Moe's Alley presents Chicago's baddest soul, funk, jazz group – LowDown Brass Band – with special guests Jive Machine! 

Saturday, December 7th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$17 in advance / $22 day of the show
21+

*Tickets on sale Friday, Aug. 23rd at 10am PT*

LOWDOWN BRASS BAND

Embodying the vibrant Chicago music culture, LowDown Brass Band is a one-of-a-kind horn ensemble weaving the rhythm of the streets with conscious hip hop, reggae, and soul.  Rigorously touring, LowDown has performed on the most unique stages, from the Montreal Jazz Fest to the Cotai Jazz Fest.

Despite the last four years, LowDown has stayed busy, releasing Three albums, "The Reel Sessions, LowDown Nights and $itizens of the World”, which showcase their unique sound and further push the boundaries of their genre. 

Leaning on their talent and unconventional style, LowDown Brass Band continues to carve out a path, defying convention and charting their own course in the ever-evolving landscape of music.

JIVE MACHINE
Jive Machine habitually bends the rules, blurs the lines, and stretches musical boundaries. Their music takes listeners on a sonic rollercoaster that fuses elements of old-school funk, progressive rock, blues, and soul. Throughout their set, you can hear diverse influences such as Tower Of Power, Jimi Hendrix and Trombone Shorty. Jive Machine is uniquely able to incorporate new ideas while paying homage to the great artists who came before them. The band is defined by a strong rhythmic foundation, infectious melodies, tasteful lead guitar virtuosity, and crisp horn lines.  Recently, Jive Machine has become notorious for their "pop-up" performances in downtown Santa Cruz. These events always erupt into a massive dance party, and within moments, you'll see It's impossible not to be captivated by the talent and contagious energy of their live shows! 
 

Moe's Alley presents ska and rock steady legends The Slackers with Los Yesterday plus The Bandulus featuring Jesse Wagner from The Aggrolites!

Sunday, December 8th
Doors: 7pm / Show: 7:30pm
$30 in advance / $35 day of the show
21+

*Tickets go on sale Friday, June 14th at 9am PT*

THE SLACKERS
For 33 years, the NYC-based and critically acclaimed Slackers have been touring the world with their blend of Ska, Reggae, and Soul.

Since 1991, the Slackers have released fifteen albums and countless singles, while their 1000s of live performances feed their fans with energetic sets of ecstatic music. 

The Slackers have been called ‘the Sound of New York’ by the New York Times. They were described by Brooklyn Vegan as a “clean mix of Ska, Reggae, and Soul that gets dirtied up by Vic Ruggiero’s tough New York accent.’ 

In April 2022, The Slackers released a new album, “Dont Let The Sunlight Fool Ya” (Pirates Press) which quickly shot to the top of the US Billboard charts.  The first time that a Slackers’ album has charted!  Ironically after 30 years as a band, they qualified as a Billboard  ‘new artist!’ The Washington Post noted that the Slackers  “remain at the top of their game.”  

The chart topping sales of “Dont Let The Sunlight Fool Ya” capped a 2 year comeback of the Slackers.  When Covid stopped live shows in 2020, the Slackers pivoted to livestreams and made 5 full band concerts that were broadcast internationally to an audience of thousands.  After the streams, they stayed in the studio and recorded the tunes that became ‘Dont Let the Sunlight Fool Ya.’

The Slackers capped this comeback with a series of frenetic tours in 2022 and 2023.  They played everything from clubs to festivals in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Brazil.  

In 2024, they are currently booking 90 shows. They are also currently working on a 20th anniversary reissue of their classic album, ‘Close My Eyes’ for September and on a new single of original music for October. 

(((folkYEAH!))) presents The Barr Brothers on The Barr Brothers Duo Tour with special guest Tyler Ballgame

Wednesday, December 11th
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
$25 in advance / $30 day of the show
21+

*Tickets on sale Friday, Aug. 23rd at 10am PT*

THE BARR BROTHERS
The Barr Brothers are a group out of Montreal fronted by the poly-rhythmic, jocular drumming of Andrew Barr and the songs and guitar playing of brother Brad Barr. Bass, pedal steel, keyboards, and horns come in and out of the mix freely. Equally at home in solemn Arcadian ballads, swampy North African improvs, or classic rock and roll revelry, The Barr Brothers continue to embrace and enchant audiences with their methodical yet-whimsical approach to music making.
 

Moe's Alley presents a funk, soul, double-bill dance party with Boot Juice and Object Heavy! 

Thursday, December 12th
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
$20 in advance / $25 day of the show
21+

BOOT JUICE

The evolution of Boot Juice has been a magnificent phenomenon to behold over the past few years. This seven-piece band from Davis has done things the old-fashioned way – earning everything they have with blood, sweat and tears shed on stages throughout the region. It’s been more sweat than anything else based on the practically inhuman volume of energy output they generate throughout the course of their relentless performances.

Boot Juice defies the typical assumption that a big band with horns is sticking to the well-worn path of funk and jazz. They certainly infuse those genres into the mix. More than anything though, this is an unabashed cosmic rock band intent on taking audiences into an alternate dimension of pure freedom and dance euphoria where the outside world ceases to exist. Their three-part vocal harmonies carry major impact with intoxicating doses of soul, blues and sultry appeal. The passionate musicianship and group synergy resonates in their pure sense of joy. Drawing favorable comparisons to the sound of The California Honey Drops and the spirit of the Talking Heads, you’ll have no doubt that the refreshing originality of Boot Juice always has a firm grip on the wheel.

OBJECT HEAVY
Color Red Artist Object Heavy is Humboldt County’s hardest hitting soul sensation. The band is led by the nuanced and powerful voice of Richard Love and composed of seasoned veterans of the West Coast Soul and Funk scene. Fresh off the release of their new record, 'Love & Gravity' (Produced by Kelly Finnigan of Monophonics), and 5th win as North Coast Journal’s “Best Original Band Of Humboldt” in the past 7 years nominated, they have garnered stellar reviews from an international audience and were promoted as a featured artist on Apple Music's Soul and RnB carousel. They were also featured on several of Apple Music's top playlists within their genre field. Object Heavy has spent the last few years establishing themselves as a stand out live experience in touring the greater western United States and sharing the stage with diverse talent such as Orgone, The Motet, Rebirth Brass Band, Polyrhythmics, Turkuaz, Lyrics Born, and Chali 2na. Object Heavy’s magnetic blend of classic Cadillac soul, effortlessly contagious dance grooves, vocal harmonies and blazing musicianship is a must see live experience.
 

Moe's Alley presents an epic co-headlining show with Pimps of Joytime and Con Brio!

Friday, December 13th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$30 in advance / $35 day of the show
21+

*Tickets on sale Friday, Oct. 11th at 10am PT*

PIMPS OF JOYTIME

When it comes to throwing a party, the Pimps of Joytime raise the bar with swagger and substance. Dubbed "raucous and captivating" by Okayplayer, and "Visceral in all of the best ways possible." by Pop Matters, The Pimps artfully blend Brooklyn beat, New Orleans soul, and world funk. Created by Grammy nominated producer Brian J in 2007 the Pimps Of Joytime have released five studio albums and toured extensively building a loyal international following.

The brain child of Grammy nominated producer Brian J, Pimps of Joytime bandleader, is no stranger to working with A-List talent in the studio as he’s produced albums for a “who’s who” of New Orleans heavyweights, including such stars as Cyril Neville (The Neville Brothers), James Andrews, Corey Henry (Galactic) plus records with Bernard “Pretty” Purdie (The World’s Most Recorded Drummer) and GRAMMY Award-nominated blues artist Cedric Burnside. On the production of “La Vida” Brian J is playing all the instruments on the track, flexing skills as a multi-instrumentals and producing an incredibly unique version of the song. 

And the Pimps' live experience only takes it higher! Over the past decade, the group's grassroots following mobilized from the underground club scene in New York to sell out historic venues like the Fillmore in San Francisco and earn top billings at music festivals across the US and Europe. Quite simply, the Pimps' dancefloor is magnetic. Word spreads to the wise when you pair high-caliber musicianship with melodies and beats that are as universally enticing as they are unconventional.

CON BRIO
Con Brio is an elastic and explosive seven-piece band that makes emotional music at the intersection of soul, rock ‘n’ roll, pop and R&B. A Bay Area institution with an international following, Con Brio has spent more than a decade touring the globe, playing venues ranging from packed clubs to some of the world’s biggest festivals, and enjoying a formidable reputation on the strength of their exhilarating, sweat-drenched live shows. They’ve been described as “infectious” (Washington Post), “a party-punk version of Sly and the Family Stone” (Consequence of Sound) and “the best live band in America” (Pop Matters).

Meanwhile, the veteran rhythm and horn sections of Benjamin Andrews (guitar), Jonathan Kirchner (bass), Andrew Laubacher (drums), Marcus Stephens (saxophone) and Brendan Liu (trumpet) remain tight as ever, weaving together grooves that draw inspiration from Tower of Power to The Alabama Shakes, with each and every member contributing lyrics and arrangements. The result: A record that finds a seasoned band infused with an undeniable sense of freedom, excitement and discovery.

Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz featuring Orchestra Gold plus Father Taj and DJ Monk Earl!

Saturday, December 14th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 8pm
$23 in advance / $25 day of the show
21+

*Follow @afrobeats_nite_santa_cruz for announcements about how to get free tickets to the show*

Western Wednesday #73 is coming with the return of Geoffrey Miller and Jerry B. Logan & The Country Squires! 

Wednesday, December 18th
Doors: 7pm / Two-Step Lesson 7:30pm / Show: 8pm
$15 in advance / $20 day of the show
21+

GEOFFREY MILLER

Boogie woogie cheating songs, love-lamenting ballads, rockabilly country bops, lonesome melodic soliloquies—the tones of Geoffrey Miller’s debut solo album “All Night Honky Tonk Man”—tell a story reaching back to Miller’s childhood. 

Miller grew up breathing the air of country and oldies AM radio and listening to Waylon, Willie, and Hank Jr. cassettes in the dash of his adoptive father Vern Miller’s work truck. Echos of Bakersfield, California’s “Nashville West”, reverberate across the Central Valley to Sacramento, CA where Miller grew up through family record collections, boom box radios at summer trips to the river, and Hee Haw on afternoon TV. Picking up the frequency from a young age, Miller strummed on toy guitars and sang Merle Haggard verses as a child.

Fast forward to 2019, Miller bends crying notes from his fender telecaster over a room full of two-steppers and swing dancers on a hardwood dance floor. The worlds of country and rockabilly meld in a crowd topped with cowboy hats, pompadours, and pin-up style hairdos. Between the occasional classic by his favorites, Merle, Johnny Horton, and Faron Young, MIller’s original songs fill the room and make a direct connection to the moment.  The clacking of a stand-up bass, the break-up of a 50s tweed guitar amplifier, and the slight rasp in Miller’s voice burrow into the audience with something real. 

“All Night Honky Tonk Man” is the incarnation of personal truth rooted in the living lore of Americana country music. Years of playing guitar and singing in honky tonk bars, the discovery of lost musical heritage, and a true-life world of heartaches, wine and neon funnel into the album’s 12 original songs.

JERRY B. LOGAN & THE COUNTRY SQUIRES
Jerry B Logan with the Country Squires brings the twang. Hits from the times when Hank & Lefty crowded every jukebox and a nickle got you a song. Come to cry in your beer or honky tonk the night away. Noah Hall on the bass, Freddy Deubert on drums and Bob Kolb on the steel. The boys will joined for a few by the lovely and talented Miss Molly Joy. Molly is just out of the studio laying tracks for her first recording project. Come & get a preview!
 

(((folkYEAH!))) presents allstar jam band The Third Mind, featuring Dave Alvin, Jesse Sykes, Victor Krummenacher, David Immerglück and Michael Jerome.

Thursday, December 19th
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
$35 in advance / $38 day of the show
21+

*Tickets on sale Friday, Oct. 11th at 10am PT*

THE THIRD MIND
It was only three years ago that the world was introduced to The Third Mind, although the musicians that make up the group are familiar to almost any music snob. Originally started by Dave Alvin of The Blasters (guitar) and Victor Krummenacher of Camper Van Beethoven (bass), the duo then added Michael Jerome (drums), David Immerglück (guitar), and the final piece to the plan, Jesse Skyes (vocals and acoustic guitar). Each member of the band has had a formidable career of their own, Immerglück coming from Counting Crows, Skyes having an impressive discography with her band Jesse Skyes and The Sweet Hereafter, and Jerome playing drums for Richard Thompson. The concept for The Third Mind was simple, to rediscover their love for classic records from the 1960’s and reconfigure them to fit this all-star arrangement. The kicker is that a lack of arranging is what makes them so unique. 
The Third Mind is an improvisational band, disregarding their collective decades of songwriting for a more free-flowing format. Taking note from the greats of jazz, the band doesn’t write new arrangements for their covers rather they hit the studio with nothing but passion and a wealth of experience. Their first album, the self-titled release from 2020, showed the budding creativity of a collection of artists with unquenchable ambition. Only three years later, the band is back with “Groovin’ Is Easy”, the second single to the anticipated sophomore LP The Third Mind 2, which is set to release on October 27. With the exception of “Tall Grass”, the band’s single from earlier this summer written by Alvin and Skyes, their second outing follows the same formula as their first. All arrangements are improvised and all lyrics are lifted from deep cuts of the 1960’s blues and folk scene.  – Glide Magazine (Sept ’23)
 

Moe's Alley presents the B-Side Players!

Friday, December 20th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$25 in advance / $30 day of the show
21+

B-SIDE PLAYERS
The B-Side Players are a 9-piece band part of a new movement in popular music. A band that honors the international cross-pollination that has always made music the universal language. They use any beat that catches their ear, regardless of geography or genre, to create a compelling, horn driven, polyrhythmic groove. They continue exploring the multifaceted grooves of Latin America and the Caribbean, incorporating the sounds of Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico and Brazil with the funk, rock, jazz and hip-hop rhythms of their homeland, dropping bits of Cumbia, Salsa, gritty street Samba, Son Montuno, Jarocho and Boogalo into the mix.

The B-Side Players have been laying down their own inimitable latin global funk since they came together in 1994. Their incendiary live shows have defined them as local favorites with 10 San Diego Music awards. Meanwhile their albums showcase a band with restless musical intelligence, effortlessly blending genres to fashion their own forward looking, latin flavored soul music. As an eight piece band the players are known for igniting crowds with their fierce rhythms and uplifting message of unity and consciousness. Meanwhile always keeping their focus on the political climate of the world and nation. The B-Side Players are a living and breathing cultural art experience for the mind body and soul.

Moe's Alley presents an evening with Eric Lindell! 

Sunday, December 22nd
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
$30 in advance / $35 day of the show
21+

ERIC LINDELL

A tremendous raw talent with a poet's soul…Lindell writes from the heart with a fully realized musical vision" —Chicago Sun-Times

"Impressive super slinky blues and rock with a taste of country twang. Bound to win over roots music fans for years to come" —Guitar Player

"Stellar, sublime blue-eyed soul and romping New Orleans R&B, played at the intersection of soul, blues and roots rock" —New Orleans Times-Picayune 

With his raspy, soulful voice and instantly memorable original songs, roots-rocking multi-instrumentalist Eric Lindell is a true one-of-a-kind talent. Mixing West Coast rock and swampy Gulf Coast R&B with honky tonk country and Memphis soul, Lindell creates American roots music that is both surprisingly fresh and sweetly familiar. Since his first self-release over two decades ago, Lindell has earned critical and popular acclaim, first in his dual home bases of Louisiana and Northern California and then across the country. Although influenced by American roots music from blues to country to rock, Lindell’s style is all his own. He has performed thousands of gigs in roadhouses, clubs, concert halls and festivals and has appeared on national radio and television. His live shows overflow with happy, dancing people singing the words to every song.
By the time of his 2006 Alligator Records debut, Change In The Weather, Lindell had released five albums and already had earned a devoted and growing fan following. Change In The Weather, with its unforgettable songs and undeniable melodies, earned him regular radio rotation and piles of critical praise. The Los Angeles Daily News said Lindell plays “passionate blue-eyed soul smothered with a big heap of New Orleans funk.” Two subsequent Alligator releases and a series of albums on other labels kept Lindell in demand and on the road. Now Lindell returns to Alligator with Revolution In Your Heart, featuring his most engaging and personal writing and his most irresistible, instantly hummable melodies.

Moe's Alley presents Marlon Asher with special guests Native Elements and DJ Selecta 7!

Friday, December 27th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$25 in advance / $30 day of the show
21+

MARLON ASHER
Marlon grew up in Enterprise, Trinidad & Tobago. In his youth he was a member of the Mount Ararat Spiritual Baptist Church Choir and later on he embraced the Rasta faith. Marlon Asher is a pioneer of the Trinidadian reggae movement. He has toured with other roots reggae artists such as Sizzla, Slightly Stoopid, Maxi Priest, Beenie Man, Capleton, Fortunate Youth, Pressure Busspipe, Matisyahu, Katchafire, Kottonmouth Kings and even the American R & B Sensation Boyz II Men. Marlon did nine dates on the Slightly Stoopid’s 2019 amphitheater tour. The highlight of this tour was a sold out show at Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado. He has toured the US, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Canada, Africa and Europe. Marlon paved the way for other Trinidad artists such as Jah Melody, Khari Kill, I-Sasha, Jah Bami and many more.

NATIVE ELEMENTS
Driven by tireless passion and their mission to reach as many people as possible Native
Elements on average clocks-in over 50 shows a year crossing continents, borders, and city limits from Oregon to San Diego to Baja California, Mexico, France, Belgium, and Hawaii. They have toured with Steel Pulse, Midnite and Bunny Wailer while also sharing bills with reggae legends, Third World, Black Uhuru, Don Carlos, and Alpha Blondy among dozens of others. As a backup band, Native Elements has supported Jamaican artist Luciano and Hawaii’s Humble Soul, Marty Dread and Compton’s own J Boog.

Together, the band has developed their own innovative style of soulful, energetic, roots reggae incorporating smooth lovers rock and hard-hitting original roots rhythms all fostered by the fearless San Francisco Bay Area community. They have 4 self-produced albums that have earned them California Music Award nominations, honorable mentions and invaluable respect and adoration from their Jamaican mentors the Twinkle Brothers, The Abyssinians, and The Mighty Diamonds.

For almost 3 decades Native Elements has enjoyed a steady presence in the Northern California Music scene delighting audiences with their positive and uplifting performances that speak from the heart.
 

Moe's Alley presents a Brazilian dance party with SambaDá!

Saturday, December 28th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$20 in advance / $25 day of the show
21+

SAMBADÁ

While Brazilian natives Papiba Godinho and Dandha da Hora bring their profound knowledge and respect for the roots of Afro-brazilian song and dance, the entire band has developed a type of samba-reggae-funk with a universal appeal. SambaDá musically unites the Americas, drawing from percussion based styles of South and Central America, and blends it with that good old funk and reggae back beat so familiar to crowds of North America.

For over ten years, SambaDá has been mixing contemporary sounds with the roots of brazilian culture. Papiba is a master of Capoeira, an Afro Brazilian martial art form created by Brazilian slaves, which draws on music and acrobatic movements. Dandha was born into the rich Afro Brazilian traditions of Salvador, Bahia and the Carnival Group Ile Aiye, and started her dancing career at age 6. Ile Aiye has been in the forefront of Civil Rights in Brazil, promoting equality and justice, and is widely recognized as the first Afro Brazilian BLOCO or group to perform in Brazil’s notorious Carnival celebrations.

The other members of SambaDá come from a wide range of styles, generations and sensibilities. What unites this band from such diverse backgrounds is a magic that can be felt by both the band and the audience. SambaDá brings joy to each performance, and keeps their fans asking for more!!

Ring in the new year at Moe's Alley with intergalactic funksters Space Heater plus DJ travl'r! We'll have a countdown with a champagne toast, photo booth and more! Get your funky, disco threads on and let's party!

Tuesday, December 31st
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$30 in advance / $35 day of the show
21+

SPACE HEATER
Space Heater is a Santa Cruz-based band with one foot planted firmly in the foundations of funk, while the other foot prefers a galaxy far, far away. Blending the funky sounds inspired from Prince and James Brown to Sharon Jones & the Dapkings, The Heat will likewise take you on a delicious journey careening through cosmic jams, landing you squarely on the dance floor with ecstatic revelers. With an expanding roster of sultry originals  and the occasional cover song, you won't have much choice but to shake that thang….
 

(((folkYEAH!))) presents a co-headlining show with Levitation Room and Yasawa Group!

Friday, January 10th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$20 in advance / $25 day of the show
21+

LEVITATION ROOM
In Los Angeles, where the weight and pressure of the city’s fast paced culture can make your legs feel like pillars, emerges psychedelic quartet, Levitation Room, to break the bonds of gravity with their cosmic wall of sound and thought provoking lyrics. “Just as their name suggests, Levitation Room’s music instills the listeners ears with a light feeling of floating. The dreamy guitar and Lo-Fi projections of psychedelic rock and garage are reminiscent of a deep 1960’s era, but still grounded in an alternative dreamgaze flavor that permeates modern indie music today.” – OC Weekly. Their decidedly hallucinogenic songs whisper and hum the same gentle refrain of their summer of love influences, conjuring up the cognitive imagery of sunny days at the park, spent with friends in a euphoric haze along with lyrical and sonic meditations on life, love, society and self-awareness.

YASAWA GROUP
Solo project from Matt Taylor of The Growlers.
 

Moe's Alley presents the super funky, super fun, super wild – High Step Society! 

Wednesday, January 15th
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
$17 in advance / $22 day of the show
21+

HIGH STEP SOCIETY
High Step Society is a dance party from another dimension; a high-flying, beat-dropping, big band rocket ship with an ear to the past, and both feet on the gas. This dynamic band is bringing jazz back to the party, where it belongs.

This 7-piece band’s mission is to bring people together, to create a celebratory space that transcends the troubles of this world. Capturing the spirit of the Jazz Age and launching it a century forward, this band breaks down the divisions between us and replaces them with the irresistible urge to dance together. 

High stepping is a state of mind, and a movement to be part of. Dress yourself up nice, act classy, and lift your best foot way up to the sky. Hop on the HSS Express and let’s ride this wave together towards better times.

(((folkYEAH!))) presents Legend Zeppelin!

Friday, January 17th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$23 in advance / $28 day of the show
21+

LEGEND ZEPPELIN
Legend Zeppelin is hands down the greatest live rendition to the music and performance of Led Zeppelin anywhere in the world! From the unmistakeable primal screams of August Young, to the majestic, incendiary and inspired guitar work of Joshua Cuevas, to the extraordinarily mesmerizing rhythm section of Cody Tarbell and Alexis Angel, this band proves why they are more than just a “tribute”, but the dawning of a new era of contained chaos, sonic fusion and cosmic energy that will leave fans truly in awe of what they are witnessing before their very eyes. This isn't a typical tribute band built soley on knowing a catalog of music, but four musicians who play off of and with each other to create a unique performance each night, just as Led Zeppelin did. Leaving no detail unattended, from the stage setup built upon the same exact equipment used by Led Zeppelin down to the spontaneous energy of the songs, the Legend Zeppelin show is truly the only thing today that can be compared to actually seeing Led Zeppelin live in their time.
 

Moe's Alley presents the return of Tommy Castro and The Painkillers! 

Sunday, January 19th
Doors: 3pm / Show: 4pm
$30 in advance / $35 day of the show
21+

TOMMY CASTRO AND THE PAINKILLERS
“The hardest thing to do,” says internationally beloved soul-blues rocker Tommy Castro, “is be yourself, take some chances and bring your fans along with you.” Throughout his long, constantly evolving career, guitarist, singer and songwriter Tommy Castro has always remained true to himself while exploring, growing and creating new music, and he has taken his thousands of devoted fans right along with him. Since his solo debut in 1994, he’s made 16 albums— the last seven for Alligator—each its own unique chapter in the book of Tommy Castro. Ranging from horn-fueled R&B to piping hot blues to fiery, stripped- down rock ‘n’ roll, each release is solidly built upon Castro’s unshakable musical foundation—a dynamic mix of 1960s-influenced guitar-fueled blues, testifying Memphis-soaked blue-eyed soul and Latin-tinged East San Jose funk, all driven by Castro’s grab-you-by- the-collar vocals and passionate guitar work. Blues Revue declared, “Tommy Castro can do no wrong.”
 

Moe's Alley presents the return of The Nth Power with special guests Sgt. Splendor (ft. Kate Vargas and Eric McFadden)

Thursday, January 23rd
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
$22 in advance / $27 day of the show
21+

THE NTH POWER
The Nth Power believes in the healing power of music. Featuring guitarist Nick Cassarino, bassist Nate Edgar and drummer Nikki Glaspie, the seasoned trio delivers a transcendent blend of soul, funk, rock and rhythm and blues. Multi-part vocal harmonies and elevated musicianship inspires audiences to dance, groove, make love or just stand there with goose bumps. 

The Nth Power’s electric live performances have been flooring audiences ever since the group first aligned in New Orleans during Jazz Fest. After the band’s breakout 2013 EP, Basic Minimum Skills Test, The Nth Power went on to release two acclaimed studio albums and two live albums – garnering national coverage in Relix, Modern Drummer, Huffington Post, Glide, Consequence, Okayplayer, Paste and Sirius XM Radio.

The trio’s individual music credentials include collaborating with artists like Beyonce, Snarky Puppy, Maceo Parker, Dumpstaphunk, Big Daddy Kane and John Brown's Body. “It’s my dream team,” said bandleader and drummer Glaspie. “Each one of us is a songwriter, so when we get together, everything becomes that much stronger. We’re going as far as you can go on the planet Earth and playing music.” 

The Nth Power's inspirational sets have floored audiences at music festivals like Electric Forest, High Sierra, Peachfest, North Coast Music Festival and Hulaween. They maintain New Orleans as their spiritual home, and the celebratory essence of that city’s music culture is palpable in each performance. Simply put, there is something pretty magical happening in this band, and they’re only just getting started.

SGT. SPLENDOR
Before joining forces, the duo behind Sgt. Splendor were already formidable solo artists, Kate Vargas chalking up acclaim at outlets like NPR, HuffPost and Vice (including praise from the “Dean of American Rock Critics” Robert Christgau); and Eric McFadden amassing an impressive resume including stints on guitar with George Clinton & the P-Funk All Stars, Anders Osbourne, Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, and Eric Burdon & The Animals, plus a slew of solo albums, and session work with everyone from Jackson Browne to The Clash’s Joe Strummer. 

"One of the most unique bands to come out of the new millennium is the contrasting duo of Sgt. Splendor.  The group consists of singer/songwriter/guitarist/flautist Kate Vargas, and her partner in crime, guitarist/vocalist Eric McFadden (George Clinton & P-Funk, Eric Burdon, Les Claypool, etc)…is this an album for the masses?… yes.  Yet it is even more so an album for the music aficionados who understand and appreciate in-depth, heavy songwriting, wrapped in a blanket of heavy Blues and Rock music that holds its own against anything you can throw at it. " – Tone Scott / GOLDMINE Magazine 2024

Moe's Alley proudly presents the North Mississippi Allstars! 

Friday, January 24th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$30 in advance / $35 day of the show
21+

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS
Nothing runs deeper than family ties. After 25 years, twelve albums, five GRAMMY® Award nominations, and sold out shows everywhere, North Mississippi Allstars open up their world once again on their thirteenth album, Set Sail [New West Records], welcoming other family (by blood and by the road) into the fold. As legend has it, Luther and Cody Dickinson started the band in 1996 as a loose collective of like-minded second-generation musicians who shared a local repertoire and regional style. 

Over the years, the lineup shifted by design, and each subsequent record offered up a different combination of collaborators. This time around, they mined the talents of Jesse Williams on bass and Lamar Williams, JR. on vocals. During the Allman Betts Band Family Revival, the Dickinsons first linked up with Lamar, son of the Allman Brothers bassist Lamar Williams, Sr., becoming fast friends and collaborators and eventually paving the way for Set Sail.

The Dickinson brothers have recorded and toured with Mavis Staples, Charlie Musslewhite, John Hiatt, Robert Plant and Patty Griffin, G Love, Jon Spencer, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Los Lobos, and the Black Crowes. Meanwhile, their seminal debut, Shake hands with Shorty (2000), earned the band the first of five GRAMMY® nominations, and changed the Dickinson brothers’ lives forever.
 

(((folkYEAH!))) presents Elephant Stone with special guests The Asteroid No. 4!

Saturday, January 25th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$20 in advance / $25 day of the show
21+

*Tickets on sale Friday, Sept. 27th at 10am PT*

ELEPHANT STONE
With a remarkable journey spanning 15 years, Elephant Stone has established itself as a vanguard in the psych-pop universe. Under the inspired leadership of Rishi Dhir, the band has ceaselessly pushed the boundaries of musical storytelling. Fueled by Dhir's initial forays into music and elevated by his virtuosity on the sitar, Elephant Stone's compositions transcend mere melodies; they serve as profound meditations on loss, rebirth, and existential wonder.

THE ASTEROID NO. 4
The Asteroid No.4 is an American shoegaze, dream pop and psychedelic band based in Northern California. Originally formed in Philadelphia in the late 1990s, the A4 have remained an active studio and live act, and are considered to be stalwarts of the modern “psych”genre. Known for their prolific discography of reverb-drenched recordings and guitar driven, liquid-projected live performances, the band is often categorized as “neo-psychedelic” or “shoegaze”. Happily accepting their often made comparisons to acts like Ride, Spacemen 3 or “Paisley Underground’s”, The Rain Parade; the band have evolved into a sound all their own. In the spring of 2022, the Asteroid No.4 released their 11th full length LP, “Tones of the Sparrow” on London label specializing in “nugaze” acts, Club AC30. European and US tours followed including support slots for Slowdive and The Ocean Blue. In January of 2024 a new 5-song EP was released on Chris Robinson’s (The Black Crowes) label, Silver Arrow Records. The last year consisted of US tours  supporting The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Black Crowes, Beachwood Sparks, and the Ocean Blue followed by a September ‘24 release of their 12th full length record titled “Several Shapes of Solar Flares” (Little Cloud/Club AC30).
 

Moe's Alley presents The Inciters with special guests Hot Laundry! 

Friday, January 31st
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$15 in advance / $20 day of the show
21+

THE INCITERS
The Inciters play northern soul music.

Northern Soul takes the Motown/Stax ethic but adds a stronger back-beat with more adventurous production, and The Inciters continue this tradition in grand style. With ten members (sometimes more!) wielding drums, bass, guitar, a full horn section, and three female vocals, The Inciters have no problem filling a room with the powerful sound of soul. The three vocalists lead the band through finely crafted original songs as well as traditional soul music that will get you out of your seat and start to dance!

The Inciters are from Santa Cruz, but travel the world in support of their internationally released records.Seeing them in their hometown is a unique experience. 

They bring in guest singers on occasion, sometimes quite famous soul artists. And they always have as much fun on stage as the audience does!

HOT LAUNDRY
Hot Laundry is a San Francisco outfit kicking out a fresh new take on our beloved rock n roll.

Lead singer Janette Lopez will help you forget your worries and have you howling at the moon by the end of the night.

Backed up by her always lovely backup singers and dancers. Ileath Bridges and Gena Serey are 100% genuine rock n roll.  Sending you back to the 1960s bad girl garage band days.

The band is dishing out hi-octane rock n roll with hints of Motown, revved up guitars in the vein of MC5, and a heavy dash of  delta boogie.

Hot Laundry is serving up working class music. With lyrics reflecting hard work, hard times, love, and dancing all night.  -Hot Laundry is rock n roll for your soul.

Moe's Alley presents an evening with Karl Denson's Tiny Universe!

Saturday, February 1st
Doors: 8pm / Show: 8:30pm
$35 in advance / $40 day of the show
21+

*Tickets on sale Friday, Dec. 6th at 10am PT*

KARL DENSON'S TINY UNIVERSE
KDTU has electrified audiences around the world for over 25 years from the fields of Naeba in Japan at the infamous Fuji Rock Festival to the hallowed stage of Madison Square Garden where they previously joined the Dave Matthews Band and The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. From performing as Sexual Chocolate (Karl was in the original band in the movie Coming To America and its sequel) at the Outside Lands Music festival in San Francisco, to being the first late night act at the inaugural Bonnaroo festival, KDTU have been a dominating force in music for the past 25 years.

All-night, sold-out concerts during Jazzfest in New Orleans have featured sit ins by everyone from Lenny Kravitz & Steve Winwood (with whom Karl has recorded and toured) to avant garde luminaries Marc Ribot & Boyfriend. Chuck Leavell and Bernard Fowler (Karl’s bandmates in The Rolling Stones where Karl replaced the great Bobby Keys as saxophonist in 2014) have joined onstage and on record, as have Lukas Nelson, John Oates, Michael Franti, Warren Haynes, Ivan Neville, Anders Osborne, Big Daddy Kane, Roy Hargrove, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Joshua Redman, Marcus King, and Bernie Worrell, among others.

Touring the country with the Allman Brothers, My Morning Jacket, D'Angelo, The Roots, Public Enemy, Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead, Parliament Funkadelic, Slightly Stoopid, Widespread Panic, very few concert goers have been untouched by the Tiny Universe live. In addition to KDTU, Karl Denson aka “Diesel” is a founding member of the seminal groove act The Greyboy Allstars.
 

Friday, February 7th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$25 in advance / $30 day of the show
21+

THE MEDITATIONS

Ansel Cridland, Danny Clarke and Winston Watson collectively known as The Meditations, recorded their first hit single Woman is Like a Shadow in 1974 at Channel One Recording Studio.  The group made it’s mark and sealed their place as reggae legends withthe release of the first two albums Message From The Meditations and Wake up produced by Dobby Dobson.  Soon after came the third album Guidance produced by Ansel Cridland.  

Known the world over as Jamaica’s legendary harmony trio, The Meditations captured the hearts of reggae fans around the world.  This led to collaborations with Lee Scratch Perry.  Scratch, who produced for Bob Marley and the Wailers, asked them to do back up vocals for Punky Reggae Party, featuring Bob on led vocals. Bob Marley was so pleased with their harmony that he went in search for the group to do more back up vocals for him. It is said by many that “The Meditation is Bob Marley’s favorite group,” which led to Bob requesting harmony and background vocals on songs like Rastaman Live Up and Blackman Redemption. The Meditations harmonic vocals can be heard on some of your favorite track such as, Bongo Man Youths Them A Cry by Jimmy Cliffs, Mr. Cop by Gregory Isaacs, to name a few.  

In 1983 Linval Thompson produced The Meditations fourth album No More Friends.  On this album all the lead vocals were sung by Ansel Cridland.  Meanwhile Danny Clarke and Winston Watson later released For The Good Of Man.   After some time separated Ansel begin to put the group back together with the release of Return Of The Meditations produced by Ansel in 1993 on Heartbeat record label.

Ansel followed up producing and releasing Ghetto Knowledge on the Easy Star label in 1999, then Stand In Love on his own label Meditations Music in 2004.  As of late he as gone on to collaborate with yet another great Philip Smart for his latest album Dangerous Society, which was released jointly by Meditations Music and Philip Smart in 2011.  Ansel is a dedicated musician writing, producing and releasing albums, and still touring with the addition of DaddyLion Chandell and Toussaint Webb on harmony.

Moe's Alley presents the return of Jackie Greene! 

Saturday, February 8th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$30 in advance / $35 day of the show
21+

JACKIE GREENE

Americana and roots singer-songwriter Jackie Greene is a jack-of-all-trades, and an artist who can croon over soulful piano ballads as much as he can shred a bluesy guitar solo (like he did as the lead guitarist for The Black Crowes in 2013). A road warrior and musician's musician, Greene's new EP 'The Modern Lives – Vol 2' (out October 2018 on Blue Rose Music) finds him at a new chapter in his life: his first months of fatherhood, time off his relentless touring circuit, and a cross-country move from Brooklyn to his birthplace of Northern California.

This new collection of six original songs is a thematic extension of 'The Modern Lives – Vol 1' EP (released in 2017 on Blue Rose Music), imbued with a Brooklyn basement DIY feel and ethos. He is a student of American music, transfixed upon its progression through time, as well as how regional sounds fit in a contemporary context. Whereas 'Vol 1' saw Greene experiment with the Delta blues as a canvas for his examinations of modern society, 'Vol 2' sees Greene embrace the sounds of the bluegrass and folk tapes of his youth.

Lead single "Crazy Comes Easy" showcases Greene's dynamic, multi-instrumental range as he plays slide guitar, organ, bass, and percussion, the guitar licks an appreciative nod to his time in The Black Crowes. Meanwhile, "Good Old Bad Times" highlights Greene as the songwriter as he rattles off lines like "How can somebody find a future? / If they ain't got a foothold in the past?" while taking a critical eye to the idea of nostalgia. Piano ballad "Victim Of The Crime" was one of Jackie's oldest demos up until the feel of these sessions gave him the tools to finish a song that, in his words, was written for his wife before she was his wife. While the title possesses a kind of melodrama, the song itself is tender and heartfelt as he details love's trials and tribulations.

Greene partnered with Academy Award-nominated "king of indie animation" Bill Plympton for a series of music videos for 'The Modern Lives – Vol 1' that would eventually become an animated short film titled 'The Modern Lives'. The film is currently making the rounds at film festivals where it has already won the Jury Award at the USA Film Festival in Dallas, TX, and the Grand Remi Award / Best in Show at WorldFest in Houstin, TX. The short is also being exhibited at the 71st Festival de Cannes/Court Metrage, Melbourne International Animation Festival, and ASIFA-East Festival, amongst others.

Moe's Alley presents the Anthony Arya Band with special guest AC Myles!

Sunday, February 9th
Doors: 3pm / Show: 4pm
$15 in advance / $20 day of the show
21+

ANTHONY ARYA BAND w/ AC MYLES

Moe's Alley presents the world famous all-female AC/DC tribute band – Hell's Belles!

Saturday, February 15th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$30 in advance / $35 day of the show
21+

*Tickets on sale Friday, Nov. 22nd at 10am PT*

HELL'S BELLES
HELL'S BELLES are first and foremost dedicated AC/DC fanatics. This is what we all have in common. We're all part of a huge community of devotees to one of the greatest rock-n-roll bands in the world. This is who we all are, and this is what HELL'S BELLES strives to deliver with mechanical precision and passionate fury. Endorsed by Angus Young himself (Blender Magazine, 2003), HELL'S BELLES are the closest one can get without actually moving to Australia and joining AC/DC's road crew.
 

(((folkYEAH!))) presents Video Age with special guests The Umbrellas

Thursday, February 20th
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
$18 at the door / $22 day of the show
21+

*Tickets on sale Friday, Nov. 15th at 10am PT*

VIDEO AGE

Video Age make breezy and timeless songs that are so ineffable, they can only be the result of a decades-long friendship and songwriting partnership. Across four albums, Ross Farbe and Ray Micarelli have gleefully worn their influences on their sleeve, writing inviting tunes that reference sounds ranging from disco to pop and indie rock. On their latest LP, Away From The Castle, the New Orleans duo have strayed from nostalgia and instead have honed their own unique musicality, making songs that sound like themselves with a taste of inspiration from classic singer-songwriters of the 60s and 70s. The album is a testament to the possibilities that come from getting out of your comfort zone, the freedom of writing vulnerably and unselfconsciously, and the joys of getting to work with your closest companions.

After releasing and eventually touring their critically-acclaimed third album Pleasure Line in 2020, Farbe and Micarelli sought inspiration for their next project through collaboration. They worked with Drugdealer on his album Hiding In Plain Sight, Micarelli gigged throughout New Orleans’ jazz and blues scenes, and Farbe recorded local artists at his home studio, most recently producing Esther Rose’s new album Safe to Run. Feeling refreshed, they rented a cabin in Eunice, Louisiana with touring members Nick Corson and Duncan Troast, where they spent eight days in August 2022 jamming, cooking and writing together. 

Through this process, Video Age have made their best collection of tracks to date by perfectly alchemizing their influences and experiences into a record still tinged with nostalgia, but moving towards a more succinct and authentic voice. Away From The Castle is a document of a band having fun and rediscovering their love for making music together, but it’s also their most honest and personal work yet–Video Age distilled to its purest form.

Coco is coming back to Moe's! 

Sunday, February 23rd
Doors: 3pm / Show: 4pm 
$25 in advance / $30 day of the show
21+

COCO MONTOYA
"One of the most prodigious and gifted electric bluesmen on the planet…a deeply soulful singer and incendiary guitarist [with] a seemingly endless penchant for invention." –AllMusic

"Smoking songs and heavy hitting guitar full of fire and passion…Montoya’s rough-edged voice is filled with feeling. Bluesy, powerful and unpredictable…[It]really gets the blood flowing." –Blues Music Magazine

"Montoya is a show-stopper…heartfelt singing and merciless guitar with a wicked icy burn. He is one of the truly gifted blues artists of his generation." –Living Blues

“’Just play what you feel, be real about it, and enjoy yourself.’ That’s what Albert Collins taught me,” says the award-winning guitar virtuoso and soul-deep singer Coco Montoya. The self-taught, left-handed Montoya mastered his craft under Collins’ tutelage. Incorporating lessons learned from his mentors, the iconic Collins (for whom he originally drummed), and UK legend John Mayall, Montoya puts his own stamp onto every song he performs. Since his first solo album in 1995 (which won him the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist), Montoya’s endlessly inventive guitar work and passionate, hard-hitting vocals have kept him at the top of the blues world. With his new Alligator Records album, Writing On The Wall (his sixth for the label), Montoya delivers what he is already calling one of the best records he’s ever made. For the very first time on Alligator, he decided to bring his road-tested band—noted keyboardist and songwriter Jeff Paris (Keb’ Mo’, Bill Withers), bassist Nathan Brown, and drummer Rena Beavers—into the studio with him. Between the camaraderie of the long-time bandmates and the sheer talent of all involved, the results have left Coco, in his words, “over the moon.”
 

(((folkYEAH!))) presents Norwegian instrumental group Orions Belte with special guest J Ember!

Tuesday, February 25th
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
$20 in advance / $25 day of the show
21+

ORIONS BELTE
There are some places and moments that tie people together forever, whether it be a place, a song or something you can't quite define through words. The origins of Orions Belte stemmed from one of those mystical moments in time, which spawned a lasting creative connection. Øyvind Blomstrøm (guitar) and Chris Holm (bass) first met while playing in a touring band for another Norwegian artist. During that time, they bonded over their love for instrumental music and began talking about trying their hand at it themselves. After their work as touring band ended, they recruited drummer Kim Åge Furuhaug, one of Holm's longtime friend and collaborators, to join their new project.

The three met in Bergen, located along the west coast of Norway, to start working on ideas and demos. Instead, within just a few days, they ended up recording their entire first album, Mint. From there, the universe propelled them forward, resulting in a record deal, their live debut as a band at Norway's biggest pop festival Øyafestivalen and the release of their debut record all happening within the following year. Mint drew international interest and praise from outlets including Atwood Magazine, who called the record "an eclectic fusion of disparate styles and exciting sounds that says what it wants to say through memorable melodies, ambient drones, and a stockpile of wicked guitar riffs."

They quickly followed up Mint with their funk-infused 2019 EP Slim, which features reimagined versions of Ghostface Killah's “Cherchez La Ghost,” Milton Nascimento's "Tudo O Que Você Podia Ser" and an original cut that pays homage to Norwegian beat group The Pussycats and the late Mac Miller. 

Amidst the unexpected chaos of 2020, Orions Belte kept the music flowing. They released another EP of inspired and experimental music, once again pushing the boundaries of what "instrumental music" can be. 600m per minute takes its name from an elevator in Tokyo, Japan that can transport 40 people at time at a maximum speed of 600 meters per minute. The supercharged, slightly nervous energy that the invention often evokes is mirrored in the EP's rocking title track, while "Orbit" brings a funky, worldly feel with a rhythm that urges you to move. 

Now, the trio is back with a new album that explores new creative and aural depths. Villa Amorini boasts the energy of a busy downtown sidewalk, with instruments intricately layered to draw you in and leave you wondering where it will lead.

Moe's Alley presents Mark Hummel's 33rd Annual Harmonica Blowout!

Sunday, March 2nd
Doors: 1pm / Show: 2pm
$40 in advance / $45 day of the show
21+

MARK HUMMEL'S 33RD ANNUAL HARMONICA BLOWOUT

Moe's Alley presents award-winning, traditional Irish music trio from Ennis, Country Clare, Ireland – Socks In The Frying Pan! 

Sunday, March 2nd
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
$25 in advance / $30 day of the show
21+

SOCKS IN THE FRYING PAN
Socks in the Frying Pan, a multi-award-winning trio from Ennis, County Clare, Ireland—the mecca of Irish traditional music—was formed in 2014. Forged together by a fire of pure joy and passion for their art, the band comprises Aodan Coyne on guitar and lead vocals, Shane Hayes on accordion, and younger brother Fiachra Hayes on fiddle.
 

Moe's Alley presents the long-awaited return of The Motet for their Love Time Tour!

Saturday, March 15th
Doors: 7pm/ Show: 8pm
$27 in advance / $32 day of the show
21+

*Tickets on sale Friday, Nov. 15th at 10am PT*

THE MOTET
Formed over two decades ago, the funk six-piece The Motet have learned to work as an interlocking unit, with each member bolstering one another towards the best creative output. This symbiosis has led to a unique style and cohesive musical chemistry, as seen in the band's immaculate live performances and seamless blend of funk, soul, jazz, and rock. With a fervent fanbase in tow, The Motet have sold out shows across the nation, performed six headlining slots at Red Rocks and sets at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Bottlerock, Electric Forest, Bumbershoot, Summer Camp, and High Sierra. 

But even after their 20+ years of accolades and recognition, the legendary outfit – composed of Dave Watts (drums), Joey Porter (keys), Garrett Sayers (bass), Drew Sayers (keys and saxophone), Ryan Jalbert (guitar), and new singer Sarah Clarke – are still exploring new sonic ideas and finding new ways to showcase each other’s skill sets. 

The band released All Day in 2023 – an eclectic instrumental voyage threaded by the infectious grooves and immaculate, layered arrangements that The Motet have become known for.

Now with vocal powerhouse Sarah Clarke in tow, the band continues their journey with their highly anticipated 10th studio album Love Time, out November 15, 2024.

Moe's Alley presents two incredible nights with The Brothers Comatose! 

Thursday, April 10th (Night 1)
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
$30 in advance / $35 day of the show
21+

*Tickets on sale Friday, Dec. 6th at 10am PT*

THE BROTHERS COMATOSE

The Brothers Comatose are a roots-infused bluegrass band known for their infectious blend of Americana, folk, and traditional bluegrass. Based in San Francisco, California, the band has developed a reputation for their high-energy performances, heartfelt songwriting, and impressive musicianship. Founded in 2009 by brothers Ben and Alex Morrison, the group features a revolving lineup of talented musicians, but the core of their sound is defined by tight harmonies, virtuosic string instrumentation, and a foot-stomping, back-porch spirit.

In 2024, the band welcomed multi-instrumentalist Addie Levy into the fold, adding a new layer of depth and dynamic to their sound. As a talented fiddle player and vocalist, Levy's contribution brought a fresh energy and a new dimension to the band's harmonies, seamlessly blending with the Morrison brothers' voices while enhancing their already distinctive bluegrass stylings. Her presence not only broadened the band's musical range but also enriched their live performances, creating an even more compelling and cohesive sound.

The Brothers Comatose’s sound draws from a variety of influences, including old-time bluegrass, country, and rock, but they make it uniquely their own with a modern twist and a strong emphasis on storytelling. Their songs often delve into themes of love, loss, adventure, and the human experience, all while maintaining an upbeat, rollicking energy that keeps fans coming back for more.

The band has earned praise for their live shows, which are marked by their lively stage presence and infectious enthusiasm. Whether performing intimate club shows or festival mainstages, The Brothers Comatose deliver an unforgettable experience that showcases their deep passion for music and performance.

Moe's Alley presents two incredible nights with The Brothers Comatose! 

Friday, April 11th (Night 2)
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
$30 in advance / $35 day of the show
21+

*Tickets on sale Friday, Dec. 6th at 10am PT*

THE BROTHERS COMATOSE

The Brothers Comatose are a roots-infused bluegrass band known for their infectious blend of Americana, folk, and traditional bluegrass. Based in San Francisco, California, the band has developed a reputation for their high-energy performances, heartfelt songwriting, and impressive musicianship. Founded in 2009 by brothers Ben and Alex Morrison, the group features a revolving lineup of talented musicians, but the core of their sound is defined by tight harmonies, virtuosic string instrumentation, and a foot-stomping, back-porch spirit.

In 2024, the band welcomed multi-instrumentalist Addie Levy into the fold, adding a new layer of depth and dynamic to their sound. As a talented fiddle player and vocalist, Levy's contribution brought a fresh energy and a new dimension to the band's harmonies, seamlessly blending with the Morrison brothers' voices while enhancing their already distinctive bluegrass stylings. Her presence not only broadened the band's musical range but also enriched their live performances, creating an even more compelling and cohesive sound.

The Brothers Comatose’s sound draws from a variety of influences, including old-time bluegrass, country, and rock, but they make it uniquely their own with a modern twist and a strong emphasis on storytelling. Their songs often delve into themes of love, loss, adventure, and the human experience, all while maintaining an upbeat, rollicking energy that keeps fans coming back for more.

The band has earned praise for their live shows, which are marked by their lively stage presence and infectious enthusiasm. Whether performing intimate club shows or festival mainstages, The Brothers Comatose deliver an unforgettable experience that showcases their deep passion for music and performance.

Moe's Alley presents Canadian post-punk band ACTORS with special guests Holy Water! 

Tuesday, May 13th
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
$20 in advance / $25 day of the show
21+

ACTORS
ACTORS began by releasing a string of popular singles, starting with “Post Traumatic Love” in 2012 and building a dedicated fanbase while eschewing a debut album release for the band’s first six years of existence. In 2018, the Jason Corbett-led foursome signed with Toronto-based Artoffact Records and released its long-awaited debut, It Will Come to You, quickly becoming one of the marquee acts on the label and following with their sophomore release 'Acts of Worship' in 2021. In Late 2020, ACTORS announced a new single, “Love U More,” with Juno-Award winning director Peter Ricq contributing his talents to the accompanying video.

Songs like “L’appel du Vide,” “Slaves,” “Face Meets Glass,” and “Bury Me” are bangers that glisten via Corbett’s production job: infectious beats propelled by the warm layers of synth, bass, and drums contributed by the rest of the band. Corbett writes, produces, mixes, and masters all ACTORS music at his own Vancouver studio, Jacknife Sound and names David Bowie as a fundamental influence – Bowie’s sense of confidence and creativity are in full effect on It Will Come to You. Much more than a retro act, this is music that stands all on its own, full of life and complete with unforgettable hooks. Perhaps best described as a “post-post-punk” band, ACTORS belongs in the mix alongside bands like The Soft Moon and Cold Cave. 

ACTORS have spent the last several years touring the USA, Canada, and Europe, while hitting many of the best-loved festivals, including Amphifest, Wave-Gotik-Treffen, Cold Waves, Substance, Death Disco, Verboden and many more.”

HOLY WATER
Hard-hitting electro house from Sacramento, CA.
 

Moe's Alley presents the return of Jamaican reggae legends Israel Vibration with very special guest Duane Stephenson all backed by the iconic Roots Radics band! 

Friday, May 16th
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
$40 in advance / $45 day of the show
21+

ISRAEL VIBRATION
A living lesson in fortitude, the vocal trio of Cecil "Skeley" Spence, Albert "Apple Gabriel" Craig, and Lascelle "Wiss" Bulgin overcame adversity, illness, and poverty to become one of the finest roots groups in Jamaica's history. All three had been afflicted by polio and first became acquainted, albeit briefly, at Kingston's Mona Rehabilitation Clinic.

The three teens had individually all previously converted to rastafarianism, now their shared faith and childhood experiences helped forge a strong friendship. They spent the next six years singing around Kingston for their suppers and by 1975, Israel Vibration was a vocal force to be reckoned with. The group's exquisite dread sound and militant cultural themes made an instant impression and the trio now found themselves on-stage opening for the likes of Bob Marley and Dennis Brown. 

The trio's deeply devotional songs, cultural themes, inspirational lyrics, and original take on the roots style had struck a chord with reggae fans around the world. They relocated to New York City, perhaps believing that the large immigrant community could sustain them, or that America was now ready to embrace roots. But a few occasional live appearances aside, the group swiftly disappeared from view. All three attempted solo careers, but only Bulgin made it on to record; his Mr. Sunshine album paired him with the Freedom Fighters Band.

In 1997, Apple Gabriel left the group to pursue a solo career, releasing the album Another Moses in 1999. Skelly and Wiss continue to record albums and tour the world as Israel Vibration, backed by longtime associates Roots Radics.In December 2014 they were reportedly recording a new album set for release in early 2015. The new album, entitled "Play It Real" was released on 31 March 2015 via Utopia. On March 23rd, 2020, Albert "Apple Gabriel" co-founder and former member of the group died due to 'compilation sickness', earlier reports indicated that Albert was not well for quite some time, this was supposedly due to some of the polio infections left in his body. On a Facebook post on March 7, 2020, he had indicated that he had suffered a stroke. He died on March 23, 2020. On August 26th, 2022, Cecil "Skelly" Spence died of lung cancer.

DUANE STEPHENSON
Duane Stephenson has distinguished himself as a respected singer and songwriter with a purity of heart and sound that can be felt from the first note of his melodic instrument. From the quality of his voice to his potent lyrics and memorable melodies, Duane ably addresses a variety of issues, ranging from powerful social commentary to romance. Duane’s work as a singer and songwriter are reflective of his early artistic exposure to the music industry veterans, many of whom have provided guidance and inspiration along his path.

(((folkYEAH!))) presents UK legends The Mekons!

Tuesday, July 29th
Doors: 7pm / show: 8pm
$28 in advance / $32 day of the show
21+

*Tickets on sale Friday, Nov. 20th at 10am PT*

THE MEKONS

Sonic adventurers, punk rock fundamentalists, exuberant luddites, willing outcasts.

 “The mekons are the most revolutionary group in the history of rock ‘n’ roll” – wrote rock critic Lester Bangs

The genre-defying mekons formed in Leeds, England in 1977.  Born from the emerging British punk scene, they progressed from art students with no musical skills to the prolific, raucous progeny of Hank Williams. This current classic line-up has remained intact since the mid-1980s, continuing to regularly tour and release new music through to now.  Theirs is an improbable history – a surprising and influential embrace of folk and country music with occasional forays into the art world. They have always worked collaboratively and collectively with all work credited to the band, never to individuals. Their mind-boggling output consistently blurs the lines between high art and low and has included exhibitions in the UK and US, a deranged pirate musical recorded and staged with Kathy Acker, an art performance with Vito Acconci, and several books including the unique art catalog/unfinished novel Mekons United.   "Revenge of the mekons", a documentary about the band received nationwide release in 2015 on Music Box Films.  The mekons continue to make bold, unpredictable music while staying true to the punk ethos. Their mind-boggling output consistently blurs the lines between high art and low and they remain one of the truly great live bands.  

Their last album "Exquisite" was recorded completely remotely during the early months of lockdown and released on Bandcamp in June 2020.  The band are working with Fire Records on their new album which comes out in 2025.  The single from that album "You're Not Singing Anymore" will be released on Fire Records in early November 2024.

JILL SOBULE