Barrio Manouche w/ DJ K. Bueno: Friday, May 10 at 9:30 p.m., $15
San Francisco’s Barrio Manouche returns with an amazing six-piece lineup to tantalize all your senses. Led by the captivating presence of guitarist/vocalist Javi Jimenez, this band evokes an element of romanticism that makes you feel like you’re in a gypsy fever dream. Their original compositions possess an emotional charge, awakening dance moves you might not have conjured in years.
Barrio Manouche is a sizzling force of acoustic alchemy drawn from around the globe. Flamenco guitar soars above a foundation of Brazilian/Cuban percussion, interwoven with seductive saxophone and hypnotic vocals. Gypsy-jazz melodies inject a timeless quality into the equation. Expect to be overtaken by this lush, high-energy blend of acoustic Latin-French jazz.
Barrio Manouche formed such a natural pairing with DJ K. Bueno last time they were here, we just have to do it again! K. Bueno has rapidly risen to the gold standard of the Nevada City EDM scene. He’s like a bolt of lightning, striking every dancefloor with a matrix of seductive energy before people even know what hit them. He specializes in pulsing Latin beats, electro cumbia flow and funky fusion. He also busts out wicked cool remixes of songs you know and love. K. Bueno is a chameleon who adapts to any setting and vibe with seemingly effortless fluidity. Operating from deep in the zone, his laser-focused approach erases all inhibitions and unites people in the universal language of dance.
New Monsoon: Saturday, May 11 at 9:30 p.m., $15 in adv., $20 at door
“New Monsoon’s exhilarating blend of acoustic and electric instrumentation shines in an irresistible blend of sophisticated song craft, inventive musical exploration and down-home rock-n-roll. They have a collective power that comes off as a real unified force on stage. It’s not just a band, you know? It’s something transcendental.” — Michael Shrieve (original drummer, Santana)
New Monsoon is a Bay Area jamband institution and has been experiencing a renaissance as of late. With an eclectic blend of world-inspired rhythms, collaborative songwriting, deep grooves, and extensive jams, New Monsoon incorporates many influences into their own brand of rock ‘n roll. Celebrating over 25 years of making music, New Monsoon is better than ever having cultivated the experiences of national touring, performing at top venues and festivals including Red Rocks, Bonnaroo, and Austin City Limits Fest. The band has an extensive catalog of studio recordings; most notably “The Sound” produced by Michael Shrieve (Santana)/Paul Kimble (Grant Lee Buffalo) and “V” produced by platinum award winning producer John Cutler (Grateful Dead).
New Monsoon sets itself apart with an interwoven blend of electric and acoustic guitar from Jeff Miller and Bo Carper. Along with the sparkling keyboard work of Phil Ferlino, these three founding members tap into the chemistry that has endeared countless fans over the decades. The addition of a new rhythm section has injected fresh energy into the band’s signature sound. Dale Fanning is a dazzling drummer who brings African and jazz influences to the mix. If you remember his trio Living Daylights, you know how lucky they are to have him. They’ve got the low end on lockdown with Murph Murphy (Stu Allen & Mars Hotel, Tracorum, Band Beyond Description) on bass. This Crazy Horse fan favorite is a groove master who elevates every project he’s involved with.
Anna Moss & The Nightshades: Tuesday, May 14 at 8:30 p.m., $20
When people talk about music being a religious experience, they are referencing the type of spiritual journey Anna Moss evokes throughout her performances. Moss’s vocal quality is so unique and deeply healing that crowds find themselves drifting in spaces beyond time and reason. It is in these moments that you can fully absorb not only the smokey, seductive, and dynamic nature of her singing, but the cut-to-the-bone lyrics along with it. She takes you back in time to the speakeasys of yesteryear while carving out her own niche as one of the most empowered female artists of our day.
Anna is best known on the folk and festival scenes of North America as a front woman for the band Handmade Moments. She is a universally adored artist whose fans have every reason to relate to her like friend as well as an inspiration. Her multi-instrumental prowess—most notably on guitar and saxophone—propels her into rarified air. She’s a natural-born entertainer, a musical shaman, a renaissance woman, an activist for peace and justice and a freak of nature in the best possible way.
Moving to New Orleans several years ago has influenced Anna’s arrangements and style. This project was hatched in the darkest days of the pandemic while she fought her way through an overwhelming depression. It was in these bleak times that Anna saw the path into the light and honed in her signature “bedroom pop” style. If you watch this band’s debut video—“Slow Down Kamikaze,” it’s apparent to see how the musicians who became the initial incarnation of The Nightshades, defined the essence of the devastating emotion this band uniquely emanates. Fernando Lima, a local percussionist and drummer originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil is the backbone of this sound. His sparse, jazzy style punctuates every breath the music takes.
Her Handmade Moments running mate, Joel Ludford, anchors the groove on bass. Normally a jokester and larger-than-life persona, his low-key, down-to-business approach in this band reflects the passionate focus The Nightshades take to the stage. Versatile keyboardist Nat Lawrence brings an extra New Orleans type of flavor to the mix. Rounding out the group is Laurie Shook of the Shook Twins on vocals. She’ll also be treating the crowd to a little opening set to warm the room up!
Nevada City and the Crazy Horse Saloon are a home away from home for Anna. She and Joel used to live here for an extended period of time. As if this weren’t already exciting enough, we’ll all be gathered together on this occasion to celebrate the birthday of this otherworldly goddess! It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the band in an intimate setting before they take the big stages at High Sierra Music Festival later this summer.
