Learn some jazz history and enjoy the funky Latin jazz of Charged Particles! Of the band, reviewers have said: “A tight and enormously talented trio.” (Jazz Times Magazine) “Charged Particles is definitely dazzling.” (Jazz and Blues Report) “Fresh, energized jazz that showcases the trio’s individual technical mastery.” (Jazz News Magazine) “Tight interplay, spark, and personal flair.” (Los Angeles Times) “Something special: inventive, invigorating, mesmerizing, and virtuostic.” (Downbeat Magazine) The Ventura County Reporter called them "Tight, sophisticated, and playful. They showcased their camaraderie as much as their musicianship, gliding through their repertoire like the seasoned professionals they are and joyfully riffing on each other's improvisations. Not sure if the musicians or the audience had more fun, but a good time was definitely had by all."
Goapele is more than an artist; she is a luminous presence in the world of music, a profound voice, and a tireless force of creativity whose artistry has shaped the landscape of modern R&B. Renowned for her captivating sound—a beautiful blend of soul, jazz, pop, and moody basslines—Goapele’s music transcends genres and resonates with universal truths. Her voice, ethereal yet commanding, continues to echo the complexities of life, love, and the human experience in ways that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. The Oakland native, born to a South African father who escaped apartheid and a German-Jewish mother from New York, embodies a rich, diverse heritage that has influenced not only her music but also her worldview. Her upbringing—a fusion of cultures and perspectives—served as the perfect backdrop for her musical evolution. Goapele’s formative years at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston honed her extraordinary talent and shaped her voice into one that defies conventional boundaries. Since her 2001 debut with the timeless anthem Closer, Goapele, whose name means “to move forward” in Setswana, has consistently delivered music that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Her catalog, including albums like Even Closer, Break of Dawn, and her latest, COLOURS, reflects her evolution as an artist and a woman. Described as her most introspective work, COLOURS explores themes of healing, self-worth, and transformation, featuring collaborations with top musicians such as Errol Cooney, Bedrock, and Chris Dave. For Goapele, music is not just a means of self-expression—it is a form of therapy and a vehicle for connection. Her songs serve as a mirror for her own experiences, while inviting listeners to find their own truths within her words. In her own words, "Moments of uncertainty can feel scary, but I try my best and push forward, and trust that things will eventually land where they're supposed to." Beyond music, Goapele has long been a passionate humanitarian and advocate for social change. Through her platform, she has championed causes ranging from racial justice to women’s rights, using her voice to speak up for those whose stories are often left unheard. Her lifestyle brand, Dreamseeker, further reflects her commitment to living authentically, curating a line of scented candles and apparel inspired by her synesthesia, the condition that allows her to experience color through sound. This unique ability shapes her vision of the world and enriches her creative output, leading to immersive experiences that blend music, color, scent, and fashion. Goapele's influence extends beyond the music charts; her songs have become a soundtrack to countless films, television series, and documentaries. From So You Think You Can Dance (Fox) to Hitch (Sony Pictures) and Power (Starz), her music has been the emotional backbone of some of the most impactful visual narratives of our time. She has also made notable appearances in Sparkle (Sony Pictures), Ava DuVernay’s The Door for Miu Miu, and the art-noir short film #WhereIsBeauty, which she also executive produced. Goapele has also performed on global stages alongside legends like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Common, captivating audiences with her unique blend of artistry and activism. “I strive to create timeless music that inspires and ignites change,” Goapele says. With her enduring legacy of compassion and creativity, Goapele continues to inspire generations through her music, advocacy, and authentic storytelling.
What began as a concert celebrating John Coltrane’s birthday on September 23rd, 2023, at the Oaktown Jazz Workshops, eventually evolved into a full-blown recording project titled “The Last Trane to Africa,” which was released worldwide on January 23rd. Percussionist/bandleader Ian Dogole and his world-class collaborators will present an Afro-infused homage to the luminous legacy of one of the most important figures in twentieth-century music – John Coltrane. Merging Ian’s array of African percussion instruments and other indigenous percussion in concert with more traditional Jazz instruments such as piano, double bass, saxophones and drum set, attendees will enjoy a transcendent musical experience that is sure to uplift the spirit and delight the senses. Pieces will include “Africa,” “Tunji” and “Dahomey Dance” by John Coltrane; “John Coltrane,” by Bill Lee (Spike Lee’s father); “Afro Blue” by Mongo Santamaria, “Out of This World,” music by Harold Arlen, “Blue Nile,” by Alice Coltrane and “Togo,” a traditional piece originally arranged by drummer Ed Blackwell.
About IVY ROOM PRESENTS—SATURDAY APRIL 4TH—TAMMY’S CAMARO(AN EVENING WITH)—7:00 PM DOORS / 8:00 PM SHOWAdvance Tickets Available—IVY ROOM | 21+TAMMY’S CAMARO—Forged in Oakland by a devotion to deep tracks, Tammy's Camaro is a group of friends committed to playing the bitchenest underground rock for a discerning dance crowd.
Goapele is more than an artist; she is a luminous presence in the world of music, a profound voice, and a tireless force of creativity whose artistry has shaped the landscape of modern R&B. Renowned for her captivating sound—a beautiful blend of soul, jazz, pop, and moody basslines—Goapele’s music transcends genres and resonates with universal truths. Her voice, ethereal yet commanding, continues to echo the complexities of life, love, and the human experience in ways that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. The Oakland native, born to a South African father who escaped apartheid and a German-Jewish mother from New York, embodies a rich, diverse heritage that has influenced not only her music but also her worldview. Her upbringing—a fusion of cultures and perspectives—served as the perfect backdrop for her musical evolution. Goapele’s formative years at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston honed her extraordinary talent and shaped her voice into one that defies conventional boundaries. Since her 2001 debut with the timeless anthem Closer, Goapele, whose name means “to move forward” in Setswana, has consistently delivered music that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Her catalog, including albums like Even Closer, Break of Dawn, and her latest, COLOURS, reflects her evolution as an artist and a woman. Described as her most introspective work, COLOURS explores themes of healing, self-worth, and transformation, featuring collaborations with top musicians such as Errol Cooney, Bedrock, and Chris Dave. For Goapele, music is not just a means of self-expression—it is a form of therapy and a vehicle for connection. Her songs serve as a mirror for her own experiences, while inviting listeners to find their own truths within her words. In her own words, "Moments of uncertainty can feel scary, but I try my best and push forward, and trust that things will eventually land where they're supposed to." Beyond music, Goapele has long been a passionate humanitarian and advocate for social change. Through her platform, she has championed causes ranging from racial justice to women’s rights, using her voice to speak up for those whose stories are often left unheard. Her lifestyle brand, Dreamseeker, further reflects her commitment to living authentically, curating a line of scented candles and apparel inspired by her synesthesia, the condition that allows her to experience color through sound. This unique ability shapes her vision of the world and enriches her creative output, leading to immersive experiences that blend music, color, scent, and fashion. Goapele's influence extends beyond the music charts; her songs have become a soundtrack to countless films, television series, and documentaries. From So You Think You Can Dance (Fox) to Hitch (Sony Pictures) and Power (Starz), her music has been the emotional backbone of some of the most impactful visual narratives of our time. She has also made notable appearances in Sparkle (Sony Pictures), Ava DuVernay’s The Door for Miu Miu, and the art-noir short film #WhereIsBeauty, which she also executive produced. Goapele has also performed on global stages alongside legends like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Common, captivating audiences with her unique blend of artistry and activism. “I strive to create timeless music that inspires and ignites change,” Goapele says. With her enduring legacy of compassion and creativity, Goapele continues to inspire generations through her music, advocacy, and authentic storytelling.
Calling all teen instrumentalists and vocalists — come jam! Join us at the Jazzschool for a brand-new monthly jam session designed just for young musicians. Whether you’re already deep into your jazz studies or just starting to explore improvisation, this is your space to play, connect, and grow. Each month, a fresh lineup of students from the Young Musicians Program takes the stage as the Jazzschool house band, guided by a rotating cast of Jazzschool faculty bandleaders. How to Join: Middle & high school musicians and vocalists: Sign up at the door to play Just want to watch? RSVP below Whether you’re ready to solo or want to come and support, this is your jam.
This Easter Sunday, Yoshi’s Oakland is honored to welcome the legendary Fred Hammond for an unforgettable night of praise, joy, and soul-stirring music. Hosted by KDYA Radio personality Steven Parker, the evening promises two uplifting shows filled with spirit and celebration. Making his first-ever appearance at Yoshi’s, Fred Hammond will deliver a heartfelt performance featuring gospel classics and fan favorites, including: No Weapon, You are the living Word, We’re Blessed, Love Never Fails, Make Me Like the Moon …and more timeless songs that have inspired generations. Widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in contemporary gospel, Fred Hammond is not only a celebrated singer but also a gifted bass guitarist and record producer. His artistry blends gospel with the sounds of R&B, hip-hop, and even disco—creating a dynamic style that continues to move audiences worldwide. Join us for a night of faith, fellowship, and music that will lift your spirit and make this Easter truly unforgettable. Presented by Mark Elliott & The A-List Musiq Circle – Your Bay Area’s Who’s Who Entertainment Network and Steven Parker of The Steven Parker Show. FRED HAMMOND For more than 40 years, music lovers around the world have known Grammy Award-winning artist Fred Hammond as a gifted vocalist, songwriter, musician, producer, and arranger. But as his peers and supporters alike have so reverently declared, he is without debate the architect behind the creation of a phenomenon in Gospel music, Urban Praise & Worship—a genre of gospel music that did not exist prior. As a result, Fred Hammond has become one of the most respected names in the music industry! In fact, Essence Magazine (2017 Collector’s Edition) names Fred Hammond in the esteemed list of the 50 Greatest Male Singers of All Time! Fred Hammond has been hailed as an Inspirational Music Icon whose music STILL reaches people from all walks of life. Chance the Rapper recently performed his remake of Hammond's hit song “Let The Praise Begin" (entitled “Blessing/Are You Ready") on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Jamie Foxx performed Hammond’s signature hit anthem “No Weapon” during his acceptance speech at the NAACP Awards and elaborated during an interview (on Jimmy Kimmel Live) about how the song had such an incredible impact on Quentin Tarantino, Kerry Washington, and the cast of D’Jango as they were shooting some of their most intense, heart-wrenching scenes. And in a recent Instagram post, Pop/Hip-Hop Music Icon Justin Bieber declared Hammond’s “No Weapon” to be his “…favorite song!”
IVY ROOM PRESENTS SUNDAY APRIL 5TH—JOHN DOEplus special guests6pm doors / 7pm showAdvance Tickets AvailableJOHN DOE—As one of the founding members of the Los Angeles punk band , John Doe was one of the most influential figures in American alternative rock during the early '80s. In 1990, he stepped out as a solo artist, blending the uncompromising spirit of punk with country, folk, and roots rock flavors to create music that had a personality of its own without losing touch with the sensibility of . Possessing one of the richest and most expressive voices in American punk, Doe's vocal abilities were adaptable to the diverse roots rock sounds of 1990's Meet John Doe and the more introspective singer/songwriter approach of 2000's Freedom Is … Doe indulged his interest in classic country music on 2009's Country Club, recorded with Canadian roots rockers , and 2016's The Westerner and 2022's Fables in a Foreign Land showed him comfortably transitioning into a contemporary folk artist with a keen eye as a songwriter.John Doe was born John Nommensen Duchac in Decatur, Illinois on February 25, 1953. Doe spent time in Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Maryland and earned a degree at Antioch College in Baltimore before he relocated to Los Angeles, California in 1976. Doe was interested in poetry and was attending a poetry workshop in Venice, California when he met a fellow aspiring writer named . Around the same time, Doe, who had played bass in bar bands before moving to California, had answered an ad in a local newspaper from a guitarist eager to start a punk rock band. The guitarist was Billy Zoom, and when Doe brought to a rehearsal to show off some poems he thought would make good lyrics for a song, the band that would become began to coalesce. With the 1980 album Los Angeles, became the most talked about band in Los Angeles, thanks to the off-kilter harmonies of Doe and , the supercharged rockabilly guitar of , and the clattering rhythms of Doe and drummer D.J. Bonebeak. Four more albums would appear between 1981 and 1985 before left the band after Ain't Love Grand -- an experiment in pushing their music into a hard rock/metal direction, which failed to give the commercial breakthrough they desired. (Doe found time during this period to record with a pair of side projects, the acoustic country-folk combo – which also featured and Bonebrake – on 1985's Poor Little Critter on the Road, and 's group , popping up on their 1981 masterpiece A Minute to Pray, A Second to Die.)In 1987, returned with the album See How We Are, introducing new guitarist , and while the album received positive reviews, it once again failed to break the band to a larger audience. After bringing out a live set, 1988's Live at the Whisky a Go-Go on the Fabulous Sunset Strip, the band split up. By this time, Doe had been dabbling in acting, appearing in 's Salvador (1986), Allison Anders' and Kurt Voss's noir-ish L.A. scene drama Border Radio (1987), and the blockbuster Road House (1989). He had also been playing gigs on his own, and he signed a solo deal with , which had released his debut, Meet John Doe, in 1990. Doe butted heads with the album's producer during the recording sessions, and when it failed to sell to 's expectations, Doe was dropped. As it happened, 's breakthrough with Nevermind in 1991 led to plenty of major labels taking a second look at many noted underground bands of the '80s, and signed a reunited (with on guitar) for a new album, 1993's Hey Zeus! ' imprint stepped up to bring out Doe's next solo project, 1995's more rock-oriented Kissingsohard, which appeared the same year as Unclogged, a semi-acoustic live set from . Not long after the release of Unclogged, quietly broke up, though in 1998, to the surprise of many fans, the original lineup of Doe, , , and Bonebrake reunited for a handful of shows in Los Angeles. The reunion gigs were wildly successful, and continued to tour periodically from then on, when the schedules of the members permitted. While acting kept Doe busy for much of the rest of the 1990s (his résumé included roles in Pure Country, Wyatt Earp, Georgia, Boogie Nights, and Brokedown Palace), he recorded an EP in 1998 for the indie label, For the Rest of Us (it included a track Doe co-wrote with , "This Loving Thing"), and he reissued it in an expanded, album-length version in 2006 as For the Best of Us.In the 2000s, Doe devoted more time to working as a solo recording artist, offering a casually personal sound on Freedom Is…, released by the label in 2000. For 2002's Dim Stars, Bright Sky, issued by . Doe recorded his first acoustic album as a solo artist, though he brought in a number of guest stars to help, including , , , and . Doe signed with the respected roots music label for 2005's Forever Hasn't Happened Yet, a low-key but forceful set with appearances from , , and . Doe stayed with for his next two albums as well, 2007's A Year in the Wilderness and 2009's Country Club, where he was co-billed with Canadian roots band . A new solo album, Keeper, recorded at the Way Station and New Monkey studios in Los Angeles and featuring guest appearances from , , Smokey Hormel, Don Was, and , appeared in 2011. The album featured the rocking lead-off single "Never Enough."In 2012, Doe teamed up with his harmony partner for Singing and Playing, a low-key album featuring new songs as well as interpretations of favorites from the catalog. In 2014 released The Best of John Doe This Far, a collection of highlights from his solo career. In the spring of 2016, Doe found himself looking back and looking forward; he released a new solo album, The Westerner, while also publishing a memoir. Under the Big Black Sun: A Personal History of LA Punk offered an inside look at the scene that produced , with contributions from a number of his musical peers. A second autobiographical effort, More Fun in the New World: The Unmaking and Legacy of L.A. Punk, appeared in bookstores in 2019. In 2020, released their first album of new material since 1993 (and the first studio effort with since 1985), Alphabetland, which was hailed as an exciting re-creation of the band's powerful original sound. Doe and were invited to sing vocals on the song "Destroying Angels," which appeared on the expanded edition of 's 2021 album No Gods No Masters. Doe returned to his solo pursuits with 2022's Fables in a Foreign Land, an upbeat and stripped-down exercise in folk-rock that included an acoustic version of "Destroying Angels" with and contributing backing vocals. It was Doe's first LP for , which had issued 's Alphabetland. ~ Mark Deming & Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi