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Sacramento-Area Youth Shine at the JAMMIES

By Lise Ching

Anyone who doubts the value of funding arts programs in America's public schools clearly has not heard the talented young artists who were featured at the JAMMIES on Saturday, February 28. I am certain that the thirteen musical acts that wowed the capacity crowd at Sacramento's Crest Theatre are proud to represent the up-and-coming Valley music scene.

The show started with No Bands Land, an ensemble fronted by five female voices. It's always nerve-wracking to be the first performer, but the eleven-member group held up admirably. Most impressive was the band's fourth number, "You're Here," written and sung by Christine Matutis. She had a dynamic energy and a strong voice.

Sound system woes couldn't diminish the riveting presence of Sasha Tkacheff.  While the technicians got her electric violin connected to the sound system, she quipped, "I can hear the music in my head, but I can't plug my head in."  Her two original compositions, "Recommencer" and "Ziggy's Bow," displayed an understanding of music far beyond her years.

Next up were the Housekats, a quintet of musicians from Sacramento . Their instrumental set fused elements of jazz, ska and funk into the foot-tappingly good songs "Housekats Go Ska" and "Carry, Go, Bring, Come." With their rich sound and eclectic hairstyles, they wowed the crowd. It may be hard to believe, but these young men are only in the ninth grade.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Jennifer Mancuso, while talented, had a hard time keeping the energy of the crowd up after the lively performances of Sasha Tkacheff and the Housekats.  Her accompaniest on guitar, Adrian Bourgeois (of No Bands Land), was wearing a vintage Paul McCartney shirt - the first of many t-shirt tributes to musical legends that adorned the performers.

The JAMMIES became a full-fledged rock show when Five Minute Ride took the stage. Shouting out to the crowd, "Move to the front!," front man Kurt Travis whipped the audience into a frenzy - all except the nice older ladies who suddenly fled for the restrooms, fingers jammed in ears. Like fellow rockers Ruckus and Gooser, they had the Rockstar look down pat - funky hairdos and ill-fitting pants. The blew through songs like "Sunday Night Service" and "November In My Soul" with power and style.

Act One wrapped up with the soul-thumping sounds of the Natomas Nighthawk Drum Corps. Wrapping themselves around the audience in the Crest's lower level, it was impossible not to become enveloped by the massive sound. After finishing their four song set under the direction of Floyd Kennedy, they received the first standing ovation of the night.

Act Two began with crowd-pleasers Flip The Switch. Dressed in matching monogrammed bowling shirts and armed with a bevy of accessories like a toilet paper-rigged leaf blower (you have to see it to believe it), this seven-piece act is reminiscent of the Blues Brothers - if the Blues Brothers went ska. Their energetic and humorous songs, like the clever "Gangsta Grandpa," had the crowd dancing wildly.

Madelyn Covey's performance wove elegant guitar playing with some of the most mature and insightful songwriting of the evening. Her song "Captain Kirk" featured laugh-out-loud-funny lyrics like "Captain Kirk gets all the space babes, but his boyfriend Mr. Spock keeps his feet on the ground." Covey also served as one of two painters who created original works of art throughout the evening's performances.

A familiar face at the JAMMIES were Fairman and Friends . Christopher Fairman (vocals, guitar), David DeMuri (piano) and Jon McHenry (drums) are proof-positive that putting money toward the arts is a wise investment indeed. McHenry's drumming was by far the best of the night. Fairmans's subtle elegance channelled equal parts Dave Mathews and the late Jeff Buckley.  Fairman and Friends went on to win the audience poll and a recording package/"making of" video.

Skylar Hall fell victim to the "technical difficulties" monster. However, by the time she began her second song, Fiona Apple's "Shadowboxer", she was truly in her element.

Next up was Ruckus . Before they made their way on to the stage, the pit had already filled up with fans. They would not be disappointed as Ruckus rocked them through songs like "Divine" and "Outcasts." Bass-player Luis Salinas impressed with his funk/rock blend.

Another JAMMIE alumnus was beatboxer Leejay Abucayan. Mouths were agape as Abucayan worked his magic on the crowd. Murmurs of "How does he do that?" echoed throughout the crowd. Abucayan recently won first place in the Austrian Beatbox Championship in Vienna - and it was easy to see why.

Gooser brought the show to a loud and crazy close with their four-song set. Fans shouted out their name all night. While fellow JAMMIES artists Five Minute Ride and Ruckus were of the same genre, Gooser clearly were the masters.

Breaking into the entertainment world can be daunting for even the most determined soul. Success is often a combination of tons of practice and the right contacts - the JAMMIES offers these talented young performers a bit of both. Rock on!

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