Composition Archives - CreativeSonoma.org

Christopher Alexander Audio, Composition, Film, Instrumental, Media, Music, Other, Vocal Christopher Alexander is a songwriter from Sonoma County who performs in a style evocative of the 60's and 70's. He's a poet turned musician who composes music of various genres from blues to psychedelic rock and folk rock to jazz. The subject matter he writes and sings about ranges from the mundane to the fantastical often blending the two in a seamless, mind-bending way.

Brittany Aquamarine Composition, Instrumental, Music, Other, Performance Art, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Vocal Brittany Aquamarine:

Live Music - Ecstatically Jazzed Ethereality
Music Teacher - Piano, Guitar, and Vocals

Known for creating complex and intricate piano and guitar-based songs since 2004, Brittany’s newest songs, and first-time releases in 2021, were created by arranging and editing a variety of layered electronic instrumental loops.

Brittany has collaborated and performed with many musicians, adding songwriting, instrumentation, lead and background vocals to various projects, performing live with one band, Grenadilla, at SiriusXM Satellite Radio in Washington D.C. the Clearwater Festival and Mountain Jam Festival in New York.

She believes we all can choose to use the pieces we have to instigate necessary creative expression. These expressions are the genesis of her new songs based in electronic loops of bass, drum and piano additions. All of these new songs have gone through many transformations and metamorphosis as we all do. Jienan Yuan, one of the producers for Pieces (Jienan Yuan Remix) was instrumental in making that version of Pieces. Brittany loves to share her passion for music with others. She provides private music lessons and teaches lessons at Music to My Ears in Cotati, CA and Art and Soul School of Creative and Performing Arts in Windsor, CA. Please contact BrittanyAquamarineMusic@gmail.com about music interests and booking requests.

Sarah Baker Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal SARAH BAKER Northern California artist Sarah Baker has landed international radio airplay and performed on concert stages with legendary artists ranging from Dr. John and Etta James to Tom Petty and Taj Majal. The singer, songwriter, composer and pianist performs soul-blues music with a rock edge. Her vocals have been described as soaring, gritty, tantalizing and unforgettable. Her songs, instrumentals and lyrics reflect the soulful heartbeat of Memphis and Muscle Shoals, the Southern vibe of Nashville, and the rock 'n' roll free spirit of Woodstock. Sarah has recorded or appeared on several albums featuring a mix of original and classic songs spanning music genres from rock and jazz to Delta blues. While sheltering in place she completed her latest venture, composing music for "I Married the War," a documentary about the wives of war veterans, currently showing at film festivals in New York, Paris, and San Diego. *** The artist is managed by Katrina Markarian of Segue Entertainment and Firenze Records. To learn more about Sarah or to hear her music, visit www.SarahBakerStudios.com. You can follow her on Facebook@SarahBakerMusic and all major digital platforms. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7anWlCuAXxuzaX5Asg6Tks Youtube _ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCodM0p41RrSBi2stz4Qsr9A?view_as=subscriber Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sarah-baker/340778058 Albums Available at CD Baby, Apple Music, Amazon Music

Two Lions Band Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal

Once Upon a time...

The Two Lions band was created to showcase the music of Mitchel Slade. The idea of the band stems from the iconic idea that the Lion and the Lamb in friendship are a sign of peace.

We have come far towards our goals of peace, but we are truly in the time of the Two Lions. The time of personal leadership and evolution, and the need to resolve differences. Musically, we hope to bring a depth in the poetry and create an ambiance with the music that provokes a thoughtful, intended, and progressive experience.

The Band:

Mitchel Slade - guitar and vocals

Ashley Holmberg - violin & viola

Lance Harrington - percussion

Cw Bayer Composition, Instrumental, Music, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Vocal CW Bayer plays ragtime honky tonk songs and tunes, singing and playing instrumentally, on guitar and harmonic. He plays originals and standards. He's played a long time. CW is available to share/teach this style. Visit cwbayer.blue

Gio Benedetti Audio, Children's, Composition, Fiction, Folk Art, Illustration, Instrumental, Literature, Media, Music, Non-Fiction, Other, Painting, Puppetry, Storytelling, Visual Arts I like to make art. I draw and I paint. An artist I am. A not artist I ain't.

Mandy Brooks Composition, Instrumental, Music, Teacher/Instructor, Vocal Mandy Brooks found the road to music career a natural path to follow as she grew up with a mother who was a professional singer. She began sitting in with her mom's bands and learning about the industry from about 12 yo. Throughout her teens and twenties, she studied music in high school, college, recorded on various audio and visual projects in the studio and performed in live groups and ensembles including The Jimmy Scott Band, Blues Baby & Good Thing. Mandy has taught piano, voice and band workshops throughout the years at Yamaha Music School; Irvine, CA; Moody Music; Anaheim, Ca. and currently teaches privately out of her home studio. As the founder of Mockingbird Productions Company, she enjoy promoting and booking acts for venues and independently. 2017 marked the year of my debut album release, "Move on Up". Mandy Brooks is the leader of the "Mandy Brooks Band", also formed in 2017, featuring local artists including Levi Lloyd on guitar. Since this release, Mandy has also released five original songs and performs nationally with her family band “Small Hat”. As well as performing live, Mandy has a passion for songwriting. Mandy has won an award in 2017 from the West Coast Songwriters, and a finalist in the 2019 Creative Sonoma Next Level songwriting contest. Mandy was also commissioned in 2018 to write a song “Common Ground” in commemoration of the 2017 Tubbs fire. Women in Music Collective was founded by Mandy Brooks in 2017 and has since produced a benefit concert in 2018 as well as donated instruments to women, to Verity and the Ronnie Martin Foundation. In 2019 Mandy was asked to speak on behalf of the collective for the Women’s March in Santa Rosa in front of 3,500 people. 2018 Mandy won the female artist of the year for the Christian/Gospel category for the Josie Music Awards in Nashville. Mandy has a passion for helping other musicians achieve their goals and making a positive change in her community through her songs and her music. Singing, playing guitar and keyboard, writing songs and utilizing the gift of music to make a difference in individuals and communities is a driving force behind the music and life of Mandy Brooks.

Eric Butterfield Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal

Eric Butterfield's most recent single was a semi-finalist in the 2017 International Songwriting Competition.

Eric Butterfield is a songwriter based in Santa Rosa. His most recent single, "Wake Me in Paris," was a semi-finalist in both the 2017 International Songwriting Competition (unsigned category) and the 2018 Unsigned Only music contest. The song was produced and co-written by Scott Mickelson. His near-term goal is to release a full album featuring this song.

Eric performs locally as a solo act. He also releases music as Sons of the Golden West, and released a CD under that name in 2016.

Eric's music has appeared on more than 200 TV show episodes, on many major networks.

His self-produced six-song EP as Sons of the Golden West, "Oh, California!", received airplay on KALX in Berkeley, the Americana Music Show (Durham, N.C.), WCNI (Connecticut), and was put in rotation at San Diego State's KCR.

Eric's TV credits include Last Call With Carson Daly (NBC), True Life (MTV), The Nate Berkus Show (OWN), Remodeled (Web TV Network), Real Housewives of Atlanta (Bravo), N.Y. Ink (TLC), Last Chance Highway (Animal Planet), Porter Ridge (Discovery), Flipping Out (Bravo), and PM Miami (Mun2). The song "Teriza" appeared in an online video narrated by Ashley Judd, "Help Save Idaho's Wolves." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK1mZ4fL6Pk). A nearly complete list can be found at https://www.ericbutterfieldmusic.com/tv-credits

Eric's West Coast roots run deep. He is a fourth-generation Californian who grew up in the Los Angeles area. This heritage and a sense of a rapidly changing landscape losing its history inspire much of what has become the varied Americana sounds of Sons of the Golden West (www.sonsofthegoldenwest.com). Travel and relocation have also been an influence. In the 1990s, Eric was turned on to the vibrant Americana music scene in Denver, Colorado. At the time, he played in a pop punk band that toured the Western U.S. and released multiple albums, landing songs on compilations from AP magazine and San Diego label Goldenrod Records. Prior to that, Eric played in Dublin, Ireland, with The Mexican Pets, which recorded albums for Blunt Records, toured Europe, and played with the likes of Pavement, Fugazi, Sebadoh, and Therapy?. More recently he played in San Francisco with the Subtractions before forming Sons of the Golden West, both of which performed in clubs in the Bay Area and beyond.

Sean Carscadden Composition, Music Carscadden is a two time winner of the North Bay Bohemian Norbay award for best Americana artist 2018 and 2019. With a crack team of musicians, the Sean Carscadden Trio is one of the most exciting bands in Northern California. Playing a mix of Blues, New Orleans Funk, Folk and old time songs with a contemporary touch, the group is energetic and known to gets some folks dancing! Carscadden is joined by bassist extraordinare Cliff Hugo (Ray Charles, Supertramp) and behind the drums you will find either Mikey Cannon (Gator Nation) or Kendrick Freeman (Joe Craven). And you can often find some of the bay area's best musicians popping in and joining the band on stage.

Jason Cool Acting, Architecture, Artisan, Arts Administration, Ballroom, Ceramics, Children's, Choreography, Composition, Crew, Dance, Design, Directing, Equipment, Fashion Design, Fiber Art, Fiction, Film Office, Folk Art, Functional Art, Furniture, General Services, Glass, Hip-Hop & Funk, Illustration, Improvisation, Improvisation, Instrumental, Interior Design, Jewelry, Literature, Media, Mixed, Modern, Multi-Media, Music, Non-Fiction, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Performance Art, Photography, Poetry, Production, Professional Performance, Puppetry, Sculpture, Storytelling, Talent, Teacher/Instructor, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal, Woodworking

Jason Cool/Henson

Raised by musical and artistic tallent. from my grandfather Walter cool.writing and composing set designs on and off Broadway as well as music teacher. He tought me many things about music ,set design ,and writing stories making songs.mom colleen cool was a d.j for many years growing up .her morning talk show won an addy award. experience of the evolution of radio stations format from vinal,reel to reel,8 track,cassette,cd,to digital.learned lots about the insider secrets and politics , selling air time ,being a paid musical artist.and much more.on my dad's side .the "story family." his grandmother had 21 kids .4 sets of twins ,all natural birth!all musicians playing together ofton..on ed sullvon show and groucho marks.this popular family band and I would practice at grandma's regularly. As a kid growing up. i would try many instruments pianos ,drums,accordion ,banjo ,mandolin etc. I have been in theater,loved the arts, music ,writer. open to everything since i was a young kid.arts and music are my life!if i dont know how to do something,i will be honest!i ask,try and will do all things of interest with love !and any collaboration with heart.I Compromise to learn others perspectives because im always learning. preforming on and off stage.jamming with the public.sharing what i know. Learning what others are willing or able to teach.I loved all the music,art,storys,I have been a part of, or experienced 1999 to current over 15 countries I visited. World Share

Clementine Darling Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal Self taught singer-songwriter performing under the name of Clementine Darling. I play acoustic guitar and write folk tunes about my observations on love and the world.

Scott Decker Composition, Instrumental, Media, Music, Other, Video, Vocal

Scott Decker was born and raised in Healdsburg. Scott was first drawn to music by way of the guitar at age 13. He began studying guitar with local guitar player and educator Chris Pimentel.

Scott's formal music education started at the Santa Rosa Junior College where he discovered his love for the jazz art form while studying under Bennett Friedman. Later, Scott received a B.A. in Jazz Guitar Performance from Sonoma State University, earning the honorary Mel Graves 'Distinguished Graduate in the field of Jazz' award.

Scott has had the pleasure of studying and playing music with such notable artists and educators: Dayna Stephens, Randy Vincent, Doug Leibinger, Matt Wilson, Babatunde Lea, Julian Lage, Steve Rubardt, Cliff Hugo, Kendrick Freeman, and more. Scott has been playing and studying music for two decades, and can be found playing in various musical groups throughout Sonoma County.

Emillien Deschamps Audio, Composition, Media, Music, Vocal Lyricist/Vocalist that loves to sing and rap with a taste of sweet reggae. Sings in the group the Bloodstones and performs regionally in the North Bay and Bay Area.

Christa Durand Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal Christa is dedicated to exploring the relevancy of classical music in our lives today. With her students and in her performances, Christa encourages creating music from a place of authenticity, using music as a medium to share our collective and individual stories and cultivate compassion for one another.

Oddjob Ensemble Composition, Equipment, Film Office, Instrumental, Music, Other, Other, Performance Art, Talent, Theatre, Vocal "Hailing from Sonoma County, Oddjob Ensemble performs a myriad of musical styles and collaborates with perfomance artists in Vaudevillian shows, musical theater, and the avant garde. The Ensemble, led by Kalei Yamanoha, is a trio that is comprised of trap kit, string bass and accordion. Dancing to energizing early jazz numbers, listening to ethereal folk music and stomping to raucus overtures, the crowd will have their ears twisted into a delicious musical pretzel."

Manzanita Falls Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal Manzanita Falls has been perfecting their blend of dramatic indie rock for the better part of this decade. With their newest album out “Abilene,” Manzanita Falls is excited to be bringing these songs to new and expanding audiences. Written after a near-fatal rollover accident the band suffered while on tour, and honed for the better part of three years, these songs explore the tenuis balance between life and death; love and loss. Manzanita Falls is ready to be out of their Northern California studio and back on the road this spring and summer.

Jesse Fichman Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal "While AJ Lee is only 19 years old, she’s been the new face of bluegrass for more than a decade.” -The San Francisco Chronicle Blue Summit combines accomplished instrumental work with powerful vocals and a lose interpretation of traditional bluegrass. Taking in elements from western swing, soul, folk, rock, and old time music, this band of friends puts their heart into their music, and has honorably been recognized as 2018 NCBS Band of the Year. At the head of the group is AJ Lee, eight-time winning NCBS Female Vocalist of the Year, and 2018 Mandolin Player of the Year. The rest of Blue Summit’s accomplishments can be accredited to the dedication, persistence, and passion of founding member Isaac Cornelius (bass), Jesse Fichman (guitar), and two-time Guitar Player of the Year, Sullivan Tuttle. Blue Summit has played at festivals all around California, including the CBA Father’s Day Festival, the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival, and the Kate Wolf Music Festival. They have recently released their first album, “Sweet Company”.

Ross Friedman Composition, Instrumental, Music, Other, Vocal Ross Friedman is a songwriter, recording engineer and music instructor based in Petaluma, California. Ross' songwriting covers many genres including: singer/songwriter, jazzy ballads, blues, rock and country rock. Instrumentals of various styles (acoustic, jazzy, blues and rock are also part of Ross' repertoire. Ross has a ProTools recording setup and can help songwriters and other musicians record their music. Ross provides individualized instruction on guitar and bass, taking into account the students taste in music. Instruction is provided for all levels - beginning, intermediate and advanced. Ross has many years of experience in music instruction and has been teaching in California since 1979. Ross has performed in bands and as a solo act since the age of 12. Although a professional for many years, he says "I remember what it's like to be a beginner and know that people starting out appreciate patience and encouragement." With this in mind, he has developed teaching techniques to simplify and explain the workings of music to all ages and levels of ability.

Kevin Gonyo Audio, Composition, Design, Film, Graphic Design, Media, Music My name is Kevin Gonyo, and I love to create. Currently, I work as a designer at a non-profit in Santa Rosa. I received my BA in music from UCLA, and still compose and perform. Always looking to work with new people!

TerriAnne Gutierrez Choreography, Composition, Dance, Instrumental, Music, Other, Performance Art, Professional Performance, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth Artist and community activist TerriAnne Gutierrez established Sirens Studio in 2001 We create, produce, present, and teach; *multicultural dance *theater *music Engaging a diverse group of Sonoma County and Bay Area artists, audiences, and students. Many racially mixed, and culturally specific ensembles consider Sirens Studio & Theater their artistic home, creating a thriving inter-generational community. Sirens is a non-profit 501©3 organization and over the past 15 years our programs and numerous activities have contributed to community development, stability and access to creative art making. Presenting, co-presenting, scholarship, work exchange, apprentice, sponsorship and more are all here to serve the large dance, music and theater communities in Sonoma County and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Alan Hall Composition, Instrumental, Mixed, Music, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts

Alan Hall

Musician, Composer, Drummer, Mixed-Media Artist, Band Leader of "Ratatet"

I started my life as a professional drummer at 13 years, a visual artist 20 years later, now I'm also an active composer and band leader of my own neo-jazz sextet, Ratatet.

In addition to being an active performer and artist, I teach drum lessons, workshops and ensembles at schools and Jazz camps throughout the Bay Area. My teaching is based at California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley and Cal State East Bay in Hayward.

My art work is in several private collections on East and West coasts and can be viewed at my art website: www.amiguelart.com

My compositions can be heard at www.ratatet.com and www.jazzdrumming.com.

Music and Visual Art are two different modes of expressions for me. Both seem to function as positive feedback loops for me, and I hope, others. I'm striving to integrrate the two art forms in both a personal and social context.

Dustin Heald Audio, Composition, Crew, Film, Film Office, General Services, Instrumental, Media, Multi-Media, Music, Other, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Technical, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal Located in California's North Bay Area, Dustin Heald is a multifaceted artist specializing in Music, Makeup Effects, sculpture, Special Prop fabrication, and character design. Dustin has experience working in film, television and theater, as well as mask making, casualty simulation, and hair work. He has worked on projects in LA, Pittsburgh PA, Cairo Egypt, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Dustin is a singer/songwriter who plays guitar and drums. He is involved in various collaborative projects with other artists as well as producing his own original material.

Matthew Isais Bowker Composition, Instrumental, Music, Teacher/Instructor Matthew Isais Bowker is a Mexican-Italian- American Saxophonist, composer and educator. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and California Teaching Credential from Sonoma State University. Matthew’s mission in music is to bridge the gap between classical music and music of the Latinx/ Hispanic communities. Many members of the Latinx community don’t feel welcome in a concert hall because of the Western European traditions which have excluded them. His hope is to welcome people into classical music by playing music they’re used to hearing but set for a classical ensemble. There are many classical works written by Latinx composers that are never heard because classical ensembles don’t program them. Matthew is actively trying to change that by personally performing those works, as well as folk/ Mariachi, and arranging them for saxophone and piano to get them heard. As an educator, he feels it is important to have representation in the classroom and have children play music they can relate to instead of the same music that has been used for years. He is arranging Mexican folk music, mariachi music and many other traditional Latinx music for school ensembles like concert bands, wind ensembles, string orchestras, and symphony orchestras. He hopes that these arrangements can act as an avenue to diversity the classroom and teach about Latinx culture and traditions. If we want to see real change in our community, we have to start within the classroom.

Lenkadu Audio, Composition, Instrumental, Media, Multi-Media, Music, Video, Vocal Floating from the Czech Republic, by way of the Netherlands and Boston, and now based in Forestville, Lenkadu is an electronic music performer active since 2010. Her sets combine the power of a DJ with the vulnerability of a live performer. She samples her field recordings, makes beats, plays drums and processes her voice as well as a range of instruments, while controlling Ableton Live software with her feet. Lenkadu draws inspiration from nature sounds to anything that ‘inspires to’ – pop, classical, electronic music and, believe it or not, metal. Building on extensive experience as a touring VJ, video is an integral element of each song and projected behind Lenkadu on stage. She creates her visuals from photos and video content she shoots around the world. Lenkadu’s shows are ethereal and psychedelic experiences fueled by an empowered yet gentle vision of personal transformation and collective consciousness. Touring Lenkadu’s notable appearances include opening for acts such as Bassnectar and Lotus. Recent shows • 3rd Thursdays monthly Beats Before Bed, Lagunitas Brewing Co. Petaluma • February 22 Dhyana Center, Sebastopol All live shows are streamed via Facebook live on @Lenkadu page Releases All music available via www.Lenkadu.com • Feb 2019 Come Along Single • March 2018 Monkey Single • Feb 2018 Vision Board Single • January 2018 You Can Buy Anything You Please Single • Nov 2017 One on One Single • Nov 2016 Details of Love Album • 2012 Sonic Bank Album

Leslie M. Levy Acting, Artisan, Audio, Composition, Crew, Directing, Fiction, Film, Film Office, Folk Art, Improvisation, Literature, Media, Mixed, Multi-Media, Multimedia, Music, Non-Fiction, Other, Photography, Poetry, Production, Storytelling, Talent, Technical, Theatre, Video, Visual Arts, Vocal I am a developing multifaceted creative based in Sonoma County, offering a breadth of knowledge and growing experience. Currently a senior at Sonoma State University in Communication and Media, I am looking for collaborative and mentorship opportunities within Sonoma County primarily and the Bay Area at large. A writer to the bone, I have experience with video work of all kinds (mostly camera, lighting, and directing/producing, some with editing) as well as some audio experience (ever-expanding because it is my second passion next to writing). I believe I have a lot to offer in a wide range of areas and love helping creative juices flow like watersheds into a project.

CREATIVES

Once Upon a time...