The Davis Odd Fellows and Soroptimist International of Davis are hosting a benefit to raise funds for the earthquake survivors in Nepal. The benefit “Neighbors for Nepal” on Saturday July 11, 2015, from 5 pm to 10 pm will feature dinner and music and a taste of Nepali culture.
The music line-up is headlined by The Barry “The Fish” Melton Band at 9 pm. The other bands are Zapato Viejo at 8 pm, According to Bazooka at 7 pm and Drivin’ South at 6 pm.
The Barry “The Fish” Melton Band features Melton, who co-founded Country Joe and the Fish, on guitar and vocals. The band includes a talented cast of musicians including Peter Albin on bass, who played with Big Brother & the Holding Company, Banana aka Lowell Levinger on keyboards and guitars, who co-founded the Youngbloods and played with Zero, and Roy Blumenfeld on drums, who played with the Blues Project and Seatrain. Melton, a longtime Davis resident and former Yolo County Public Defender, continues to play a mix of blues and rock.
Zapato Viejo is a collective of local musicians with a highly varied and extensive musical heritage. They play an eclectic collection of material from Latin America and the United states as well as some original material. Although their base is the Afro-Cuban poly-rhythmic music they also play reggae, rockabilly, Latin Jazz, blues, R & B, funk and soul. They are a bunch of old vatos that enjoy getting’ down. They play whatever feels good.
According to Bazooka is the newest collaboration of Richard Urbino and René Martucci, who share a love for art, music and creativity. In According to Bazooka, they present their original compositions in a textural blend of acoustic guitar, accordion and two point harmony. Their songs have humor and spirit as they tell short stories inspired by living in the Sacramento Valley. Urbino and Martucci write in a pop-rock style that blends elements of rock and roll, country, ska, zydeco and other genres. Some might call it catchy Americana pop. Many of us know them through their alter ego known as Cold Shot.
Drivin’ South offers the audience good clean fun (most of the time). Meri’s voice transcends average boundaries. Wendy’s fingers dance on the accordion and Mike’s guitar play pulses funky rhythm. Together, they offer original blues, old-time jazz and silky classics.
The benefit includes an open seating dinner between 5 pm and 8 pm featuring Nepali dishes donated by area restaurants. Local Nepali students will perform dances and a fashion show.
Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at the Avid Reader and Common Grounds in south Davis. For more information, contact Arun Sen at arun.sen@sbcglobal.net
