Event details

Event details

Riley Downing of The Deslondes w/ Kassi Valazza + Bobcat Rob (solo)
Wed Oct | 27 2021 Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
Moe's Alley , 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, CA
$15 / $20

About This Event

**Note: Until further notice, we will require proof of vaccination OR a negative test within 72 hours of the show for entry. Masks are recommended when indoor at Moe's Alley.

Acceptable forms of proof:

• Vaccination Record Card
• CA state QR code - https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov
• Picture of vaccination card that matches ID
• Negative test confirmation from an authorized testing facility that matches ID

Thank you! 
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Riley Downing
You may know Riley Downing from his work with acclaimed New Orleans combo the Deslondes, or perhaps from his similarly rootsy and wide-ranging catalog of songs with the Tumbleweeds – indeed, the Missouri-based singer-songwriter’s ability to set gripping, evocative narratives within soundscapes that weave together country, blues, folk, r&b, bluegrass, rock, soul and whatever else catches his ear is something that, once you hear it, is hard to shake free from. Same goes for that voice – deep, dusty and drawling, it’s an instrument that can stop you in your tracks with its character and expressiveness, as well as through Downing’s knack for laying out complex emotions in plainspoken, direct language.

Kassi Valazza
Kassi Valazza has a viscous, light gold voice. It swirls around in your head like whiskey in a snifter; vaporous, and intoxicating. For most of her album Dear Dead Days pedal steel and electric guitar lope along at half time, the in-pocket rhythm section booming from deep in the low end. Its frequencies penetrate your flesh. The songs reverberate off your bones. Her lyrics drip down the inside of your skull. Musicians with Southwest origins dependably bring a languorous relaxation – the slow pace, a defense against the oppressive heat of the high desert– and a grim sense of gravitas, having walked among the bleached bones and arid landscapes. At times Valazza sings as if her lyrics are smoke she’s exhaling. You get the hint: Valazza is pretty goddamn good at writing a sad song –but there’s another element, a painted desert, coloured canyon walls at sunset, endless sky vision. Kassi will be your peyote coyote; a guide through these psychedelic vistas. Here she’s found a way to trap the world of cheaters, drifters, lovers and leavers in amber. Wander from your own woes, and come walk with Valazza’s.

Bobcat Rob (solo)

Bobcat Rob is a songwriter and multi-Instrumentalist with a voice likened to honey drizzled over burning coals. His songs are as uplifting as they are haunting, drawing on visceral truths and common threads to weave captivating tales. From quiet to loud, reserved to explosive, each song carries its own weight and settles deep into the listener.

Engineer, Drainpipes, Beauty In The World and Popcorn Lung - the four singles released from Bobcat Rob’s forthcoming LP - venture deeper into a sound Bobcat has been cultivating in recent years that he likes to call Surf Country. Swimming, sometimes psychedelic guitar and keyboard tones with the backbone of a solid rhythm section, paired with heartfelt honest songwriting, powerful vocals and lush harmonies.

Please Note: This event is 21 and over. Any Ticket holder unable to present valid identification indicating that they are at least 21 years of age will not be admitted to this event, and will not be eligible for a refund.