Published in the Jan. 21 – Feb. 3, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Mark Fenichel

Mark Fenichel

When Paul Kent moved from the East Coast to the Bay Area, he brought along his New Jersey roots and his love for music, specifically Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes. His inspirational heroes would lead him to start a similar band with a high-end horn section, ripping guitar solos, keyboard fills, a solid rhythm section and strong vocals. In 1999, he began pulling guys together from ads in music classifieds, musicians he knew and others he would find in all the usual places. That was the year Paul and his group began rehearsals which shaped and formed The Houserockers, a band that continues to be stronger than ever 16 years later. Back in those days they were known as The Silicon Valley Houserockers and spent a year rehearsing before landing their first gig at Number One Broadway in Los Gatos.

Paul quickly learned people in clubs loved hearing rockin’ soul and classic funk music. He developed a repertoire from his listeners suggestions as his following grew. From Springsteen to Bruno Mars, the Houserockers constantly expanded its musical bases to a wide range of classic rock and a little blues and continually rehearsed adding more songs along the way. The formula boiled down to a strong five-piece horn section and high energy songs that would get people out of their seats dancing and drinking. Club gigs and house party shows grew into festival and fair shows, city events and weddings. Their following continued to expand, making them one of the more popular bands on the music scene.

Four of the guys have been with the band since the beginning and most more than 10 years. The band has grown into a family of its own and it shows in the vibe of their performances. Three of the guys carry the vocals and the band has developed into a true wall of sound style.

Paul and his band are excited to bring their mix of sound from 8 to 11 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Granada Theater and it is their plan to turn a the show into a genuine house rockin’ party, playing some of the best rock and soul music ever written. They will introduce new material and surprises for their regulars including classics and chart hits. They’ve also asked me to accompany them for a song or two and I always love the opportunity to sit in with The Houserockers. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door with all proceeds to benefit The Morgan Hill Granada Theater Preservation Society.
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On another note, the Granada has long range plans to bring plenty of music to Morgan Hill.

If you have a music tip or there is something you want to see in my column, drop me a note at [email protected].