2024 Bands
Brian James is a Soulful/Country act, born and raised on a farm in the small logging community of Montesano, WA, Brian is at home on the stage where his larger than life personality comes out with witty commentary and raw energy.
From a young age Brian knew that he wanted to pursue music, and in 2005 he moved to Nashville Tennessee where he wrote songs for the Surefire Music Company. In 2013 Brian formed the TSDC Music Group a publishing company where his songs were featured in car commercials for Cadillac and Dodge as well various tv and film placements.
Today Brian lives in the Pacific Northwest where he perform regularly both covers and originals, solo as well as with his band. His showmanship and modern sound has drawn a diverse audience of all ages with tastes in music from multiple genres and era’s.
Studebaker Clark Snyder is a published songwriter. He is also a storyteller, poet and YouTube videographer. He has toured musically across North America and Europe. He has slept in 47 states and 5 Canadian provinces. Studebaker also lived in Europe for the better part of a decade.
Studebaker is a Northwest native and calls Gig Harbor, Kitsap County and the Columbia Basin home. He maintains ties with the songwriting community in Nashville where he has resided over the years.
Siblings piled into the back of a Studebaker Lark station wagon while pulling an Airstream trailer makes for songs of flashlights and turnpikes as well as daydreams and dead ends. His many travel adventures have influenced his writing, giving it a unique and often humorous flavor.
Studebaker draws on a lifetime of successes and setbacks from his many avocations; beekeeper, college baseball umpire, Bavaria tour guide, construction laborer, short-order cook, orchardist, ESL instructor, bartender and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity International sites.
Studebaker has written songs covered by dozens of artists, including the song ‘Hubcap’ which received radio play internationally. Studebaker Clark Snyder is ‘Americana with a Passport.’
Vancouver’s Reid Jamieson & CVM are a vocal powerhouse making music that matters and moves us. With an incredible voice, spirited guitar playing, and a magical way with melodies, Reid is that rare songbird whose originals are every bit as compelling as his interpretations. In years past, Reid was a regular on CBC’s Vinyl Café, has recorded with Cowboy Junkies, and performed with Mary Margaret O’Hara, members of Blue Rodeo, Be Good Tanyas and more. A classic introvert/extrovert combo, Reid shines alongside his saucy wife and long-time songwriting partner Carolyn Victoria Mill, where their unique harmonies and swapping of lead vocals make for an eclectic, entertaining, and sometimes heartbreaking variety show. Together they won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and wrote their way in to the Vancouver Folk Festival by winning 1st place in their Pickin’ a Folk Star contest. Tireless promoters of voting, equality, and love, they thrive on creating intimacy, causing tears and laughter in equal measures. Their latest all original album ‘Me Daza’ was recorded in Ireland with producer Kieran Kennedy (Maria Doyle Kennedy) which features the posthumous vocals of Fergus O’Farrell (Interference, Once). There is nothing traditional about the record – or this dynamic duo. 2023 saw them launch an all original folk opera about Pigeons(!) and the causes of housing insecurity, premiering it at the Vancouver Fringe Fest where they took home the prestigious Social Impact Award. Following up on tributes to Leonard Cohen, John Lennon, 50/60s era gold, and what could be mistaken for a simple holiday record, they are currently getting ready to release the first ever tribute to Buffy Sainte-Marie. You won’t want to miss what they do next…
Runaway Train – based in south Puget Sound – was formed in 2000 and has evolved through the years into its current formation of guitar, bass, mandolin and banjo along with strong lead and harmony vocals. They have a traditional sound but are not afraid to push the boundaries a bit. The band has played at most of the major festivals in the Northwest as well as other music events and private parties. They are the host band for Bluegrass from the Forest festival which as of 2024 is in its 19th year.
Greg Linder plays guitar, sings lead and harmony vocals. Kent Powell plays bass with other local favorite groups, including North Country and String Theory. John White plays the mandolin. Clayton Hess – is a banjo veteran of the Seattle area, having played in several local bands through the years.
2022 Washington Blues Society Hall of Fame inductee, CD Woodbury has transformed himself from journeyman sideman and “the NW’s best kept secret” into an internationally recognized rising star of the Pacific NW blues scene with his work as singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
“Canadian born Sherri Anne is at the core of Sister Speak, an indie-folk (and rock/blues/world/pop music) entity that creates warm, uplifting, and thought-provoking music.
Whether performing a set of deeply moving acoustic arrangements, or an electrifying show with her backing band, this Taylor Guitar’s sponsored artist has connected deeply with a diverse fan-base throughout the globe.
Sister Speak upcoming first ever intimate acoustic EP is set for release in 2024, with Canadian engineers/producers Elisa Pangsaeng and Erik Nielson at the helm.
Whether performing solo or as band, Sister Speak aims to share message-driven music and support the authentic expression of the woman’s voice
Walk down any street in Portland, Oregon and you are sure to encounter a mustachioed Brazilian rock and roll troubadour named Johnny Franco and (his real brother) Dom. Recently moving from Sao Paulo, the duo has developed a cult following in Portland for their high energy performance and music. The self-proclaimed Professional Entertainer has sold out his last two headline shows at the Doug Fir in Portland, Oregon. Signed by music producer Sterling Fox (Lana Del Rey, Elle King) on his label Blanket Fort, Johnny has released a debut EP “Experience Report #1“ that feels instantly timeless and two singles “Stay Real & Shelter The Light” combining original vocal stylings with a unique jangly Brazilian influenced beat.
Hot Damn Scandal is comprised of four players: “Stinky” Pete Irving writes all the songs, sings most and plays the guitar; “Mutha” Andy Ingram plays the upright bass and provides backing vocals; Harper “Stone” Stone plays the washboard as well as backing vocal; and Charlie Baby (Pete’s wife) plays the saw and sings.
Hot Damn Scandal is from Bellingham. Their new group of musicians desire to take their songs new level. Or the next several levels. In fact, why stop there? We’re going to go all the way to the moon! Seriously though. We like to make good music, and play it for people.
BANDS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS
2022 BAND LINE-UP:
Santa Poco
If you’re in a saloon right now, chances are you could be hearing the music of Santa Poco. The stuff is in the air, in the water, part of the condensation on your bottle of beer, it’s that elemental. It’s like common sense. Slide guitars and the clack of boots on the floor slats. It’s the jangly acoustic with the pitter-patter snare. The bend of the electric solo, the voice coming in again above it all. It’s the music of Cowboy Songs, the latest offering from the Pacific-Northwest group. Basking in the band’s music, it’s clear: they have a sumptuous energy, the kind that gets you to dance on your heels but lead with your hips. The band is a veritable jukebox, your favorite Roadhouse radio station as you speed that extra hour through the bleary night highway.
Junkyard Jane
This five-headed love child named Junkyard Jane rose by night in the tide flats of Tacoma, Washington from a deadly brew of blues, swamp gas, rockabilly, old engine parts, country, motor oil, folk, funk and used kitty litter. Like all true originals, they display a Creole blend of influences that they affectionately call “Swampabilly Blues”.
With eight critically acclaimed CD’s under their belt and well over 5000 live performances since their 1997 debut, in 2016 Junkyard Jane was fittingly inducted into the Washington Blues Society’s prestigious “Hall of Fame”.
Oly Mountain Boys
The Oly Mountain Boys are a South Puget Sound bluegrass institution, picking and singing around Olympia, Washington since 2008. They bring a Pacific Northwest sensibility to the bluegrass sound through traditional tunes and original compositions, and showcase the power of the American bluegrass music tradition.
Adrian Xaviar
With 3 solo albums and nearly 20 album collaborations, Adrian Xavier has established himself as a performer of depth and dimension. His music is a union of positive energy with socially aware lyrics, striving to inspire people from all walks of life. Blending reggae and dub with genre bending projects, he has created music that delivers universal messages of peace, community and love. Whether he’s found performing with his band or solo acoustic, the music he makes touches audiences, providing a refreshing engaging space at each performance. Adrian Xavier’s story is tied to multi cultural awareness and what it means, his message is about living solutions.
From the start of his journey Adrian Xavier has been influenced by a diverse spectrum. While living in Los Angeles as a child, he went to see Michael Jackson and spent time in many recording studios with Rick Dees. Growing up in Seattle, he has always felt connected to the City’s music, art and cultural heritage. He has performed and recorded with original members of Heart, Clinton Fearon, Macklemore among many other legends who call Seattle home. These many experiences have played a substantial part in shaping him as an artist. Meeting or performing with legends like Ras Michael, John Trudel, Quincy Jones and Joe Higgs, have been instrumental in influencing his career as a musician.
Fretland
FRETLAND, the shimmering Americana sensation, play songs that sway between steel-soaked yearning and Lynchian intimacy, a sound where fragile alt-country builds to passionate gushes of indie rock. From the riverside town of Snohomish, Washington, FRETLAND has racked up more than a million streams with their aching ballads, leaf-strewn sound and gently spun secrets.
Their latest single, “Could Have Loved You,” is a sparkling, reverb-soaked dispatch from heartache. Moving from delicate to bold the song recalls a jukebox mournfully playing a late-Fifties Nashville Sound weeper into a starry sky. Kelly McCartney, host of Apple Country radio station Southern Craft Radio, called it “a beautiful heartbreaker of a song” when she premiered it last October.
FRETLAND released their self-titled debut in May of 2020. A swift success, the band garnered attention from Billboard, American Songwriter, The Boot, Gimme Country, Americana Highways and No Depression, who said, “this talented Americana band … has a bright future ahead of it.” They embarked on a successful West Coast tour in early 2020, but subsequent tours in US and Europe were put on hold due to the pandemic.
Until FRETLAND can safely travel, they will continue to release tender, lovelorn music best suited for front porches, spiced apple cider, crisp night air.
Jack Parker and the Remedy
Over the span of his 20-year career, Jack Parker has taken his life-long journey through the peaks and valleys, and shaped a musical sound reminiscent of a timeless America. For years, Parker has been the ingenious six-string slinger interpreting other people’s songs from “stage-right” as a founding member of Tumbledown (along with Mike Herrera of MxPx), Rocky Point All-Stars, New Old Stock, and Dark Horses, (Parker was also a guitarist for the legendary Bremerton punk band MxPx from 2011-2016), but more recently he has taken center-stage to write, sing, and play his own songs that have an air of rambling down the open road, but ultimately a longing for coming home. His roots lie in the heart of the great Pacific Northwest, right next to the shores of Puget Sound.
Lily De Taeye
Lily De Taeye is a folk-rock Americana firecracker with alt-rock and blues influences. She’s a spirited songwriter and a harmonica-wielding badass that will remind you of your weird friend from book club who definitely has a few bodies in her closet. Between her candid nature onstage and the playful accessibility of the rest of the band, she leaves audiences feeling as if they were on the stage with her. Her music is wry and filled with the emotional honesty and vulnerability of a young Dwight Yoakam and the dynamism of Brandi Carlile. When backed by her band, she displays the edge and power of the Black Keys or the Record Company.
Josh Brulotte
2019 Band Line-up:
Randy Oxford Reunion – A Special Engagement!
Randy Oxford is a Northwest Legend. He has worked with such outfits as Little Bill & The Bluenotes, Fat Cat and Junkyard Jane prior to taking on the calling of leading his own band. The Randy Oxford Band has gone through several line-up changes over the years, but they have always been consistent on putting out exciting stage performances and excellent CDs. They have represented the Northwest multiple times at the International Blues Challenge and their last trip found them among the finalists.
Linda Carroll Band
Vocalist Linda Carrall has traveled around the world bringing her dynamic vocal style and stage presence to eager audiences. In 1984, Linda achieved national acclaim with the Commencement Bay Jazz Society production of her tribute to Billie Holiday titled, “The Lady Sings”, a performance she also recreated 10 years later in 1994. Linda’s current project, the Linda Carroll Band is formed with bassist Kim Workman, guitar and vocals Finn Malmgren, guitar and vocals David Brumbaugh, drums and percussion Spencer Workman. In addition, Linda has appeared with Bobby Blue Bland, Albert King, Tim Hall, Joe Cocker, The Ink Spots, Mel Washington, RC Martino, Billy Haddon, Joe Johansen, Duke Jordon, LaRoi Carter, Bud Schultz, Da Bonz, and many others.
Rusty Cleavers
The Rusty Cleavers are a hard-driving, hard-working, rowdy 4-piece rock-n-roll bluegrass band from Tacoma, WA. They blend the elements of classic bluegrass musicianship and flawless vocal harmonies with the attitude and edge of punk rock, sending audiences everywhere into a frenzy of compassionate lust.
Sister Speak
Canadian born and now both BC and California-residing Sherri Anne is at the core of Sister Speak, an indie-pop (and rock/blues/world music) entity that creates warm, uplifting, and thought-provoking music. Sister Speak’s forthcoming EP combines Indie/Pop and electronic music into a refreshing new sound. After recovering from a major injury, Sherri Anne set out to share her passionate songwriting and hopeful message around the globe.
Reid Jamieson Band
Reid Jamieson is a vocal powerhouse committed to making music that moves us. Known for regular appearances on CBC’s Vinyl Café, to recording with Cowboy Junkies, he shines with compelling originals, plus killer covers of everything from 50s era gold to their latest tribute to Leonard Cohen. A classic introvert/extrovert combo, Reid performs with his saucy wife and long-time song-writing partner Carolyn Victoria Mill. Their new all original album, recorded in Ireland with producer Kieran Kennedy (Maria Doyle Kennedy), is titled ‘Me Daza’ which is Cork slang for ‘most excellent’, – tho the direct translation is ‘I’m dying’ – but aren’t we all? There is nothing traditional about this record, or this dynamic duo.
Nick Mardon Blues Trio
Nick has performed with The Nick Mardon Blues Trio, Melissa Etheridge, Robert Glasper, Geoffrey Castle, James and Montgomery, Andy and the Architects, Bad Idea, Small Town Soul Band, Richard Allen and the Louisiana Experience, Pellegrini, Megan Moreau, The Max Cannella Trio, JNAII, and The Alison Banchero Band. In July of 2017, Nick started his career as a band leader with the Nick Mardon Blues Trio. The band quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting bands on the Seattle blues scene. In 2018 the trio released their debut EP “These Days.” Currently the Nick Mardon Blues Trio is performing throughout the Northwest and preparing to release a live CD recorded at Highway 99 Blues Club in 2018 and a new studio album in Spring of 2019.
Joel Gibson Jr. and the Hired Guns
Joel spent his Summers in North Carolina as a youth which provided the foundation for his eclectic blend of Country, Rock & Americana. The Singer-Songwriter from Silverdale, WA fills his sets with Original compositions as well as covers of 80’s, 90’s & 2000’s Country and Rock hits that take audiences on an eclectic musical journey. His primary influences include Eric Church, Merle Haggard, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, John Mellencamp, Johnny Cash, The Cadillac Three & Kip Moore. The honesty, passion and energy exuded during his performances create a one of a kind experience that is a must see!
Harbor Allstar Band
The Harbor All-star Band Dan Wilson, Jamie LeMessurier, Billy Odden, Howard Helm, Jesse Savage and Brady McCowan will perform at 4:20 pm. For many years, guitarist Dan Wilson has helped create a hub for musicians in the south sound. Owner of Allstar Guitar in Gig Harbor. Guitar player Jesse Savage studied and performed /recorded with studio legend Ralph Grasso. Studied and performed with The King Of Dieselbilly, Bill Kirchen. Played in many different original and cover bands. These include other artists such as Collin Raye, John Anderson, Blake Shelton, Rod Piazza and The Mighty Flyers, Johnny Winter, Geoff Muldaur. Bass player Billy Odden joined local band Dark Star in 1977. Enjoy notoriety open up for acts like Rail who were close friends with Heart. Recently played in numerous local bands with Musicians such as Steve Stefanowicz and Jim Valley of Paul Revere. Keyboards and Vocals Howard Helm started his pro career with CBS recording artists Zon. In the 80’s Howard toured and recorded with Refugee. In 1988 he joined British Rock Legends Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson. He spent 23 years at Morrisound Studios working with Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He has appeared on hundreds of albums. Multi-genre saxophonist Brady McCowan, in school at the University of Puget Sound, majoring in performance. A tight and grooving rhythm section with Jamie LeMessurier behind the drum kit. Jamie He is one of the west coast’s most respected and talented musicians. In 2018 he helped form a new band with northwest music legend Jim Valley (Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Viceroys), known as the Jim Valley Project. Jamie has been performing, songwriting, recording, and teaching for almost forty years.
Birch Pereira & The Gin Joints
Blending classic swing tunes from jazz, country and early rock n roll, bassist and singer Birch Pereira & The Gin Joints have found their own kind of cool. Live in our studios, the band performed four tunes from their varied songbook, including the music of Hoagy Carmichael, Fats Waller, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams. With deep sonic roots in virtually every style of mid-20th century American music – from americana to blues to jazz, soul and vintage rock ’n’ roll.
2018 BAND LINE-UP :
Daring Greatly
Fronted by powerful, 3-part, “blood harmonies” provided by father, Dail Croome (50 years old – bassist), and his sons, Patrick (23 years old – acoustic guitar) and Liam Croome (21 years old – keyboards), the combination of familiar voices, each with their own unique tone and melody, create a magical vocal tapestry, like no other. With controlled dynamics, perfectly inserted fills and emotional turns, rhythmic drummer Brayden Tario (23 years old) brings the band’s rhythm section to life and uses his voice to add a 4th harmony. Brandon Haddow (22 years old) hoists the electric lead guitar and rips out killer solos, and then casually steps back, to provide soulful fills and rhythm.
Originally from Calgary, Alberta and now touring all of Western Canada, the North-Western US and California, they’ve perfected their own modern style of Hippy-Rock. After touring for nearly 2 years and recording 2 full-length albums (‘Cornerstones’ in 2016 and ‘Works of Art’ in 2017), the band earned the right to open for Bon Jovi at the Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena, as well as The Doobie Brothers & The Struts.
Dodgy Mountain Men
Dodgy Mountain Men sling a home-brewed Montana stompgrass that goes down smooth but packs a bite, mixing the rhythms of bluegrass, the soul of the blues and the energy of rock ‘n’ roll with a plethora of other musical traditions to create a unique electro-acoustic experience. The group’s genre-bending experimentation and passion for American roots traditions weave together to emphasize their lyrical storytelling, creating a musical frontier rife with empty mason jars, outlaws, gypsy women and cold Montana storms. Add three distinct frontmen, a pension for sonic exploration and live performances that build to a fever pitch,and you’ve got a concoction that will make moonshiners proud and compel dancers to wear out the soles of their shoes.
Junkyard Jane
This five-headed love child named Junkyard Jane rose by night in the tide flats of Tacoma, Washington from a deadly brew of blues, swamp gas, rockabilly, old engine parts, country, motor oil, folk, funk and used kitty litter. Like all true originals, they display a Creole blend of influences that they affectionately call “Swampabilly Blues”. With eight critically acclaimed CD’s under their belt and well over 5000 live performances since their 1997 debut, in 2016 Junkyard Jane was fittingly inducted into the Washington Blues Society’s prestigious “Hall of Fame”.
Uncle Bonsai
Imagine what might happen if Tim Burton hijacked the Andrews Sisters en route to a Stephen Sondheim festival with The Beatles and Tom Lehrer in the sidecar; you’d get Seattle super-harmonizers Uncle Bonsai. With just three voices and an acoustic guitar, Uncle Bonsai presents an often dizzying vocal array of intricate harmony. Their songs, dark and hilarious at times, just as often delight with moments of great insight and beauty. The trio aligns itself with the under-achiever, the dejected, the outsider, the black sheep. Densely-packed lyrics fly by in a whirr at times, and take a skewed stance on topics such as first-world problems, the creation of the universe, the afterlife, and, of course, holidays with the family. Uncle Bonsai’s acoustic folk-pop songs are almost one-act plays or short stories, resisting strict pop, folk, or singer-songwriter categories. Their songs focus on the passing of time, the passing of genes, and the passing of pets – the truth of everything seemingly buried somewhere under the family tree.
Mark Kroos
Mark Kroos plays 2 guitar necks at the same time. Originally from Lansing, MI but currently based in Charlotte, NC he is one of the only people in the world touring his trade. His primarily instrumental style is characterized by open harmonies, polyphonic textures, incredible tapping technique, and is as entertaining to watch as it is to listen to. Live performances burst with energy and magnetism not typical of solo guitar music. Drawing influence from folk, Celtic, indie, and even punk rock artists as well as great guitarists such as Michael Hedges, Tommy Emmanuel and Leo Kottke, Mark Kroos has developed his own edge to the acoustic guitar.
Downtown Mountain Boys
The DownTown Mountain Boys based in Seattle, Washington, is the Pacific Northwest’s most exciting and accomplished bluegrass band. Veteran bluegrassers and recording artists Terry Enyeart (bass, lead and harmony vocals), Dave Keenan (banjo, fiddle, lead and harmony vocals), Don Share (guitar, lead and harmony vocals), Tom Moran (Mandolin) and Paul Elliott (fiddle), seen for years in such popular Northwest bands as Ranch Romance, Rural Delivery, Rainy Pass, and Who’s Driving?, have come together in a match made in musical heaven. Take three-part harmonies that send shivers up your spine, add dazzling instrumental firepower, and you have the sound of The DownTown Mountain Boys.
Tammy Frost Trio
The Tammy Frost Trio features Port Orchards very own Tammy Frost on Lead vocals, Al Alto on Guitar & Pete Jungschaffer on the stand up Bass. They are often described as top Notch Musicians with a down home style. This Trio has an Eclectic Style ranging from Train songs to the Blues and everything in between. Tammy and Al also write & perform their own songs. They always bring their true love of Music to all of their performances and have a loyal following
Billy Shew and the Spanktones
Jim Valley Project
The Jim Valley Project aka “Luke Warm & Too Hot to Handle”.
Rock n Roll Legend Jim Valley, one of the Pacific Northwest’s favorite musicians has formed a HOT new band. Featuring Jim’s upbeat & dance-able original music with a handful of fan favorites, this rock quartet is primed and ready to play. A tight and grooving rhythm section with Jamie LeMessurier behind the drum kit and Billy Oden on bass, the stage is set for Jim Valley’s infectious piano, guitar and vocals. Guitarist Russ Salton deftly supplies theme lodic hooks.
Ava Adams
Ava Adams is a fifteen-year- old singer-songwriter from Gig Harbor Washington. Formerly the vocalist for A Street Blues, she has spent the past two years writing music and rehearsing, playing countless venues throughout the Pacific Northwest. She recently traveled to Memphis Tennessee for the second time with her band, where they spent the week playing in several iconic blues clubs on Beale Street as a feature band in the 2017 International Blues Challenge. While in Memphis, they recorded their debut, original blues EP at the legendary Sun Studio