I saw two terrific bands last night at arthop.
(yeah, they included friends of mine, which is why I saw them the first time, but they were good, which
is why I saw them the second , third..)

The first was Suicide Lounge over at Ashtree Studios. Small group doing torch songs and sometimes sad, sometimes creepy-sad, sometimes funny-sad love songs---their new singer, Joy, is a great addition and
will torch your socks right off!

The second was Scats on the Sly over at Full Circle. I think they describe their songs as "prohibition-era pop music". Songs like "Paper Moon"---many songs fun, many songs pretty, all done really well-- and hot dog that Mike Newton can play a guitar.

Just two examples of bands that might not fill up the Starline on a Saturday night, but are a great addition to our Valley's music life. (and if they had the right audience and exposure, they might have the potential of filling one of those big rooms!)

there's that good ol' fashioned hometown pride i come to expect from fresno ...

who ever it is they will come and go like past Fresno bands that got on to a major record label.

Wow, now that Fresno is Overflowing with talent lately, this is tough. Its gonna be hard to keep this short, because local music is someting I'm very passionate about. Well, I won't really do an "order of 1 to 10" of who I think is the best. But my number 1 spot is definitely the best in my opinion. One last thing, regarding my list. I try to get out there and here as much music as I can, and I've been blessed to work with a number of musicians so I can only judge by who I've heard and worked with. But be assured, I listen to a vast amount of styles. And I'm not playing politics to anyone, just be sure of that as well, just MY opinion here.

1. Eva Scow (acoustic jazz)- Mandolinist/Violinist. Eva doesn't play in alot of the "nightclub scene" so thats why I think alot of people might not be familiar with her, but there is also alot of people who do know her and recognize her talent. I think that Eva is the closest musician in Fresno (right now) that is on the cusp of stardom. Where that stardom will be placed? I dont' know. but her album she's recording is having some of the TOP people in the music business working with her, and I think they are even scared of how good she is. You can check her out at www.myspace.com/evascow

Jay Rossette (latin/rock..blues etc etc) - Guitarist: As a guitarist, Jay has the pro level sound, Clean, Clear and solid technique. And he's pretty versatile. I've seen him play jazz, and blues as well. Plus he's got the pro experience.. touring with Malo for three years, I feel that this puts him ahead of the pack of some of the younger players in town. check him out at www.myspace.com/5683music

Planet Asia(hip hop)- I see that he has a label, but its indie so I think I'll put him on the list. Planet Asia has a flow that's modern, relevant, and original and the most mature in town, I think. I also think that he has a really good shot at mainstream success, and thats why he's in my top ten. Listen to him at www.myspace.com/planetasia

Super Lucky Catz(pop/soul/acoustic)- It's hard not to be biased with the Super Lucky Catz because, yes, I do play with them. But on a honest level, I feel we have the talent to compete on a natinal level. One thing I notice at our shows is that everyone responds to us. Hip hop crowd, rock crowd, singer song writer crowd, young, old. I don't wanna say much more because it will sound like I'm pushing my own band, which isn't right.

Mezcal(latin/rock/world)- Three words. Mezcal owns Visalia. I've been witness to their high energy PACKED shows. Mezcal has a way to rock the crowd like nobody in the valley. And they are band filled with actual 'musicians' which is great..for me! haha. They are very passionate about there music as a craft and it pours out to the audience when they play. If your looking for a band to rock the house, look no further than Mezcal. Oh, and by the way they made it to the FINALS of the American Idol Band Competition. You can listen to them at www.myspace.com/mezcal

I'm gonna lump these two together and Call them under one name "old guitar gods" haha. They are Steve Kykendall and Rich Severson. Steve Kykendall plays at Sequoia Brewing Company in the Tower and was voted number 2 amateur guitarist in the Country, He owns a music store in Clovis. Kykendall's Music Center. Rich Severson I first heard last year when he went .. me at the Chinatown Jazz Festival, he has the cleanest Jazz guitar sound I've heard from anyone in Fresno. I really enjoy his playing he could easily be touring with Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Amy Winehouse or anyone in that mold.

Mofo Party Band (blues/rockabilly)- Again I included because they are indie, not signed to a big lable. Everytime I've been to a Mofo Party Band show I end up dancing...DANCING, I'm a mexican from the East Side who's Jaded as hell, and they make me feel oooh so good, " you a bad trip bayyybay". Plus they've survived as a band for years, and they still pack places! thats pretty unbelievable if you ask me. Listen to them at www.myspace.com/mofopartyband

Flight 409 (punk, emo?..hell i don't know..just rock)- A teenage punk rock group. A band that doesn't really relate to me at all, and that really doesn't determine how good they are, but one things for sure. These Guys have a pro level that rocks! I think they would compete on the market on a larger level. They've got catchy riffs, good energetic vocals, and good singable songs, and a good look, everything a record label could ask for. Check them out at www.myspace.com/flight409

40 Watt Hype (hip hop/latin/funk)- In many ways I still seem 40 watt hype as "the" fresno band. I remember playing in my old band and being scared shitless to open for them, because they were just so damn good, they could control a crowd like I had never seen at the time. And come on, Hip Hop/Latin/Funk...that style of music is just a natural winner for those that can do it. One other thing that needs mention..I think Aaron Wall one of the most talented front men in town, those looking to lead a band need to learn someting from Aaron Wall. Check them out at www.myspace.com/40watthype

Armen Nalbandian Jazz Pianist- Armen is the hardest working person in the Fresno Music Scene, let me say this again....Armen is the hardest working person in the music scene. I don't know anyone in town who can compose music at the rate he can. One cool fact that reaches beyond mere opinion. I remember when his cd came out at Tower Records a year or so ago, It was the largest selling Local CD they ever had. That says alot, a nd oh yeah...it was JAZZ! Please do yourself a favor and check out his concert series at the Fresno Art Museum. Or try to catch him with Nina Moschella, or playing at Veni Vedi Vic's. listen to him at www.myspace.com/armennalbandian and prepare to be musically challenged!

Now I'm NOT putting myself in a list, its not right. But if you'd like to check out what i do please go to www.myspace.com/patrickcontreras..and if you'd like go to I'll be performing ("Patrick Contreras and The American Gypsy Experience") at Warnor's Theater Thursday Oct. 4 Many of the musicians that you see in the list above and in other people's list are involved in the show.

Thanks Mike for putting this on Fresno Beehive. I think the main thing is to recognize the talent we don't have in Fresno and this will get people thinking!

and I don't know if Same Shape is signed...
-but if not? Why?
They're amazing live...

Other bands that need to be signed? (if not already,)

Julia Dawn

Trike Shop

Pop Lords

Neptunes

(and, like, you known, when they start playing again?)

The Jumpbacks

1. rademacher
2. el olio wolof
3. sparklejet
4. 40 watt hype
5. brian kenney fresno