Vasona Vibrations 2006

June 3rd

With River

With River is the new collaboration of singer-songwriters Philip Rodriguez and Colin Carthen, performing amazing original and traditional folk music, all roots-based and acoustic, on guitars, mandolin, violin, and harmony vocals. Their music is fresh and stirring, reflecting the influences of Townes Van Zandt, early Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, and Jeff Buckley.

June 10th
(split bill)

One of Each

A cappella without a net, from Dave Bender (baritone/vocal percussion), David Taylor (tenor/Elvis), Lisa Gallien (parts higher than the guys), and Scott Adler {bass).

"Four microphones. Three men (two balding). One woman (not balding). One of Each, formed in July 2002, has been performing in coffee shops and bus shelters, spitting on and occasionally entertaining audiences around the Bay Area. Originally born Oswald Giraffe, One of Each cocooned, pupated, and emerged a terrifying creature of tremendous power and girth...emerged a force for truth and justice...emerged blinking in the harsh stage lights. Dubbed "pretty good" by a nameless, drunken local critic, One Of Each seems poised to take on the a cappella world."

The Sketchbook Quartet

From the funkadelic slapping of bassist Danny Akin, to the classical violin of Kyle Hussman, the hard-edged rhythm of ex-punk guitarist Alex Knudson, and the theatricality of progressive mandolinist Kevin Hull, The Sketchbook Quartet has it all. But what happens when you put such diverse influences into the context of an acoustic bluegrass ensemble? Pure acoustic mayhem--but mind you, it's blissful mayhem. Over the past year, Sketchbook's unique brand of "funky folkadelic whammin' jammin' acid blues-grass" has attracted an audience as diverse as their influences. So what should you expect while attending an SBQ show? Expect the unexpected.

June 17th

Bev Barnett &
Greg Newlon

A contemporary acoustic folk duo whose beautiful harmonies and driving guitar blend country-influenced folk with the groove of R&B.

Bev and Greg were finalists in the 2004 International Acoustic Music Awards, the Great American Song Contest, and the International Original Christmas Song Contest for their duet, "If I Can't Sing with You This Christmas," which has received worldwide radio airplay. West Coast Songwriters has awarded Bev and Greg both best song and best performance honors, and they have been featured on NPR.org's "All Songs Considered Online Stage."

"... talented performers... the true joy is in the duo's originals..."

-Mark Whittington, San Jose Mercury News

"... Bev and Greg have an unpretentious delivery that makes them a delight to listen to."

-Jackie Loken, KKUP 91.5 FM

June 24th

10^th Avenue Band

Performing big band, jump swing, swingin' Chicago style Dixieland and more; this band simply swings, rocks, and cooks. The synergy of high energy performance, innovative arrangements and nostalgic music ignites 10^th Avenue Band audiences. 10^th Avenue Band is always looking to the future, performing old music in new ways, giving new life to the great songs of the past.

10^th Avenue Band has Ed Zimbrick on trombone, Ed Sherry on trumpet, Otis Mourning on reeds, Charlie Clark on piano, Fred Watstein on string bass, and Bruce Harper on drums.