The band Alpaca from Portland, Oregon put on an outstanding show last night (11/19) at Coopers Ale Works in Nevada City. After listening to them I was telling everyone that they sounded like a "Spacey, Jazzy, Funky Jam Band". They consist of Rowan Cobb on Bass, Ian O'Brien on Drums, Matt Murphy playing Guitars and Synth, & Greg Pelander on The Keyboard. Now there was not a large crowd at Coopers for their show but, the ones there were very enthusiastic and we got them to play an encore. Also on the bill was DJ's AD/AM, & Chip Chop spinnin' great tunes. I had a most wonderful time and will see them again when they are in our neighborhood.
Festival John

alpacaband.com
www.myspace.com/adeeam
www.myspace.com/chipchopmusic
www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks

Sandia an awesome Jam Band from Huntsville, Alabama played at the Musicians Jam last night at Coopers in Nevada City. They are a four piece Band with Matt 'D' Martin on Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer, Loop Station, Organ, Bass, Vocals. Mike Robinson-Bass, Percussion, Acoustic Guitar, & Vocals, Matt Gillies on Guitar, Synthesizer, Bass, & Vocals, Cory Fitch on Drums, Percussion. They play original music that ranges from experimental jazz-fusion, reggae, and funk, to hip-hop, trip-hop, electronic, latin, metal, and progressive rock, They are moving here to Northern California and I'm so glad. I loved thier music and thought they sounded as good as or better that alot of the Jam Bands that play at Coopers and the Miners Foundry. I do know that they will be playing at Coopers again and I will be there for sure.
Festival John

sandiamusic.com
www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks

The Band Great American Taxi raised the bar for great music at Coopers Ale Works in Nevada City. Fresh from playing at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival they put on an outstanding show last night (10/7/09). Great American Taxi features Vince Herman who also is the Frontman for the group Leftover Salmon. I loved the music all night long and it reminded me of groups like New Riders of the Purple Sage, Railroad Earth, Grateful Dead, Yonder Mountain String Band, & of course Leftover Salmon. What a wonderful show and all the local Festy Lovin' Folk were there. I also heard talk about having them back at Coopers again. If so, I know I'll be there.
Festival John

www.greatamericantaxi.com
www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks

Greg King pictured
The Psykings put on an outstanding show at The Chief Crazy Horse last night (10/01/09). The Psykings are Greg King on Lead Vocals & Bass Guitar, Michael Padilla playing Lead Guitar, Loops, & Vocals, & Kenny Nichols Banging on the Drums. Now from the first song I was just literately Blown Away. They started with Classic Rock Tunes such as Can't Explain, Shapes of Things, Back in the USSR, 20,000 Light Years from Home, and Helter Skelter. WOW!!! Then in the second set they played nothing but Pink Floyd the rest of the night. WOW!!! I remember telling everyone that I must have gone to Heaven. This was one of the best shows I have seen in a long time. They are coming back to the Chief Crazy Horse opening up for the Bourgeois Gypsies on October 23 playing from 5:00-8:00pm. and again on November 21st. You will see me there!!!
Festival John

www.myspace.com/thepsykings
www.chiefcrazyhorseinn.com

Justin Ancheta & Friends put on an outstanding show at Coopers Ale Works Friday Night 9/18/09. The band is Justin Ancheta on Guitar and Lead Vocals, Alex Scammon playing the Sax, Hernan Battiato on Didge, Local Favorite Tree on Bass, Peter French on Drums, and Local Issac James on Percussion. They always put on a great show everytime I see them. Also playing was the band Frobeck from over in the wine country. They did an awesome job of starting out the night and then playing again at the end. It was a superb night of music and I was so glad to be there.
Festival John

Every so often we have an awesome Jam come and play here in Nevada City. This was the case last Friday Night (9/11/09) at Coopers ale Works when the Band The Acorn Project played. The Band from Bellingham, Washington, put on a most wonderful night of Music. I thought that they were the best band to come here in a long time. A six-piece group featuring saxophone, guitar, slide, keyboards, bass, drums, and percussion, Acorn Project produces an irresistibly unique Jam Band Sound. I know that they will be back here in Nevada City and I will definatly be there.
Festival John

www.myspace.com/acornprojectmusic
www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks

Isabella put on one hell-of-a show last night at Coopers Ale Works in Nevada City. These guys just get better and better every time I hear them. They played mostly great original songs but threw in a couple of covers including Billy Jean (Michael Jackson) and a great Paul Simon tune. For a Thusday Night Coopers was packed full of all the local Festy Lovin' Folk. I had an excelent time and love it when ever they come to town.
Festival John