@ Schmidy’s Tavern This Saturday
By Lisa Morgan
It is obvious to those who are paying attention that our desert is rich with raw musical soil. Its bounty flows from the high desert to the low, having developed its earliest form in our elementary, middle and high schools, as well as garages and living rooms throughout the valley. This Saturday night at Schmidy’s Tavern, an annual homecoming will take place for three bands full of tenured friendships and musicianship, who have taken their music to the far reaches of the state and beyond. Each band has its own unique blend of the creative roots that have been fine tuned in those travels to bring us one of the most eclectic sonic experiences to be had here locally.
JOKES FOR FEELINGS: Last seen here in the desert about two years ago, the energy and steeped musicality of this band will stun you while it forces you to move to it. It contains all of the familiar roots rock genres one finds joy in, but delivers an unpredictable freshness to every performance. A rocking ska demi-orchestra with a theatrical, high voltage delivery is as interesting to watch as they are to hear. Just how good are they? Having played throughout the Bay area much of late, they will soon be opening for the highly anticipated Voodoo Glow Skulls/Guttermouth show in San Francisco.
Jokes for Feelings is Josh V (guitar/vocals), Tony Acosta (drums), Sean Jackoby (bass/vocals), Billy Raphael (keys/vocals), Angela (trumpet/vocals) Dice Osburn (trombone), Josh R (guitar/vocals). With 5 of these 7 musicians contributing to the vocal element, this band is truly rich and versatile. But it’s the energy and fresh, creative joy that will be transfused into your being that you will remember most.
jokesforfeelings.bandcamp.com
soundcloud.com/jokesforfeelings,
www.facebook.com/jokesforfeelings
CHILL CLINTON: This alternative Hip Hop/Dub Reggae band knows what they want, and they use every resource at their fingertips to get it. “We want to give people a familiar sound of what we grew up loving (Hip Hop, Reggae, Rock), but still have them walk away thinking they just saw something they haven’t seen before,” says Palm Desert High alumni and Chill Clinton DJ, Mark Morante. Now a well-known ensemble of talent in the San Diego community, Chill Clinton accomplishes their goal on a regular basis headlining the legendary San Diego club, The Casbah, and featured at San Diego’s The House of Blues and Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach.
Chill Clinton is fronted by “Touch of CAS”. This MC/lead vocalist was nominated for Best Hip Hop Album in 2010 by San Diego Music Awards. Accompanying Touch of CAS on vocals with melodica is Eddie Blunt. Blunt is a veteran of the spotlight with several album releases, television, radio and large festival appearances throughout the western United States as lead singer for renowned band, High Tide. Backing that powerful front line with just as much presence is Dan Rabb (guitar, synth/keys, bass loops and beat machine), DJ Mark Morante (samples/dub effects/scratching), and “Sir” Patrick Knightly on a full drum kit.
By mixing live instrumentation and vocals with samples, Chill Clinton takes inspiration from alternative, hip hop, reggae, rock, and electronic influences, to create a truly unique and sonicly inventive display of musicianship. Meanwhile, they skillfully engage their audiences and plug them into their incredibly, contagious, positive energy source.
You can purchase Chill Clinton’s album, “Lift and Cut” on iTunes or listen on Spotify.
CAS can be found at touchofcas.com
Check out Eddie Blunt and High Tide at www.facebook.com/sdhightide
LAZER TALK: Lazer Talk is composed of Z.A.N.E. (emcee) and 8 Bit Bandit (producer/DJ). “We were both born and raised in the Coachella Valley, and have been making music together since 1998,” shared Zane. “Our music can be described as story telling through hip hop. The lyrics are honest, thought provoking, and aim to create universal themes. The instrumentals shift on a continuum from grounded/organic to energetic/electric. Our style of hip hop is pretty eclectic, so no song is the same.”
Whether there’s something in the desert water or in the dirt we play in growing up as desert rat kids, Lazer Talk, like their old school buddies in Jokes for Feelings and Chill Clinton, bring a fresh approach and sound to a flooded music market drowning in everything you’ve heard before. They are refreshing, inspiring and unique and will be a great addition to the already sound heavy stage at Schmidy’s Tavern Saturday night.
This is Z.A.N.E.: Soundcloud Page: soundcloud.com/zaneswords
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/zaneswords
This is 8 Bit Bandit: www.8bitbandit.com
MIKEY REYES’ ACOUSTIC MOVEMENT: It would be difficult to find a person who hasn’t glanced at our deserts music scene who isn’t familiar with Mikey Reyes and the part he plays in it. From the rocking reggae sounds of Soul Opus to his more gentle solo performances, when Mikey Reyes is in the building, an invisible force takes over. Waitresses smile more as do bartenders. Their step is lighter as the sound of conversations at tables are bright and less subdued. In a concert/show venue, ears tune in intensely, eyes get bigger and the energy everywhere shifts a hundred degrees more to the positive as does the increased thrill of creative energy. I can think of no better way to lead off this musical homecoming of local talent.
Mikey will be performing this show as his “Acoustic Movement” that includes the surreal talent and beautiful stage presence of Bryanna Evaro. Her velvet voice, graceful musicianship on bass and ukulele combined with her soulful stage presence will be complimented with Reyes’ depth of instrumental and production skill. They are the makings of an unforgettable musical experience. While the two are currently working on the production of a new CD, here at this show, you will be able to hear live, what no one else in the desert or elsewhere can bring to the studio or music venue. As Reyes integrates his sound arsenal through the use of a loop pedal, the audience will watch his production skills live. It is as if there are three or more of him on that stage. Add to that, the sweet vocal blend and strong penmanship of their original songs and you will know you are in the presence of musical forces of nature.
Find them at www.facebook.com/MikeyReyesAM
Soundcloud.com/themikeyreyes
This free show will start promptly at 9 pm, Saturday, August 30th at Schmidy’s Tavern located on the corner of Highway 111 and Fred Waring Drive (760) 837-3800
www.schmidystavern.com
