ROOTS. ROCKE. THURSDAZE. with The Expanders, Stone Senses and Bad Neighborz

Description: 9:00 PM 

The Expanders: Website MySpace Add To Favorites The Expanders began playing reggae music together in the summer of 2003, and today are one of the most respected and hardest working reggae bands in Southern California. They have come to be known for their vintage “rockers” style of reggae, played in the tradition of classic 1970s Jamaican groups like The Ethiopians, Culture, The Mighty Diamonds, etc. Their music emphasizes three-part vocal harmonies and strong song writing. In addition to performing their own original material and rare Jamaican scorchers, since 2006 The Expanders have been the backing band of choice for legendary Jamaican singers when they come to California to perform, having backed such classic artists as Alton Ellis, The Maytones, The Ethiopians, The Wailing Souls, and many more.

Stone Senses: Coming original with a new blend of SoCal rock infused reggae, Stone Senses have been taking the West Coast music scene by storm since 2004. Hailing from Carlsbad, CA in North San Diego County, Stone Senses have set out to embody the upbeat, positive nature of the scene that they grew up in. Stone Senses has been influenced by traditional roots rock reggae acts like Steel Pulse and Toots and The Maytals, to the modern rock of 311 and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Playing almost 400 shows since late 2004, Stone Senses have been playing to sold out crowds at some of Southern California’s finest venues and festivals, including The House of Blues San Diego, The Bellyup Tavern, The Coachhouse, The Galaxy, The OC Tavern, Brixton Southbay, The Blue Café, Cane’s, The Malibu Inn, Soma, Reggae Day at The Del Mar Fair, Harrah’s Rincon, The Fiesta Del Sol, as well the NAMM Show in 2008. Stone Senses have shared the stage with many national touring acts, including The Wailers, Don Carlos, The Abyssianians, Groundation, Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Half Pint, The Aggrolites, The Dirty Heads, Mikey Dread, The Expendables, Natural Vibrations, OPM, Ooklah The Moc, SOJA, John Brown’s Body, Bedouin Soundclash, Common Sense, Rebelution, and Iration. Stone Senses new album Live It Up was released August 8th, 2008. With 12 tracks that ranges from rolling ska rockers like “Live it Up” to smooth reggae grooves like “Wait”, the album promises to touch everyone’s musical taste buds. Beautiful melodies come from two promising vocalist, who, in contrast are as different as the songs they appear in. Warm, intelligent bass lines and amazing guitar solos finish off this well rounded sophomore album. Stone Senses first full length album has received airplay around the world on both conventional radio and internet radio stations. Local San Diego stations that have played tracks include FM 94/9, 91X, and Rock 105.3. With two distinct lead vocalists it is hard not to listen to the album’s songs and categorize them into two separate groups. Particularly, as the accompanying music for each vocalist also seems separated in style. Eric Castaneda takes the lead on the more upbeat tunes like on the fiery title track, the ska bounce of Man on the Run and the funk, metal, reggae opus that is Burning Down. I am sure this rock experiment would be a blast to play live. Guitarist and co-lead vocalist Mike O’Gara is the perfect counter balance to the “in your face” vocal style of Eric. Mike shines when he is at his quietest, like on: Someone to Hold, with its acoustic GnR Patience-like intro; the heart-break of Regret; and the straight-up acoustic re-recording of Broken Crown. However, he saves his best for the near to last track with My Little Angel, demonstrating a vocal soulful tenderness at a whole another level. Hopefully, his confidence will grow to try more stuff like this in the future. It’s rare you can listen to an album and tell immediately where the band is from. One spin of Live it Up and you know… no you feel the sound is brewing from way down in the south of California. Building on its debut, this is a pretty great follow-up album.