07 February 2024

BISS List 2.7.24: Spotlight on Mardi Gras + Best of BISS this Week

Happy Mardi Gras Season BISS Listers! May your celebrations be filled with joy, music, and vibrant colors.

Welcome to this week’s edition of BISS, your ultimate guide to the pulsating heart of the Bay Area Funk, Jam, Soul & Groove music scene! But before we dive into the sonic wonders awaiting you, it’s time for another BISS Fun Fact of the week! Did you know that BISS has been an almost 100% volunteer organization for 20+ years? How else could we keep it all FREE!! Allow us to pull back the curtain and reveal the powerhouse behind this curated marvel – a dynamic duo! Yes, for two decades, the BISS List has been meticulously & 100% voluntarily crafted by a pair of fervent music aficionados. Initially, it was just one enthusiast (that’s me!) jotting down gigs I was excited to be going to, soon joined by Bo, who brought his own eclectic taste to the mix. Unfortunately, illness forced Bo to bow out, but fear not, for Phillip stepped up to the plate, shouldering the responsibilities of curation, venue liaison, and even contest coordination. However, speaking of shouldering, Phillip is currently on the mend from shoulder surgery (perhaps an occupational hazard of too much BISSing!). Hence, for the next month, it’s a throwback to the early days with just me steering the ship. (+thank goodness for my rock, Jenni, our social media maven!) But fear not, for we are bolstered by an incredible community of BISS supporters, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for sharing your live music escapades. So, let’s raise a symbolic glass (or launch into a mosh pit if you’re feeling sprightly) to our stellar team – past, present, and to all of YOU, the beating heart of the BISS List! We could not keep this going (and why would we) without YOUR support. Please feel free to jump in and help us out!

Last weekend was a sonic explosion, and you, dear BISS fam, were right in the midst of it all! A massive shoutout to every member who sent in snippets from the shows, infusing our digital realm with palpable energy. A special nod to Andrea S for her front-row fervor at DSO. In her words, “Lisa was on fire!” And thank you Robyn S! Your clip from Pink Talking Fish on “This Must Be The Place” with all those heads bouncing in the sold-out Sweetwater made me feel like I was there with you!

Keep those clips and photos coming! Your BISS adventures fuel our collective passion. Now, let’s delve into the shows you might’ve overlooked and ignite your excitement for the week ahead…

This week, the Bay Area music scene is ablaze – and I’m not just talking about the 49ers! Whether you’re craving soulful grooves, blistering guitar solos, or late-night beats, the BISS List has you covered.

Thursday 2/8: Brace yourself for a tough choice as the week commences. Will you venture across the bridge for the Black Pumas‘ electrifying showcase at Oakland’s Fox Theater? Or opt for the local flavor and experience the raw intensity of Fantastic Negrito at The Chapel (*WIN*)? Fantastic Negrito is also playing on 2/9 at The Chapel and you can win tickets to either night just by spreading the word! There are no wrong answers here, just an abundance of musical nirvana.

Friday 2/9: Prepare for a double dose of euphoria! Kick off your evening with Sam Chase and the T-Sisters’ enchanting melodies at The Independent, then surrender to the late-night funky grooves with Ronkat’s Katdelic at Boom Boom Room (*WIN*). Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey as they guarantee an irresistible groove that you won’t soon forget!

Saturday 2/10: It’s time to don your finest attire and revel in celebration! Bedecked in red and gold, join ALO’s “Tour D’Amour” tour finale at The Fillmore (*WIN*). Embrace the Lunar New Year festivities and showcase your 49ers pride with the “Red & Gold Splendor” theme. Anticipate an evening brimming with jubilant melodies and positive vibes.

Remember, this list is for YOU and we need you to spread the word and share your BISS escapades with us! Tag us in your photos and videos, and let’s keep the live music love flowing. And remember, this is merely a glimpse of the musical wonders awaiting you. Explore the complete BISS List for hidden gems and unforgettable sonic experiences by checking the Best of BISS section with our show picks of the week and the Win Tickets page on our site. And don’t forget there is always more on the Full Calendar.

I’m certain you’ve already marked your calendar for Lantz Lazwell’s birthday bash on February 16th, featuring his band, LAZWELL at the Boom Boom Room (*WIN*) for the Galactic After Party (@ The Fillmore which yes, you can win!). Lady Chi will be gracing us with her presence & amazing vocals, joining Lantz for an unforgettable night of music. Adding to the excitement, they’ll be paying tribute to Bowie throughout his set after the tremendous success of their New Year’s run! And if you haven’t heard yet, the Sean Leahy Band will kick off the evening, with Pamela Parker, Jenn Curiell, and Daria Johnson joining in. Plus, we’re thrilled to announce that Jordan Feinstein will be making special guest appearances throughout the night, playing with both bands! It’s going to be a night of epic musical performances.

Now, I have a personal favor to ask. Let’s help LAZWELL make it to High Sierra this year! They’re competing in the #highsierrabandcontest and need your vote to secure their spot. Head over to their posts on Facebook and Instagram and show your support by giving them a like or even a ❤️. Let’s make it happen!

But wait there’s more! Check out “Tough Gets Goin’” by Mutual Groove in the #ListenToThis section below!

Until next time, stay tuned and stay BISSed!

#seeyouattheshows,
~ Pamela aka Miss BISS

SPOTLIGHT ON THE BAY’S LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER

Mardi Gras season is upon us, and the Bay Area is ready to laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) with a vibrant lineup of live music celebrations! Whether you’re in the heart of the city, on the Peninsula, or across the Bay, there’s a Fat Tuesday bash waiting to get your toes tapping and your beads flying.

Kick off the festivities this weekend with the Talley Up! Mardi Gras Dance Party! on February 10th at Mac’s in Fairfax. This lively affair promises a night of dancing, costumes, and New Orleans-inspired revelry.

On Fat Tuesday itself (February 13th), the SF Bay comes alive with three distinct options: The Chapel in San Francisco is hosting a Fat Tuesday Celebration with The Grease Traps, bringing the spirit of New Orleans classics to life. Over on the Peninsula, The Guild Theatre is throwing Jazz Mafia’s Annual Fat Tuesday Git Down, promising a night of swinging jazz and Mardi Gras merriment. And for those in the East Bay, the New Parish is hosting the Oakland Mardi Gras Party with MJ’s Brass Boppers, offering a brassy soundtrack to your Fat Tuesday fun.

Don’t miss out on this chance to experience the vibrant energy of Mardi Gras in your own backyard! So grab your beads, mask up, and get ready to dance the night away to the sounds of live music at any of these exciting events. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

*Check out all of our Featured Shows.

LISTEN TO THIS

Listen to “Tough Gets Goin’” by Mutual Groove (Released 2023).

Hailing from Nashville, Mutual Groove is a rock-fueled alt-funk machine that whips up grooves so saucy they’ll set your speakers afire, all while delivering soulful lyricism that punches through tough times with grit and hope. “Tough Gets Goin’” featuring Joel Forlines, pulsates with resilience and hope amidst everyday struggles. The laid-back groove, driven by a snappy bassline and crisp drums, provides a canvas for Joel’s powerful vocals, which navigate the ups and downs of life with a gritty yet soulful charm.