Eight Gigs: Zyah Belle & The Funkshun

Apparently all it takes is for D'Angelo's Black Messiah to drop and everyone flips out about neo-soul. But in the nearly 15 years or so since D'Angelo's last album, female artists like Jill Scott, India Arie and Erykah Badu have more than held down the fort. On the West Coast, we've got our own up-and-comers like Los Angeles' J*Davey and Sacramento's Zyah Belle & The Funkshun. Belle grew up in Vallejo and on some tracks, her Badu-esque voice evokes the sadness of a muted trumpet. Other times, she's rapping over old-school instrumentals like Quincy Jones' “Summer In The City.” Also performing are Rocca Varnado, Mr. Erik James, and KO & Eli. 2708 J Street, www.facebook.com/MsZyahBelle.