2008 Artist Biographies

BITTER:SWEET (Los Angeles, USA)Millions of people have heard the infectious tunes of Bitter:Sweet via their debut album The Mating Game, as one of their many friends on MySpace, or in their favorite movies and TV shows. Since coming on the scene last year with their debut album, Bitter:Sweet has received a plethora of accolades from the press including The Los Angeles Times who claimed The Mating Game as “perhaps the best album of its kind since Portishead’s ‘Dummy’ was released more than a decade ago” and URB magazine who called the album, “delicious.”

Bitter:Sweet's trademark sound is an intoxicating blend of Shana Halligan's melodically sweet-and-sexy vocals paired with the duos sassy genre-bending production work. In 2000, Kiran emerged on the scene as a founding member of The Supreme Beings of Leisure. Signed to Chris Blackwell’s Palm Pictures, the band sold over a quarter million records worldwide. Shana is, of course, no stranger to the music industry. She has been a respected part of the Los Angeles music scene her whole life and grew-up in a household with father, Dick Halligan (Blood, Sweat & Tears). Together, Kiran and Shana have created Bitter:Sweet, one of the most seductive interpretations of retro swank and hot beats since James Bond was Sean Connery.

Over the past year, the band has received countless notable accolades. Their new single "The Bomb" from their recent album "Drama" was picked as the themesong for the new NBC show "Lipstick Jungle". They were awarded the Best Rock/Pop Album of 2006 at the Independent Music Awards. They are consistently ranked on top 20 of iTunes Electronic albums chart and in Billboard’s Top 50 Electronic albums chart. Both People and Playboy Magazine urged millions of their readers to download hot tracks off of their album. And, in their hometown, The Los Angeles Times pegged Bitter:Sweet as one of the top 10 Buzz Bands of 2006. We are honored to welcome Bitter:Sweet to the North Beach Jazz Fest to play the Great American Music Hall on Friday, July 25.

MIKE CLARK, PAUL JACKSON & SKERIK (new York/Tokyo/Oakland):For the past 7 years, North Beach Jazz fest has started on Wednesday, and it took an extraordinary set of circumstances to make the festival add three extra days. Those circumstances are drummer Mike Clark, bassist/keyboardist Paul Jackson, and SKERIK The trio will play three (probably sold out) shows at NBJF's tiny flagship venue, Mojito on Sunday, June 20, Monday, June 21 and Tuesday, June 22.

Mike Clark gained worldwide recognition as one of America's foremost jazz and funk drummers while playing with Herbie Hancock's group in the early 1970's. Mike became known as a major innovator through his incisive playing on Hancock's Thrust album, which garnered him an international cult following. Mike has performed with jazz greats such as Herbie Hancock, Chet Baker, Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Woody Shaw, Larry Coryell, Jack Wilkins, Wallace Roney, Geri Allen, Billy Childs, James Genus, Bob Hurst, Chris Potter, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Dave Liebman, Nat Adderly, Oscar Brown Jr., Bill Doggett, Mose Allison, Maxine Brown, Gil Evans and his orchestra, and did a stint with Brand X, the acclaimed British fusion band, founded by Phil Collins. He has performed throughout the world at all the major jazz venues and festivals. Called "the most sampled drummer in hip hop" Mike's beats have been used on tracks by musicians as diverse as NWA, Grandmaster Flash, Britney Spears, Prince and many others.

Paul Jackson has played with many of the great jazz artists, most notably playing bass on Herbie Hancock's seminal album, Head Hunters. Born in Oakland, California in 1947, Paul Jackson began playing bass at the age of nine. Considered by many of his teachers to be a musical prodigy, he performed with the Oakland Symphony by the age of fourteen where he expanded his musical interests to include performance levels on bassoon and piano. He went on to study with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He also taught seminars in institutions such as A.N. Contemporary of Music (Tokyo), Pan School of Music (Tokyo), Musashino School of Music (Tokyo), Berklee College of Music (Boston), University of California Santa Cruz and [[San Jose State was a founding member of the Headhunters under Herbie Hancock. The union between Hancock and Jackson has been especially evident in the many international tours they have made together. In 1979, Paul released his own album, Black Octopus on Toshiba EMI Records. Jackson's composing has granted him Grammy Award Nominations in 1974, 1975 and 1976 for songwriting "Chameleon", "Hang Up Your Hang-ups" and "Spider", respectively. He has also played on the soundtracks for Paramount Pictures movies "Death Wish" and "Dirty Harry".

Time out to compose the score for film and other projects was sandwiched in between appearing with the band's numerous jazz festivals such as the Pori, Montreux, Newport and Paris. Since 1985, Paul moved his residence to Japan and continued to be active in many aspects of the Japanese music scene. In 1998, the long-awaited reunion of the Headhunters was materialized with a release of The Return of the Headhunters. The Headhunters with Herbie Hancock made a successful tour through the USA and Europe in summer and autumn of that year. Since autumn of 2001, Paul moved from Tokyo to the western part of Japan and continues to be active in the music scene in Japan, the USA and Europe. The Blue Note tour across Japan with Mike Clark and Jack Walrath from the USA and Char in March, 2002 had a great success, re-confirming to Paul's fans and music critics of his enormous talent as producer, as well as bassist and vocalist.

Skerik (born Eric Walton) is an American saxophonist from Seattle, Washington. Performing on the tenor and baritone saxophone, often with electronics and loops, Skerik is a pioneer in a playing style that has been dubbed saxophonics. He is a founding member of Critters Buggin and Garage a Trois (including Stanton Moore, Charlie Hunter and Mike Dillon, recently featuring Marco Benevento). Skerik has been a member of, performed frequently, or toured with the following: Les Claypool's Fancy Band and Frog Brigade, Galactic, Dumpstaphunk, Johnny Vidacovich, Fred Wesley, Mike Clark, The Headhunters, Bobby Previte, Ponga, Joe Doria, Sadhappy, Tuatara (with Peter Buck), Mad Season, Roger Waters and many others. Skerik leads Seattle-based "punk-jazz" ensemble Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet. He also co-leads New Orleans-based Maelstrom Trio (including long-time duomates keyboardist Brian Coogan and drummer Simon Lott). The Maelstrom Trio combines disparate elements such as free jazz, funk, metal and textural music. Skerik and percussionist Mike Dillon often perform as a trio with alternate third members. National tours have included keyboardist Brian Haas and bassists James Singleton and Brad Houser.

EDDIE GALE (San Jose): EDDIE GALE is one of the Bay Area's foremost ambassadors to the world of Jazz. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1941 and his early jazz education included trumpet lessons from the great KENNY DORHAM and others as well as serious woodshedding. There were many after-hour jam sessions where he had the opportunity to sit in with such musicians as CEDAR WALTON, WILBUR WARE, ART TAYLOR, ART BLAKELY, MAX ROACH, SONNY STITT, etc...

In the early ‘60s, GALE was introduced to SUN RA by DRUMMER SCOBY STROMAN. EDDIE found SUN RA very intriguing. He spent many hours exposed to SUN RA’s philosophy about music and life. As EDDIE explains, "Playing with SUN RA is a great experience--from the known to the unknown. You play ideas on your instrument that you never imagine. His music provoked me to explore the use of trills, for instance, and the placement of whole tones and then a space chord--ideas you do not find in the exercise books." There were many recordings, rehearsals, and different performances and it was difficult to keep track of them and who performed on which album. In those days, the recordings were produced on SUNNY’S label, SATURN based in Chicago. SUN RA gave GALE the position in the band that was right next to the piano because SUN RA thought this would help EDDIE develop the avant garde trumpet style that complemented SUNNY’s music. There were times, as GALE recalls, when he tried to join with the other brass players and was simply told to return to his spot near the piano. SUN RA, the disciplinarian. JOHN GILMORE, MARSHALL ALLEN, and PAT PATRICK helped GALE to be able to play in the ARKESTRA in the beginning. SUN RA dubbed GALE the original avant garde trumpeter.

During the mid ‘60s, GALE went on to perform and record with piano great CECIL TAYLOR, where GALE learned more about different musical structures and presentations that were reminiscent of classical performances. Traveling and performing with CECIL offered the sophisticated edge. GALE first came to California when he performed in residence with the CECIL TAYLOR UNIT and played the BERKELEY JAZZ FESTIVAL, which also featured MILES DAVIS and CARMEN MCRAE. GALE later recorded with ORGANIST LARRY YOUNG. GALE had the opportunity to know and sit in with JOHN COLTRANE on many occasions. EDDIE developed a great admiration for COLTRANE at this time. Having a family at a young age, GALE often had to work during the day and play music at night. He lost several day jobs because he would take his horn and practice during lunch hour and would get back late, if at all. He found himself uptight one particular time and JOHN COLTRANE got his horn out of the pawn shop. COLTRANE told GALE to never stop playing the trumpet the way he played it and tried to get him for the "Ascensions" sessions but in the days before cell phones, signals were crossed and the opportunity passed.

GALE recorded two albums as a leader for BLUE NOTE RECORDS--EDDIE GALE’s GHETTO MUSIC and BLACK RHYTHM HAPPENING. The second album, BLACK RHYTHM HAPPENING, featured ELVIN JONES, JIMMY LYONS, MATTATHIAS PEARSON, and ROLAND ALEXANDER. Eleven voices were featured on both albums including CHUCK DAVIS (who later began his own dance troupe), FULUMI PRINCE (who later joined HARRY BELAFONTE), and MILDRED WESTON (former wife of RANDY WESTON). The music received rave reviews. GALE toured on the East coast with his 16-piece group which included on guitar his sister JOANNE STEVENS, who also wrote lyrics for some of the songs on both recordings. When his contract with BLUE NOTE ended, GALE dismantled the group and moved to California, returning to STANFORD UNIVERSITY as artist-in-residence. At the conclusion of this project in 1972, GALE moved to San Jose, where he currently resides. In 1974, he received the honorary title SAN JOSE’s AMBASSADOR OF JAZZ from then MAYOR NORM MINETA for his efforts to help bring jazz to San Jose. At this time he also began a Liberal Arts program with an emphasis on music at SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY. GALE also serves as MUSIC AMBASSADOR for the ASSOCIATION OF WORLD CITIZENS in San Francisco.

THE BREAKESTRA (Los Angeles): Formed by breaks fanatic Miles Tackett, Breakestra is a constantly morphing jazz-funk-hip-hop orchestra based in Los Angeles. The group came together in 1997-1997 around Tackett's DJ gigs at a coffeehouse. A multi-instrumentalist whose work on cello has appeared on recordings by B.B. King, Macy Gray, and Black Eyed Peas, Tackett was a funk fan who got into hip-hop during the late '80s -- courtesy of the Ultramagnetic classic Critical Beatdown -- when he realized it was keeping the funk flame alive. A wish to play instrumental hip-hop in a band context brought the group together, with Tackett alongside drummer Josh "Wallet" Cohen, reed player Geoff "Double G" Gallegos, trumpeters Todd Simon and Paul Vargas, trombone player Dan Osterman, keyboard player Carlos Guaico, percussionist Davy Chegwidden, guitarist Dan Ubick, and vocalists Sol Sista DeMya and Mixmaster Wolf (aka Stones Throw honcho Peanut Butter Wolf). Their club night, Root Down, brought in crowds, along with the cream of the rap underground (Jurassic 5, Dilated Peoples, Company Flow, DJ Shadow, Freestyle Fellowship), and their first single, "Getcho Soul Togetha," appeared on Stones Throw in 1999. That year also brought an intriguing demo called The Live Mix Tape -- including Breakestra covers of a host of deep funk classics -- but an official release (as The Live Mix, Pt. 1) waited until 2001 and only appeared in Japan. The second volume followed later that year, and was released on Stones Throw. In 2005 Breakestra recorded a single, Family Rap, featuring Chali 2na and Soup from Jurassic 5 and Double K from People Under the Stairs, and also released their third studio album, Hit the Floor, on Ubiquity Records, with a nearly entirely different lineup. We are thrilled to welcome the Breakestra back to San Francisco for their first show since 2006, and their first ever appearance at the Great American Music Hall on Saturday, July 26.

REALISTIC ORCHESTRA (San Francisco): Realistic Orchestra is composed by many of the most amazing instrumentalists in the SF Bay Area. The band has made a name for itself from it's popular monthly first Tuesdays at Bruno's over the past 2 years as well as special performaces at places like Elbo Room, Studio Z, Velvet Lounge, Fillmore Jazz Festival, Jazz At Pearl's, The Mystic Theater etc...The instrumentation of the orchestra is based on a century old classic ensemble known as the "Big Band" or "Jazz Orchestra" which includes 13-15 horns and Rhythm section; in addition to this we've added DJ Aspect, Dublin on vocals as well as upright and electric bass players. These elements, combined with modern electronic influenced grooves, epich arrangements and cutting edge jazz improvisation , create the distict and unmistakable Realistic orchestra sound. The band has released one full length album "Live at Bruno's". Realistic will again kick off the Jazz Festival in 2008 with a performance at the SF Italian Athletic Club.

NEW MONSOON (San Francisco): San Francisco's world-rock quintet, New Monsoon, has been transforming audiences across the country into dedicated fans with a relentless touring schedule. Their exhilarating marriage of acoustic and electric instruments comes together in an irresistible blend of sophisticated songcraft, inventive musical exploration and down home rock-n-roll. JamBase raves that "New Monsoon V moves with muscular dexterity, avoiding overplaying at every turn, always serving the songs and one another in a way only thousands of shows and countless hours of woodshedding can produce."

New Monsoon was conceived when Penn State friends Bo Carper and Jeff Miller reconnected in northern California. Carper's rootsy acoustic finger style as foil for Miller's inspired melodies, the pair sowed the seeds of the New Monsoon sound. During the recording of the band's first album Hydrophonic, the band tapped long-time east coast friend Phil "The Pianimal" Ferlino for keyboards. Blown away by the project, Ferlino immediately moved to San Francisco and joined the band on-stage at the 2001 High Sierra Music Festival. Strong vocals and harmonies, electric and acoustic guitars, banjo, mandolin, bass and keyboards, unify the musical styles of New Monsoon's influences, which are as diverse as rock gods Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and Santana, bluesman Mississippi John Hurt and world music pioneers Tito Puente, Shakti and Peter Gabriel. New Monsoon's music is an experience of textures, rhythms, ideas and moods.

ROSIN COVEN (Bay Area): Rosin Coven is the World's Premiere Pagan Lounge Ensemble; eight musicians blend voices, cellos, contrabass, accordion, violin, guitar, trombone, vibraphone, drums, and percussion to create their own style of theatrical cabaret. Edith Piaf does the cha-cha with Charles Mingus, Eric Satie tangos with Sun-Ra, and Kurt Weil broods over Doris Day. Rosin Coven presents an irreverent yet elegant balance between musicianship, poise, theatricality, and humor. They're found where you least expect them...in nightclubs, theatres, parks, festivals, museums, deserts, parades, galas, and foreign lands. An umpteen-piece band full of pale-faced, velvet-clad cool cats playing everything from cello and contrabass to accordion, the group falls on a continuum between Rocky Horror camp and medieval danse macabre. The members of Rosin Coven, a Berkeley-based troupe with a vigorous following, look and sound like well-traveled carnies with formidable heaps of classical training; the roguish ensemble is even easy on the eyes.

ON THE ONE (San Diego): San Diego Music Award Winners for Best Jazz Album (2007), ON THE ONE walks alongside live acts Karl Denson Trio and the Greyboy All-Stars when it comes to export music from America's finest city. With their debut album “Love Addiction” recently picked up by the legendary Japanese label, P-Vine, through a licensing deal with Velour (Soulive / Lettuce), 2008 will see ON THE ONE touring Europe and the Far East in support of their record. Drum King John Staten (Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe) teamed up with long time friend and sax aficionado Jesse Molloy (Giant People) to create ON THE ONE in the summer of ‘06. Bassist Andy Irvine (Giant People) and the recent addition of guitarist Pete Lombardo square this funky soul rock quartet. With music industry heavy hitters calling him one of the best drummers in the business, Staten’s hard hitting hip-hop beats drive ON THE ONE’s sound. Sax, groove bass, and effortless guitar team up to bring generations of music lovers to the dance floor. Don’t miss the Funkdown.

JENNIFER JOHNS (Oakland): Vacillating between Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, Electronica, Funk, Reggae, World and every kind of rhythm in between, sultry voiced Jennifer Johns crafts stirring tunes that are both heart-rending and head-bobbing. The Oakland, California music powerhouse proved herself as a potent interpreter of taboo desires with a passion for creating “Electric Hip-Soul,” on her critically-hailed debut, heavyelectromagneticsoularpoeticjunglehop. An exceptionally graceful artist, Johns got her start by hitting high notes in the church and school choirs, but it was her experience performing with the multi-culti Oakland Youth Chorus, where she received her comprehensive training.

The standout songstress has toured with and opened shows for some of the most respected names in the industry including Lauryn Hill, Black Eyed Peas, Mos Def, Common, KRS-1, Les Nubian, Blackalicious, Zap Mama, Res, Capelton, Junior Reid, Shaggy, Slum Village, Bebel Gilberto, MC Lyte and Black Thought of The Roots. Johns music abounds with experiences that are both familiar and inspiring, which is an instant reminder of her hit-making prowess. In addition to amplifying her voice for the masses, Johns also lends her time to a variety of community based organizations, namely after-school music programs. She sits on the board for The SafeFund an organization that raises awareness for battered women and children, in addition to working with Youth Speaks, a program that supports young people and the arts.

"Oakland native Jennifer Johns will inevitably draw comparisons to Jill Scott, and possibly fellow Oakland Youth Chorus alumnus Goapele, but be clear Johns is her own artist. From the opening 808 kick of "Heavy" to the spoken word/D&B of "Do You Believe in Love" to the doleful ambitious cover of Sade's "Cherish the Day" Johns proves that she's an original voice." XLR8R Magazine

THE FREQUENCY (Los Angeles): The Frequency are an experimental band based in Los Angeles. Based upon a love of Moogs, the sound of a real Fender Rhodes piano and vintage Fender amps, the collective sound is a reflection of things old and new and The Frequency cite Pink Floyd, Air, and Mogwai as a few influential groups. The group's self-produced EP "The Frequency" caught the attention of Ropeadope Records (MMW, Mike Gordon, The Duo, DJ Logic) founder Andy Hurwitz, and he signed them immediately. Ropeadope released a 5 song digital EP in February 2007, and plans are in the works for a full length album to follow shortly. A remix by The Frequency of Jorge Dalto’s “Killer Joe” can be found on the recent release “Explorations: Classic Picante Regrooved” which features the group alongside other innovative artists Thievery Corporation, Dan the Automator, and Cut Chemist and the group’s tracks can also be found on releases from artists as diverse as Quincy Jones and Cheb i Sabbah. The Frequency recently finished up a tour supporting Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and appeared at a number of major summer festivals including 10,000 Lakes Festival, Quebec International Summer Music Festival, and the Wicker Park Music Festival. Already having shared the stage with artists as diverse as Mute Math, The 1990's, Benzos, and Lotus, the band's live show is renowned as something not to be missed. The band is currently putting the finishing touches on their first full length album, due to be released early 2008.

LEBO (DAN LEBOWITZ GROUP) (San Francisco): From guitar solos that sweep the gamut of his instrument's range without sacrificing its natural expressiveness, to rhythmic riffs that chank along with the steadiness of a jackhammer, Lebowitz's playing is as notable for its variety as its laid-back execution. When Dan’s not busy with San Francisco's beloved funk-rock outfit ALO, he can be seen performing with numerous groups as both a guitarist and a percussionist. Lebo is his solo project, a chance to stretch out not just his guitar chops, but his vocal and songwriting skills as well.

NOBODY FROM IPANEMA (San Francisco): Nobody from Ipanema is a fusion of Americans and Brazilians playing music inspired by Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Marisa Monte, Lenine, and other contemporary Brazilian artists. We've been playing at the Elbo Room, Justice League, Great American, and other Bay Area clubs for the past 5 years; we were finalists in 2000 and 2001 in SF Weekly’s WAMMIE awards (Best International Band), and have been featured in the Bay Guardian and other area publications. We play a wide variety of danceable material: high-energy Brazilian funk, samba-reggae, percussion jams, samba, afoxé, forró, frevo, rock, reggae, and pop.

OTRA was formed in Feb. 2002 by bassist Sam Price. After performing with other New Orleans-area latin bands that played a standard repertoire of popular latin covers, Price sought to create an original project that would empasize creativity, powerful soloing, and irresistable grooves, while honoring the afro-cuban roots of 'latin' music. Cuban conguero 'Pupi' Menes and Price had played together in various latin bands. Columbian timbale master Cristobal 'El Canon' Cruzado was coaxed out of retirement from 20 years in a Bourbon St. show band (young Venezualan percussionist Gabriel Vasquez now alternates timbale duties). Saxophonist Brent Rose's incendiary, soulful playing was just the voice the band needed. When original trumpeter Bob Garrett left, Rose recruited Eric Lucero, a close friend and section-mate for many years. The two share great on-stage comradery and rare musical intuition. The final piece fell into place with the arrival of pianist/guitarist Rob Block from St. Louis in May, 2002. Block brought with him a wealth of experience from the St. Louis and New York latin scenes, as well as great writing skills.Influences that can be heard in OTRA's sound include: The Fort Apache Band, Charlie and Eddie Palmieri, Arsenio Rodriguez, Poncho Sanchez, Mongo Santamaria and Cubanismo. OTRA attempts to bring a rock n' roll attitude and excitement to its live performances, encouraging audience members to 'do their own thing' on the dance floor in an effort to help listeners relate to the music in a new way. In this way OTRA hopes to introduce many new listeners to afro-cuban jazz...not by watering it down or fusing it with hip-hop cliches, but with honest, passionate performances that intrigue the ear and delight the soul!

BJ PAPA (San Francisco): Put simply, BJ Papa IS North Beach Jazz. Papa's life story mirrors much of the history of jazz in San Francisco over the past 50 years. He may be under the radar of many current jazz fans, but the significance of his career can be tracked through the dozens of young musicians who have found him a caring and trusted mentor as they make the transition from student to professional musician. “When I came to town, all the trumpet players were telling me about playing with B.J.,” Hung says. “You learn a lot of songs because B.J. knows them all, and he helps you gain experience and exposure. A lot of the young cats got their start with him, and I feel privileged to be part of that lineage.” Papa was born in Mobile, Ala., in the 1930s, and by the '40s he was listening to “all kinds of jazz and blues” on the radio. Drafted in 1954, Papa became a medic and was stationed at Letterman Hospital in the Presidio. But he ended up spending much of his service time playing on Army ball teams. At 19, Papa found himself intrigued with the jazz bands booked into the Army noncommissioned officers clubs. After his discharge from the service in 1956, Papa stayed in town and began saxophone lessons. He also made his first forays intowould show up to listen and learn at the famous after-hours jams at Jimbo's Bop City, in the heart of the bustling Fillmore Street jazz community.” Since then he has been a constant figure in the SF jazz scene and an icon in North Beach. This year we honor this icon with the 2007 North Beach Jazz Fest poster (shot by longtime NBJF photographer Scott Chernis). Papa will perform where he has so many times, at Caffe Trieste.

J-BOOGIE's DUBTRONIC SCIENCE (San Francisco): Taking care of business worldwide and hailing from San Francisco, CA, J–Boogie is the man to call when the party needs that special sauce. Long recognized as one of the hardest working and most soulful DJs/producers in the Bay, J–Boogie takes his musical paths to the next level with his signature blend of dub, soul, hip–hop, dancehall, funk, latin, afrobeat and house creating a spicy musical gumbo. This mix master always brings the flavor to the tables, so lean back, relax your mind and have a bite of some tasty beats. For over 10 years, J–Boogie has honed his craft as an artist in the Bay Area music scene, both in clubs & on the radio with the award–winning program "Beatsauce" on KUSF 90.3fm. Voted "San Francisco´s Best Radio & Club DJ" by citysearch.com and "Best Hip–Hop Radio Show" by SF Bay Guardian, J–Boogie consistently delivers the goods with smokin, sexy, party–rockin DJ sets. He´s played alongside some of the industry´s most talented performers including Mark Farina, Talib Kweli, Kruder and Dorfmeister, People Under the Stairs, King Britt, DJ Greyboy, DJ Spinna, DJ Krush, DJ Vadim, Marc Rae, Mix Master Mike and more! Touring nationally on the sold out Sounds of Om and Deeper Concentration tours, J–Boogie´s sound has touched down in clubs all over the globe, including the legendary Fillmore Theatre (SF), The Root Down (LA), Temple Bar (LA), Onyx Room (SD), Tokyo Dome (JPN), Turntables on the Hudson (NY), APT (NY), Opium Garden (FLA), Crystal Ballroom (PDX) and more. Recording and performing with his band Dubtronic Science, J–Boogie brings the next dimension to his turntable sets by incorporating LIVE musicians onstage including sitar, tablas, flute, sax, drums, percussion, and vocals. J–Boogie´s Dubtronic Science self–titled debut album on Om Records dropped in 2003 as a testament that all good music comes from the soul. Featuring artists like Goapele, Gina Rene, People Under the Stairs, Capital A, Tony Moses and Raashan Ahmad, Dubtronic Science is a favorite with Jason Bentley and Garth Trinidad at KCRW. His music has been licensed to The Playboy Mansion video game, ESPN´s 2K5 football game, MTV´s Real World, Girlfriends, American Airlines, Sean Jean, and Saks Fifth Ave. The album has also received critical acclaim in URB, Complex, Billboard, XLR8R, YRB, BPM, Remix, and Elemental magazines. In 2004, J–Boogie´s Dubtronic Science took the next step in global funkification with the release of their first ever LIVE mix on Om Records. "Live! in the Mix" blends the Dubtronic Science band with the turntable mastery of J–Boogie weaving in original tracks from Amp Fiddler, Goapele, Soulstice, Talib Kweli, Marc Rae, Quantic, Thievery Corporation and of course J–Boogie himself. His new 12" from the mix includes the hot single "Purple Perpendicular Phonics" featuring P.E.A.C.E. of Freestyle Fellowship and Raashan Ahmad of Crown City Rockers rhyming over percussive–heavy afrobeats. On the politically–minded B–Side "You´re the Murdera," Tony Moses, Deuce Eclipse and Zion I call out George W. over a fatty reggae/hip–hop joint. Featured on Om´s legendary hip–hop collection Deeper Concentration, Mushroom Jazz 5, the entire Om Lounge series, Audio Alchemy II (Ubiquity Records), Urban Revolutions (Future Primitive), Docking Sequence (BSI Records) and the soundtrack for Ubisoft´s XIII video game, J–Boogie´s music has been etched in wax since 1997. His production talent continues to shine on remixes for Mark Farina, Soulstice, Romanowski, DJ Zeph and Systemwide.

STEPHANE WREMBEL (New York): At the 2007 North Beach Jazz Fest, over the course of 5 stellar performances, Stephane Wrembel stole the hearts of thousands of San Franciscans who were introduced to his music for the first time. The French Guitarist, who lives in New York City is a virtuoso most associated with the style of "Gypsey Jazz" legend Django Reinhardt, but Wrembel has spent years updating that style into something modern and fresh. Wrembel will perform four times at NBJF 2007, including both days in Washington Square Park and Thursday and Friday "Gypsey Jazz Happy Hours" at Mojito. He is a composer and leader of his own band and regularly performs, and records with David Grisman, Lionel Loueke, Les Paul, Ryan Montbleau, Rushad Eggleston, Howard Alden, Mark O'Connor. His music is universal, and touches a diverse audience. He has performed at various festivals including Berkfest 2002 and 2003, South by Southwest 2006, Hot Chili Pepper Festival 2004, The International Gypsy Guitar Festival 2005, The International Rochester Jazz Festival 2003, The NJ Jazzfest 2006, Djangofest Chicago 2004, Djangofest Northeast 2004, Djangofest NY 2005, Djangofest SF 2005, Django in June 2005, Djangofest LA 2006, Djangofest SF 2006, Django in June 2006 Wrembel’s band always generates great enthusiasm and excitement among the different crowds.

"When French musician Stephane Wrembel picks up a guitar and jams out one of his dizzying gypsy jazz tunes his left hand dances over the neck of the instrument and his right hand strums furiously over the strings. The notes are clear, but the hands are a blur. He's that fast. Now he's twisting tradition by pulling in African, Cuban and rock rhythms to create a sound he calls 'gypsy jam'. - Lauren Johnston, amNewYork.

MEGAN JACOBS (Los Angeles): Megan Jacobs sings with the passion of Janis Joplin and the power of a voodoo Queen. This is clear when you watch this magnetic performer, with her signature mane of wild hair, as she unleashes the remarkable natural resource that is her voice. She has carved out a place for her brand of soul-folk with audiences across California and beyond. Jacobs career began at the Temple Bar in Santa Monica, where she attracted a growing and devoted fan base. In 2002 her former band, Old Sol, was voted one of Music Connection’s Hot 100 Unsigned Artists. Simultaneously, Jacobs’ music also began to attract the attention of LA’s musical elite, leading to guest spots with members of Macy Gray’s Band, Fishbone and General Public. This experience landed her the role of backup singer and keyboard player for Atlantic Records’ The Peak Show. It also brought her the exposure that lead her to write and record with Andre Cymone (gold recording artist, Prince and the Revolution) and members of Ani Difranco’s band, as well as Tori Ruffin of Morris Day and the Time. MEGAN's WEBSITE

MC STERLING JAMES: (Berkeley) Celebrating her 5th year as the MC for North Beach Jazz Fest, Sterling James has been a strong vocal presence on the FM dial in the Bay Area since 1987. Her consistent presence on major music radio stations and events across the Bay Area has led to high familiarity among the public, and her sassy, sharp personality has endeared her to a generation of fans. Ms. James currently appears live on San Francisco FM outlets Energy 92.7 (weekdays 10AM-3PM)and 102.9 KBLX (weekends). A true Bay Area native, Sterling first hit the air at her high school radio station and never looked back. Arming herself with a 2 year college recording arts program, an AA in TV Performance and Production, and a BA in Radio and Television, James then launched a thriving career as a radio DJ, event host and TV personality. Picking up additional skills in promotions, morning show production, public affairs and on air work at San Francisco's KSOL led to a key hire as the first live DJ on newly launched Alice@97.3 (1996). Sterling helped drive Alice's meteoric success for the next 10 years as night and later midday DJ, cementing her place in Bay Area Radio. Sterling has also become actively involved in television and major event hosting around the Bay Area, and her community ties run deep. James is firmly rooted in her hometown of Berkeley with her husband, Bay Area Percussionist Adrian Isabell. STERLING's WEBSITE

back to top