Aumnibus W/ Singing Bear played last night at The Stonehouse in Nevada City. With an Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, and Djembes Drum they play Awesome Reggae Fusion Music. Chad Crow (Grease, Grit and Grime) books the bands for the Stonehouse now and as he lives in the Bay Area he is bringing up Bay Area bands to play there. I thought these guys from Fairfax were exceptional, However, because it was Thanksgiving Eve, there was hardly anyone there. I love living here in Nevada City because there is so much stellar live music but, when a great band plays here and no one comes out it is a shame. I do hope to see these guys again.
Festival John

www.myspace.com/aumnibus
www.stonehouse1857.com

The Wednesday Night Open Mic at The Chief Crazy Horse hosted by Lisa is outstanding. Each week I am there and have the best time listening to the local musicians that show up to play. The one thing I really like is the fact that so many bands form from people meeting here and also new local bands play for the first time at the Open Mic. This week was no exception with many folks playing great music. I’m not going to list them all here now but, suffice to say they were exceptional. There will not be an Open Mic next week as Lisa will be busy with Thanksgiving. See you there on Nov. 28th.
Festival John

www.chiefcrazyhorseinn.com

Michael Gregory who plays with his band Inner Outlook every Tuesday at Coopers Ale Works had a special guest this week. Kama Linden from New York played and was exceptional. I loved her on stage energy and passion. She really seems to love performing in front of a crowd and it shows. Check out her Web Site below and buy her CD, you won’t be disappointed.
Festival John


www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks
www.kamalinden.com

Last Night Don Gates and the Timekeepers Blues Show at Coopers Ale Works was joined by Marta Gee from Sacramento. She played Lead Guitar and did Vocals and was exceptional. I have not heard anyone play & sing the Blues so well in a long time. During the night they were joined by Michael Clemens and Oliver Compton and everyone played very well. I love the blues and go to all the Blues Jams I can. The Sierra Blues Society is putting on Sunday Blues Jam & Goodtimes with host band Morning Wood Blues on Nov. 18th from 1:00-6:00pm. At Coopers.
Festival John
www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks
www.myspace.com/martagee1

The Wednesday Night Open Mic at The Chief Crazy Horse was exceptional this week. There was not an Open Mic last week because of Halloween so everyone showed up this week. The place was packed with musicians wanting to play and they did. The night started out with Tom & Dean with Tom playing the Lap Steel Guitar. They we followed by Mr Bill, Then Woody, and then Dying Breed (Chuck, Ashley, Dan). Rowan played next followed by Gavin Rapping with Bodie Busick playing the keys. Then Rory and Todd played their set and then Myra played a beautiful set. The night ended with Kevin & Jeremiah from the Ridge playing Slide Guitar and Harp. It was a most awesome night of great music and fun. And to think I almost didn’t go.
Festival John
www.myspace.com/chiefcrazyhorseinn

The band Green Machine played exceptional Reggae Music at Coopers Ale Works on Saturday Night. These guys are from down south of Fresno, CA and they have a stellar musical sound. I think part of their uniqueness is that they have a female singer, which I can’t remember ever hearing from another reggae band before. She, Tina Avila also plays Bass, along with Chris Avila on Lead Guitar, Andrew Copland on Drums, Ras Horace on Vocals & Percussion, and Justin Goodwrench on Keys & Synth. I had fun with them and can not wait till they come back again.
Festival John
www.myspace.com/realgreenmachine
www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks

The Day of the Dead on Nov. 2 was celebrated in Nevada City with a special show by our own DeadBeats at the Miners foundry. This was a great night of music for all the local Dead Heads and I was there with bells on. This concert was a benefit for the Chicago Park School. I had a blast hanging in the parking lot, puffing with friends, and enjoying the exceptional Grateful Dead Music. They are going to be playing again soon with a dinner show at The Chief Crazy Horse Inn on Nov. 24.
Festival John

http://pws.netshel.net/deadbeat
http://www.minersfoundry.org