Ranchopalooza - Band suggestions
Hi, all. Looking forward to a great 2023 concert season. We have identified 8 concert dates. Saturdays, and I think the evnt timeline we ended on last season worked well:
2:30 - 5:00, with a set break from 3:30 - 4:00.
DATES:
June 24
July 8
July 22
August 12
August 26
Sept 9
Sept 23
Oct 14
Here are the 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 by Friday 1/13 at 5pm. Here you go:
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.
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.
Back Bay Betty
Back Bay Betty plays originals, classics and funky blues for your dancin' shoes! We are an energetic five piece dance band from Baywood Park, CA and have a diverse rock/blues/soul/jazz repertoire including many originals.
The group's members are Linda Martin on keys, Rob Espinosa on guitar, Eric Stever on saxophone, Mark Walters on bass and Don Utterback on drums. All five of The Bettys sing, and our multi-part harmonies really make our music a step above most, and so FUN! The band also travels with our very own multi-instrumentalist/audio engineer Matt Vargo. We play challenging barrel rooms to very large outdoor venues, and Matt dials our perfect in-ear mix while blowing away the crowd with pristine audio for any occasion through our 24 channel Allen & Heath PA.
Back Bay Betty’s original debut album, IT'S ALL YOUR WORLD, and live disc BBB LIVE AT SEA PINES are free to download from backbaybetty.com/music at this time. You’ll enjoy our creative originals and rockin' cover tunes by artists such as Carole King, The Rolling Stones, Linda Ronstadt, Norah Jones, Etta James, Heart, Delbert McClinton, Susan Tedeschi, Johnnie Lang, Diana Krall, Mark Ford, The Pretenders, Sade, Jefferson Airplane, Steely Dan and many others that you won't hear covered by other bands. CD’s are available at live shows and by request.
Back Bay Betty's dynamic energy on stage is infectious and is guaranteed to have everybody out of their seats and on the dance floor! We have amassed a large dancing fan base and play at venues all across San Luis Obispo County including D'Anbino Cellars, Cambria Pines Lodge, The Siren, Sea Pines Resort, SLO Blues Society events, county-wide concert series, etc.
In addition to our website with press kit, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Please contact Back Bay Betty through backbaybetty.com, via e-mail at backbaybettymusic805@gmail.com, or phone Linda at 805-234-3161 to book this talented and entertaining dance band for your venue, festival, winery or event.
In addition to our website, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Please contact Back Bay Betty below, via e-mail at backbaybettymusic805@gmail.com, or call Linda at 805-234-3161 to book this talented and entertaining dance band for your venue, festival, winery or event.
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.
*** Note: These guys come with a $1,000 band sponsor ***
Zongo All-stars
Voted BEST LOCAL BAND in SLO County FOR 2 YEARS IN A ROW, Zongo All-Stars have been lighting up dance floors all over the Central Coast with our unique blend of Afro-Latin / Afro-Caribbean / Funk / Reggae / Calypso music that we like to call "CaliCubano". The infectious sound has lots of percussion, horn section, a zany front man with Spanish vocals and unlimited surprises up his sleeve, and an all-star rhythm section!
The Zongo players have been making music together under different groups for over 20 years! Most notably, 6 of the 7 players were in Mozaic, the very popular 90's Central Coast Afro-Funk band. After the breakup of Mozaic, the horn section (Andrew Wise - sax/flute and Paul Irving - trumpet) developed over 50 of Andrew's original compostions. Bass player Dylan Johnson went on to study music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and then received his master's degree in jazz studies from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music. Guitarist Jacob Odell also went to Berklee for his bachelor's degree in jazz studies. Drummer Jennings Jacobsen went on to tour professionally with Rock Steady Posse and then with Damon Castillo Band. Justin Perkins kept developing his percussion & steel drum skills playing with various groups.
A decade later, Dylan decided to come back to the Central Coast from New York. Hearing the news, Paul and Andrew invited him to help launch the new group with along with Jacob and Justin. Drummer Sean Sullivan was pulled in, as was John Lee, a multi-instrumentalist with a master's degree in Afro-Cuban Jazz Studies. The group quickly put it all together and opened up the beautiful Back Bay Inn Garden concert venue for the Baywood Park Oktoberfest in 2007 for the first of many great shows to follow. Sean went on to pursue other interests in 2009, and Jennings rejoined the group. That's the story & we're sticking to it!
Zongo All-Stars is now a Central Coast staple in the live music & fun business, playing at select outdoor festivals, concert houses, corporate events, weddings, and other private parties. Please join us for one of our upcoming events, and please contact us to explore working together to make your next event one to remember!
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.
Mini Nova
Mininova is a 4-piece latin/jazz/funk explosion of rhythm and melody that is danceable and sophisticated. Led by Scott Martin on sax from the band War and Kenny Lee Lewis on guitar from The Steve Miller Band, the band features both original and cover music from iconic latin and jazz artists, and also latin rock and R&B covers from bands like Santana, War, Steve Miller Band, Ray Charles, and blues standards. Jim Stromberg delivers a percussion performance that sounds like three people playing at once and bassist David Keif provides the foundation on bass. You won’t be able to sit still!
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.
MOLLY Ringwald Project
The Molly Ringwald Project, hailing from the Central and South Coasts of California, is a top drawing 80s tribute band, to put it simply.
Brought together by the Force, the Powers of Grey Skull, the Flux Capacitor, a beat up Swatch Watch wrapped around an old can of Aquanet, and just a pinch of discarded MX Missile fuel, tMRP brings an authentic show to sold out crowds throughout California. Paying homage to all the songs stuck in their heads from the days of yore, tMRP brings an unparalleled energy to every show and venue they have the good fortune to play in.
Don't miss out on one of the most enjoyable show experiences available today. Check out the "Shows" page to plan your next chance to see the band play; like us on Facebook and Instagram; sign up on the mailing list to get frequent updates.
Roxy - lead vox Ian - lead vox, rhy. guitar LP - drums Joey Flowers - lead guitar Jay - keys Rob - bass
41K
41K is a Central Coast super-group, combining the talents of veteran players for the sole purpose of a soul-jazz purpose. Think George Benson, Bob Reynolds, Brother Jack McDuff, David Sanborn, Grant Green, Eddie Harris, John Scofield and many more. The band features musician/songwriter/producer Damon Castillo on guitar and musician/arranger/producer Dave Becker on all woodwinds. “When Dave and I met up to talk about starting a new project together, we knew it had to include our love of improvisation, but it also had to be both funky and soulful,” says Damon. The band also includes heavyweight bassist Dylan Johnson (Inga Swearingen, Dylan Johnson Quartet, Zongo All-Stars), session player extraordinaire Kristian Ducharme (Damon Castillo Band) on keys, and Daryl Vandruff (Typsy Gypsies, Mark Adams) on drums. The magic of this new ensemble is on display with every tune, with every member a master improviser. “The band already feels like we’ve been playing together for years,” says Becker. You can feel it too.
Proxima Parada
PRÓXIMA PARADA BLENDS SOULFUL MELODY AND HARD-HITTING RHYTHM INTO A SOUND DISTINCTLY THEIR OWN, GROOVY AND UPLIFTING. THEIR MUSIC MAKES INTROSPECTION AND HUMAN CONNECTION SEXY AGAIN. AFTER SIGNING WITH ANTIFRAGILE IN 2019, PRÓXIMA PARADA IS RELEASING A NEW ALBUM, KIND REMINDER, ON SEPTEMBER 27TH AND WILL TOUR THE US THIS FALL.
Their single, Time In A Circle, currently has over 1,700,000 plays on Spotify alone.
Starting in 2012 as a group of college friends wanting to extend their dynamic to their community in San Luis Obispo, CA, they never dreamed that their passion would reach a global audience, that they'd perform at beautiful historic venues and music festivals, that their songs would earn awards, that their music would soothe and uplift people around the world.
The starting lineup for Próxima Parada is Nick Larson (vocals, keys, guitar), Kevin Middlekauff (bass), Josh Collins (guitar), and Aaron Kroeger (drums).
Recent New Times Feature Article:
One TikTok post is making all the difference for SLO locals Próxima Parada
Although it's a relatively quiet week for live music on the Central Coast, one local band received a Christmas present that will carry them into a new future.
Próxima Parada, a San Luis Obispo-based blue-eyed soul band whose members quit their day jobs to take on music full-time in 2019, had the No. 1 viral song in the U.S. on Spotify Dec. 17.
"It's been a whirlwind of a week," frontman Nick Larson told New Times. "It's just completely changes our career."
click to enlarge
Photo Courtesy Of Próxima Parada
GOING BIG SLOcal blue-eyed soul band Próxima Parada played their last show of the year at the Fremont on Dec. 2, before a TikTok post changed their future.
The whirlwind started as most things do these days: on TikTok. Music curator Matt Firestine (aka, fuegostine) posted a quick clip playing "Musta Been a Ghost" off Próxima Parada's 2019 album Kind Reminder. It's a jazz- and R&B-influenced easy-going number with a great hook, Southern California style, and Michael Franti vibes.
"This song is such a hidden gem in my opinion. What do you think?" Firestine posted alongside the video on Dec. 9.
With 2.2 million likes and more than 3 million views as of Dec. 21, the video pushed the band that's spent the last couple of years touring around the U.S. into another realm. Larson and bass player Kevin Middlekauff told New Times they'd been talking to national and international record labels in recent days about the launch of their new album—which is finished but hasn't been released yet, Larson said. Their Spotify listeners jumped to 900,000, and people from all over the world started reaching out to the band via social media and a texting app.
"It's a lesson in how powerful advocacy can be. We can make all the noise we want about our own music, but as soon as someone with credibility speaks on our behalf ... it made a difference," Larson said.
"It's wild," Middlekauff added.
The band recently wrapped up their 2022 tour of the U.S. with a Dec. 2 show at the Fremont. It was Próxima Parada's last big show for the year, and 2023's plans are currently in flux, although Middlekauff said they would probably tour all over the country again (and possibly Europe) and try to play as many music festivals as possible.
That Fremont show was the perfect way to end the year, they said. They played after the holiday parade with an extra vocalist and horns on stage.
"I just felt like such a powerful, emotional night. Very joyous, very cathartic. We definitely got a lot of positive feedback after the show," Larson said. "That was our last show before things changed."
Próxima Parada formed in 2012, keeping San Luis Obispo as their home base over the years and releasing a handful of albums, including their most recent, Second Brother. Larson said that others in the industry tried to push them to move to cities that were known for producing talent, like Nashville, Los Angeles, or Seattle. But that wasn't the route they wanted to take. Larson and Middlekauff said the path they're on started in the tight-knit community of SLO, and it feels good to be able to make that same impact from the place they feel most at home.
"We're very much a product of our community," Larson said. "It's been really special to advocate for the city that we love, too."
Stay up-to-date on Instagram and TikTok @proximaparada_music, on Facebook @proximaparadaband, and at proximaparadamusic.com.
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.