Jessie Payo : Stocking Stuffer

Recently, Harvelle's released a CD of live performances by some of it's most popular acts who play at the Westside blues bar. "Soul Of A Man" by Jessie Payo is the last track on the CD and also the most devastating. It burns through the speakers and sends shivers down the spine.

In person, it's pretty much the same except you have the dazzling visual of Jessie herself. A rare beauty with long dark hair and stage prescence to spare, she is electric, mind-blowing and rocks the house to it's core.

Jessie Payo is here Friday night.

Tonight: Get your bunnyz fix.

The return of Grillin' Bunnyz.

From fun to funky, the Grillin' Bunnyz handle both ends of the spectrum.

Workin and Broke : Soul Funk

There's nothing that sucks more than being broke around the holidays, and when you're working hard, it's like adding insult to injury. At Harvelle's the Tuesday night SoulFunk is a veritable church visit, one and all testifying. Blues and jazz and people playing to their hearts content, is a sure way to escape the bleakness of the situation. So I'm gonna be polite and comb my hair and be gracious this season and white knuckle it into 2010, where the future is.

OK. So this past Tuesday.... Ryan Cross brought his crew through. Keith Eaddy on bass, Dennis Hamm on keys and Gene Coye on drums. Featured singers Nicole and Tina sang some Xmas classics and some R&B and blues in tandem and solo.

Mayia Sykes took the stage and sang her heart out; she thawed me a little too. John Beasley - a keyboardist with an amazing resume - sat in on a few tunes. There's a video of Maiya jamming with Mr Beasley I have posted here. Lisa Foreman brought down the house with her sheer funkiness.

I hung out with guitarist Tom McNalley and chanteuse Hilary Van Lier throughout the night, and left broke - but slightly more enthused about life. A special shout out to Marcas Johnson, a keyboardist that sat in and a cool guy that I've recently gotten to know a bit.

I don't expect it to be any less funky this week.

Friday's Wild with Deacon Jones

Deacon Jones!

This incredible organ playing funkmaster took over and unleashed his wild blues and R&B into the night. The video below showcase singer blues legend Barbara Ivy, but wait until Deacon plays his organ solo a little more than mid-way through the clip.

Video : John Piazza y Greg Raymond

Singer John Piazza has been honing his R&B skills on Tuesday nights, playing before the House Of Vibe All Stars (of which he is also a member). Stop in and check him out live. His music will make your night better.

Check out keyboardist Greg Raymond.

He's the man.

House Of Vibe : Westside Tribe : Divine Crime

Amee Jana and The Divine Crime

John Piazza

Greg Raymond on keys

Amy Lou on percussion

House Of Vibe All Stars dominate the stage every Wednesday at Harvelle's here in Santa Monica, so it was a surprise to see the reggae band Divine Crime (led by Miss Amee Jana) set it off this past Wednesday.

House Of Vibe/Westside Tribe member John Piazza followed with a set of his super smooth r&b. John served double duty, filling in for some of the members of HOV who are currently on tour in Europe with Chali 2na.

Weekend At Harvelle's : Dec 11—13

Weekend At Harvelle's : Dec 4—6

2009 is rapidly coming to an end... a couple more weeks, and it's 2010. While I'm stating the obvious, let's take a look at this weekend at Harvelle's:

Friday December 4:
Dennis Jones Band returns for another rockin' set chock full of blues and soul. Non-stop dancing is required all night long. Showtime is 9:45 cover is $10

Saturday December 5:
Kenny Neal returns to Harvelle's direct from the swamps of Baton Rouge Louisiana. Kenny's legendary sound will keep you moving all the way to 2am!
Show is at 10pm, cover is $12

Sunday December 6:
Harvelle's proudly presents another installment of The Toledo Show, LA's longest running burlesque show. Soul, Jazz, and Funk are the soundtrack to the dancing 'dames' that will take over the room and surround you with their sultry presence. LA staple DJ Vicious Lee spins one hot set between the shows. Show is at 9:30 and cover is $10.