Point San Luis Lighthouse Concerts - 2024
Hi, all. Looking forward to a great 2024 concert season. We have identified 8 concert dates:
DATES:
June 22
July 13
July 27
August 10
August 24
Sept 14
Sept 28
Oct 12
Concerts will run from 2:30 - 5:00 with a 30 minute break between 2 sets.
Here are some bands to consider. Below you’ll find a synopsis and video for each band, and then a form for you to give your input. Please go through these & fill out the survey.
Jill Knight
Jill Knight's soulful sound is unmistakable. A native of Savannah Ga, her music delivers a southern texture blending americana, blues and weaving in a little R & B that will take the listener on an unforgettable journey. Voted Best Songwriter on the Central Coast of California, 2018 New Times Music Awards. Nominated for the LA music awards “best female vocalist”, finalist at the Telluride Troubadour competition, a finalist at the National Academy of Songwriters "songwriter of the year" competition, finalist in Billboard magazines, "best unsigned band" contest, a regional best seller in Album Network magazine for her cd Future Perfect, best DIY albums in Performing Songwriter Magazine, Honorable mention NSAI songwriting competition, Finalist in the Acoustic Live songwriter competition. Jill has toured and shared stages with... India Arie, Shawn Colvin, David Wilcox, John Prine, The Tubes, The Doobie Brothers, Roger McGuinn, Laura Nyro, Chris Isaak, Delbert Mclinton, Michael Hedges, Phoebe Snow, Richard Thompson, Little Feat, David Lindley, Los Lobos, Peter Rowan and many others.
Reviews
"Its hard to say which is better-the song or the way Jill Knight sings it." Performing Songwriter Magazine.
"Few songwriters seem to have the self-assurance that this singer possesses...Knight approaches her music with an unadorned intensity, her songs pack an emotional punch rich in the details of everyday experiences... this is first rate, high quality music" Dirty Linen.
"With a voice that crests and tumbles like a waterfall, Knight is as elemental as the wind." Sacramento News and Rev
Upside Ska
Upside Ska at the Lighthouse 2022
Upside Ska is SLO County's own old-school ska band fronted by Eric Cotton.
Cotton's got long ties to the Central Coast, having fronted Rock Steady Posse in the early '90s before moving to the Bay Area, where he fronted The Cheeseballs—a high energy dance band—before returning to live in Morro Bay a few years ago. Upon his return, he teamed up with Zongo All-Stars bandleader and former Rock Steady trumpet player Paul Irving to form Upside Ska, which is dedicated to preserving the early ska sounds.
The band has played some of the best venues in SLO County, including The Siren, SLO Brew Rock, Live Oak Music Festival, Point San Luis Lighthouse, Avila Beach Golf Resort, and was featured at the Central Coast Ska Festival in 2022. It’s just plain fun and you’ll be on your feet fr the whole show.
The Funk Junket
The Funk Junket is a high-voltage global funk band dedicated to creating irresistible grooves and positive energy for the soul. Based on California's Central Coast, The Funk Junket's six journeymen musicians cook up a fresh gumbo of jazz, funk, cumbia , salsa and afrobeat that is sure to pack the dance floor. Our mission is to uplift, inspire and ignite through an original fusion of funky afro/latin-grooves and jazz inspired melodies. Formed in late 2023, The Funk Junket has already gained an enthusiastic following and is becoming a sought-after band for its funky horns, global grooves, deep pocket rhythms and original compositions. They are sure to bring some joy and movement to your body mind and soul.
The Funk Junket Musicians include: Paul Trent (drums), Billy Baxmeyer (electric bass guitar and vocals), Hector Mayoral (vocals, congas, percussion), Aaron Burger (electric guitar), Sam Franklin (tenor and baritone saxaphone), and Geof Land (trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals)
More Background and History of The Funk Junket:
All of the members of The Funk Junket have known each other for years, playing together in one configuration or another. Latest addition Hector (discovered by Paul on craigslist [!!} fits right in the musical gumbo, bringing his solid latin pedigree.
Paul first met Billy 20 years ago and played in some early trance/ambient world-beat collective jams for ecstatic dances. They've played together in the Mystery Brothers for over 15 years. Sam, Geof and then later Aaron were all in various incarnations of Mama Tumba, which Paul founded back in 2014. Geof and Paul also played together in the second-line hot jazz combo , The Ragbone Saints.
The formation of The Funk Junket was inspired by our love of African rhythms and melodies , and specifically after Paul and Geof heardTony Allen and Hugh Masakela's album, Rejoice. The minimal, sparse instrumentation on Rejoice (super funky afro grooves and simple but haunting horn lines) offered us a new perspective on bringing interesting soulful rhtyhms into a more stripped down jazz format. Our vision was to keep this project compact and manageable, utilizing hand picked players we love and connect with easily, and who can shred on their instruments.
This is how The Funk Junket came into existence..... our Mission, Purpose and Intention: to Uplift and Unite People through the Universal Language of Music, to Spread Joy, Good Feeling and the Inspiration to Move and Dance Together, and
to Promote Healing through the Positive Experience and Expression of Soul.
Mother Corn shuckers
The Mother Corn Shuckers are a 8 piece Americana, Bluegrass, Country Jam Band located on the Central Coast. They have been entertaining audiences throughout California since 2010 with their refreshing upbeat original music they call “BeerGrass”. Their music will get you on your feet dancing and smiling no matter what age you are. Take a listen and enjoy.
The Current Lineup:
Che Miller - Lead Singer/Songwriter, Guitar
Jeff Pienack - Guitar, Harmonica, vocals
Lillian Dennis - Fiddle
Mark Travis - Mandolin
Colleen Gnos - Upright Bass
Kurt Micheals - Drums, vocals
Barry Johnson - Percussion, vocals
But if you want the history of the band here it is.
Corn Shucker Planting:
The Mother Corn Shuckers were grown on the Central Coast of California in 2009. They sprouted out as a music jam around a smoky fire pit on wednesday nights. Various people would come by for a little music playing and drinkin’ to get through the rest of the work week. When asked to play their first gig The Mother Corn Shuckers began to grow as a 4-5 piece band.
Corn Shucker Growing
Original Members Che Miller, Shawn Cannon began writing originals with Mark Hughes, and Jeff Pienack accompanying them. They added Alan Vogan, Kurt Michels, Lillian & Chris Dennis. They Made their 1st self titled cd in 2011.They continued shuckin’ around playing regular gigs. Shawn Cannon left the band for other adventures in music. In 2013 they joined with Cody st James for one CD titled “Beergrass”. In 2014 Cody St James & Alan Vogan both left to pursue their own musical careers.
Corn Shucker Growing Continued:
In 2015 after adding new members Greg Steers on bass, Mark Travis on Mandolin and Curt Miller on Percussion and Drums. The Mother Corn Shuckers put out a new album titled "California Grown" filled with songs about Loving, Dancing, Drinking and Life…. Take a listen and imbibe in 100% Beergrass music.
Corn Shucker Evolution:
The year is 2018 the band has never stopped playing just evolving. With a few more band members leaving Mark Hughes, Chris Dennis & Greg Steers. Some going off to do other projects while some just want more family time. Joining the band playing upright bass is Colleen Gnos, she has given the band new thumping bass lines and a little more female presence. The band is currently playing a few select shows around the central coast while recording their fourth album. Due to be released in the Summer of 2020 for their 10th anniversary.So keep your ears open for a new album coming soon. See you at the next Show!!
Damon Castillo
Damon Castillo is a songwriter, musician, producer, and mixer based in San Luis Obispo, a town on the Central Coast of California that National Geographic and Oprah Winfrey deemed "the happiest place in the country". As an artist, he leads the Damon Castillo Band, whose jazz-informed rock, funk, and soul paints a sun-bleached portrait of life and love in the Golden State. The band's albums include Mess of Me, Laurel Lane, Live at the Mission, and Revolving Door, which feature the work of his long-time band as well as Grammy Award-winning producer Ross Hogarth; Grammy Award-winning mixer F. Reid Shippen; and guest musicians like Sheila E., Aaron Sterling, and Sean Hurley.
Apart from recording and touring with the band, Castillo owns and operates Laurel Lane, a studio where he produces and mixes albums for countless artists and composes music that has appeared in national campaigns for Target, Starbucks, Miller Lite, MTV, and many others.
Capturing the excitement of both a brand-new love and a brand-new song, Damon Castillo’s latest single, “My Kind of Jam”, is the perfect R&B/Funk/Pop companion for those summer barbecues, afternoon cruises, and late night dance parties. The song has Prince style direct-recorded guitars, funky p-bass, and retro Juno synths, and features the virtuosic talk-box of Swatkins (Allen Stone, Scary Pockets). Two alternative versions of the single will follow. Find him at damoncastillo.com.
The Charities
The Charities are on a mission to bring their twist on funk and soul music to the ears of the world. They are a band of 6 brothers from Hermosa Beach, California. Bonded not by blood, but by their love for each other and the music they create.
Their music draws influence from funk, soul, Motown, jazz, disco, R&B, jam-band music and even rock n’ roll. It’s a melting pot of groovy intentions. On an individual level, their roots and influences range even further. Taking an improvisational approach to live shows gives The Charities an opportunity to blend these influences in an organic way that is always unique to each moment. The exchange of energy between the audience and the band builds into an experience that cannot be expressed in the studio. That is not to imply any distaste for the recording process, however. Wherever they have found themselves dwelling, they have built their own recording studio and utilized their collection of analog equipment to capture their musical adventures. Their latest studio work and first official EP, Alma, came out of their converted garage space in Manhattan beach, CA. After recording, producing, mixing, and mastering Alma, The Charities waved farewell to their hometowns in SoCal and relocated to a ranch near San Luis Obispo to start a new chapter as a band and grow tighter as a family. This bunch of pals has assembled to bring the world a musical vision that calls out to the listener to shake their booty and enjoy their life. As the band begins touring to wider reaches of the country and releasing more music, the ability to join in the fun is becoming easier and easier.
Unfinished with the Beatles
Ed Miller formed Unfinished With The Beatles in 2021 as a spin-off from his '60s rock and roll band since 2004, Unfinished Business, which is still going strong with shows showcasing a broad mix of hits from the '60s, including those by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Beach Boys, the Doors and many more. But Ed thought that the large body of musical work by the Beatles was deserving of a showcase of its own to Central Coast music lovers, hence the formation of Unfinished With The Beatles. And, like Unfinished Business shows, Unfinished With The Beatles shows have the same high-energy dance music and great ballads that appeal to audiences of all ages.
Unfinished With The Beatles is Ed Miller (band leader, guitar and vocals), Mark Walters (bass and vocals) and Don Utterback (drums and vocals). The band's professional sound technician is Russel Green.
Dante Marsh and the Vibe Setters
Dante Marsh & The Vibe Setters are a high energy Pop/Soul band based out of San Luis Obispo. Dante has played and written in Nashville, Kauai, LA, and recently met his band mates in San Luis Obispo CA. Dante Marsh & The Vibe Setters have played in many sold out shows and have opened for many world class names, more recently opened for Steele Pulse and Journey.
Their goal is simple to facilitate movement. Every show is an electric dance party for everyone. With melodic hooks and undeniable rhythmic grooves, the music has a genuine way of inspiring you to move.
Soul Kool
“It’s” “Soul Kool on the Central Coast”…Playing your favorite R&B,Old School, Oldies, Latino music“It’s” “Soul Kool on the Central Coast”…Playing your favorite R&B,Old School, Oldies, Latino music
Back Pages Band
Back Pages Band is a five piece group based in San Luis Obispo California. Together they represent decades of live performance experience from the Midwest, Rockies, and West Coast. Formed in 2015, they quickly became a favorite at wineries, clubs, concerts series, fund raisers and private parties. They cover a wide range of songs from the 60’s to present day. They love what they do and keep the crowd smiling and dancing with a diverse mix of classic rock, blues, and country music.
The Dave Becker Trio featuring Nicole Stromsoe
Dave Becker - saxophone, Ken Husted - bass, and Dean Giles - drums) are joined by Kristian Ducharme (Damon Castillo Band, 41k) and featuring the rich vocals of Nicole Stromsoe. This star studded cast will deliver a fantastic afternoon of jazz, blues and soul at our stunning location perched high atop the Pacific.
Dave Becker
Dave has been a music instructor at University of Florida and Cuesta College, Ca. for over a decade and is one of the most in demand saxophone players on the west coast. His credits include playing or recording with: Wayne Bergeron, Eric Marienthal, Pete Christlieb, Gordon Goodwin, Bobby Shew, Bernie Dresel, Dianne Shuur, Ernie Watts, Sam Rivers, Jack Jones, Bob Sheppard, Wynton Marsalis, Manhattan Transfer, The Temptations, and Marvin Hamlish.
Nicole Stromsoe
Performing an earthy & atmospheric assemblage, inspired by old soul, jazz, and blues, Nicole Stromsoe's stirring voice sticks with you. Nicole is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music (Boston). She lives in the seaside forest of Cambria, California. Whether performing as a solo artist, with her trio or full band, or collaborating with the best of the best local musicians, Nicole always delivers an unforgettable experience.
Ken Hustad
Providing the foundation for this group is Ken Hustad on bass. Hustad has played with local jazz song stylist Inga Swearingen, Diane Shurr, Marvin Hamlish, and Marc O’Connor. He is also a professor of stringed instrument instruction a Cuesta College. His virtuosity and tasty command of this difficult instrument keeps in demand with several Central Coast philharmonic concert orchestras.
Kristian Ducharme
You have seen Kristian behind the keyboards with Central Coast powerhouse Damon Castillo Band, as well as 41K, led by saxophonist Dave Becker. His tasty work on the keys add an intricate layer of rhythm and harmonies crucial to the dynamic sound of this band.
Dean Giles
MI graduate Dean Giles has performed with the popular, local cool-jazz band Human Nation for years and is a prominent percussion instructor here on the Central Coast. His ability to play a wide range of musical styles and dynamic ranges enables Dean to capture the subtle nuances of Latin and swing percussion as well as some kick-ass rock and funk grooves. Dean has also performed or recorded with Louie Ortega, Red Holloway, The Mills Brothers and Don Rickles.
Resination
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In 1999 Vance formed the roots reggae band Resination on the Central Coast of California. Voted top band several years, with many other accolades to date, Resination has been a formidable force in shaping the Central Coast Music scene for over the last 20 years. Resination has made three CDs to date, Live at SLO Brew (2000), Mash Down Babylon (2003), and Concious Development (2006) as well as numerous high energy live shows reaching the Islands of Hawaii. Resination exudes positivity and encouragement through original roots rock reggae music.
In 2019 Resination enjoyed their 20th Year Anniversary as a live band! This is a testament to their longevity and desire to spread their message through music to the masses. Many things have changed in the past two decades. Resination’s vibrant, unique, and positively infectious charm has remained constant throughout the test of time which further makes their music and approach-ability timeless.
Cuesta Ridge
A standard Cuesta Ridge show includes a variety of flavor and there is always something new for the die-hard fans. Constantly writing new originals, this talented bunch also likes to challenge themselves with fresh covers at each gathering.
Cuesta Ridge is a band born in the sweet confines of the Santa Lucia Mountains, on California’s central coast. This six-piece, bluegrass-injected, Americana-rock conglomerate has been together since 2004, and their experience in the local music scene is broad. With members also playing in variety of other local bands such as Resination, Hip Deep, Tripledub, Stank Finatra, Ouroboros, The Tipsy Gypsies and Goza, their SLO roots sustain consistent growth.
Influences range from Django Rheinhardt, Bill Monroe and David Grisman all the way to Bob Marley, Janes Addiction and Motorhead. The band’s upbeat nature attracts movers and shakers while their sophistication corrals musicologists and aficionados.
B & the Hive
Led by the stunning vocals of Brianna Lee, B & The Hive create music straight from the heart, and serve it up with an intensity that is undeniable. Whether belting out a guitar driven anthem, or singing a hauntingly beautiful ballad, the sound remains the same - engaging.
Lead vocalist, Brianna Lee, displays mesmerizing depth in each heartfelt ballad and airy rock tune. - The Bay Bridged, San Francisco
Dreamy. Steamy. Sultry. - Show Bams, Los Angeles
Be prepared to get goosebumps! - KC Turner Presents, San Francisco
B & the Hive’s blend of quintessential rock n’ roll, pop and soul sounds comes together effortlessly, while still managing to defy simple classification and creating a wholly distinctive genre of their own. - SLO Life Magazine, San Luis Obsipo
Carbon City Lights
Carbon City Lights is a groovy alternative rock band based in San Luis Obispo. Their sound blends folk, pop and rock with some funk, and even a little country twang. The band’s live performances are fun and energetic, and feature extended jams with tight rhythm and dueling guitars. Carbon City Lights started as a solo project by singer-songwriter, Michael Venia, in 2010 in Toronto, and morphed into a full band in 2018 with Central Coast locals Bret Heenan (lead guitar), Dan Hernandez (bass), and Gerald Purify (drums). Listeners will appreciate the authenticity that comes from Venia’s lyrics and shines through in his powerful vocals. Their music rings with influences of Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, and Coldplay.
Singer-songwriter, Michael, picked up the guitar while growing up in Saudi Arabia listening to Rick Dees Top 40 international radio hits. As a teen, he was interviewed by CNN's Chief International Correspondent, Christiane Amanpour for a piece on Western music in the Middle East. After leaving Saudi Arabia, Michael gained traction in the music scene in Toronto, Canada while going to recording arts school and performing original music. As an audio engineer, he's produced his music independently and is now sharing his sound with the full band on the Central Coast.