Festival John's Music Blog

2009-10-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-15T00:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

Last night (8/19/09) at Coopers I saw a Awesome new band, Sacramento Music Hall of Fame Guitarist Mike Farrell's new band "Mike Farrell and Auxiliary Send". I was totally amazed by these guys. With an exceptional new sound that took me back to great bands of the late 60's to early 70's, incorporating feedback into the sound like I have not heard since then. I was just blown away and wished they would have played longer. I'm now hoping they come back here to Nevada City soon!
Festival John

www.myspace.com/darksunskypilot
www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks

2009-08-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

What a great weeekend or I should say week as it started on Wednesday August 12th. at the Nevada County Fair. I went out there and saw the bands Dyin Breed, Code Blue, Solid Air, and the Karaoke Competition. I had a Blast. Then on Friday August 14th. I saw Alisha & The South Yuba String Band from 5-8pm. at The Chief Crazy Horse Then later I saw The Bourgeois Gypsies from Sierraville at the Crazy Horse and Swamp Zen from Chico at Coopers Ale Works. Again I had a Blast. Then Saturday I went to Ridgestock at the North Columbia School House at The North San Juan Ridge. I saw Albino, The Deadbeats, Alisha & The South Yuba String Band again, Neptune's Folly, Paul Kamm & Eleanore MacDonald, and you know what? I had a Blast. After Ridgestock was over I then went back to Nevada City and saw the last set of the Band Juicy at the Chief Crazy Horse. Wow what a night! Then on Sunday August 16th. I want back to the Fair and saw Buck Love & The Humperheads, The Deadbeats again, Loose Change Blues Band, and The Nevada County Regulators. What a week I had!
Festival John

2009-05-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

The High Ceiling Band from Olympia, WA. really put on an exceptional show last night (5/17/09) at Coopers. A West Coast touring band they play an eclectic, groove saturated blend of reggae, funk, dub, latin, & new world. They even did a Pink Floyd song reggae style. My friend Jim said he thought that they were FanFuntastic. Now not that many people were out being a Sunday Night but, for the people there it was an awesome night of High Energy Dance Music. I was told many times that Coopers needs to have them back on a Friday or Saturday Night. I know that if they do I'll be there with lights on.
Festival John

www.highceilingmusic.com
www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks

2009-05-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

Electric Circus & Swamp Zen both put on an exceptional show last night at Coopers (5/15/09). Both Great Bands From Chico where I used to live. In fact they were great bands back in the 90's when I lived there. The night started with Electric Circus playing an awesome set of great music and they are one of the finest Jam Bands to tickle your earbone. Then Swamp Zen took the stage and blew us all away with great original and cover tunes. Now it has been my experience that when a band plays at Coopers for the first time the turn out is dismal at best. Nether band had played Coopers before yet the place was packed all night long including the dance floor. Everyone had a blast and can't wait till they come back again.
Festival John

www.myspace.com/electriccircus
www.myspace.com/swampzen
www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks

2009-05-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Crazy Harris Band was awesome at Coopers on Saturday Night. From Sacramento they are a Rock Reggae Jam Band with a superb new original sound. The band consist of Casey Harris on guitar & vocals, Kosmik on bass & vocals, Kent Thompson, playing drums, & Eric Barton on keyboards. Their music runs the spectrum of Rock, Jam Rock, Funk, Blues, Reggae and World Music. As this was there first time in Nevada City the locals did not come out in force but, the folks that were lucky to be there at Coopers had a wonderful time dancing the night away and grooving to their outstanding sound. I think they have a future of playing many great gigs and even getting into the festival band circuit. I know that they will be back at Coopers again and I can't wait. In the meantime they are playing at other venues in the area. Check out their website for times and place.
Festival John

www.myspace.com/thecrazyharrisband
www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks

2009-04-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Tracorum from San Francisco, plus opening Band Montana Slim String Band shook up the crowd at Coopers on Saturday Night. Montana Slim Started out playing Foot Stomping Bluegrass Music. They got the great crowd moving and shaking on the dance floor. Montana Slim have played at Coopers Before and have a good local following. Then Tracorum took the stage and keep the people on the dance floor the rest of the night. Tracorum plays original Cajun influenced Southern Rock with some Jamaican Sound mixed in. Their music is high energy and keeps everyone moving even if their not on the dance floor. Montana Slim String Band will be playing at the Strawberry Music Festival After Party at The Evergreen Lodge in Groveland, Ca on Fri May 22nt. Also I know for a fact that they both will be back here in Nevada City soon and I'll be there.
Festival John

www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks
http://tracorum.com
www.myspace.com/montanaslimmusic

2009-04-11T14:43:00.000-07:00

Flowmotion Rocked the Rafters at Coopers Last Night. From Seattle they are a most wonderful Jam band. They have played at The High Sierra Festival Many times and they host the Summer Meltdown Festival in Seattle every Year. The band gets the crowd moving with its vocal melodies, harmonies and leading rhythm section. They play their own original compositions which is a mixture of world-funk, jam-rock and sweet ballads. I love this band and was so glad to be there in the presents of such an awesome band.
Festival John

www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks
www.flowmotion.net

2009-04-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Saul Rayo's With A Little Help From My Friends, A Tribute to Joe Cocker''s Mad Dogs and Englishmen show at The Miners Foundery last night was awesome. The show features Saul Rayo as Joe Cocker, and The Contraband is like a Who's who of local musicians and includes: Thomas Schubel, Craig Thomas, Tim Earwood, Mark Thayer, Mark McCartney, Danny Buttacavoli, & Bob Scarlett. Rhino Horns include: Doug Davies, Gary Upton, Michael Bankston, and the Redemption Choir include: Elena Powell, Kim Kinjo, Eleanor MacDonald, April Miranda, Heather Grove, Janice Polucha Valerie Lowe, Taylor Harris & Gracie Mackenzie. Just close your eyes and your listening to the real band. Playing such favorites as Feelin' Alright, Sticks and Stones, Cry Me a River, Bird on a Wire, Let's Go Get Stoned, She Came in Through the Bathroom Window, The Letter, Delta Lady, You Can Leave Your Hat On, and of course With a Little Help From My Friends. I loved the show and it goes on for three more days. Each day there is a different opening band and I saw Justin Ancheta & Friends. From San Francisco he plays World/Reggae, Acoustic Experimental, & Roots Music. On the next three days the opening bands are Friday Night The Perry Mills Project, Saturday Night Sabroso, & Sunday The Shreds. This concert was filmed and will be broadcast om NCTV local cable Chanel 11 by Comcast. Also each day Proceeds Benefit a different local group such as The Stone Soup Community Garden, The Miners Foundry, & The 13 Music Program. What a great idea this show is wonderful.
festival John

www.minersfoundry.org
Saul Rayo Article
www.justinancheta.com

2009-04-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

No Taboo played up a storm last night at Cooper’s Ale Works. They are a wonderful local dance band and they play a combination of R&B, Classic Rock, and Blues. Co-leader Bimmy Rode on congas & lead vocals. Originally from the Bay Area, she has opened for giants like B.B. King and Taj Mahal. Her genuine and rich soulful style makes her one of the most loved singers around this county and beyond. The other Co-leader Michael Powers plays Lead Guitar & Electric Violin & Lead Vocals. He has roots in Nevada City, but went on to work in Los Angeles as a songwriter/artist where he received production deals for his original music, which appeared in movies and videos in the late 80s. Jeff Marshall on Bass Guitar & vocals came from Santa Cruz where he played with the hot blues band Red Beans and Rice. David Bastian on Keyboards & vocals, can play almost every instrument there is. In No Taboo he plays the Hammond B3 organ along with saxophone, flute, and blues harmonica. David Pazos on Drums is equally exciting to watch and hear. Now this was the band for a time but they have added Aaron Gayden on Synthesizer, Piano, and Vocals. He has a four octave range and he is the vocalist for the Motown songs they perform. I know & love these guys and will always be there when they play locally. Michael told me that they are playing this summer at the Nevada State Fair in Reno, and at the Plumas County Fair in Quincy.
Festival John

www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks
www.myspace.com/cNotaboo

2009-04-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

The Glass Onion Band put on an awesome show last night (4/2/09) at The Chief Crazy Horse in Nevada City. With Tim Barnes on Lead Guitar, Greg King on Bass, and Don Gates on Drums they have an incredible sound. They play Classic Rock Covers including everything from Pink Floyd to The Beatles, The Doors, The Stones, etc. They get the Crowd on the dance floor on almost every song. I really like this band and will see them every chance I get. In fact they are playing again at The Chief Crazy Horse this coming Sunday Afternoon (4/5/09).
Festival John

www.chiefcrazyhorseinn.com
www.myspace.com/theglassonionband

2009-03-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

The Band Extra Large had the crowd at Coopers dancing their socks off last night (3/6/09). From Santa Cruz these guys and gal rock. Their music is a mix of soul, funky grooves and positive attitudes, sax, guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, a generous helping of exotic percussion and high energy soulful vocals. The band's motto is "We dare you not to dance," and they put on a excellent show. I and many of the large crowd at Coop's had a blast. Can't wait till they come back again, hopefully to the Miners Foundry.
Festival John

www.extra-large.net
www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks

2009-02-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

Blue Turtle Seduction Rocked the Rafters of the Miners Foundry last night. With opening band Ten Mile Tide this was an awesome Valentines Day Show. Ten Mile Tide started the show with a set of great music playing Folk Rock, Southern Rock, & Bluegrass. They got the crowd movin’ and shaken’. After they played there was an amazing fire dance in the parking lot. Then Blue Turtle Seduction took the stage and played two sets of wonderful original tunes. These guys were joined on stage for a couple of songs by Grace Tea singing and rapping. What a great night it was with the dance floor packed all night long. Blue Turtle is my favorite band right now and I try to make it to all their shows. All the Festy Lovin’ Folk were there & I enjoyed the whole night and even danced a little myself.
Festival John

www.blueturtlemusic.com
www.myspace.com/tenmiletide
HomeGrown Productions
www.minersfoundry.org

2009-02-07T18:08:00.000-08:00

Melvin Seals & JGB (Jerry Garcia Band) Rocked the Roof off the Miners Foundry Friday Night. This was the first time for Melvin & the JGB to play in Nevada City & I don’t think it will be the last. The music was awesome all night long with them playing a lot of the songs made famous by the JGB. They also played songs by the Dead and started their second set with a very long version of Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come”. What a night it was!!! The Foundry was packed with local Dead Heads and some that even came from miles away. I was so glad to have been there and so glad to live in the small town of Nevada City with such a wonderful music scene.
Festival John

www.myspace.com/melvinsealsandjgb
www.minersfoundry.org

2009-01-26T14:29:00.001-08:00

It was the best damn show at the Miners Foundry Last Night with Rev. Peytons Big Damn Band and Vermillion Lies. What a show it was. The night started with Vermillion Lies, two sisters, Zoe and Kim who put on a show closer to a vaudeville act with music. The show involves the sisters pulling their odd instruments out of a large trunk onstage before each song, prompting the audience to ask, "What's in the box?" which incidentally is the name of their brand new album. I saw them once before at Coopers and love there act. They are entertaining and funny, and include the audience participation as often as they can.
Then Rev. Peytons Big Damn Band took the stage and WOW!!! Rev. Peyton plays the hell out of the National Guitar and a Flat Top Gibson and has a voice like a southern preacher. His backing band includes Breezy Peyton on Washboard and Accordion and Jayme Peyton banging on the Drums. I was just blowed away by there powerful sound. The crowd at the Miners Foundry was small but very enthusiastic and we all had a most wonderful time.
Festival John

www.minersfoundry.org
www.myspace.com/therevpeytonsbigdamnband
www.vermillionlies.com

2009-01-25T13:37:00.000-08:00

Shay Dillon and her Band put on an excellent show last night at The Chief Crazy Horse. I always describe her as the little gal with the big voice. Shay Dillon was the 2007 International Award Winner for Best R&B Artist and Album for Toronto Exclusive Awards and 2006 International Award winner for the Best Female Solo Artist from the Music Aid International Music Awards. She is the best local Blues Singer that I have heard. I and the rest of the crowd at The Chief Crazy Horse were really into the fabulous music all night long, and the dance floor was packed. It was wonderful to see her at a small and informal club like the Crazy Horse. I had an awesome time and can’t wait till see Shay and her band play again. Real soon I hope.
Festival John

www.chiefcrazyhorseinn.com
www.myspace.com/shaydillon

2009-01-24T12:21:00.000-08:00

Five Eyed Hand put on an outstanding show last night at Coopers. With help from Tistrya and Friends and Brian from Izabella the night was awesome. The night started with Brian doing a solo set of music and then Five Eyed Hand played a set of jamming psychedelic jazz music. Then when they took a break Tistrya and Friends played a set of great music. The Night ended with Five Eyed Hand playing another set of wonderful music. Many of the local Festy Loving Folk were on hand for the night’s entertainment. I first saw Five Eyed Hand at The Bobolink Music Festival last spring and fell in love with their sound. I had a blast and love that Coopers has so many of the Festival Jam Bands. Izabella is playing at Coops next Thursday 1/29 see you there.
Festival John

www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks
www.fiveeyedhand.com
www.myspace.com/tistryaandfriends
www.myspace.com/brianrogersmusic

2009-01-19T15:24:00.000-08:00

This last weekend in Nevada City was like a Blues Music Festival, except that I got to go home and sleep in my own bed at night. It started out on Saturday Afternoon (2-6pm.) with the Jeff Watson Band playing at Coopers with special guest Daniel Castro. This Fundraiser Tour will help send the Jeff Watson Band to the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN as representatives for the Sierra Blues Society on February 4 -7, 2009. I swear that when Daniel Castro was playing with the Jeff Watson band his Guitar was actually smoking. Then Saturday Night Coppers had Oliver Compton & The Comptones playing the Blues. The Comptones are made up of Oliver and Ted Standcliff on Guitar, Gary Bennett on keys, Gaylord on Bass and Kenny on Drums. They did have a special guest, Brian Bertke on Sax and the music was awesome. Also on Saturday Night the Loose Change Blues Band played across the street at The Chief Crazy Horse. They have a new lead singer Jamal Walker and the sound is wonderful. Then on Sunday Afternoon Coopers have a Weekly Blues Jam (3-7pm.) hosted by Oliver Compton & The Comptones. This was a remarkable Jam with guests including Mark Hagen on keys, Michael Clemens on Guitar, Larry Dumas Vocals & Harp, Mike Casey (Freight Train) on Drums, and Dennis Sies on Vocals & Harp. So it was Live Blues Music from 2:00pm Saturday till 7:00pm Sunday. Wow!!! What a Weekend.
Festival John

www.myspace.com/yourcoopersaleworks
www.myspace.com/chiefcrazyhorseinn
www.myspace.com/jeffwatsonband
www.thecomptones.com
www.myspace.com/loosechangeblues1

2009-01-15T16:10:00.000-08:00

The Open Mic every Wednesday Night at The Chief Crazy Horse just keeps getting better and better. Hosted each week by Lisa among all the other things she does like owning and running The Second Heaven Store on Maltman Dr. in Grass Valley. She has a new band with Chuck, Ken, Keith, and Ashley and they started out the music with gusto. This week they were followed by Chuck and Bill for another great set of music. Then Dave Wilcox from the band Freedom and the Tall Cans got up and did a solo set of outstanding tunes. Then we got a preview of Friday Nights Music at The Chief Crazy Horse with Alisha and the South Yuba String Band. The members of this band that were there include Alisha, Josh Ford and Tim Mercer. These guys Rocked and I can’t wait till Friday Night. Next up was Rowan playing the Keyboards as he has at this Wednesday Night Open Mic from the time it was at Kirby’s Creekside (now Dos Banditos). Then Keith got back up and played the Keyboards for awhile then my roommate Dennis Sies joined him on vocals and we rounded out the night with Keith and Lisa doing “What a Wonderful World”. And So It Is.
Festival John

www.chiefcrazyhorseinn.com

2009-01-10T17:05:00.000-08:00

The Saul Kaye Band Rocked The Chief Crazy Horse last night. Singer/Songwriter and San Francisco Bay Area emerging Artist Saul Kaye is astonishing. His music is a wonderful mix of old blues tunes and original music that sounds impressive. Saul was joined on stage by Brahm Sheray on Bass, and Andy Korn on Drums. The crowd was really into his music with the dance floor packed most of the night. I had a wonderful time and I can’t wait till He comes back to are musically gifted little town.
Festival John

www.myspace.com/chiefcrazyhorseinn
http://www.myspace.com/saulkayemusic