22 January 2025

BISS List 1.22.25: Spotlight on moe. (2.8) + Best of BISS this Week

Brrrrrrrrrrrr, BISS Listers!

Greetings from the chilly outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, where it’s below freezing as I write this. Since I haven’t made it to any live shows this past week, I don’t have my own concert stories to share, but I know so many of you have been out enjoying incredible live music. There was so much to see this past weekend! I posted on my page asking for your highlights—feel free to add your comments and check out what others shared.

A huge thank-you to our fabulous Patreon Members for sharing their incredible live music adventures this past week! Your stories inspire us all, and your support keeps the BISS List going strong.

Feeney Arnold, our BISS List ticket winner for Marcus Miller at Yoshi’s shared: “Finally got to hear Marcus Miller live after 40 years of hoping to. His legendary work with artists like Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, and Aretha Franklin speaks for itself. A special treat was Larry Braggs, an Oakland native and former lead singer for Tower of Power, joining for a few songs. What an unforgettable night!”

Sharon Maya raved about Dogs in a Pile at Lost on Main: “Too much fun on their return to Chico! Local favorite Swamp Zen opened and set the tone for a fantastic night. Huge thanks to Kyle Ullrich and Karin M. Williams!”

Evan had a weekend full of live music: “Friday was Meshell Ndegeocello at SFJAZZ—her vibe and Baldwin-inspired lyrics were perfection. Saturday was a triple-header with Railroad Earth and Greensky Bluegrass at the Fox, capped off with Ronkat Spearman keeping the Boom Boom Room dancing past 2 AM. Thanks to BISS List Patreon for the comps!”

Thank you, Feeney, Sharon, and Evan, for sharing your experiences and for being incredible supporters of BISS. Keep the stories coming—I love living vicariously through you until I can dance with you again!

Speaking of incredible live music, this Friday (1/24) stands out as one of the craziest nights of the year so far—LOL! But seriously, we have a staggering 26 shows (!) on the BISS calendar, with 20 of them landing on our Best Of list. If I weren’t traveling, I’d have a hard time choosing between them all.

My top picks for the night would probably be Disco Biscuits at the Warfield, Lettuce & GZA at the Fox Theater, Los Lobos at The Fillmore, or Tank & The Bangas at The Independent. Whether you’re into funk, rock, soul, groove, or anything else, there’s something spectacular happening on the 24th for everyone. Don’t just take my word for it—check out the BISS List calendar and see for yourself. Who knows? Maybe I’ll still see you out there that night!

The next night, Saturday (1/25) my decision is crystal clear—I’ll be at the Casa Del Sol Album Release Party (*WIN*) at Broadway Studios. Strange Angels is the new album, featuring Mad Johnny Modell alongside an all-star lineup: drummer Wally Ingram (Sheryl Crow, Bob Weir), bassist Mike DiPirro (Bill Kreutzmann, Free Peoples), and keyboardist Mighty Dave Pellicciaro (Jackmormons, Materialized). Opening the night are the Minglewood Boys, ft Erik Lekas, Sean Swetland, Danny Eisenberg, and Wally Ingram. And to top it off, it’s Johnny Modell’s birthday!

I know all the Strangels will be in attendance, and I can’t wait to celebrate with them. In the Listen to This section below, you’ll find an interview with Johnny Modell about the new album and a link to pre-save it. Then come hear it live Saturday at Broadway Studios!

But the weekend doesn’t end there, nor does the music. Sunday (1/26) I’ll be at North Mississippi Allstars at Sweetwater. Looking ahead to next week, Wednesday (1/29) & Thursday (1/30) bring Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe to Sweetwater with Nigel Hall for two nights (*WIN*). On Thursday (1/30), I might check out Amendola vs. Blades at The Ivy Room (*WIN*) — tough decisions ahead!

By then, you’ll have another BISS List in your inbox to help plan the next round of adventures.

As always, the full rundown of this week’s Best of BISS picks are in the section below. So scroll on!

For more shows and your chance to win FREE tickets, head over to the Full Calendar and the Win Tickets page. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything!

Keep sharing your musical adventures with me on the thread so I can continue living vicariously through you until I get back home and can dance with you on the dance floor again.

~ Pamela aka Miss BISS
#seeyouattheshows

SPOTLIGHT ON CIRCLE OF GIANTS

moe.

Feb 8th @ The Fillmore

Hailed by American Songwriter for their “mind-bending musicality,” moe. is treasured for their mesmerizing musical synergy, unfettered showmanship, and smart, resonant songcraft. For over three decades, the band has corralled myriad musical forms on a truly original journey rich with crafty, clever songwriting and astonishing resourcefulness. Fueled by an impassioned fan base, moe. has spent much of those thirty years on the road, encompassing countless live performances marked by eclectic wit, deep friendship, and exploratory invention. They’ve built an enduring legacy with hard work and a confirmed commitment to creativity and community.

This tour comes on the heels of the release of Circle of Giants. Relix Magazine has described the album as “a masterclass in genre-blending, filled with moments of striking emotional resonance,” while Jambands.com praised the “bold experimentation and unrelenting energy.” With tracks that Rolling Stone called “both technically brilliant and deeply accessible,” expect a live experience like no other!

**Check out all of our Featured Shows.

LISTEN TO THIS
INTERVIEW WITH MAD JOHNNY

An Exclusive with Mad Johnny Modell: The Journey Behind Strange Angels

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Mad Johnny Modell, the singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist behind Casa Del Sol, to discuss the band’s debut album, Strange Angels. From growing up as part of a legendary NFL family to forging his path in the music world as a single dad and industry professional, Johnny’s story is as inspiring as the music he creates.

Strange Angels isn’t just an album—it’s a cinematic, socially conscious, and genre-blending journey that channels the best of San Francisco’s rich musical heritage. Casa Del Sol, Johnny’s “band of brothers,” brings Johnny together with three legendary musicians: drummer Wally Ingram, bassist Mike DiPirro, and keyboardist Mighty Dave Pellicciaro. Together, they’ve crafted a record steeped in love, loss, and the light found in dark times.

In this candid conversation, Johnny shares the inspiration behind Strange Angels, the band’s creative process, and the heartfelt stories behind some of the album’s standout tracks.

Miss BISS: How would you describe Strange Angels and the overall vibe of the album?

Johnny: Strange Angels is a “turn on, tune in, drop out” album-oriented experience meant to be enjoyed in one sitting. It’s cinematic and socially conscious, blending psych-rock, soul, blues, jazz, folk, and even world music. At its core, it’s about shedding light in dark times, which feels more important than ever.

Miss BISS: What was the inspiration behind Strange Angels?

Johnny: The album draws from my personal journey and the idea of finding beauty and connection in a painful world. It’s inspired by a greater community of music fans, friends and wonderful characters we lovingly call the “Strange Angels.” They’ve been such a huge part of my life, and this album is for them.

Miss BISS: How did the recording process come together with Casa Del Sol? Any standout moments in the studio?

Johnny: Working with Casa Del Sol was a dream. These guys—Wally, Mike, and Mighty Dave—are certified geniuses. Their talent and friendship made the sessions both productive and deeply fulfilling. Every moment felt special, but there’s a certain magic in the telepathic interplay we’ve developed.

Miss BISS: Are there any specific songs with interesting backstories or personal significance?

Johnny: Absolutely. “Love in a Time of War” is about the birth of my first son. It captures the awe and beauty of bringing life into this world, even in tumultuous times. Then there’s “Adorable Corruptor,” a vampire love song I wrote for my wife. It’s playful and spooky, with auto-tuned wolf cries and bluesy vibes—it brings out my inner adolescent. “Leaves and Trees” is deeply personal, touching on themes of loss and love, while “These Roads” reflects my connection to Ireland and my heritage.

Miss BISS: What was one of the most memorable or unexpected moments during the recording sessions?

Johnny: There wasn’t just one moment—it was the whole process. We brought our shared experiences and deep friendship into the studio, which allowed for a kind of creative freedom you don’t always get. There was definitely a lot of laughter and moments where everything just clicked musically. We had the honor of working with another certifiable genius Danielle Goldsmith who is an amazing recording engineer and mixer. She did such an amazing job on this, and became our soul sister in the process.

Miss BISS: How would you describe the energy and dynamic of Casa Del Sol as a band?

Johnny: Casa Del Sol is a true band in every sense. Wally brings decades of groove and precision, Mike has this incredible intuition on bass, and Mighty Dave is a very unique wizard on the keys. Together, we’ve created a freewheeling sound that’s grounded in songcraft but leaves plenty of room for improvisation and storytelling.

Miss BISS: What do you hope listeners will take away from Strange Angels?

Johnny: I want listeners to feel love and connection and to be reminded of the power of music to heal and inspire. The best art is often created during times of turmoil, and I hope this album brings some light to anyone who needs it.

Miss BISS: What’s next for you and Casa Del Sol?

Johnny: I have six albums’ worth of songs ready to record, so there’s a lot of music on the horizon. We’re also planning to get out there and play live. This is just the beginning for Casa Del Sol.

Be sure to pre-save Strange Angels, out soon.

Listen to “You Make Me So High,” the first single from Strange Angels now.