Louisiana Rain
Louisiana Rain is a vibrant tribute to the music of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. This five piece band features an amazing vocalist who sings in the distinctive voice of Tom Petty, presenting material from the Heartbreakers as well as some of Tom’s side projects. The seasoned musicians of Louisiana Rain took their experiences from touring, recording and hundreds of performances to create a fun project in admiration of a great artist. It makes for a show not to be missed!
Band Members:
Ken Carmassi plays guitar in Louisiana Rain, but his most important role is bringing the distinctive voice of Tom Petty to life on stage. Ken started singing and playing guitar in high school. In his early twenties he began playing clubs as an acoustic solo performer. He later formed the acoustic duo Harvest, which led him to join the rock back Plain Shame, where he met John Hernan. Ken was also the lead singer and guitar player in Plan 9. He still enjoys giving acoustic performances both solo and in the duo The Average Joes.
John Hernan is the lead guitar player for Louisiana Rain. Having first leaned to play the guitar in grade school, he later took two years of study at Showcase Music Institute in San Jose. Playing hundreds of shows in bands on and off over the years, he has been a member of Nitro, Plain Shame, and Plan 9. John met Ken upon joining Plain Shame, leading them to perform together in Plan 9, and now Louisiana Rain.
Russell Vazquez is the bass player for Louisiana Rain and has been playing music since the age of eight. Being a member of the bands Windjammer, Aryon and Doug led to him to perform in such legendary Bay Area clubs as The Keystone (Palo Alto, San Francisco) and the Mabuhay Gardens. When Russ was in hard rocker Aryon he recorded and toured in support of their album Rebels Of The Night, which enjoyed airplay on radio stations KSJO and the legendary KOME. In addition to playing bass and singing harmony, he also plays guitar and keyboards. Russ and John have been friends for many years, making playing together in Louisiana Rain as much fun for them as the audience!
Mark Viera started playing piano in the early eighties, just as computers were beginning their profound effect on keyboard technology. He combined his interests in music and high fidelity stereo equipment to capitalize on the new, creative freedoms the technology presented. In 1981 he and John were two of the founding members of the band Nitro, which played the radio hits of the day while they were still hits! Mark handles all the keyboard playing for Louisiana Rain as well as harmony vocals.
Ryan Viera is the drummer for Louisiana Rain. He started out on drums at the age of nine and has been engaged in making music ever since. His passion for a diverse experience in music led him to also play guitar, bass and keyboards. With the band Minus The Hills he writes and records original material, occasionally doing live shows. Ryan enjoys playing a number of drum styles, especially reggae, and has been with Louisiana Rain since 2008. Having all this musical creativity, and being only 16 years old, he brings a youthful spark to the group.
The Forget Me Nots
The Forget Me Nots are headed by singer-songwriter Larry Ingenthron. His versatile voice ranges from tenor to baritone, and he has written over 30 original Bluegrass songs. He won Best Song at the West Coast Song Writers competition last year for his beautiful “Old Kentucky Moon.” He backs up his singing with guitar, which he has been playing since age 13. About 10 years ago he started playing banjo and got more serious about his music and heading up his own band.
Perry Blackmon was born in Georgia and started playing fiddle and guitar professionally at the young age of 17. He has played country music at night clubs all over the bay area. At almost 82 he still plays a mean fiddle!
Laura Sewall played classical piano as a child, but became enamored with Bluegrass about seven years ago. Someone gave her a gut bucket (aka washtub bass) to play, but since she always loved the sound of the big bass, she decided to move up to that, and so now her husband Noel plays the washtub. Lately she’s been working on harmony to help fill out the band’s vocals.
J Henderson (yes, J really is his first name) also plays banjo and guitar. In his formative years he learned music playing oboe in school orchestra. Over the years he picked up banjo and guitar. He got serious about playing about five years ago focusing his efforts on that driving bluegrass banjo sound. In addition to backing up the band with his talented banjo playing, he adds some beautiful harmony to the group.
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"BYOF" Concerts 2011
“BYOF" (bring your own food)
Come join us in the picnic area for a Concert and “BYOF” (bring your own Food) BBQ! We will supply a grill with hot coals if you wish to BBQ! All you have to do is bring your grilling food and side dishes, plates, and utensils. Wine by the glass/bottle and beverages will be available for purchase. Call the tasting room for more information
(925) 373-6636.
Fee is $5 p/person.
Don't forget your dancing shoes!
No outside alcohol permitted.
July 9th - "Cowboy Bill"
July 16th - "Louisiana Rain"
July 23rd - "Forget Me Nots"
August 6th - "Forget Me Nots"
August 20th - "Cowboy Bill"
September 10th - "Forget Me Nots"
Cowboy Bill and the Sierra Travelers
Cowboy Bill and the Sierra Travelers play country music the way you remember it! Cowboy Bill has been singing country music most of his life. His warm baritone voice has been compared to many of the classic country greats such as Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. He is a rare West Coast find. Cowboy Bill's band, the Sierra Travelers, includes:
Steve Allen - Drums
Dave McAnelly – Dobro and Vocals
Billy Smith – Lead Guitar and Fiddle
Laura Sewall – Doghouse Bass and Vocal
