Pairing accordion, flute and mandolin with brutal shredding and double bass, Valensorow’s 'folk metal' songs sound like an invading viking army. Read More
Downtown San Jose has done a lot of growing up in the past two years. Since 2013, the city has enjoyed a growing craft-cocktail scene—with the combined opening of 55 South, SP2 and Paper Plane. Great beer is everywhere: just head to the recently transformed Good Karma, ISO Beers, or the newly expanded Original… » Read More
While the majority of his generation is expected to jump frequently between jobs and even careers—as they seek out higher wages and a sense of fulfillment—Kris Bowers is content to stay right where he is. “I’ve never had another job, fortunately,” he says. The pianist and composer, slated to play San Jose Jazz… » Read More
According to Valensorow’s lead vocalist, Joseph Scanlan, his band’s last full-length album—the sprawling and ambitious Neptus—took longer to complete than anticipated. Surely the album was held back by the complex arrangements, and the difficulty that comes along with nailing highly technical drum fills and lightning-fast guitar runs. But there was another reason… » Read More
Encouraged by the success she had booking two local bands at last year’s South By South West, San Jose-based promoter Barbara Wahli—better known as Barb Rocks—is upping the ante this year, throwing her very own showcase at the yearly music, technology and film festival. She’s calling her showcase Ugly Whale. The name… » Read More
“I wouldn’t say I’ve been a hardcore punk my whole life,” says Keith Brown, guitarist for Oakland’s border-crossing, blog-darling band, Trails and Ways. Before forming Trails and Ways with three other UC Berkeley alums, he had an appreciation for punk—an admission some might not expect from a member of a band now… » Read More
The cover of Rabbit Quinn’s debut album, Lost Children, may look wholesomely vintage—with Quinn dolled up like a Sailor Jerry’s girl in big curls and a flute dress, cradling an adorable baby goat. But the frayed edges of the photo, the dilapidated house in the background, the tight-lipped gaze on the young girl’s… » Read More
Silicon Valley Pride is gearing up for the 40th anniversary of the event, which takes place late summer in downtown San Jose. To garner support for the annual festival, organizers are holding a series of fundraisers leading up to the main event. The Sweetheart Ball, one such function, took place over Valentine’s… » Read More
