May 15, 2010 featuring IAN TATTENHAM

We're happy to have Ian join us once again!


Here is a review from the last concert...
Ian Tattenham 4/3/2010

There's something, dare we say, magical that happens when Ian picks up a guitar. We're not talking about the kind of magic that conjures up knights and dragons and fairies. We're talking about the kind of magic that weaves itself around you and eases you back into your chair; the kind of magic that dispels your worries and makes it perfectly fine to sit still and let the music sweep you wherever it wishes.

Guitars love Ian the way muscle cars love great mechanics. In his hands, you can hear them saying, Yeah, this is how I was meant to be played! Ian takes all genres and makes them his own, from Nine Inch Nails to Sarah McLaughlin, and all points in between. His originals are simple, complex, sweet and spicy all at once. His vocals are polished and his range will keep surprising you.

A mixture of Jack Johnson and John Frusciante on steroids, we have to concur with several audience members about Ian's sound:

"Ian's music is what acoustic guys on the radio would sound like if they had balls." Magic, indeed.

May 1, 2010 SPIRITS IN THE BASEMENT

The east bay's own “coalition with a mission,” Spirits in the Basement is a fast-growing group of artists and musicians whose goal is to fight the negative image of Hip Hop artists perpetuated by mainstream media. The members of Spirits are diverse and stay true to their old-school roots and influences, which include Public Enemy, Tom Waits, Nine Inch Nails and The Wu Tang Clan. Spirits often hosts and performs in fundraising events, including recent donor drives.

Spirits in the Basement is performing a more quiet and intimate set in a tribute to the Late Nujabes, held at the next 44/7 house concert on May 1st. The show starts at 7:30 with special guest performers:

Juda J
BeMe
PUSH
and Sug (AKA KOB)

Admission is a suggested donation of $10, but if you don't have $10, whatever you can spare for the artists would be greatly appreciated. Anyone who does pitch in a donation of $10 or higher will receive a ticket to see Spirits in the Basement open for Sunspot Jonz and Aceyalone at the Shattuck Downlow on May 13th!

Check them out at:

www.myspace.com/batemanisdwerx

April 17, 2010 featuring KEITH SHEPPARD

Keith Sheppard, of Sheppard's Krook got started playing piano in bars and coffee houses in and around Berkeley, CA in 1987 after starting college at the University of CA at Berkeley. He concentrated on playing instrumentally, until he discovered that he could actually carry a tune. After playing solo at open mics and coffee houses, he decided it was time to start a band to make things more interesting.

An acoustic rock/jazz/pop trio, featuring drummer, Ron Gainer, and bassist, Blair Reese, Sheppard's Krook has been compared to bands like the Dave Matthews band, the John Butler Trio and the Goo Goo Dolls, just to name a few, but they have a sound uniquely their own. Led by Keith's powerful, unique vocals and backed by a tight rhythm section, the sound of Sheppard's Krook cannot be easily classified and appeals to people from many different cultures, ages and backgrounds.

We're excited to share the polished groove of Keith Sheppard with you!

Visit www.sheppardskrook.com to listen to various songs posted.

April 3, 2010 featuring IAN TATTENHAM

The Little A/V Cathedral is excited to launch its series of house concerts with an incomparable artist, Ian Tattenham.

Ian Tattenham is a singer songwriter who performs his original songs using a variety of acoustic instruments which include 6-String, 12-String, and 4-String Tenor Guitars.

Over the last decade he has focused on developing his unique style of acoustic playing and singing with songwriting that showcases his love for; the naturally beautiful sounds of his instrument, harmonics, complex rhythms, the incorporation of open strings, drone counterpoints to melodic chords, and dynamic songs that range from the energetic to laid-back.

Having grown up in the vibrant music scene of the East Bay during the late 80’s and early 90’s playing various styles of music ranging from blues, funk, rock, punk, grunge, ska, and jazz, Ian found that his passion was in crafting original songs.

Ian attended San Jose State University where he studied songwriting, jazz improvisation, and music theory. As a little kid Ian frequently picked up his Father’s guitars, began guitar lessons at the age of 13, formed a band in High School and began playing at gigs opening for other local bands including schoolmates Green Day.

Based in Pleasant Hill, CA. Ian has self produced and released an all acoustic album February 2010 entitled “Don’t give in” available on iTunes, Lala.com, MySpace Music, and Amazon.com. Visit www.myspace.com/iantatt to listen to various songs posted.