10 September 2025

BISS List 9.10.25 Spotlight on Instrumental Funk Session (9.18) + The Best of BISS This Week

Happy Eclipse Season BISS Listers,

I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely been feeling a little off lately. And when I mentioned it to friends (and posted it on Facebook), they said the same thing. Turns out, we’re right in the middle of eclipse season. With one eclipse just behind us and another on the way, the energy has been… intense. Maybe that’s the cosmos shaking things up, or maybe it’s just life doing its thing. Either way, music feels like the perfect grounding force right now, and this week’s shows are just the medicine.

It really got me last week, so I took a break and wandered through our very own beautiful San Francisco. What a town to play tourist in. For just a moment, I saw it with brand new eyes and wow, the beauty is still right here waiting for us if we pause long enough to notice. I even snapped some photos while out at the new Tunnel Tops Park in the Presidio. Check out my photos here.

I’ve also been feeling the financial crunch lately, so I leaned into a couple of free shows this past week. On Saturday, I caught the unmistakable rock, soul, & blues stylings of Fantastic Negrito at Levi’s Plaza, free show, sunshine, good company, pure medicine. Sunday, I rolled out of bed and right into the Haight Ashbury Street Fair outside my window. I only captured a bit of the sets from Violet Thrones and The Seagulls on the Masonic stage. Check out the pics & videos here. Meanwhile, BISS contributor Gabriel Barkin covered The Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse and we are reposting his review and photos with permission from Grateful Web. Read it here.

On My Radar This Week

Wed 9/10 – Sierra Hull w/ Stephanie Lambring @ The Independent
Thu 9/11 – Jungle Fire, Sun Hop Fat @ The Chapel (*WIN*)
Fri 9/12 – Terrapin Roadshow @ The Fillmore (Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, Ross James, Alex Koford, Eric Krasno, Steve Molitz, John Molo) (*WIN*)
Sat 9/13 – Terrapin Roadshow @ The Fillmore (Holly Bowling, Natalie Cressman, Ross James, Alex Koford, Eric Krasno, Scott Law) (*WIN*)
Sun 9/14 – Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen @ Sweetwater Music Hall (*WIN*)

Remember, these are just my picks, you can always choose your own adventure by checking out the Best of BISS, the Full Calendar, or trying your luck on the Win Tickets page.

We’re excited to “officially” launch the Independent Artist & Independent Venue Spotlight, a new program where BISS List provides a FREE feature on one live show with an independent artist at an independent venue. Each spotlight includes newsletter coverage, social media promotion, and ticket giveaway contests to boost attendance and visibility, helping grassroots music continue to thrive here in the Bay. This program reflects our mission to strengthen the San Francisco Bay Area live music community by uplifting independent musicians and venues, highlighting diversity, and fostering connection between artists, fans, and spaces.

The very first official spotlight kicks off this week with Winter Williams Presents: Instrumental Funk Session w/ Gurlz Play 2 at The Ivy Room. Read more in the spotlight below, and don’t forget to enter to win a pair of tickets.

One last thing before I go: we recently updated our Coming to a Stage Near You playlist with all of our top show picks for September. Give it a listen and check back regularly as we continue to update this playlist with tracks from upcoming shows.

That’s it for now, BISS Listers. I hope to see you out there this week soaking up the music, the energy, and maybe even a little of that eclipse magic.

Until next time, keep showing up for live music and supporting the community that makes it all possible.

Much love and funky vibes,
~ Pamela aka Miss BISS
#seeyouattheshows

SPOTLIGHT ON INSTRUMENTAL FUNK

Instrumental Funk Session with Gurlz Play 2

Sept 18th @ Ivy Room

Winter Williams Presents the latest installment of Instrumental Funk Session. Started in June, 2023, Instrumental Funk Sessions at the Ivy Room showcase local and touring musicians collaborating in unique combinations that highlight the musicality and virtuosity of each performer. Featured in this all-female Instrumental Funk Session will be Chanelle Ignant (guitar), Danielle “drummagurl” Wansley-Strong (drums), Jewell McMilon (bass) and Richelle Scales (keys) with surprise guests sitting in. Come on out for a unique music experience curated especially for lovers of instrumental funk influenced by Afrobeat, Jazz, R&B and more!

More About the Musicians:

Chanelle Ignant is a sought after guitarist and music educator based in Oakland, CA. Playing alongside artists such as Artelia Green and the Bandanas, Be Steadwell, Jay Marie is Holy, and countless others, she has developed a style that blends elements of jazz, R&B, funk, and acoustic soul. In her solo work she uses layered guitar loops to create sonic landscapes exploring the depths of grief, self-transformation, and Black joy.
Danielle “drammagurl” Wansley-Strong is a skilled and passionate drummer from the Bay Area, recognized for her versatility, endorsements, and active presence in the drumming community. Sharing the stage with musical greats such as Dwayne Wiggins, Lenny Williams and a lot more great artists. Danielle is currently a member of Girls Play Too, A Different World, Westones, Vibemuzik and Bay Area Blues society bringing a solid foundation and pocket to every stage she steps on.
Jewell McMillon is a bassist, vocalist, and composer from the Bay Area, rooted in the groove-rich traditions of funk and soul. She has performed extensively across genres of the African Diaspora, including jazz, gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and more. Her playing has led her to share the stage with artists like Fantastic Negrito, Y La Bamba, and a range of Bay Area acts. As a bandleader, Jewell blends deep-pocket bass with genre-bending arrangements and an open-hearted approach to every performance.
Richelle Scales is a classically trained pianist with a love and passion for all styles of music. Since the age of 5, Richelle has developed an intricate relationship with the 88s, and as the instrument of choice, uses the piano to express her love for afrobeat, hip hop, classical, rock n roll, reggae, and just down right jammin’. She currently plays keys with Girls Play Too, The Back To Black Band ft. Victoria Wasserman, Somos Uno We Are One, and American Beauties.

BISS REVIEW

The Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse

“The Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse came to Berkeley Sunday night near the tail end of their summertime co-headlining “Good Times Are Killing Me Tour.” A groovy gathering of punk rockers, hippies, and freaks of all colors and ages assembled for the festivities in the venerable Greek Theatre” Check out the full review and photos from Gabriel Barkin here.