Justin Ancheta (san francisco)

 Justin Ancheta is the guitarist and singer for the band, Pills & Jackets (formerly 'Sinclair'). Starting his musical career with classical instruments, Ancheta started on the piano, violin, and percussion. Guitar came quickly to him at a young age due to his father always playing the Ukelele and the guitar around the house. In 1992, the string quartet of Auburn, California recruited Justin for second violinist. He became actively involved in the Auburn Youth Symphony, School Symphony, and school choir for the remainder of his youth. High School did not have a symphony but had a regular school band with wind instruments, so Justin decided to get involved on percussion in the High School band and and Baritone vocals on the Choir. Nights after school and sports, Justin would go home with friends to the 'jam room' set up in an extra bedroom at his parents house and play music for hours into the night.

The years 1999 through 2003, Ancheta continued pursuing music in Sacramento, California with the band Sinclair. In those years the band was nominated for best latin/world band for the Sacramento Music Awards (SAMMIES) three years in a row. Sinclair also won the Battle of the Bands at Sacramento State in 2003.

Justin has opened and/or played with the following artists: the Wailers, RadioActive, Peter Tosh's Band, Fully Fullywood. As well, he has been in the presence of many great artists that he looks up to, such as Carter Beauford from Dave Matthew's band and Michael Franti from Spearhead.

Justin has decided to continue his musical career in the bigger city of San Francisco. "I've always wanted to live closer to the ocean," Justin says of the move down to San Francisco. Ancheta has sold over 10,000 CD's as an independent artist and plays the clubs and festivals up and down the coast attract opening slots on national tours. National tour or international tour - He is ready!

 www.myspace.com/justinancheta  

Sid Lewis & Crazygrass

Crazygrass – “Rock n’ Roll Bluegrass with a twist!” Think good old American rock with a hillbilly twist...the next big music wave! Award winning Banjoist/Songwriter Sid Lewis is back with his band CrazyGrass! In the last two years Crazygrass’s unique brand of “Rock n’ Roll Bluegrass” has stole crowds at the Strawberry Music Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, California World Music Festival, the Oregon Country Fair and the Trinity Tribal Stomp. After recently doing some performances with Leftover Salmon, Tony Furtado, Radim Zenkl and Joe Craven of The David Grisman Quintet, he has been inspired to return to the local scene, and looks forward to sharing his latest music with the Chico crowd. Gathering some of the finest players in Northern California around him, Sid and Crazygrass have created an exciting new sound combining elements of bluegrass, fusion, jazz, and world music. Only in their first year of performing, they have already shared the stage with Steve Kimock, David Grisman, Leftover Salmon, String Cheese Incident, and many more! The Chico Enterprise record called Crazygrass “……a band whose time has come”. Joe Craven has dubbed Sid Lewis “……One sure fine banjo picker!” The High Sierra Music Festival hailed them “..Virtuosos!” The new Crazygrass Album (available on our Music and Merch page) features Joe Craven on two cuts, and the upcoming acoustic Album will feature guest Radim Zenkl. The band CrazyGrass consists of Sid Lewis, two-time California State flatpicking guitar champion, on guitar, banjo, and lead vocals. "SuperDaveBreedLove" is on the drums, combining standard trap kit with unique world beat sounds. In demand session player David Silva plays a smoldering fusion guitar, reminiscent of Trey Anastasio and Santana, as well as percussion and vocals. On electric and acoustic bass is Johnny 4 Finger, also playing with the Jack Schadt band. Together their sound is reminiscent of Leftover Salmon and String Cheese Incident, with a hard driving rock flavor. The combination of original songs by Sid Lewis and Smokey Brown along with instrumental virtuosity has their fans dancing all across the state! Catch them now before they get huge!

www.myspace.com/crazygrass  

Dena Moes

Music and life are interwoven; I have been singing all along the way. Some places where the inspiration has been significant are as follows.... Jewish summer camp as a child, where I learned to sing Hebrew Prayers and folk songs. Madrigal Choir is high school, where I sang music ranging from Renaissance to jazz with ten other women. Yale, where I explored writing, and the essence of language. Art as political action with The Living Theatre, in New York City and abroad. In the East Village in the early nineties I was frontwoman for Bloom, a "punk/folk" band. I found the heart in heartsongs at remote mountain Rainbow Gatherings. The past few years have been filled with raising young children and serving my community as a midwife. Now those experiences are translating themselves into song as well. May my music embody my vision for a world based on love, compassion, community, and the innate joyfulness of our true nature. Blessings!

www.myspace.com/denamoes