

Mon. July 28 at 7:30 pm $10 adv./$10 door 
seated <21 w/parent

The Chris Chandler Story: Few musicians can claim "on-the roadisms" the way Chris Chandler can. He is a true veteran of the road, traveling across The United States of Generica for many years. His anthology of road tales transforms into a flock of doves beneath the musical high-wire act.  He has worked with everyone from Allen Ginsberg to Ani DiFranco and Pete Seeger to Mojo Nixon. Utah Phillips says, "Chris Chandler is the best performance poet I have ever seen.""This Man Is Dangerous" - The Washington Post.  For the past twenty years, Paul Benoit has performed and recorded his own music and collaborated with numerous songwriters including Dan Bern, Reggie Garrett, Eric Apoe, and Laura Love.  In 1997, Paul co-founded Hanuman, a four piece all-acoustic instrumental ensemble blending jazz, bluegrass, country and rock'n'roll with African beats. Artist site, tunes & video:  www.chrischandler.org/ and www.myspace.com/chrischandlerorg and www.paulbenoitmusic.com/

Tue. July 29 at 7:30pm $10  adv./$12 door 
  seated <21 w/parent

One of New Orleans' best known acoustic roots acts, Jeff & Vida have have three critically acclaimed records under their belt and 5 years of rigorous touring both nationally and internationally, the duo make big impressions wherever they go.  Jeff & Vida perform original material spanning from Appalachian bluegrass to alternative country. Their live performances showcase Vida’s powerful voice and Jeff’s superb picking on mandolin, guitar and banjo and tight well arranged harmonies. With ballads that sound like they could have been written fifty years ago and raucous barnstorming numbers that keep your feet tapping their live shows are exciting and unique, full of humor, good music and unforgettable songs.  With past performances including the Ryman Auditorium and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Jeff & Vida are emerging as the next up and coming Americana act. Artist site: www.jeffandvida.com and www.charismaartist.com/ The Earl Brothers: For those who remember the goose-bumps they felt the first time they heard the high-lonesome sound of Bill Monroe or the otherworldly harmonies of the Stanley Brothers, that same thrill of discovery is being created all over again by the Earl Brothers. Unlike other traditional bluegrass bands who seek to re-create the music of the original bluegrass masters, the Earl Brothers are blazing their own trail, extending the genre, while simultaneously staying solidly within the gritty tradition that started in the 1940s and 50s. Listeners are left with a mix of exhilaration and bewilderment upon their first exposure to this new-yet-old form of music. New CD is Moonshine.Artist site: www.jeffandvida.com and www.charismaartist.com/ and www.myspace.com/earlbrothers

Thu. July 31 at 7pm $10 adv./$10 door
 seated <21 w/parent

The One Man Banjo

The Slow Poisoner

Al Frisby & His one Man Louisiana Comedy Band  Artist site: www.myspace.com/aljfrisby

The Slow Poisoner (alias Andrew Goldfarb) is a One-Man-Surrealistic-Rock-and-Roll-Band from San Francisco. He strums a curiously-shaped guitar and croons curiously-shaped lyrics, all the while kicking incessantly at a bass drum rigged with sleigh bells, generating a weird and rootsy din. In keeping with the tradition of the one-man-band as snake oil salesman, he sells his own patent medicine at live performances. http://www.myspace.com/1manbanjo http://www.myspace.com/slowpoisoner

Sat. Aug 2 at 8pm $7 adv./$7 door
dance ages 21 +

Byron Space Circus: Instrumental space music layered with dark overtones and generous doses of funk. The heart of the music is rooted in improvisational-experimental jams which are always changing- a constant evolution of live sound and energy. Much of the grooves are suited for getting down--people should be warned to strap on their dancing shoes, wear some funky threads, and bring their kaliedoscopes because it's going to be a cosmicspacefunk party!  Lone Me A Dime opens with a rockin’ dance set.  Artist site: www.myspace.com/byronspacecircus    and  Tunes: and www.myspace.com/byronspacecircus  

Sun. Aug. 3 at 7pm $7 adv./$ 7 door seated concert <21 w/parent

The Hello Show is an interactive touring comedy show created for small-town audiences, in which three actors play over 18 characters who perform in a traveling cabaret show. Ranging from the ridiculous to the poignant, these characters are all eager to say "hello!" and share their special skills with the evening's crowd. Each performance is made unique by the venue and the specific audience members in attendance. The Hello Show was created in the summer of 2007  and won much acclaim from audiences and critics for its fresh use of the Vaudeville-style format and the virtuosic skills of its actors. The show utilizes live music, film projection, original dance routines, clowning and masks and is filled with charm and small town absurdity. The three actors, Evan Johnson, Jamie Van Camp and Sarah Peters all met as students at the prestigious Dell'Arte School of Physical Theatre. Artist site:  www.myspace.com/thehelloshow

Wed. Aug. 6 at 7:30pm $10 adv./$10 door               seated concert <21 w/parent

BIG FREEWHEELING JAZZ & MORE FROM NEW ORLEANS
8 VERY DIFFERENT PLAYERS & COMPOSERS

Sound For the Organization of Society is a creative music ensemble founded in New Orleans in 2004 before Hurricane Katrina dispersed the members across the planet. The unusual instrumentation of the band mirrors the variety of its members, who hail from cities across the U.S. and Europe and have wide-ranging backgrounds from classical composition and performance to rock and free jazz. The music draws from a variety of traditions and musical styles:  jazz, classical, the avant-garde, and various world genres.  Sound For The Organization of Society plays original music by all of its members, and presents works which equally balance composition and improvisation.  These disparate styles and the unique instrumentation lead to a distinctive and intriguing group sound.  Artist site and tunes:  http://www.sfosmusic.com and www.myspace.com/SoundForTheOrganizationofSociety

Thu. Aug. 7 at 7:30pm  $8 adv./$8 door / dance ages 21 +

Performing original music from outer space! Members of Nebula Explosion all hail from different regions in this Galaxy, though three of them happen to be from the Santa Cruz area. They are now all finishing up music degrees at the intergalactically acclaimed Thornton School of Music at of University of Southern California. For their August 7th show at Don Quixote, they promise to give their audience music that will transfix them, shock them, make them shout, make them laugh, make them dance, make them think about beautiful intergalactic landscapes, and inspire them. This will be their first performance in Santa Cruz EVER! Nebula Explosion features: Doug Mosher - saxophone, clarinet, melodica. Sam Gendel - saxophone, toy instruments, Richard Sears - rhodes organ,  Hans Bernhard – bass, Louis Cole – drums.  Artist site & tunes:   www.myspace.com/nebulaexplosion

Fri. Aug. 8 at 8pm $12 adv./$14 door
 dance ages 21 +

Last year Bongo Love opened for Dispatch at Madison Square Garden for 3 sold out nights to great acclaim. Bongo Love was formed in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe by John Mambira, who still heads up the band.  With John playing drums and providing lead vocals, Themba Mawoko was recruited for the lead marimba, Trymore Jombo for mbira and Mpho Mambira for the baritone marimba. "Afro-coustics", as they call their genre, is a unique combination of styles delivered on these traditional instruments with lyrics in English, Shona and Ndebele. Since moving to Harare from Bulawayo in 2005, the fabulous quad has been performing in some very popular venues in Zimbabwe's capital, putting on a stellar show every time and winning over countless audiences. Last year they were invited to participate in several Music Crossroads competitions in Zimbabwe and Mozambique where they wowed the judges and received invites to perform in Sweden as well as the Dominican Republic. On their way to Santa Domingo for the African Caribbean Pacific festival, they stopped off in Boston to play a charity show for victims of Hurricane Katrina and take part in a "Plugged In" cultural exchange program.

Celtic & American Folk Guitarist

Sun. Aug. 10 at 7pm $10 adv./$10 door 
seated concert <21 w/parent

The Traditional and Contemporary Folk Music of Ireland , Scotland , England and America

Mixed with Folk Lore, History, Stories, and Humor Internationally recognized fingerstyle and flatpick guitarist Christopher Dean is not just a gifted exponent of Celtic and American folk music on the 6 and 12 string guitar. In the Celtic tradition, he tells engaging, humorous stories, and weaves Celtic and American lore and history with his music. His three solo albums have been sold world wide, with rave reviews from countries such as Scotland , England , Canada , and Italy . His music has also been released on multiple compilation albums in Italy , Japan , and the U.S. "I fell in love with the woody resonance and bell-like sustain of Christopher Dean's Taylor guitar and with the delicious picking style that he is rightly known for. The tunes and songs he plays are evocative of the Irish and Scots landscapes. The playing is emotional and reflective without being maudlin or sentimental. The melodies lift the spirit and weave a magic that sustains long after the last notes fade."- Jools Thatcher, DuggUp - Saturday Samples,

Melbourne, Australia. "a poetic bard who speaks to your very soul"- Rob Lockhart - Noted Canadian Author Artist site:  www.cairneyhill.com Tunes: www.myspace.com/christopherdean814

Mon. Aug. 11 at 7:30pm $8 adv./$8 door  seated <21 w/parent

The Grownup Noise bring their stellar live show to Santa Cruz from Boston, Massachusetts.  With a true love for song, this band delivers melody and lyrics while conducting subtle experiments on groove and arrangement.  Quirky and unpredictable, the Grownup Noise play a tight set of original tunes with the occasional odd cover.  They’ll leave you drooling for more after just one of their carefully crafted pop morsels. www.myspace.com/thegrownupnoise

Tue. Aug. 12 at 7pm $12 adv. /$14 door
  seated <21 w/parent

Singer and mandolinist Everett Lilly is one of the great pioneers in bluegrass music and one of its most influential musicians. Everett and his brother, Bea (Michel Burt Lilly) began their career as a brother duet in the late 1930’s by singing in churches and playing shows near their home in Clear Creek, West Virginia. Soon The Lilly Brothers became regulars on radio, eventually playing on such shows as the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree in Wheeling, West Virginia, further increasing their popularity. In 1950, Everett joined Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys playing mandolin and singing tenor. He stayed with them until 1952, and recorded many classic songs with them, including "Get in Line Brother." Artist site: http://cdbaby.com/cd/everettlilly and  www.lillymountaineers.com and www.vh1.com/artists/az/lilly_brothers_the/bio.jhtml   Tunes: http://cdbaby.com/cd/everettlilly

Wed. Aug. 13 at 7:30pm $10 adv./$10 door   
 seated concert <21 w/parent

Jesse Scheinin (Shay-nin), is an 18-years-old tenor saxophonist and composer born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, and now attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He has performed with Joshua Redman, Billy Harper, Miguel Zenon, Luciana Souza, Eric Harland, Nicholas Payton, Dave Douglas, Stefon Harris, and Ben "Milt" Flocks.  In an article with the San Jose Mercury Joshua Redman said:  ''There are a lot of talented kids out there, but there's something special about him that goes beyond what he's playing on the saxophone,'' says tenor sax star Joshua Redman, who has worked closely with Scheinin as artistic director of SFJazz's spring season. ''He's got this natural storytelling ability. He's not afraid to improvise,'' Redman says. The Mercury also reported:  Down Beat magazine named Jesse an ''Outstanding Soloist'' in 2005, and last year the venerable jazz publication selected his tune ''Paper Mache'' as the top composition in the Down Beat Student Music Awards. Artist site at jessescheinin.com Tunes at myspace.com/jessescheininmusic  Link to the full Mercury News article: http://www.jessescheinin.com/html/notepad.php?pad=1

Thu. Aug. 14 at 7:30pm $10 adv./$12 door
seated concert <21 w/parent
WELCOMED BY FIDDLING CRICKET CONCERTS

Throughout a 30-year performing career, Rod MacDonald has been entertaining audiences worldwide with his timeless ballads, modern folk songs, and his musical versatility.  Possessing the heart of a troubadour, the soul of a poet and the voice of a virtuoso, he is as distinctive an entertainer as he is a songwriter.  Known for his passionate interest in the events that shape our world's societies, Rod is a prolific and poignant communicator who is regarded as "one of the most politically and socially aware lyricists of our time." (All Music Guide).  A tireless traveler and troubadour, Singer Songwriter Michael McNevin plays clubs and festivals across the U.S., penning numerous and poignant tales of the people and towns he comes across, hightlighting a seasoned voice, unique guitar work, and a vivid brand of storytelling. With 4 CDs to his credit, he's been a main stager at the Kerrville, Philadelphia, and Strawberry Music Festivals, and has been billed in the concert halls with Johnny Cash, Shawn Colvin, Donovan, Richie Havens, and many others. He is a winner of the Kerrville, Napa Valley, and Columbia River New-Folk Competitions, won the NARAS/NCSA "Unplugged Unsigned" competition, and is a 4-time winner of the NCSA "Song of the Year" award.ARTIST SITE AT:  http://www.rodmacdonald.net       and www.michaelmcnevin.com TUNES AT: http://www.SonicBids.com/RodMacDonald and www.michaelmcnevin.com/music.asp

Fri. Aug. 15 at 8pm $8 adv./$8 door 
dance ages 21 +

Mojo Navigators: With Page Brownton on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Al Astrella on lead guitar, Doug Semler on bass, and Seth Getlin on drums,The MOJO NAVIGATORS deliver an enthusiastic guitar-driven 60's style electric psychedelic rock and roll. Their repertoire includes songs recorded by The Grateful Dead, The Jefferson Airplane, The Byrds, The Quicksilver Messenger Service, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan. The music of The MOJO NAVIGATORS is a unique blending of visionary psychedelic lyricism with the imagery and spirit of traditional Americana, country blues, and old-time Celtic roots music.

Pat Nevins & Ragged Glory play the songs of Neil Young and Gram Parsons.  Pat Nevins (Workingman's Ed) leads a pedal steel guitar driven acoustic unit through an array of Neil Young and Gram Parsons tunes from the country rock past. Nevins is joined on vocals by Amy Gabel, pedal steel guitarist Steve Epstein, bassist Pat Campbell(Pistol Packin' Mama!) and drummer Mark Corsolini. A tasty mix of two classic songwriters tunes that will get your toes tappin'. Artist site: www.mojonavigators.com  and  www.myspace.com/patricknevins

Artist site: www.mojonavigators.com  and  www.myspace.com/patricknevins

Sat. Aug. 16 at 8pm $10 adv./$10 door
dance ages 21 +

Volker Strifler:  songwriter, vocalist, guitar player, producer Volker was born in Heidelberg Germany and started playing guitar at the age of 17.  In 1995 Patrick Ford, founder of Blue Rock’It Records and leader of the Ford Blues Band, asked Volker to join the band.  Volker took a position once held by Robben Ford, Garth Webber, and Scotty Johnson. Eventually becoming the lead personality helping to shape the Ford Blues Band sound and music, Volker was asked to tour with Robben Ford.  Once more Volker took the chance to prove himself and garnered praise from audiences and reviewers as well as Robben – “Volker is a wonderful songwriter in the blues genre, which is an important to keeping the blues vital." Daniel Castro Band: Daniel Castro is a force on guitar. With his pure passionate sound reminiscent of B.B. King, Albert King, and Albert Collins, he is on the forefront of the Bay Area Blues Scene. Daniel’s  Blues education came at the age of 15 when he began playing the Blues Scene in South Central L.A. There he was noticed by "Loud Mouth" Delmar Evans, who had been working with the Johnny Otis Show. Daniel cut his teeth backing up many of the great artists from the Johnny Otis Show, including Pee Wee Crayton, Little Ester Phillips, and Delmar Evans himself.    Artist Site: www.volkerstrifler.com  and www.danielcastro.com   Tunes: www.myspace.com/volkerstriflerband and www.myspace.com/danielcastrosblues

Mon. Aug. 18 at 7:30pm $10 adv./$10 door 
seated <21 w/parent

Al Frisby III Bio:  Comedy Musician Born in the historic 9th Ward of New Orleans in 1959, Al Frisby grew up smack dab in the crossroads of many of America ’s musical styles. He grew up 6 blocks from Fat’s Domino’s and 12 blocks from Professor Longhair with Charles Brown and Erma Thomas in between. Since leaving New Orleans in the 1980’s he has thrilled audiences in the West and developed a new brand of musical comedy that is all his own. A multi-instrumentalist, Frisby--guitar, accordion, harmonica, saw-- and a social satirist Frisby moves easily from to polka to reggae to show tunes to New Orleans R&B.  Household Items, a song cycle by composer/pianist Brian Friedland, is music that examines the realities of everyday life.  Literally.  Written for piano and voice, Household Items is a commentary on the ridiculous nature of advertising claims, warning labels, ingredient lists, and instructional manuals.  It addresses nearly all tangible aspects of domestic life including the kitchen, bathroom, garage, and wine cellar.  Friedland draws on his experience working in and across different genres to create an eclectic set of compositions that gives each product a unique musical identity. Vocalist Angela Vicente is an acclaimed and in-demand vocalist on the Los Angeles scene who is equally at home in jazz, pop, and classical settings. Vicente brings a wide palette of expression to apply to the myriad subtleties of commercial products.    

Artist site, tunes and video : www.myspace.com/aljfrisby and  www.sonicbids.com/householditems

Wed. Aug. 20 at 7:30pm $10 adv./$10 door seated <21 w/parent

Boston based singer/songwriter Chris O'Brien is an artist on the rise. Since the release of his CD "Lighthouse," Chris has caught the attention of many. He was chosen from a pool of nearly 1,000 contestants to appear on Garrison Keillor's "Prairie Home Companion" in the "People in Their Twenties" talent contest, he was one of Falcon Ridge Folk Festival's Emerging Artists, and also was also a finalist in the Mountain Stage New Song competition and on the local Boston front Chris headlined at Club Passim. In addition to all that, Chris also appeared at a Farm Aid event and a big benefit show for the ABC show "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" for a deserving family in Vermont. Artist site: www.chrisobrienmusic.com Tunes: www.myspace.com/chrisobrien  or www.chrisobrienmusic.com Video: http://www.youtube.com/user/chrisobrienmusic

PRESENTED WITH SNAZZY PRODUCTIONS
Thu. Aug. 21 at 7:30pm $12 adv./$12 door
seated <21 w/parent

Erica Wheeler: “Listening to Good Summer Rain is like flipping through the photo album of an Ansel Adams road trip. Each artfully created song transports the listener to a particular location, like a snapshot in time.” -Planet Jackson Hole News "Great title for this disc because it feels like a late summer afternoon. For this new recording (Erica) returns with an album of originals that, while not a concept recording, plays like a complete arc. The gentle backing and crystal clear production are the perfect vehicle for these songs. We need more albums like this." –Village Records  Santa Cruz singer songwriterGene Fintz opens for Erica.
Artist site, tunes & video: www.ericawheeler.com

Fri. Aug. 22 at 8pm $16 adv./$18 door   seated <21 w/parent

Shawn Mullins’ vibrant new album, honeydew (released March 11th on Vanguard Records) is teeming with humanity — hobos, railroad workers, traveling salesmen, homeless troubadours, fearful old people, youngsters yearning to escape from a dead-end existence, and several generations of family members, living and dead. There’s a ton of heartache in this record, and a ton of hope as well, as Mullins explores the dark corners of contemporary existence while also delving back into the past, capturing vivid pictures of his native Atlanta and the surrounding South in a voice of plainspoken eloquence and uncommon genuineness. This richly interwoven, character-driven work is at once the most panoramic album of Mullins’ distinguished career and the most intensely personal. Artist site: www.iwelk.com/publicity/SMullins-pub.html  Tunes and Video:  www.myspace.com/shawnmullins

Sat. Aug. 23 2008 at 8pm $10 adv./$10 door  dance- ages 21+

Tin Man    In recent months, TinMan has successfully co-headlined one of the bay area's premier concert clubs -The Little Fox in Redwood City multiple times, played the world famous Slims in San Francisco and numerous other venues in Northern California.  How many bands cover Cream, Johnny Cash, War, Phish and Queen?  And that is just the beginning. This is a true music lover’s dance band.  BLUE began as a one-day project for a benefit concert in La Honda California. When the musicians took the stage for the first time together in public, something magical happened. For the next two years, the band performed at public and private events, concerts, and clubs all over the bay area and is continuing to craft a unique musical style. BLUE repertoire of original music, classic rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and calypso is a delight to the senses. Their songs feature vocals by individual members, as well as three and four part harmony. Cliff and Ed are masters of their instruments, and take soaring leads, alone, or in unison. Dave and Geoff complete the band as a driving rhythm section. The band has a loyal following that continues to grow and is at home entertaining a small intimate gathering, or 30,000 screaming fans. Artist site: http://www.tinmanmusic.net/  

PRESENTED BY THE CELTIC SOCIETY OF MONTEREY BAY          

Wed. Aug. 27  at 7:30pm  $17 adv./$17 door 
seated <21 w/parent

$15 at door to Members of The Celtic Society by way of $2 rebate

Tommy: “A tenor voice that has all the ring of Waterford crystal which has only ever served smokey whisky”  Irish Music Magazine  In 1997 Tommy also began touring regularly with ex-Bothy Band virtuoso piper Paddy Keenan.Having featured on Paddy’s solo album ‘Na Keen Affair’,Tommy booked a sellout tour of Ireland for the duo.They later went on to record the much acclaimed album ‘The Long Grazing Acre’which was released on the compass label in 2003.The pair continue to tour and appear at festivals worldwide. Tommy’s long overdue second solo album was recorded in 2006 ‘Song Ablaze’it is an ambitious project with songs that range from traditional Irish and traditional American to the works of contemporary writers again from both sides of the Atlantic  Paddy: The Bothy Band forever changed the face of Irish traditional music, merging a driving rhythm section with traditional Irish tunes in ways that had never been heard before. Those fortunate enough to have seen the band live have never forgotten the impression they made -- one reviewer likened the experience to "being in a jet when it suddenly whipped into full throttle along the runway." Paddy was one of the band's founding members, and his virtuosity on the pipes combined with the ferocity of his playing made him, in the opinion of many, its driving force.Artist site: www.paddykeenan.com/ and www.tommyosullivan.net/     Tunes:      http://paddykeenan.com/multimedia/craigs.mp3 and www.tommyosullivan.net/  

Fri. Aug. 29 at 8pm $7 adv./$7 door   dance- ages 21+

Dough Knees Dough Knees was founded in 2007 in Santa Cruz, California. They are:  guitarist Scott Cooper, keyboard player extraordinaire Steve Sofranko, drummer Justin Christensen, Theo Winston from San Francisco plays the Garcia parts—all are veteran musicians and Deadheads. They knew the songs, the parts, the dynamics, all that was left was the sorting out as to who would cover which parts. Now that that's been done, there's nothing left to do but smile smile smile! Members of the band have performed, recorded or studied with Barry Sless (Phil & Friends, David Nelson), Ben Ellman (Galactic), Melvin Seals (Jerry Garcia Band), Steve Kimock and Mike Gordon (Phish)  Love Eternal's unique blend of healing music intertwines the pulsing beats of traditional reggae drumkit with west african and nyabinghi drumming, Paridigm shifting harmonies and lyrics, thumpin rhythmic bass, scratchin guitar, and the unexpected melodies of electric and acoustic mandolins, all tide up with the upbeat groove of pure roots reggae.  In 2003, Love Eternal recorded their debut album, Family to high praise. Their second Album Creation, has sold and received airplay all over the world. Artist site: www.jambase.com/Artists/49795/Dough-Knees and  www.loveeternal.org  Tunes: http://profile.myspace.com/loveeternal

Zebop! A Tribute To Santana
Sat. Aug. 30 at 8pm $8 adv./$8 door                    dance- ages 21+

Taking their name from a classic 1981 Santana album of the same name, Zebop! consists of seven energetic and talented Bay Area Musicians who take great pride in performing the music of Santana. Combined with passion and dedication, Zebop! has gained the attention of Santana fans throughout the Northern California. Formed by guitarist Antonio Marquez; it was his talent and inspiration that attracted established A-list musicians to his vision of a band honoring the music of Carlos Santana.  Zebop! is:  local percussionist Ernesto Angulo, outstanding vocalist and keyboardist, Steve Vasquez,  drummer Art Padilla,  former MALO & Jorge Santana Band keyboardist “Zach”, bass man Phil Bjurman and San Francisco Mission District conguero, Luis Enrique (Qique) Sandoval.  It is the wealth of talent that these seven musicians collectively contribute that makes the Zebop! experience a memorable one, keeping any crowd on their feet while moving to the music of SANTANA!  Artist site and tunes: www.zeboptributetosantana.com

Thu. Sept. 4 at 7:30pm $10 adv./$12 door    
 seated <21 w/parent

ACOUSTIC BRAZILIAM & WORLD MUSIC BAND

Caji, a distinctive guitarist in the Brazilian style and unique singing interpretation redefines the grooves from his hometown, Salvador, Bahia. He released is first solo work in 2004 with Indie record company AmazRecords, with the participation of an exceptional team of fine jazz musicians. Salomé, from Azores Portugal, joined him not too long after, as a percussionist and vocalist, with her passion for Brazilian music and her impressive cultural background. Together they extended the musical language to a mutli-cultural expression. They represent and explore a vast universe of musical styles that are interconnected. While the main influence is Afro-Brazilian, which includes bossa-nova, samba, and afoxé, they incorporate reggae and other world music styles such as bolero, morna, and fado into their unique sound.  With her ability to sing in four different languages (Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English), and his sensitivity to musical language, and rythms, they are able to bring to the music of the world, including Brazilian, Cuban, French, Peruvian, Cabo Verdian and Portuguese, a special sensitivity to the rare beauty of these cultures.  They released a CD project blending their passion and fascination for acoustic world music especially for the melodies and rhythms of Brazil. Using the organic power of acoustic instruments, like the nylon string guitar, surdo, pandeiro, conga, together with innovative vocal interpretations, Caji and Salomé transport the listener to Brazil and beyond...“Cartão Postal Acústico / Acoustic Post Card", was recorded and produced by master engineer, Kyle Harris Artist sites and music at   www.myspace.com/cajisalome and www.cajidabahia.com

Fri. Sept. 5  at 8pm  $14 adv./$16 door   DANCE - AGES 21 +

THEY JUST SOLD OUT 1000 SEAT PLUS THEATRE IN LOS ANGELES!!!
Heartbreaker is, without a doubt, the world's most authentic Led Zeppelin tribute band. It takes a lot of confidence to make such a claim, but Heartbreaker lives up to it. In musicianship, sound replication, costume and stage presence, Heartbreaker is the closest to the real Led Zeppelin yet. From Zeppelin's 1969 debut album with the smash Good Times Bad Times, through the 1979 album In Through the Out Door, Heartbreaker’s performance captures it all flawlessly  www.zeppelintribute.com

12 Piece Afro-Beat Band led by Danjuma Adamu from Nigeria
Sat. Sept 6 at 8pm $10 adv./$10 door  Dance – ages 21 +

Five horns, two guitars, one bass, one drummer, one conga master, one keyboard and a dancer.  Danjuma & Friends are a big showband playing Afro-Beat, Highlife, Sukus and Afro-Funk.  Get ready to dance all night long.

Sat. Sept. 13 at 8pm $12 adv./$14 door  Dance – ages 21 +

The first set is The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles and Gladys Knight & The Pips featuring  Samntha Alexes.  The second set is all Temptations. So if you want style, class and like the glamour of the Motown acts of the 60's, 70's and 80's, the Best Intentions have become most popular in major nightclubs around the world. Like virtually all of the Motown's acts, The Best Intentions have sought out longevity and stability of a career built upon these principals and is captured in their live appearances. Everywhere they go, the crowds are bigger, the ticket sales are sizzling and the outpouring of affection for this "Pure Motown Revue" just gets greater and greater! ARTIST SITE AT:  www.tlcee-productions.com/clients9.html

Sun. Sept. 14 at 7pm $14 adv./$16 door
seated <21 w/parent
WELCOMED BY FIDDLING CRICKET CONCERTS

Easily one of the top five instrumental hot pickin’ guitar players on the planet. Combine bluegrass wizardry with classical, Celtic, folk and many other genres and then dangerously add gunpowder and hear an explosion of melody that few guitar players can match. ´ His most recent CD, Renaissance of the Steel String Guitar, is an irresistible masterpiece that roams through a myriad of genres and styles. His virtuosity and versatility are undeniable.” Portfolio Weekly Artist site: www.dancrary.com Tunes:

www.dancrary.com/DisplayProducts.html

PRESENTED BY THE CELTIC SOCIETY OF MONTEREY BAY         
Wed. Sept. 17 at 7:30pm    $20 adv./$20 door seated <21 w/parent
$18 at door to Members of The Celtic Society by way of $2 rebate

The Tannahill Weavers' diverse repertoire reflects the duality of Scotland's musical heritage.  It embraces both the mystical quality of the Highlander's Celtic music, and the rollicking, sometimes even brawling qualities of the Lowlander's Anglo-Scots tunes.  The Tannahill Weavers' arrangements blend the beauty of the traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms.  The penetrating sound of the Highland bagpipes is a thread of ancient memory running through it all.  Artist Site, Tunes and Video: www.tannahillweavers.com/

Thu. Sept. 18 at 7:30pm $10 adv./$10 door Dance – ages 21 +

Formed in Sleepy Hollow, New York in the late 90's, Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams creates an enchanting atmosphere, using traditional folk instruments, tasty electric guitar and the distinctive singing and songwriting of Joziah Longo. Citing influences as diverse as Hank Williams, Dylan, Bowie, Incredible String Band and early Pink Floyd, Longo describes the band's music as "punk-classical-hillbilly-Floyd", a mental rollercoaster of whimsical, thought-provoking songs. The Circus' live shows are where the real magic comes down, earning them critical acclaim as well as a fiercely loyal following. Their last studio release, "Flapjacks From The Sky" has been hailed as a masterpiece by many and continues to make a buzz internationally as a great Americana work of art. Their new cd, "The Great Unravel" coming summer '08! Artist site, Tunes and video: www.slambovia.com

Sat. Sept. 20 at 8pm $10 adv./$10 door dance- ages 21+

Five Eyed Hand: With this diverse group of musicians you'll definitely be surprised as one moment your dancing to some hard bopping jazz swing, soul soothing ballads, or tasty funk rock grooves and then the next moment you see percussionist Derek Bodkin step away from the drum kit and pull out the acoustic guitar or banjo. "Fiddler Mikey" Henderson, a virtuoso on Electric Violin and Mandolin,is best known from the Santa Cruz based band Grampas.Bass master Jeb Taylor lends his sonic touch with highly impressive harmonic vocabulary to create an extraordinary groove. Chris Zanardi, on his Gibson ES-135 guitar, is like no other. Seconds On End has been described as an eclectic blend of funk, psychedelic rock, reggae, roots, and country rhythms."How come I've never heard of this band? This is an awesome discovery. Sweet psychedelic jams with some reggae influence create a nice mellow and danceable atmosphere." High Country Archive.  Artist site, tunes & video: www.fiveeyedhand.com and www.secondsonend.com/

Sun. Sept. 21 at 7pm $10 adv./$12 door seated <21 w/parent

Three heavenly and distinctive voices interpret the one of-a-kind songs of Kate Wolf. 
Sherry Austin : “ Sherry's husky yet heartwarmingly beautiful voice captured my attention with the very first song”  Dallas Dobro, Strawberry Music Festival Emcee
Sharon Allen: One moment she is opening for B.B. King, belting out the blues, and the next moment her
honey-sweet and ginger-spice voice makes you want to live in the country folk tune she is singing
Ginny Mitchell:“Ginny has a style all her own as light a feather or as charged as dynamite.”  Larry Delaney,
Editor of Country Music News
Sherry Austin Band featuring Steve Perez on guitar and Lisa Burns on base the instrumental prowess.
Take the long way to Don Quixote’s tonight. Let a back road take you home to the music of the one and only Kate Wolf.     Artist Site: www.sherry-austin.com and www.ginnymitchell.com

By crikey can they play!

PRESENTED BY THE CELTIC SOCIETY OF MONTEREY BAY

Tue. Sept. 23 at 7:30pm $15 adv./$15 door seated <21 w/parent

$13 at door to Members of The Celtic Society by way of $2 rebate

To trace the origins of Slide we must go back to 1999, to southwest Ireland , to a town called Bandon. It was here that the organizers of a local festival invited three Dublin based musicians to play sessions in various pubs over the weekend. Such was the inherent connection of musical approach, style and mindset that the idea of forming some kind of group was born. A month later, and after much thought and consideration the three-piece became four as the cosy confines of a basement in Monkstown was turned from sitting room to rehearsal room. Following months of forging of individual minds into one collective unit Aogán, Daire, Éamonn and Mick felt the time was right to try out their new sound. On a cold December night ‘The Cobblestone', on the outer edge of Dublin's inner City was shaken from rock to rafter; a gig that has since become known as ‘The Wobble in The Cobble'. Soon afterwards Slide made their first release with The Flying Pig which brought them to many of the main stages & festivals at home and abroad; from the National Concert Hall to the Cambridge Festival, England and from the headline act of the German Folk Festival Tour to the Inerceltic Festival of L'Orient, France . Artist site at: www.slide.ie

PRESENTED BY ZOOK BEAT

Wed. Sept. 24 at 7:30pm $15 adv./$18 door  
 seated <21 w/parent

TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGH Streetlight Records and www.brownpapertickets.com

Kal is a Romani band from Valjevo, a small town in Centr