Do you love Earth Shine? Have you seen their posts and have thought, "I sure wish there was some way I could help this great organization be the best it can be?" Well, you're in luck. We've put together a fun event thanks to support our friends at Earth Shine and we know it's just the thing to help us send them into 2019 with a strong wind in her sails.
We cordially invite you, your friends, and your family to "Pick it Up: a Benefit for Earth Shine."
Did you know that the Central Coast was the home to some very amazing, generous, and supportive musicians? That's right, our little slice of the California pie is a treasure trove of talent that, to be honest, we're spoiled to call our own. And Vine Street Music Nights and Earth Shine have come together to present you with just a small sampling of this great talent in one jam packed evening. Over the next few weeks leading up to this event, we'll be shining a much deserved spotlight on each of these musicians and their many talents. But for now, let us just do some quick introductions to the talent for the evening.
Travis Warren
We are proud and blessed to announce that the very amazing and talented Travis Warren will be taking the Vine Street Music Night stage. Warren has played in such local amazing bands as Texas Lights, 00-Metro, Rain Fur Rent and Kill Watt, and currently is the singer for the one and only Blind Melon. This group, which yes, is still around and making music, just played a wonderful show at Slo Brew in support of their summer tour and brought the house down. Warren's vocals have been compared to a cross btween Robert Plant and Maynard from Tool, but really they're all his own and they're sounding better than ever as he continues his decade spanning career. In addition to being an amazing vocalist, Warren has a true gift when it comes to songwriting and creating iconic riffs and his work in both bands and on solo projects should not be missed.
Chad Land
Our next musician is one of the hardest working musicians here on the Central Coast. His name is Chad Land and if you haven't heard this man, you're in for a treat. Chad Land has been performing solo gigs here on the Central Coast for much of the last decade and his original acoustic songs truly capture the history and beauty of the Central Coast. But Land's
roots are actually in a much more metal past. He was the lead guitarist, co-songwriter, and force to be reckoned with in 00-Metro, a founding member of Rain Fur Rent, and formed the melt your face off group, Axia, a central Coast metal mainstay that was active in the late oughts and early years of this decade. Currently he is working on several projects, but much of his energy has gone into create a One stop Shop for musicians and artists here on the Central Coast where he records musicians, presses cds, prints album work, and makes Tshirts for local musicians. It truly is the One Stop shop and we also welcome them as one of our sponsors.
The Band Carter
In addition to having solo performers for this great night of music, we'll also have a few bands for your listening pleasure, and one of those bands is none other than Carter, a family band that is quickly turning heads here on the Central Coast. Carter is fronted by Darren Doran, a singer/songwriter whose voice is one of the best around. Darren's vocals are both modern and definitely rooted in the past with such performers as Roy Orbison and Paul McCartney. His soulful ballads are anthemic and sweet and guaranteed to have you singing along by the second verse. He's supported by his sister, Molly Doran, on vocals and harmonica and father and longtime collaborator Ken Doran plays guitar and sings backing vocals. The remaining members aren't blood related, but Daniel Hays and Alek Speck are quickly becoming family on bass and drums respectively.
Jolon Station Band
Starting off this evening of great music will be another band that has been getting audiences dancing at venues such as the Pour House, The Siren, Cayucos Tavern, and the occasional backyard jam fest. Jolon Station Band plays country tunes with a healthy dose of rock and roll to get folks dancing. Their influences include Tom Petty, Merle Haggard, and the Grateful Dead and they'll be rocking a full hour set to get this party started right. Show up early so you don't miss these talented musicians.
Phew! That's a ton of great music, but we're not finished yet.
Sam Cav
Also on this amazing bill will be Sam Cav, a man of many talents that are not limited to his great songwriting and singing. In addition to crafting perfect pedal boards with an array of great sounds that give his songs depth not usually found in solo performers, Sam Cav will also be our chef for the evening. So make sure you send your compliments his way if you've enjoyed the feast. We're also thankful for him for the great artwork he crafted for our posters for this event. Like we said: he's multi-talented!
The Brothers Cowell
And finally, last, but certainly not least, a duo that needs no introduction on the Central Coast. We have the very excellent Brothers Cowell lined up to give you guys a rollicking good time. The brothers will be trading spots during their set to give you fine renditions of classic country tunes, classic rock tunes, and maybe even some modern takes on classic hip hop that'll get your booties shaking. Made up of Craig Cowell, who has played bass in such acts as 00-Metro and Axia, and who sang and played guitar in The Sons of KD Elder (miss these guys!), is a mainstay at many a music night when we slip into our acoustic afterparty. His brother Brent Cowell performed in local party band and group to dance your ass off to, A.F.R.O. Lately he's been playing the occasional open mic in Maui, soaking up the sun and taking in the waves. He's back on the mainland, however, and getting his feet wet playing gigs locally here on the Central Coast.
What about the food?
Speaking of great lineups, you're not going to want to miss lining up for our dinner plates. We'll have tritip, chicken wings, and sausages. But you're vegetarian? Awesome! We've got you covered. We're preparing garden burgers, portabello mushrooms, and roasted veggie plates, too! All plates will be $8 in advance and $10 at the event. Some refreshments will be available at this event, but we welcome all to Bring Your Own Beverages, or BYOB acronymically speaking, of course.
Wow...so who made it this far down the event? Congratulations and kudos if you have. Sometimes we get carried away talking about our wonderfully talented friends and we can't help ourselves. So there you have it. An evening of great music, barbecue (with vegetarian options) and all of this to support a great cause: a more beautiful Central Coast in 2019 and beyond. Proceeds from tickets, food sales, and any other donations will go directly to Earth Shine, one of the central Coast's newest non-profit organizations focused on inspiring communities to Pick it Up for a cleaner, healthier planet. It's a great cause that we're happy to support in whatever small ways we can.