The Yuba-Sutter area may not be booming with excitement and live shows now, but many aspiring musicians in Yuba-Sutter are seeking recognition. Unfortunately, very few outlets exist for these groups. While places like The Town Pump and Sound Attitude allow bands to expose their musical gift on a regular basis, there is not much else in the way of opportunity for our local bands.
As you cruise up and down Plumas Street in Yuba City, you may see a few places that offer shows on Friday and/or Saturday nights. Places such as the City Café, Kaffe`T`Latta and Java Retreat offer one or two-man shows that fit the mood of their Café backdrop.
At the South end of downtown Plumas Street you will find The Underground. The store manager of The Underground, Nicole Siler, said, “I would really like to get something started on Saturdays. The only set back is that the place is too small for drums or anything excessively loud.”
Siler was very enthusiastic when she affirmed that “anyone who likes to play some acoustics is perfectly welcome here.”
Jason King, a local musician in the band Void, said that there is “so much more opportunity in Sacramento.”
When asked what the best local venues were, he replied, “Sound Attitude and The Town Pump are where most local bands play.”
In the way of band performances, an aspiring musician’s best bet is The Town Pump, where the artist must be 18 to play, and audience members must be 21 to attend.
Rock Leger, an entertainment coordinator for places such as The Town Pump and Sound Attitude, is currently juggling about 11 bands locally and about 40 from as far south as San Diego.
Opportunity in the music business knocks at very few doors in our small communities. However, when it does, Rock Leger may be the one standing at the doorway.
When asked about his goal for the Yuba-Sutter community he replied, “I want to create a musical environment everyone can feel a part of and that gives the opportunity for everyone to participate free from prejudice.”
Leger also stated that his goals go beyond band venues. He would like to get the ball rolling for a positive change in our community. “I want to set up an all-age event where all the people in our area can come and open their eyes to all of the culture that is right under our noses.”
Leger can be reached at The Town Pump at 530-755-1126. Siler, store manager of The Underground, can be reached at 530-674-2878.
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