Band Bios

We are proud to annouce that the following talent will be performing at the 2013 Roadshow Revival

Bands will play a combination of their top hits along with their own tributes to the memory of Johnny Cash.

Special Guest - Chris Shiflett and the Dead Peasants

Chris Shiflett is best known as the lead guitarist for the rock band Foo Fighters since 1999, and the punk rock band No Use for a Name, as well as the punk rock cover band Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.  Shiflett was born in Santa Barbara, California. When Shiflett was 11, he started learning how to play the guitar. He joined his first band by the time he reached the age of 14.

The self-titled debut album from Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants shows a new, perhaps unexpected side of the longtime Foo Fighter lead guitarist: his skill at writing slightly dialed-down, infectious Americana-laced rock songs. The album is chock-full of soulful pedal steel- and twang guitar-accented songs steeped in his longtime appreciation of classic country artists (Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams), rockabilly (Gene Vincent, Elvis, Eddie Cochran), and deep-rooted rock bands (The Replacements, The Rolling Stones, X). Built around Shiflett’s innate pop sensibilities and punk enthusiasm, each track reveals new layers on repeated and ever rewarding listens.

Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants sets aside Shiflett’s big guitar sound played through a distortion pedal and a loud amp in favor of twangy electric guitars and his beloved Martin acoustic. The album highlights his versatility and skill not only as a guitarist – showcasing his deft playing in an entirely new light – but also as a songwriter: the songs are some of the best, most realized that he’s written. Lyrically, the songs frequently deal with loss…Loss of love, as in the soulful, heavy, ballad-esque “God Damn;” in the chiming keys and buoyant, ringing guitars that belie the crestfallen relationship-gone-wrong of “Get Along;” and in the pedal steel, mandolin, and evocative guitar solo that underline the heartache on “Bandaged”…Or of life, as in the stirring, bluesy groove of “An Atheist’s Prayer;” the rueful slide guitar, country swing of “Death March;” and the spry, jaunty, Old 97s-ian “Baby, Let It Out.”

For Shiflett, also known for his two albums with rock/punk project Jackson United, the formation of The Dead Peasants can be traced back to preparation for a 2008 performance at the Hootenanny, a punk-rockabilly festival in Orange County, CA. A short while after, friend Joey Cape (of Lagwagon) asked him to open on an acoustic tour, for which Shiflett re-worked a few older songs for a more intimate setting in addition to some cover songs (such as this album’s “Burning Lights,” which Joe Strummer plays in the 1990 Finnish movie I Hired A Contract Killer). Inspiration struck throughout this process and he began writing the songs that would make up Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants.

Junior Brown

Robert Gordon

Gordon, referred to by friends and fans as R.G.,  moved to New York City in 1970 and a few years later joined a punk rock band there known as the Tuff Darts. During 1976, the Tuff Darts recorded "All for the Love of Rock and Roll", "Head over Heels" and "Slash" for a compilation album called Live at CBGB's, which included a number of other local New York City bands. That year, Robert made a brief appearance in a punk/New Wave style film entitled Unmade Beds by underground filmmaker Amos Poe. Blondie lead singer Deborah Harry also appeared in the film. 

Rockabilly revival

Record producer Richard Gottehrer discovered Robert during a rehearsal one afternoon with the Tuff Darts and soon afterward the two were talking about making a rock and roll record. Gottehrer was impressed with Gordon's baritone  voice and his rendition of Elvis Presley's One Night.  After some conversation, Robert suggested working with guitar legend Link Wray. Wray was contacted and he agreed to work with them both. "Robert to me sounds a lot like the early Elvis, back when he was at Sun Records," Wray would comment.  Robert Gordon with Link Wray on Private Stock Records was the result of this collaboration. Due to Elvis Presley's death, the album picked up some airplay, and the label Private Stock tried to hype Gordon as the heir to Elvis. In 1978 Gordon made a second album with Wray, on the Private Stock label, called Fresh Fish Special. The record featured The Jordanaires, who had been background vocalists for Presley, and included the Bruce Springsteen song "Fire", written for Presley. Springsteen played keyboards on the track. In late 1978, RCA records signed Gordon to a contract which he described as "a dream come true" to be on "Elvis' label". In February 1979 Rock Billy Boogie was released, this time without Wray, as Chris Spedding joined Gordon, playing lead guitar. Writer Bruce Eder (AllMusicGuide) hailed Gordon's next album Bad Boy, released in 1980, as one of the best mature rockabilly albums ever recorded. The next and last album for RCA was 1981's Are You Gonna Be The One. It is Gordon's best selling album to date, with more than 200,000 copies sold.  Danny Gatton played lead guitar on this record and Marshall Crenshaw penned the single "Someday Someway" which went to No. 76 on the charts.

During the early 1980s Robert toured briefly with Danny Gatton. One of their gigs was later released on NRG Records as The Humbler.

The Blasters

The Blasters are a rock and roll music group formed in 1979 in Downey, California, by brothers Phil Alvin (vocals and guitar), with bass guitarist John Bazz and drummer Bill Bateman. Phil Alvin explained the origin of the band's name: "I thought Joe Turner’s backup band on Atlantic records – I had these 78s – I thought they were the Blues Blasters. That ends up it was Jimmy McCracklin. I just took the 'Blues' off and Joe finally told me, that’s Jimmy McCracklin’s name, but you tell ‘im I gave you permission to steal it."

Their self-described "American Music" was a blend of blues music, rockabilly, early rock and roll, punk rock, mountain music, and rhythm and blues. They have a devoted fan base and have received largely positive critical reviews, but have earned only limited mainstream success. Critic Mark Demintg wrote of them, "the Blasters displayed a wide-ranging musical diversity were a supremely tight and tasteful band with enough fire, smarts, and passion for two or three groups."

Band history

The Alvin brothers had an early interest in blues music, and attended concerts by T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner and others, sometimes jamming and reminiscing with the musicians. Phil Alvin remembers that his mother would take him backstage to get harmonica lessons from Sonny Terry when Phil was still a boy. Rhythm and blues saxophone legend Lee Allen joined The Blasters for two albums and toured with the original line-up until his death in 1994. Steve Berlin (later of Los Lobos) joined, playing baritone sax, and Gene Taylor joined as well, performing boogie woogie-style piano.  The current edition of The Blasters is missing Dave, but Phil continues to carry the torch high.

Cash'd Out

Over the past couple of decades, tribute bands have become big business in the world of concert promotion. And, not surprisingly, the more popular ones are the acts that are most authentic. Such is the case with Cash’d Out, a San Diego based band, that channels Johnny Cash in about as close a manner to the real thing as it gets.

How can you tell

Well, beyond critics having anointed Cash’d Out (Douglas Benson on vocals, Kevin Manuel on guitar, Ryan Thomas on bass and George Bernardo on drums) the “next best thing to Johnny Cash,” and the group having won four San Diego Music Awards for Best Tribute Band, the real proof lies in what members of Cash’s inner circle have said.

“Cindy Cash came to a show, we made her cry and she gave me a necklace with Johnny's hair in a glass locket,” explains front man and Cash impersonator Douglas Benson. Benson added that Cash producer Lou Robin has also been to several Cash’d Out shows, and claimed that if he closed it eyes it was like “going back in time.”

Once the only tribute band endorsed by the official Johnny Cash web page, JohnnyCash.com, Cash’d Out has played to over 1.2 million fans since forming in 2005. And those fans continually tell the group how grateful they are that Cash’d Out continues to bring back memories of loved ones who once raised them on the music of Johnny Cash.

W.S. Holland, Cash’s longtime drummer, even sat in with Cash’d Out at a birthday celebration for Johnny Cash hosted by Bill and Shannon Miller of JohnnyCash.com at the Fender Museum in Corona, California. “And (noted Cash historian) Bill Miller let me play Johnny’s cherry sunburst Guild guitar,” added Benson.

Cash'd Out has over 150 of JC's songs in their repertoire, and can deliver up to four hours of non-stop entertainment, including the June Carter Cash duets brought back to fame in the Oscar winning film, Walk the Line. Cash'd Out also tailors performances to suit any venue or function -- from clubs, theaters, fairs and casinos to museums and corporate events.

The band’s live shows respectfully reference the late, great Man in Black's Sun Records and early Columbia era sound, combined with the energy of the classic multi-platinum live recordings from Folsom Prison and San Quentin. The group's genuine love (and authentic recreation) of Johnny Cash’s music and its universal appeal fans of all ages and of virtually all musical genres makes each Cash’d Out show a must-see event.

Cash’d Out is also planning to release a CD in 2013, and will be unveiling a new online store as well. For more information, please visit www.cashdout.com

Publicity: Mike Farley/Michael J. Media/ 608-848-9707/ mike@michaeljmedia.com
Booking: Michael McGregor/Hello! Booking/ 651-647-4464/ Michael@hellobooking.com

The Walking Phoenixes

When this band takes the stage in their signature "all black" three piece suits you can't help but wonder how these four young guys even heard about Johnny Cash much less learned to live his life from the ground breaking hits of "Folsom Prison" to the classic "Cocaine Blues." Knowing that all four of these guys met on separate occasions wearing black, sipping whiskey and listening to the classic Johnny songs is by no mistake and ensures that this group is not some major label, throw together, counterfeit band. No, this is the real deal. Unlike most tributes that are wasting away in some small Hollywood club, The Walking Phoenixes pride themselves on playing large, sophisticated private parties and events for the elite.The WP's have taken a roots approach to this tribute and have added other artists in their repertoire such as Waylon Jennings, John Denver, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, The Allman Brothers and The Eagles. If you are looking for a band that captures the sound of your generation but entertains generations of all, look no further and become part of our growing family of satisfied clients of prestige.

Dave Gleason

Timelessness can’t be manufactured. Music either cuts across the years, feeling right at home in yesteryear AND the unfolding now, or it doesn’t. From the get-go Dave Gleason has crafted songs and executed them in a way that hums timelessly, country rock that’d fit in fine on a scratchy old turntable at Merle Travis’ house, blasting from an 8-track player in Waylon Jennings’ pickup truck or serenading crowds during intermission at a Tom Petty show today. Gleason strikes down to country’s hard beating heart and draws out the stuff that’s made folks turn to this music for comfort and delight since it wandered out of the Appalachias in the 1930s.

Gleason’s new long-player, Turn and Fade, coalesces his many charms into his strongest, toughest song cycle to date. Turning the guitar roar up a notch or two, Gleason muses on the things that keep us up at night and the things that keep us moving over the next horizon. This is music for living on the ground, a soundtrack to carry us from paycheck to paycheck and coax a smile from the most down-turned days.

Gleason first began honing his craft in the fertile crucible of the San Francisco Bay Area, exploring what a modernized California country sound might be. A few years back he rolled south into Los Angeles and Ventura, where he’s continued to explore the lingering possibilities of Nashville, Bakersfield and Topanga Canyon. It’s a move that’s toughened up his sound and fully unleashed his inner shredder, two things in full flower on Turn and Fade, which moves Gleason into the company of enduring stalwarts like Chuck Prophet, Peter Case and Kevn Kinney, as well as solidifying his place as one of the torchbearers for Merle Haggard, the Louvin Brothers, The Byrds and other country pillars.

Not everyone can sell a line like, “If you’re going through hell, then stop by and see me,” yet Gleason makes it seem effortless on Turn and Fade, where the Neon and the Wine washes over us in a vaguely baptismal way. The hurt of living and the healing of it lies in these grooves, the ache of lonely nights and the grip of the Blue Side of the World, but also something that makes your boots shuffle and inspires you to buy another round for everyone.” Dave Gleason was a fixture on the West Coast Honky Tonk/Americana circuit since the early 1990's through 2010-until a recent move placed him in Nashville,TN. With four albums of his own to his credit (and countless lead guitar sessions for other artists), Gleason has shared the stage with Jim Lauderdale/Charlie Louvin/Dave Alvin/Albert Lee/Bill Kirchen and Mike Stinson to name just a few. Dan Forte/vintage Guitar Magazine says of Dave Gleason’s latest album “Turn And Fade”…’Throughout, Gleasons offers enough new wrinkles to stake his claim as more than merely another “new traditionalist.”

The Americans

The AmericansThe Americans perform original rock & roll and traditional American music. Formed in 2010, the Americans have toured all over the United States and shared billing with the likes of T Bone Burnett and Patti Smith. The band accompanied Grammy- and Oscar-winner Ryan Bingham on his Junky Star and Tomorrowland tours in 2011 and 2012.

The Americans recorded "Sweet & Low," an original composition, for the ANTI- Records album Sons of Rogue's Gallery, released in February 2013. Executive produced by Johnny Depp, the album features new music by Keith Richards, Macy Gray, Tom Waits, and Dr. John.

The Americans' music is featured in the Michael Mann-produced film Texas Killing Fields, starring Sam Worthington and Chloë Moretz. The soundtrack includes two original compositions by the band: "Kiss Your Eyes" and "When The Blaze Is Blue."

In 2011 the Americans performed at the wedding of Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth, accompanying the newlyweds' first dance with a rendition of Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love," followed by a set of original songs, early blues, and rockabilly.

The Americans are: Patrick Ferris (vocals, guitar), Zac Sokolow (electric guitar, banjo), Jake Faulkner (bass), and Tim Carr (drums).

Jason Cruz and HOWL

JASON CRUZ AND HOWL ?Medicine show Hallucinations and broken heart promises to a vacant sky HOWL is the newest incarnation of singer songwriters Jason Cruz and Buddy Darling ( Strung Out and the Darlings ) . Along with Nick Dibiasi on drums and Chris Stein on bass HOWL is a new unique voice in a sea of white noise that sets out to lure the listener in and keep them close . With an American scope of love and war , tales of devils and saints , lonely roads and drunk saviors HOWL frames the modern world in a traditional soundscape and delivers its story to the smell of rottin beer and no name bars in the dark shifty part of town . With a full length album due out summer 2013 look for the band in a dive near you as they support their debut ep ‘Loungecore’on EchoTone Records.

The Cash Fix

The Cash Fix is a riveting band that plays the music of Johnny Cash like no other act. This Los Angeles-based group leaves crowds at prisons, theaters and festivals shouting for encores of its up-tempo, incendiary renditions of classic hits and lesser-known gems that Cash made popular during his award-winning career. The band includes drummer Matt Muckle, bassist Shane Soloski, electric guitarist Jim Vitale and lead singer Corby Gallegos with his acoustic guitar and a voice that must be heard to be believed.

Charles Law and Jagged

At 13 years old, Charles would sneak into his neighbor's house to play guitar. Charles received his own guitar after agreeing to play Johnny Cash songs for his family. By 15 years of age, Charles was playing latin-style jams with the Latino 13th Street boys in Santa Paula, California. Charles is an accomplished singer/songwriter and an exciting acoustic guitar performer. In addition to the reputation for his intense vocals, guitar slapping technique and screaming electric guitar leads in his former rock band "Zero Discipline," Charles also plays a variety of stringed and percussive instruments.

"Soulful rock to melodic funk, a percussion genius and natural 'funkstress' bass that dabbles in soothing bass lines - 'soul-rock" Boris Federov, KSCU 103.3FM, Santa Clara

"Singer-songwriter-guitarist Law is best known for his intense vocals and tendency to unmercifully assault his acoustic guitar ... sounds better than the usual bar fare." Matthew Singer, The Reporter

Zippy Josh and the Rag Tag Band

Zippy Josh & The Rag Tag Band is a three-piece rockabilly/acoustic punk group from Ventura County. Guitarist and singer-songwriter Josh Handley heads up the trio. Taking a punk rock attitude and channeling it thru acoustic instruments, Zippy Josh has developed his own unique sound.

Over Zippy Josh’s 17 plus years in existence, a number of very gifted and talented band members have supported him. The Current Line up consists of Tim Kirkland (Special Day Class, victory33) on the stand up drum kit… complete with pots, pans, bells and whistles! Holding up the bottom end of things on upright bass and giving the music that rockabilly feel is none other than Johnnyboy Flores (Keep Right, sector7g, victory33, theWAY).

Although rooted in punk rock, Josh has always related with the style and sound of American classic folk. His influences include Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Violent Femmes, Social Distortion, and The Reverend Horton Heat to name a few. Together this eccentric trio creates a vibe which is all their own. Each song is dramatic and driven with from-the-heart lyrics and catchy tunes. From the tight snare work, sharp as a razor rhythm from the upright bass, simple strumming of the acoustic guitar and unique vocal styling, Zippy Josh & The Rag Tag Band create an eclectic breed of music! The combination of Josh’s strength as a writer with the technical and passionate expertise of the rest of the band gives their music awesome integrity.

Zippy Josh & The Rag Tag Band released their classic debut album, “Stupidville”, on Screaming Giant Records in 1999. A few years later they released the exciting and fun 5 song EP, “Excess Baggage” independently and are now looking to lay down some new tunes with the current line up.

Zippy Josh & The Rag Tag Band is truly one of a kind and the music speaks for itself!

The Vonettes

The Vonettes are a 60s’ style girl group with a rocking edge. Imagine the Supremes backed by the Rolling Stones or the Shangri-Las singing with the Ramones. With three distinctive female singers all capable of taking the spotlight, The Vonettes create a soulful sound as they sing together, individually, or in call and response.

Sharing lead vocals, Andre Ahern, Alicia Gomez, and Mary Fishell Sawyer front the band with their synchronized dance steps. The three are backed up by a dynamic array of musicians including Mike and Miles Fishell on guitar, Nathan Selfridge on bass and Brent Sawyer on drums. If you’re noticing some family connection here, you see right!

Whether you are at a concert or on the dance floor, you will find The Vonettes irresistible.

Alexandra Starlight

Alexandra Starlight is a complete powerhouse vocalist and entertainer- Guitar World Magazine calls her an "uncompromising spin on rock & soul with the swagger of a thousand men." She recently appeared on Fox 11 News' #1 rated morning TV program, Good Day LA and San Diego Living on San Diego 6 (The CW).

"Alexandra Starlight bears the lucky distinction of being as captivating as she is talented. Her singing style rivals the greats like Janis Joplin. And she's got the swagger of a thousand men. Her EP rushes through the speakers and has all the strength and emotion of Motown’s finest, but also bears its soul with the intimacy of a Southern gospel record... then, Starlight’s smoldering vocals kick in. And I try to pick my jaw up off the floor. It’s just that good." -Guitar World Magazine

"Long-locked, lusty-voiced Alexandra Starlight has been around a long time for a sweet young thang, and she’s been honing her chops....the kind of powerhouse band that you’d think would be impossible in this day and age." -L.A. RECORD

“Plenty of attitude… channeled into hooky, funky neo-soul, driven by her powerful vocals that are somewhere in-between Tina Turner and Amy Winehouse.” –The Metro

-Singer of Teenacide Records' The Holograms from 2004-2005. Called "Bubblegum rock & roll for grrrl-power girls" by the LA WEEKLY. Debut release produced by Blag Dahlia (The Dwarves) and Bradley Cook (Foo Fighters/The Ataris). The single "Are You Ready for It" charted on the top 10 Billboard Magazine charts.

-Following band (2005-2010) Hollywood Harlots, described by Sugarbuzz Magazine as the "gritty spawn of The New York Dolls" blended with the "dirty girl appeal of Kim Fowley’s young swagger street chicks-The Runaways." Produced debut EP with Jeff Saltzman (The Killers, The Sounds).

-Current project: Alexandra & The Starlight Band EP recorded at Henson Studios in Los Angeles alongside Bob Cutarella (Paul McCartney, Alice Cooper, Madonna, Joss Stone, Keith Richards), engineer Paul LaMalfa (Brian Wilson, Colbie Caillat, Sheryl Crow, Loretta Lynn, Mariah Carey), Kevin Mills (Michael Bublé, Tom Morello, Céline Dion, No Doubt, Bruce Springsteen, Velvet Revolver, Gwen Stefani) and Lena Horne’s former band leader, Lou Forestieri (Tori Amos).

-Debut EP has charted as high as #2 in college radio.

-Performed on Film/TV including Fox 11 News' Good Day L.A. and Late Night with David Letterman.

Alexandra on GOOD DAY LA:
http://www.myfoxla.com/video?clipId=7773711&topVideoCatNo=240600&autoStart=true

Alexandra & The Starlight Band EPK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE7GMhFTz-U&feature=plcp

Sideshow Preachers

Odd sounds seem to be coming from a dusty tent. It’s not quite a revival, but a revival of American roots music generated by devotees of artists as diverse as Julie Miller and Gillian Welch, Gram Parsons, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Melba Montgomery, Hank Penny, The Louvin Brothers, Kasey Chambers, Ralph Stanley, Jimi Hendrix, The Davis Sisters, Emmy Lou, Ryan Adams, Lattie Moore, Dorsey Burnette, Nick Lowe, Jolie Holland, and Freakwater.