Contemporary Night

No Bands Land
No Bands Land came together in 2002 as a group of young, dedicated musicians. They promptly got to work writing, practicing and recording their songs released on their first CD, Equal, in June ‘03. Their music is 100% original and the style ranges from Pop to Folk, Rock to Alternative with a hint of R&B. No Bands Land (on the Blackrock Records label) is made up of Natomas Charter School students from all over Sacramento. The band is currently working on their new CD, which will be released on April 27th. Directed by Brian Rivers and Matt Spiva of the Natomas Charter School faculty, education is the #1 goal. Visit www.blackrockrecords.com.

Adrian Bourgeois: vocal/guitar, Antoinette Clinton: vocal, Kristin Craig: vocal, Christine Matutis: vocal, Emily Herr: bass, Meaghan Phillips: keyboard, Janeen Rashmawi: bass, Marcos Ruedas: guitar, Laura Scott: vocal, Rindy Sumners: vocal, Peter Tarara: drums, Brian Watson: guitar

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sasha Tkacheff
Born in Woodland, California of Ukranian-Russian heritage, violinist and songwriter Sasha Tkacheff began studying the violin at age eight with Ingrid Peters at the Pease Conservatory of Music. Her first performance as a soloist was at her sixth grade graduation from Foulks Ranch Elementary School. Over the past seven years, Sasha has performed numerous times, participated in chamber music workshops, Sacramento Youth Symphony concerts, and served as concertmistress with the Sacramento Youth Symphony Junior Orchestra. Sasha is a junior at Franklin High School and is an honor student. “My music is lyrical, but modern. It is romantic, passionate, jazzy.” Influenced by Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Sting and Regina Carter, Sasha’s goal is “to get my ideas out to people so they can be inspired just like I was by the people before me. Musically, my goal is to become a great performer and play with an abandon that no one has seen before.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Housekats
The Housekats formed their group at Joe’s Style Shop back when it functioned as a community arts center. The Housekats are lead by local music activist/musician Harley White. The mission is to not only support kids and the arts, but to educate them about American Music. The Housekats play the music of “the Americas.” Whether it is latin, ska, jazz, funk, R&B or rock, they enjoy playing it all. The band members are freshmen at Sacramento Waldorf High School.

Will Jarvis: flute, Josiah Jungsten: sax, Leif Sigerson and Justin Andrews: trumpet, Ira Mandella: bass, Mike Farr: drums, Chris Kelleher: guitar  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Jennifer Mancuso
Jennifer is a native of California and has been performing since the age of 5. Appearing at fairs, charities, retirement homes and the mayor’s ball, she’s worked for years with her musically talented grandfather, treasuring what she had learned from him. Jennifer co-wrote her first song at age eight and has been developing that art ever since by taking song writing classes at Natomas Charter School. While a member of the Golden State Music Association, she competed against 46 states and won entertainer of the year, vocalist of the year, and best song two years running. Jennifer is able to blend several music styles into her own unique sound. Her clear crisp voice can take you from buttery soft lows to powerful highs as she goes deep down in to her soul on her heart wrenching ballads. Jennifer’s goals are to become a successful recording artist, and to keep up her singing and song writing. “My love of music and the arts has been innate. I believe it to be a calling.”

Accompanied by Adrian Bourgeois

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five Minute Ride
Five Minute Ride is the outcome of two years of hard work and brotherhood. Formed in 2001, the band made a record deal and touring with national bands their first goals. Getting things started was easy for the band. “Small towns are usually pretty forgiving when looking for musicians to begin your dream with,” says drummer Matt Alvarado. With a strong two-song demo that prompted a quick signing with 720 Records, the band showed a strong work ethic, wasting no time achieving their first success in the music business. They play shows regularly at local centers and gatherings. Since the beginning of 2003, they have played with bands such as Eighteen Visions, Poison the Well, Shortie, Still Life Projector, Loudermilk, and Die Trying. The band says that they would like to “tour, sell albums, and have fun making music.”

Kurt Travis: vocals, Josh Daley: guitars, Jason Ellis: guitars/vocals, DJ: bass, Matt Alvarado: drums

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natomas Nighthawk Drum Corps
The award-winning Natomas High School Nighthawk Drum Corps is the pride of the Natomas High campus and the Natomas community. They were founded seven years ago by Floyd Kennedy and are a program of the Natomas High music department under the director Mike Seto. Mr. Kennedy has taught and played drums professionally for over thirty years. His goal is to influence youth from all walks of life and for all students to have an opportunity to become a part of something constructive at their school. With support from the Natomas Unified School District Administration, the N.H.S. percussion ensemble/drum corps has become a successful and integral part of the N.H.S. performing arts program. They have received superior + ratings at the Golden Empire music festivals, achieved high scores at parades and competitions and have performed for many grand openings and community events as well as their own high school activities.

Snare Drums: Frederick Shepherd, Terrance Bankett, Marcus Palma, Daniel Mitchell, Jeremie Elkins, Edwin Lugo, Johneric Gonzales, Tamra Trotter, Quints: Casey Carlton, Isaiah Abdul Rahman, Steven James, Elijah Castro, Quads: Joshua Rossman, Michael Ramos, Mike Dolce, Richard Midson, Bass Drums: Earl Cooper, Jose Gonzalez, Santos Gonzalez, Teanna Johnson, Mario Kennedy, John Myers, Jose Ramos, Joey Sanders, Isaac Tina, Jero Serrano, Jeremiah Williams, Taliesha Harris, Cymbals: Justin Hamilton, Isidro Fragoso, Robert Garcia, Ronnie Christopher

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flip The Switch
The band formed in July of 2002 with only three members — Robert, Daniel (Wil), and Justin — and a dream. Two months later, they added a kick ass trumpet player, Adam, and Ben, playing bass guitar. They practiced and played at a couple of parties under the name “Not Another Face In The Crowd,” then, in late October, they changed their name to Flip The Switch. In November of 2002, F.T.S. recorded their first CD ‘Turn on the Fun.’ Afterward, Justin and Ben quit the band. In six months they found a new drummer (Mark) and bassist (Josh) and added a sax player Matt. F.T.S. is now better than ever. Their mission is to bring ska to the people. “We want to show that Flip The Switch is a band that can make you have a good time. We just released our new album ‘Too much ska for one hand.’” They hope someday to open for Reel Big Fish, Forces Of Evil, The Planet Smashers, The Aquabats, and Less Than Jake.

Robert Appel: guitar, Daniel ‘Wil’ Webb: trombone, Derek ‘Big Daddy’ Hoeven: rapper/dancer, Jacob Howard: alto sax, Josh Goodman: bass, Mark Clark: drums, Matt Barrett: baritone sax

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Madelyn Covey
Madelyn’s greatest influence is her guitar teacher Vladamier Benkunsky, having studied with him for six years. “He made sure my technique is good so that I can take care of my hands, and he showed me how to take care of my instrument.” Her former choir teacher, William Zinn, is credited as one of the best teachers and most upstanding human beings she has ever met. Madelyn opened recently for Jackie Greene at the Guild Theater. “Singing, playing guitar, and writing music make my life better and more fulfilling.” Her goal is to carry music with her through the rest of her life, either as an artist who plays an occasional gig or open mic, or a professional musician. According to Madelyn “music has taught me that life is beautiful as long as I create things for myself and to share with others.” What sets her apart from other performers at her age is her stage presence and ability to express herself through songwriting.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fairman & Friends
Christopher Fairman has played various instruments, but when he picked up the guitar four years ago he found his passion. He was a 2003 JAMMIES participant and, soon after his appearance, he opened for local legends David Houston & Anton Barbeau. Fairman is currently working on his first C.D. His band mates include Dave DeMuri, who has played piano since age nine and is a member of the band Fire Escape, and Jon McHenry, who has played drums since age eleven and appeared at the Governor’s inauguration in 2003. All three are involved in Rio Americano’s award winning band program. According to Chris, his greatest influences have been Dave Matthews, Ryan Adams, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young. “Our goal is to experience the life of a touring musician, and to one day make an impact on people’s lives and the music industry.” Chris would love to one day open for the Dave Matthews Band.

Christopher Fairman: guitar, Dave DeMuri: piano, Jon McHenry: drums

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Skylar Hall
Skylar Hall was born in San Jose in 1988 and is fifteen years old. Skylar and her family moved to the Sacramento area in 1993, and she is currently a sophomore at Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills. Skylar began taking private voice lessons at the age of nine, and private piano lessons at the age of eleven, recording her first demo in a professional studio at the age of twelve. She is currently taking voice lessons from vocal coach and performing artist Larisa Bryski, and excels as a member of the Oak Ridge High School a cappella choir. During 2002, Skylar led her own rock group, Reckless, as lead vocalist and keyboardist. “I am motivated and driven by the idea that if I work hard enough, I could end up playing music for a career.” Influenced by Tori Amos, Skylar’s goal is to become a great songwriter and to play music for the rest of her life. “School music, and songwriting in particular, has given me the chance to really get to know myself. Music has taught me to take chances.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ruckus
All the members of Ruckus attend Natomas Charter School. Influenced by bands like Incubus, Primus and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ruckus has been together for about two years and likes to keep its music roots in funk and rock. Each band member is active in other types of performing groups and works in genres including Latin and Broadway musicals. Ruckus recently placed first for the second consecutive year in the annual Natomas High School talent show, playing their original songs. Ruckus members are versatile musicians and each can play all instruments in the group.

Ivan Hoffman: lead vocals, Luis Salinas: bass, Marcos Ruedas: guitar, Adrian Bourgeois: drums  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Leejay Abucayan
Leejay is a seventeen year-old vocal percussionist, or beatboxer, from Sacramento and is currently a senior at Natomas Charter School. He rocked the mic at last year’s JAMMIES, and won first place in the Austrian Beatbox Championship in Vienna last June. A devoted member of the Pilipino Youth Coalition (PYC), Leejay keeps it real with his Pilipino roots. He hopes he can inspire others to open their minds and mouths and start makin’ music, and to spread beatboxing to help it gain respect as a true art form. “Brian Rivers from Natomas Charter School has influenced me a great deal. He has given me unconditional support.” Leejay says “music is my life. As a beatboxer, I breathe music, literally, and it has a beautiful art form all in its own. Music has taught me to live life, that there is never an inappropriate time for music. It has helped me through many hard times, yet it also allows me to express myself positively.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GOOSER
GOOSER has been playing together for two and a half years. Dan and Tony met through church at the age of eight. Tony met Joe, then ten, and Dan later met Seth at church three years ago. The band was finally complete. Now sixteen and seventeen years old, they started out like any other young band…in a garage, playing pop-punk tunes of girl drama and parent problems. Their biggest venue so far has been the 2003 VANS WARPED TOUR. Influenced most by Die Trying, The Used, Papa Roach and Story of the Year, GOOSER’s ultimate goal is to get “signed by a good label, go on tour for a long time, meet new people, and do what we love to do for a living.” Their style of music can only be called rock. GOOSER has a large Sacramento fan base and they are proud of their dedication to their fans. They hope one day to open for The Used.

Joseph Berry: drums, Daniel Espinoza: vocals & rhythm guitar, Seth Mattson: bass, Anthony Ricker: lead guitar