Music on the Square 2010
Fridays 6:00-8:00pm
May 14 – October 8, 2010
Courthouse Square (map)
Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic (June 18)
Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic will capture your attention and serve up an unparalleled musical experience that captivates your soul. If you like to dance, Andre will have you moving your feet all night long. As the late great Clifton Chenier once said about Zydeco, “if you dance, your aches and pains will disappear.” Andre’s love of all things musical and his passion for playing for his audiences delight dancers and music lovers everywhere. Andre Thierry and Zydeco Magic won the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame award for “Best Zydeco Group” in 2008. Andre continually raises the bar for Zydeco musicians worldwide. There is widespread agreement that he is an exceptional multi-dimensional musician who has a finely-honed ability to merge traditional Zydeco music with hip-hop, blues, jazz and rock. Building from his love and respect for traditional Zydeco, his original music is a blend of old and new.
Notorious (June 25)
Notorious is the Bay Area’s most exciting live dance party/rock show! The five guys and a gal started out as an 80’s pop band and have since mastered the world of 70’s disco and rock through the ages including current hits; playing songs from Madonna to AC/DC to the Commodores to Beyonce. You’re sure to hear that favorite song from any era and you won’t be able to stop dancing… Decked out in hip, retro outfits, the sensational six have such a good time on stage, you can’t help but be infected with their spirited energy and positive vibe. Wherever they go, the party follows! From the crazy guitar solos, to the dancing, to the great male and female vocals, a Notorious show is a guaranteed GOOD TIME!
Johnny Cash Tribute by Cash Tribute (July 2)
The Cash Tribute Show featuring James Garner delivers the Man in Black’s music with conviction, accuracy, sincerity, and honesty. James Garner not only takes his audience through a musical journey of Johnny Cash’s biggest hits, but also on an expedition of the Man in Black’s legendary life. Between accurate performances of Cash’s songs, Garner recounts the stories of Johnny’s childhood, entrance into the music business, and the highs and lows Cash experienced in a career that spanned 48 years. Most importantly, audience members will definitely find themselves tapping their toes and singing along with the train-like rhythm that became synonymous with the songs of Johnny Cash & the Tennessee Three. Get a glimpse of what a Cash concert of yesteryear might have been like when James Garner takes the stage in his tribute to the great Johnny Cash!
Caravanserai (July 9)
Now in it’s thirteenth phenomenal year, Caravanserai has established itself as the most widely known Santana Tribute band in the country. This is the group the San Jose Metro declared “The Top Santana Tribute” and the San Francisco Examiner called “The Country’s Pre-eminent Santana Tribute Band”. Originally a replication of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Santana’s legendary early days, Caravanserai has grown to include material from all eras of Santana’s 30-year history. Painstaking care has been taken in the recreation of early and new music performed by this band of journeymen from the San Francisco Bay Area. All the instrumentation used by Santana over the years are here, with some of the best musicians in the Bay Area.
Pop Rock Alternative – Luce (July 16)
Luce began in 2002 when a young house painter named Tom Luce decided he would pursue a life long dream of writing and recording his very first CD. He never imagined that the CD, featuring the song “Good Day,” would begin a career that would take his band on thirty-three national tours, earn a Bammy for best debut album, end up in two major motion pictures and several television shows, and receive airplay on almost every Triple A radio station. And so, Tom Luce decided it was time to put down his paint brush. Since that beginning, Luce has toured constantly and released three full length CD’s including a recent “pay what you want” acoustic EP on their new label, Ninth Street Opus. Luce works hard to keep their live show fresh by constantly incorporating new material and new ways to engage their audience. And as far as painting houses goes, “I miss that sometimes” he says. “But I guess I’ve really just switched from paint brushes to guitars”.
Café R&B (July 23)
Formed in 1995, Café R&B is the creation of Roach & Byl Carruthers, who first me in 1980 at L.A’s seminal club Madame Wong’s. Soon after, the were not only filling Blues clubs, but headlining L.A.’s rock clubs. When the House of Blues opened it’s doors in Los Angeles, the band played over a dozen shows there in 12 months, alongside everyone from Etta James to Little Feat. Now it’s 2010 and Café R&B is roaring back at full speed. Since day one, critics have been searching for adjectives to describe what happens when Roach and the band take the stage. Whether it’s L.A., London, Barcelona, Chicago or San Francisco– the reaction is always the same; an unforgettable experience that reaches everyone in the house.
Van Halen Tribute – Hot For Teacher (July 30) – sponsored by 107.7 The Bone
Formed in 1999 to showcase Van Halen’s David Lee Roth-era hits, HOT FOR TEACHER has been relentlessly performing throughout the western United States, thrilling concert-goers and generating legions of dedicated fans every time their raucous rock and roll flying circus act rolls into town. HOT FOR TEACHER features four explosive performers that are not only among the most talented musicians on the West Coast, but are also dedicated scholars of the Van Halen musical legacy. These rock and roll ninjas bring to the stage everything fans of the world’s greatest party band crave, including roaring lead vocals, note-for-note renditions of Eddie Van Halen’s most stunning guitar riffs and solos, thundering bass, massive drums, stunning vocal harmonies and best of all… one hell of a good time.
Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums (August 6)
Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums featuring Miss Carmen Getit are a high-energy jump-blues, vintage jazz band with a little boogie woogie thrown in. They put on a great show. Dubbed ‘Instant Crowd Favorites’ by the San Francisco Blues Festival and ‘Consummate musicians and entertainers’ by New York City’s Lincoln Center, Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums shine before a live audience, entertaining folks with their “perfect union of skilled and fueled merry-making.” (SF Bay Guardian) Downbeat Magazine gives bandleader & co-vocalist Steve Lucky, Carmen and their band 4 Stars, saying “The Rhumba Bums abide by Cab Calloway’s advice: ‘Live what’s in your soul and sing your friggin’ heart out”. Whether the band is rockin’ the blues, jumpin’ or swingin’ them, listen and see why Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums make In Style Magazine’s short list of “coolest bands” around.
A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac - Rumours (August 13) – sponsored by 96.5 KOIT – Lite Rock Less Talk
Dust off your big hoop earrings and put on those bell bottoms-it’s time to rip up some Shag! Hear the lush rock harmonies of RUMOURS: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Be there when “Stevie” (L.A. based performer Susan Johnston) twirls dreamily and belts out rock ballads that will take you on a three decade journey through the best dance era of our lifetime. Come hear why “Lindsey’s” (David Lauria) guitar playing is the thread that has woven the history of this magical band; “Christie” (Terri Wood) writer of Fleetwood Mac’s most memorable pop/dance tunes; “Mick” (Alex Miranda) and “John” (John Sundstrom) the heat behind the beat to keep you dancing all night long along with the supporting rhythm guitar and vocals of Mary Ann Rossoni.
August 20 – Courtney Lynn & Big Trouble
Looking for a toe tapping, boot stomping red hot Country/Rock band that will keep the crowd dancing and shouting for more? Courtney Lynn and Big Trouble will bring down the house with their mix of today’s country, rock and the all time classic tunes. They burst into the country scene in March 2009 bringing an enormous amount of experience, tradition and talent to the band and have been keeping the dance floors packed all over Northern California and Nevada.
Together Courtney Lynn and Big Trouble are a high energy dance band that will also slow it down and sooth the audience with some great ballads. They are the premier Country/Rock band in Northern California and Nevada and have been performing at all the top venues and events. Their blend of voices, instrumentals and harmonies are truly one of a kind.
August 27 - Reggae - Native Elements
San Francisco’s reggae favorite Native Elements never fail to bring positivity and niceness to all of their music gatherings. As recording artist’s they spin a curious fabric of lovers rock, roots and conscious dancehall wrapped cozily in a bright “frisco-pino” treatment. A family before anything else Native Elements strives to make their show a warm and inviting experience for all; young and old, blue and green and everything in between. Native Elements are a collective of musicians and singers who have been performing professionally in different settings for over a decade. The culturally diverse music scene of the San Francisco Bay Area has fueled their creative flow from the start. After explorations with rock, funk, blues, and r&b, Native Elements has set their repertoire firmly in the roots-reggae tradition. They combine their colorful influences into an amalgamation of positive, vibrant music that speaks from the heart.
September 3 - Steely Dan Tribute — Aja Vu – Sponsored by TheBand
The San Francisco-based Aja Vu band won KFOX’s Last Band Standing competition on the Bay Area’s #1 rated Greg Kihn Show two years running. Aja vu performs the music of Steely Dan, from “Hey Nineteen” and “Reelin’ In The Years” to “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”. You can buy a thrill when you hear the tight chunky horns, vocals and solos note for note and phrase for phrase backed up by an unparalleled rhythm section! The Aja Vu show recreates the combination of rock, jazzy blues and unique storytelling that has made the Steely Dan sound endure throughout pop culture for 30+ years! Aja Vu has also perfomed with The Doobie Brothers, Dave Mason, Robben Ford, at Shoreline, and Fresno’s Tower Theatre. Come join them tonight and keep the music of Steely Dan alive for die-hard fans and newcomers alike!
September 10 – Motown – Best Intentions – Sponsored by KISS
The Best Intentions was founded 5 years ago by Rodney James, Jeffery Bashir, and Bilal M. They are one of the most talented motown shows out touring today. The Best Intentions are an unforgettable experience of the great Motown acts of the 60’s,70’s and 80’s, featuring a dynamic performance of the Temptations, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles and Gladys Knight & The Pips. You can’t resist dancing to these fabulous oldies! This group is comprised of six gentlemen with many years combined experience in the music and entertainment industry. Throughout their careers they have performed with such greats as Patti LaBelle,The Temptations, James Brown, The Natural Four, Zakiah Hooker, Rod Stewart, Stanley Turrentine,and many many more. If your looking for a great show and the Motown sound., The Best Intentions are the group to see.
September 17 – Pop – Big City Revue - Sponsored by KBLX
Big City Revue’s 12-piece, non-stop, soul injected, musical party extravaganza has been drawing raves from San Francisco Bay Area audiences at an alarming rate. Big City Revue’s musical organization consists of versatile, seasoned musicians who understand the commitment of getting the music and sound right!!! … but it doesn’t end with the music! Whether it is Big Band or Retro Swing from the 1940’s and 50’s, the best of the 60’s Rhythm and Blues and Motown, Fun 70’s Disco Hits, The Pop 80’s, the latest contemporary dance songs from the 90’s, a mix of “hot” Latin salsa … right up to today’s current hits, Big City Revue does it all. These styles are all highlighted throughout the evening … all played by Big City Revue with all the fun and excitement that San Francisco’s #1 Party Band has to offer.
September 24 – Salsa Orquesta Borinquen
The powerful Latin sounds of Orquesta Borinquen have become one of the top choices for salsa in the San Francisco Bay Area. As one of the busiest salsa bands in the Bay Area, Borinquen consists of carefully picked musicians to make the perfect band for people who love to dance to powerful, energetic salsa. Orquesta Borinquen keeps you on your feet! The incredible sound and highly energetic personality of Borinquen is matched only by our stage presence. We love to have a great time on stage, and enjoy making music together. Come out and take a ride with Orquesta Borinquen.
October 1 – Classic Rock – Groove Kings Band
As the name suggests, THE GROOVE KINGS are the accomplished masters of danceable, popular, groove-oriented party music. From first note to last, their show is designed to thoroughly entertain you and your guests. THE GROOVE KINGS musical repertoire ranges from popular rock n’ roll to classic R&B all designed to keep the dance party going. Whether it’s a popular Motown medley featuring “I Can’ t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)”, Van Morrison’s ode to his “Brown Eyed Girl”, “Pick Up the Pieces” by the Average White Band, or the “Smooth” sounds of Santana, all the music is arranged and performed with the purpose of getting everyone on the dance floor, singing along and clapping their hands. Featuring soaring multi-part harmonies, virtuoso instrumental performances and taut arrangements, THE GROOVE KINGS never fail to satisfy wherever they play. Experience the magic of THE GROOVE KINGS who create a night of memories and just plain good fun!!
October 8 – Michael Jackson Tribute – Foreverland Sponsored by 96.5 KOIT
Foreverland is a 14-piece tribute to one of the most amazing entertainers in the world, Mr. Michael Jackson. Based in San Francisco, the group was formed in March of 2009 to honor Michael’s musical genius and legendary showmanship. With four lead vocalists, four horns and a six-piece rhythm section, the ensemble is best described as a “Remarkable and Rocking Michael Jackson Revue.” Rather than be limited by a MJ impersonator and pre-recorded backing tracks, the band’s unique approach is to celebrate the larger than life performances, imagination and infectious spirit of this legendary artist. The result is a fabulous and thumping 14-piece show band that pays homage to MJ’s undeniable talent and timeless dance music. As the band likes to say, “Don’t Blame It On The Sunshine, Don’t Blame It On The Moonlight, Don’t Blame It On The Good Times, BLAME IT ON THE BOOGIE!