Published in the June 10-23, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mark Fenichel
Mark Fenichel
The nationally known Steven Graves Band is coming to Morgan Hill. That’s right, the band just off a rousing tour of the Pacific Northwest is slated to bring its brand of “socially conscious” roots music to audiences throughout Arizona and New Mexico later this summer and will appear at the Granada Theater June 20.
Based in Santa Cruz, this six-piece all original Americana/California Country band has been expanding its audiences nationally through the release of its sixth CD titled “Mission Bell” and is now touring throughout several west coast states.
We are lucky to be able to have this musical group in town as a stop on its summer tour.
In a recent interview with me, Steven described his approach to songwriting:
Photo courtesy the Steven Graves Band
The Santa Cruz-based Steven Graves Band is coming to the Granada Theater June 20. Just off a rousing tour of the Pacific Northwest, the band slated to bring their brand of “socially conscious” roots music to a Morgan Hill audience.
“We’re kind of our own genre,” he said. “I like to bring in elements of country, folk rock, gospel and even reggae and throw all that into the melting pot to see what emerges. We are all about authenticity and hopefully the music is inspiring and makes people feel good….that’s what it’s all about … music is the medicine!”
Steven puts a fresh spin on old school country and folk rock grooves not only with stellar instrumentation (sax, electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, drums, bass) and tight soaring vocal harmonies, but also with a new age spiritualism that permeates most of his writing.
He was nominated in 2013 for a Native American Music Award for his “White Buffalo” song and has worked closely with grassroots organizations helping Native American communities.
The band features a mix of stellar musicians including Steven Graves — acoustic, electric guitar and vocals; Alysha Antonino — vocals; Travis Cruse — electric guitar and mandolin; David Mendoza — bass; Kyle Talty — drums; and Armen Boyd — sax.
One of Steven’s biggest fans and advocates is Dennis McNally who worked as the publicist of the Grateful Dead for more than 30 years.
With McNally’s help the band has garnered an ever growing presence in the Grateful Dead and jam band circles. As a special treat for this show, the Granada will be serving up “Uncle Dave’s Organic IPA” from Santa Cruz’s favorite “Discretion Brewery.” The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. and I am honored to be asked to open the show with my musical partner Nancy Wenstrom for a set of folk, roots, blues, country and original material that will be a compliment to the rootsy music of The Steven Graves Band.
Tickets are $12 in advance on the Granada website and $15 day of the show at www.morganhillgranada.com. I can certainly can attest to the fact that the folks at the Granada have done a lot to offer quality sound in a small but comfortable space. Don’t miss this great show!
On another note, the Friday Night Music Series has kicked off its first of 12 Fridays this season and is a great place to relax, sip your favorite beer and local wines, and enjoy quality acoustic and very danceable electric music from 6 to 9 p.m. weekly.
Also remember every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. the patio at Mama Mia’s is a wonderful place to hang out and enjoy their wide selection of food and beverages with quality live music. The music is free and children are welcome. And don’t forget 88 Keys Cafe offers live music every night of the week.
If you have a musical tip send it to me at [email protected]
