Focus On...

Brent Rogers
With a smooth baritone voice, a slow smile, and southern charm, Brent's compositions range from power pop to country, melodic love songs to 40's style crooner tunes. His performances are energetic and heartfelt, singing tales from his life journey. His songs are his diary, musical expressions of honesty, love, loss and hope. Brent explains, "I attempt to create songs that not only challenge my abilities as a vocalist, but also draw the listener into the story, to my deepest thoughts and desires... to touch another soul with my own soul and spirit." Brent Rogers is currently in the studio working on his next release. He is available for live performances as a solo act or with a band, session work, and commissioned song writing. "Because of the love and support of my family and friends... I've had the freedom to be successful as a musician, performer and producer. I create music daily, and that's what matters most to me." -Brent
Find out more about Brent Rogers at www.brentrogers.com.

King Juju and the Beats
King Juju & The Beats play the kind of slow Blues you might’ve heard in Chicago back in the days when gas was cheap and the Fender bass was the latest thing. Electric guitar and piano weave eerily around and over a tight bass & drum rhythm pierced by emotional sweat drenched vocals. They also play great fast songs. Stuff like J.B. Hutto & The Hawks slide guitar tour de force “Too Much Alcohol”, Little Tommy Tuckers dance hit “High Heel Sneakers” , Junior Wells’ classic “Messin’ With the Kid” and Magic Slim & The Teardrops manic shuffle “Stranded on the Highway”. And of course lots of standards, “Midnight Hour” by the legendary Wilson Picket, Blues staples such as “Stormy Monday Blues” & “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man” find their way into the set list, as do Rockabilly classics like “Little Sister” and “Blue Suede Shoes” .These might be followed by a Swing tune like Willie Dixons “I'm Ready” or the original “Dance w/ Me Daddy”. And watch out! They do some new and exciting arrangements on some old chestnuts too. Jimmy Rodgers rockabilly style, or Robert Johnson sounding like Hound Dog Taylor for example.
Find out more about King Juju and the Beats at www.kingjujuandthebeats.com.

Skip vonKuske
Skip vonKuske has been an active freelance cellist on the Portland music landscape since 1997. In that time he's recorded more projects than he can even remember. vonKuske currently performs an average of twenty times monthly, dividing his time as a soloist ; member of Vagabond Opera, Carmina Luna, The Lorca Project, and wedding groups Ariel Consort, Aurora Strings, and Collage Trio. In addition, he is a regular on the McMenamin's circuit, with a Wednesday night series at Edgefield winery. The Diva series features the finest female singer-songwriters in duos with improvised cello and starts again in May. Since January, vonKuske's guests have included Lara Michell, Ashliegh Flynn, Skye Pixton, Amee McCaa, Susie Blue, Stephanie Schneiderman, Nicole Campbell, Lea Kruger, Terra, Amoree Lovell, Ariel Tebben, Crystin Byrd, Jen Bernard, and Rachel Taylor Brown.
Find out more about Skip vonKuske at skipvonkuske.com.

Stevi Marie & Jackson Road
With an eye for classic guitars, a quick wit, and a passion for making music, Stevi Marie breaks the mould of today's typical young artist. Drawing from greats like Rosanne Cash, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Neil Young & Bruce Springsteen, her songs speak out on many different levels, but always as a conscious woman coming of age in today's world. As versatile a musician as she is a songwriter, Stevi not only sings, but also plays trumpet, guitar, bass, and drums. All of this combined with a confident, vibrant presence and she will draw even the most shy listener into the fray. Stevi Marie & Jackson Road is an amalgam of classic and contemporary rock with country influences, and strong musicianship, focused on making an electric performance each and every time. Each member of the band is classically trained and schooled, but also road tested over thousands of miles. Collectively we draw influences ranging from Miles Davis to Buck Owens, and Bruce Springsteen to Elvis Costello to Sheryl Crow. Stevi herself plays four instruments (trumpet, guitar, bass, & drums) as well as singing and writing the songs. All in all, we do our best to elevate the art of live music all while ensuring that a good time will be had by all. The band's youth coupled with the intensity and confidence the group carries when performing, and the maturity of Stevi's self-written material delivers a promising future.
Find out more about Stevi Marie & Jackson Road at www.stevimariemusic.com.