Local Talent
Fresno Area Bands I Like


The Shroud: Hendrik, Iyan, Eric, Lydia and Rodney.
I've always found it intriguing that one of the most successful and talented (and genuine) goth outfits still sticks around Fresno. The Shroud have been around for a long time, and they just keep getting better. They regularly tour, still. Keep an eye out, they're sure to leave a lasting impression.


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Fastback 69: Coyote Kev, Jr. Griff, Ghoulia Chi Chi Zamore and Ronnie G.
Fastback 69 is damn good fun. They are the rowdier side of psychobilly, and every show is a total riot. Ghoulia is famous for showing up more wasted than the fattest guy in the bar can possibly get, but manages to belt out a killer wail through every delectibly danceable number. They should be on everyone's party list.

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Nate Butler
Nate is one of Fresno's most versatile characters. He throws a cozy Martini Hour every Wednesday afternoon at Club Fred and even shows up for several special occasions, including his famous "Mmm Mmm Christmas" party and Valentines Day show. He has performed with numerous local heros, including Rich McCulley, the Shroud and the Beetles. Anyone who can catch him will most likely laugh their ass off, cry their eyes out and let out a contented sigh all in one night.

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The Sleepover Disaster: Eric, Luke, Vince & Terry
The Sleepover Disaster are the best thing to happen to Fresno since Let's Go Bowling. They have so much talent it hurts. Luke has the voice of an angel; Terry boasts the best hand-pedal coordination of any guitar player I've ever seen; Eric knows pro audio, and is one pro bassist if you've ever seen one; and Vince is the hardest-working musician on the planet. They're also the nicest guys on Earth, completely lacking in the stuck-upness which local stardom tends to inspire in many bands. They definately have my respect and my admiration.

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Jimmy & Julie: The Vultures and Sippy & Old Guzzler
Jimmy & Julie are the ultimate eye-candy. Jimmy is increadibly talented, and comes up with some of the most severely humorous lyrics and melodies for the Vultures. Julie has a beautiful voice, and killer stage presence. The Vultures are sort of Disney Goth, also starring Adam and darren from Let's Go Bowling. With original songs and a more subdued act, they are the creative outlet for the duo. Sippy & Old Guzzler (Jimmy & Julie, respectively) are a 60s cover band, specializing in sunny pop songs with a genuine Mamas and Pappas flair. S&OG also stars Vince from Sleepover Disaster on Drums, and often guests other local heros. Both acts are a definite must for any visitor or true native. They play Fred's almost once a month, and when they're not there, you can usually catch them at Starline or at your local ex-hippie gathering.

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Let's Go Bowling
Let's Go Bowling have a lot of history, and Fresn's got a lot of history tied up in them. I've ben checkin' out their shows ever since my sister would drag me out to 'Ska Fest' back in the early 90s at Metropolis Night Club. The fact that they've kept it real in Fresno and neither sold out or split up is totally cool. They still play Fred's about 6-8 times per year, whether they've got a disc to promote or not.

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Cattie Ness & the Revenge
Fresno Rockabilly. Pretty much covers these guys. Becky is sweet as can be, and Adam finds himself in yet another of my favorite locals. Kevin's day job is with one of the vendors where I work... So incestuous...

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Superfluid Helium 3: Marcos, Steve & Byron
Superfluid He3 were the first Fresno Band I saw after I turned 21 - way back in '99 (I think...). They pretty much broke me onto the local music scene. They remain one of my favorite bands of all, and their shows are among my most anticipated dates. Both Marcos and Steve are increadibly versatile musicians, and their compositions challenge even a sophisticated musical pallette. Byron is a newcomer to the band, but he's definately added a unique flavor to their sets.

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Kat Jones
Kat Jones is a talented folkstress. She spent the past year or so in Scotland, and her experiences have made her music all the more beautifully melancholy. She's sweet and sunny as can be, and belts out an angel of a wail every time I see her live. Definately worth a peak or listen.

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Rains in Velvet
A sort of supergroup, Rains in Velvet brings together Vince and Eric from Sleepover Disaster, and Marcos from Superfluid He3, along with Simon (the singer, who knows how to wear a pair of jeans). They resemble the best bits of modern rock, with a little Seattle rock thrown in to attract the grungies. Worth the wait (often 6 months or more) between gigs...





� MCK 2001-2002 [TERMS OF USE]