Artists

Bug Horn Rex

Bug Horn Rex was founded in 2004 following a late night conversation that revealed a mutual appreciation of traditional jazz between accomplished reeds man Erik Rosenquist and nascent trombonist Mark Proudfoot. The band has since evolved from its Dixieland combo roots into an 7-piece horn-driven ensemble that revels in a jambalaya of New Orleans sounds. Each set is a stroll down Bourbon Street–the street beat of a Mardi Gras parade yields to hip brass band funk, then dissolves into a smoky Ellington backroom ballad.

A versatile rhythm section adeptly sets each scene, with Greg Smith alternating between bass and tuba and Jon Bayer choosing from banjo and guitar. New Orleans natives Todd Gray (trumpet) and Mick Berry (drums) lend an earthy authenticity to the mix, while featured vocalists provide heart and soul with organic interpretations of everything from early Armstrong staples to their own originals. Constant through all this are the horns bolstered by the addition of talented south bay saxophonist Oscar Pangilinan on tenor. Eclectic, bombastic, comic and sweet, Bug Horn Rex is just getting started with their genre-bending exploration of the common threads that bind jazz, rock, rhythm and blues. But don’t over-think it: In spirit this is simply a rousing parade through the Big Easy!

Bug Horn Rex will be marching around on Friday, June 25th, outside near the Agenda/Bayonne on South First Street and San Salvador!

Myspace

Posted on June 22 2010 | Comments (No Comments)

DJ Tanoa Samoa Boy

In his own words:

“Tanoa “Samoa Boy” Stewart, spinning records at Forbidden Island since May 2007. A mix of hawaiian, samoan and scottish, I might be seen wearing a kilt or lava lava.

At an early age I have been playing records: The Jungle Book, Sound of Music and Polynesian… My grandpa rolled in a custom Cadillac with an 8 track player, which pretty much only played Sinatra. College came along and I found myself a DJ, playing all sorts of 70s and 80s dance music…

Eventually I became addicted to shellac, 78rpm records, collecting and playing. At that time I was one of the first 25 people to have an online streaming radio station on LIVE365 (at that time it was free), called the Retro Radio. I featured swing, boogie woogie, rockabilly, classic country, early rock n roll, western swing and more, all stuff from the 30s through the 60s.

I have always been one of those fellas that would cross into various genres: swing clubs, rockabilly, country, car shows, etc… I always played a big variety of tunes, trying to bring all sorts of folks together under the same roof. Because of that, You might see me spinning at a swing dance club, rockabilly event, night club, dive bar, car show or mixing it up, 30s – 50s or 60s – 80s.

Wanting to be like grandpa, I bought a 51 Dodge, and spent the rest of the money I would have spent on a Caddy, on records, 33, 45 and 78rpm. Besides lugging these records around, I very much enjoy playing music for folks, especially when people come up and ask me, “who was that” or “where do you find all this stuff”.

An Alameda resident, Forbidden Island is my home base, but I have also spun all over the bay: Union Square, Santa Clara Car Show & Market, Justin Herman Plaza, Forbidden Island Car Show, Root Division Art Gallery, Landmark Ballroom, Booze Broads & Hotrods Show, Imperial Ballroom, Swingtime Car Show & Festival, Broadway Studios, Cafe Cocomo, Hi-Ball Lounge, The Easy Lounge, Conga Lounge, Camp Swing, Foresters Hall, BlueJean Bop Car Show, Asphalt Invitational Car Show and more!”

See DJ Tanoa Samoa Boy on Saturday, June 26 from 8:30-9:00 pm and again from 10:00-10:30 pm at the Milano Restaurant.

Website

Posted on June 19 2010 | Comments (No Comments)

The Vinyl Trees

The Vinyl Trees are about invention and the need to pursue directions that don’t necessarily conform. Although the band was formed in the bay area of northern California, the Trees come from different roots that go as far as Canada, as singer Mark Smith hails from Eyebrow, Saskatchewan. Growing up, fueled on Canadian icons such as Neil Young, The Guess Who, and The Tragically Hip, you can definitely hear influences in Smith’s song writing. Using several different instruments, the Trees were able to create a very original and unique sound on their first album titled Pura Vida.

Released April ‘07, the record uses a blend of acoustic guitars, didgeridoo, african balafon, ukulele, as well as a harmonium. The energy and drive is led by percussionist Larry Brooks, mostly using a Cajon, which is a peruvian drum that is played by sitting on it and striking the front. This is all glued together by the grooving chops of Alek Dorian on the bass, giving the band a very real, organic type of music that sits nicely behind catchy harmonies and driving melodies.

“Pura Vida” literally translated means “pure life.” A mindset that was truly absorbed in the creation of this album. Draying on the elements that constantly surround us, Smith was able to fuse that energy into each song in some sort of special way. Through his adventures that have led him to different parts of the world, listeners can almost feel as though they are actually experiencing those cultures, giving them a sense of fulfillment that leaves them feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Let the Vinyl Trees take you on a trip around the world, without ever leaving.

Enjoy this eclectic band as they open the Mini-Main stage on Friday, June 25th, which is in the parking lot across from the Agenda Lounge!

Myspace

Posted on June 18 2010 | Comments (No Comments)

The Emerald Hill

The Emerald Hill’s “willingness to work with whatever they can get their hands on has evolved into the sound that sets them apart,” writes Jody Amable of Metro News. Blending banjos, three-part harmonies, and psychadelia with indie-folk, The Emerald Hill sounds like nothing coming out of San Jose.

Band members Rosa Leonardo (lead vocals, keyboards), Kyle Drury (vocals, keyboards, banjo, giutar, trumpet), Tim Smudski (vocals, guitar, banjo), and Sean Kavanaugh (drums) come from a variety of musical backgrounds that work their way into their songs. Rosa Leonardo’s musical theater upbringing is easily noticeable in her melodies and the sheer strength of her voice. Her story-esque lyrics have been compared to both Shel Silverstein and Modest Mouse. Classically trained pianist Kyle Drury acts as the band’s jack-of-all-instruments. But the great majority of the guitar comes from Tim Smudski, a self-taught musician. It may be due to the fact that Smudski taught himself everything he knows that he has such a unique sound. The latest addition to the band, drummer Sean Kavanaugh also plays in a local folk-duet, The High Sea, as well as his family’s Celtic folk band, further diversifying, yet complimenting The Emerald Hill.

With each show, The Emerald Hill continues to gain support and recognition as a force in San Jose’s blossoming music scene.

Check out this uniquely talented band on Saturday, June 26th, at Works Art & Performance Center at 8:30pm!

Myspace

Posted on June 18 2010 | Comments (No Comments)

Urban Animals

Based in San Jose, Urban Animals is a five-piece band with Soul, Folk, and Indie Rock influences. Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Tom Antony, Drummer Cody Rhodes, and Bassist Nick Underwood found each other, by chance or by fate on the online classifieds site, Craigslist. They quickly began to meld Antony’s soulful voice and distorted guitars, with Rhodes’s heart-pounding percussions and Underwood’s super smooth bass licks into a carefully crafted piece of Pop artwork. Soon thereafter, Sax and Keyboardist Lionel Birones and Guitarist Cody Robot brought their unique voice to the band, constructing distinctive melodies and soaring choruses. “Urban Animals have rough and gritty skin, but a soulful heart.” Urban Animals have been writing, playing and evolving together since 2009. They will be in the studio, producing their first EP and touring regionally in the summer of 2010.

Catch them on Works Arts & Performance Center on Friday, June 25th at 8:30pm.

Myspace

Posted on June 18 2010 | Comments (2 Comments)