Jackie's Groove

Dylan McDonald and The Avians deliver an intoxicating brand of eclectic rock reminiscent of John Lennon, Neil Young, Tom Petty, while creating their own path and making a distinct mark on the musical landscape. “That comparison is flattering,” McDonald admits. “They are such influences to use musically that it makes sense that people hear it in our music, but I am humbled anyway.” McDonald is the sole songwriter on the record and the son of five-time GRAMMY Award-winner Michael McDonald. “Sometimes it is frustrating because people expect to hear my dad’s iconic voice in me…and it’s just not there. Musically we are very different,” McDonald says.The band features McDonald on lead vocals and guitar, Daniel DeMonico on lead guitar, Matt Heasley on keys, Taylor Lonardo on bass guitar and Joshua Cobb on drums, and singer Lo Carter on vocals. Although DeMonico and McDonald have played together for many years, the current incarnation has come together within the last year. Before the band “evolved” to The Avians, it

 Born in Pativilca, Peru, 100 miles north of Lima, Alex Acuña was born into a musical family that inspired him and helped shape him as a musician. His father and five brothers were all musicians. Alex taught himself how to play the drums from the age of four. By the time Alex turned ten, he was already playing in local bands. As a teenager, he moved to Lima and became one of Peru's most accomplished session drummers, performing on many recording projects for artists, as well as film and television productions.In Lima, Alex also earned a glowing reputation for his live performances. So much so, that at the age of eighteen, Alex was chosen in 1964 by the great Cuban band leader, Perez Prado, to join his big band. It was with the Prado band that Alex first traveled to the United States. In 1965, Alex moved to Puerto Rico to work as a studio musician and play locally. During this period, he also studied for three years at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, playing as a classical percussionist with the Symphon

Born in Louisiana, Beasley started writing arrangements in junior high school, which sparked the attention of Jimmy Lyons—the founder of the Monterey Jazz Festival—who recommended him for a scholarship at the Stan Kenton summer jazz camp. The pianist cut his teeth with Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard in the 1980s and has since performed and recorded with a who’s who of artists including, Steely Dan, Dianne Reeves, Chaka Khan, Christian McBride, Sergio Mendes, Herbie Hancock, John Patittucci, Al Jarreau, George Duke, Queen Latifah and AR Rahman, among others.Living in Hollywood, Beasley juggled a touring musician’s schedule while working in studios composing for award-winning television sitcoms including Fame, Cheers, Family Ties, Star Trek, to name a few. He has worked with multiple Oscar-nominated film composer Thomas Newman for three decades on credits including James Bond Spectre and Skyfall, Get On Up: James Brown, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel I & II, Finding Nemo & Finding Dory, Wall-E, Shawsha

Salvatore Spinelli is a guitar player, vocalist, performer, composer/songwriter, session player and music instructor living in Temecula, California. Highly influenced by many genres of music, his guitar playing and writing has elements of rock, blues, funk, fusion, country, pop and jazz. Influences and guitar heroes include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Santana, Joe Bonamassa, Richie Kotzen, John Mayer, Jeff Beck, Hendrix, Lindsey Buckingham, Joey Eppard, David Gilmour, Nuno Bettencourt etc..As a writer and performer, Sal has and recorded toured across the United States with several artists over the last 20 years as a guitar player, bass player and vocalist. Some artists include Inverse (M.A.N Entertainment), Samuel Larsen / Bridges I Burn, Downinside, The Outside View, Master Splinter and the Shredders and currently Midnight Satellites among many others.Always a student of music, there is no better way to continue learning than to teach. After private vocal study with Mark Renk musicianship credentials from Berklee Co

It has been an exciting past year for Guitarist Adam Hawley, who’s debut record “Just The Beginning” was released on March 18. All three of Adam’s singles have topped the charts to become #1 hits and the first, “35th St. ft Eric Darius” had the longest run at #1 on Billboard in 2016.And, Adam has been named both Smooth Jazz News and JazzTrax Debut Artist of the Year.Adam signed with Kalimba Music (founded by Maurice White of Earth, Wind, & Fire) in August 2015. His first offering on the Kalimba label features Darius along with Euge Groove, Brian Culbertson, Gerald Albright, and Michael Lington.Tour Dates Include:•Seabreeze Jazz Fest•Catalina Jazz Fest•Berks Jazz Fest•Jazz Fest West•Java Jazz•Cancun Jazz Fest•Newport Beach Jazz Fest•Dave Koz Cruise•Mallorca Jazz Fest•Napa Valley Jazz Getaway•Jazz on the Vine•KSBR Bash•Houston, San Antonio, Detroit, Atlanta, Birmingham, Mobile, Pensacola, Bay Area, & Many MoreAdam is also known as a prolific sideman, appearing with a who’s who list of artists in a wide

A bona fide guitar hero and perennial poll-winner, Al Di Meola has been recognized internationally over the past four decades as virtuoso of the highest order. A prolific composer and prodigious six-string talent, Di Meola has amassed over 20 albums as a leader while collaborating on a dozen or so others with the likes of the fusion supergroup Return To Forever (with Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White).A pioneer of blending world music and jazz, going back to early Latin-tinged fusion outings like 1976’s Land of the Midnight Sun, 1977’s Elegant Gypsy and 1978’s Casino, the guitar great continues to explore the rich influence of flamenco, tango, Middle Eastern, Brazilian and African music with his World Sinfonia, an ambitious pan-global group that he formed in 1991.www.aldimeola.com

Since their first album release in 2009, the Kenneth Brian Band’s modern Southern Rock and Americana infused style, timeless song-craft, layered with Kenneth’s gritty vocals and guitar prowess have helped earn them a loyal fan following and the respect of fellow musicians. The quartet’s musical styling and dynamic live performances also attracted the attention of some of their mentors like Lucinda Williams, Billy Gibbons and current bandmate Steve Ferrone of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Since 2013, they spent two years touring with multi-Grammy winner Lucinda Williams, who describes them as “somewhere between Lynyrd Skynyrd and Drive-By Trucker”, before joining ZZ Top in 2016 for several dates. Whether in intimate Honky Tonks or stately, sold-out theaters (with Lucinda), they continue to captivate audiences with resonating harmonies and a tight rhythm section.Their fourth studio album With Lions, released in May, includes 11 songs all written by Kenneth and pays tribute to their musical mentors as well as

Local San Diego Recording Artist Shyla Day is an award-winning singer/songwriter, print and runway model, recording artist, and performer of sold-out shows at legendary venues like the House of Blues and Whiskey a Go Go. Shyla has been recognized for her newest release, "Kiss Me" by the Los Angeles Music Awards, Akademia Music Awards, Ventura County Music Awards, and Artists in Music Awards. Shyla was the youngest ever nominated in the category for Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year at the Los Angeles Music Awards. Shyla has landed coveted endorsement deals with L.A.-based guitar company Daisy Rock Girl Guitars, Guitar Hands, Thalia Capos, Prov20 Media, and US Music Corps' Oscar Schmidt by Washburn.www.ShylaDay.com

The ethereal sound of Jake Allen's music attaches to your heartbeat and reverberates through your veins with the warmth of a long-lost embrace.He moves around the acoustic guitar like he's been holding it for a lifetime, gliding from end to end and producing sounds that you'd normally expect from a full band. Although most audiences are introduced to Jake Allen through the spectacle of his solo acoustic performances, the scope of Allen's artistry runs much much deeper.At age five, Allen began exploring synthesizers and recording music in his father’s Northern Michigan studio. By fourteen, he had become proficient with a variety of instruments and he solidified his commitment to a life of producing and performing music. Allen has since gone on to produce several acclaimed solo records, playing every instrument himself, while tastefully complementing his smooth to soaring voice. In addition to drums, guitars, etc., Jake often stresses his belief in using the studio itself as a key instrument to create his massi

Jerry Cortez joined Tower of Power in January of 2010.His funky rhythm style and blazing leads are a perfect fit for TOP, and the fans are hitting the message board with many compliments. A seasoned professional, Jerry has toured and recorded with artists including Michael McDonald, Tom Johnston, Jessie Colin Young, Buddy Miles, Alex Ligertwood, and many others.Here is more from Jerry:"As a kid I was exposed to a variety of music from Swing and R&B to the music of the British Invasion. When I saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan I knew I wanted to be a guitar player that played in a band, and my dream never wavered from that day forward. In 1965 my uncle introduced me to the record "Papa's Gotta Brand New Bag" by James Brown. I'm pretty sure I wore out the 45 that day. That experience kick started my love of funk and soul music.I have had many influences, but my first musical influences were my father, Victor, as well as his younger brothers, and my brother Robin. Robin is three years older than me and plays th

Song writer & record producer who was recently nominated for a Grammy (2017 Grammy’s) for working on Drake’s multiplatinum LP “Views”, Brian Alexander Morgan has produced songs for several artists ranging from Lalah Hathaway, Martha Wash to Usher, among others. In the 90’s Morgan wrote and produced multiple Hot100 hit songs for the multi-platinum R&B trio SWV. Outside of R&B, Morgan also worked in house music. Around the early 2010s, he was summoned by DJ Khalil to work on a few projects with him. Khalil’s desire to work with him caused Morgan to relocate from Sacramento back to Los Angeles. Due to the move, Khalil and Morgan worked on Aloe Blacc‘s major label debut Lift Your Spirit. Morgan recently co- wrote the song “9” on Drakes multi-platinum LP “Views”. Morgan continues to work one multiple music, TV and film projects with Mosley Music and Mono Music Group.

Thu grew up in a multi-cultural musical melting pot of Vietnamese folk music, R&B, and Broadway. In college, Thu received classical voice training under the private tutelage of Mr. Merrill Shea, on faculty at the Boston Conservatory of Music.  She continued her musical endeavors in various A Capella groups, recorded for famed Vietnamese composer Bao Quoc Hoang, and performed professionally around San Diego in an Indie Soul Band called Curbside Vinyl.    Thu's journey through the vast world of music landed her at the doorstep of Jazz, accompanied by her innate attraction towards sass, big sultry vocals, and musical nuance.  She has studied Jazz theory and performance with highly regarded performers and instructors, including Jono Kornfeld, Rebeca Mauleon, David Hardiman Jr., Dena DeRose, and Madeline Eastman.    Thu has performed in private events and at various San Francisco and Bay Area venues, including the historic Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Mr. Tipple's Recording Studio, Angelicas, and Freight & Sal

Carly Thomas Smith is a dynamic and versatile singer/actor whose credits include starring on Broadway (RENT, Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You), television and film appearances (Friends, Two and a Half Men, Desperate Housewives), singing with superstars (Taylor Swift, Patti Austin), and fronting orchestras and bands around the world (Sydney Opera House, Columbus Jazz Orchestra).In the Music Industry, Ms. Thomas Smith is one of the most in-demand female vocalists, with the ability to sing both lead and background vocals across many styles of music. Starting out in the jazz clubs of Minneapolis & New York City, Carly has fronted bands of all kinds, from small jazz ensembles, high-end Corporate Events Bands, to the all-female world music group Angaza. In concert, she performed at the Sydney Opera House in the spring of 2014 as a soloist with “The Music of Queen-A Rock and Symphonic Spectacular” and The Sydney Symphony Orchestra. She has also taken the stage with The Perth Symphony Orchestra and The Richmond Symp

Jay King is a record producer/performer who formed Club Nouveau, an American R&B group in Sacramento, California, subsequent to the breakup of the Timex Social Club. The group's name (French for "New Club") was changed from its original incarnation, Jet Set, to capitalize on the breakup. The group was signed by Warner Bros. Records, on which Club Nouveau released its first three albums. Club Nouveau's version of Bill Withers' song "Lean on Me" won a Grammy award for Best R&B Song in 1987.

Seasoned percussionist Munyungo Jackson possesses an ever-increasing collection of instruments with which to execute his craft. In his over 50 years of playing, he has performed with Greats such as Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, Karen Briggs, Kenny Loggins, the Zawinal Syndicate, George Howard, Ronnie Laws, The Temptations, Four Tops, The Supremes, and dozens of others, including numerous ethnic music and dance troupes. Munyungo was born in Los Angeles, California and is the nephew of the legendary jazz, pop, and blues singer, Capital Records Nellie Lutcher. In addition to his concerts, tours and recording work, Munyungo is one of the Co-Producers of the Watts Towers Day Of The Drum Festival, which brings together master drummers from all over the world to present their expertise, and the Watts Towers Jazz Festival, which presents Great Jazz musicians performing music from many different musical genres.Munyungo is currently working with Stevie Wonder, Lao Tizer, Naseer Shamm

Russell Javors  is an American rock guitarist. He is best known as a rhythm guitarist for Billy Joel from 1976 to 1989.At age 15, Javors was performing songs with his childhood friend Liberty DeVitto. He met Doug Stegmeyer in high school and along with Howard Emerson, formed the band Topper.Together they performed the songs that Javors wrote. Topper became noticed by Billy Joel. Joel found he needed a bassist on his Streetlife Serenade tour and invited Stegmeyer to join him. Javors and DeVitto soon followed. With the addition of multi-instrumentalist Richie Cannata, Topper became the Billy Joel Band. Javors played rhythm guitar with Joel from 1976 until 1989.On October 23, 2014, Javors, Cannata, and DeVitto (with Stegmeyer, posthumously) were inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, primarily for their work with Joel.Shortly thereafter, Javors, Cannata, and DeVitto officially formed The Lords of 52nd Street band; the band also includes a pianist and lead vocalist, keyboardist, and a guitarist, and pl

“Hired Gun” is the story of the musical talent responsible for the most famous instrumental solos in the world, who have toured with the musical legends who hired them. The hired gun community lives and breathes music, and, for the first time, its members share their incredible stories and exclusive musical performances with the world in this inspiring new documentary.They are recognized as some of the best musicians in the world, and include Jason Hook (Five Finger Death Punch), Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel), Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp), Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Justin Derrico, Mark Schulman (P!NK), Ray Parker Jr. (Ghostbusters), Jason Newsted (Metallica), Eric Singer (KISS), John 5 (Rob Zombie), Glen Sobel, Nita Strauss (Alice Cooper), Steve Lukather (Michael Jackson, Toto), Steve Vai (David Lee Roth), Paul Bushnell (Katy Perry), Jay Graydon (Steely Dan), Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent), Chris Johnson (Rihanna), music producer David Foster, and featuring Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie, a

STYX’s highly anticipated and critically acclaimed 16th studio album, THE MISSION was released on June 16th, landing at #6 on BILLBOARD’S “TOP ROCK ALBUMS” chart.Todd Sucherman grew up in a musical family and quickly established himself as a first call musician in Chicago’s recording scene. As an in demand player for live and session work, this led to his association with the band Styx. Todd was called in to record when Styx’s John Panozzo was ill. After John Panozzo’s untimely death, Todd’s position in the band was solidified. Thirteen years later Styx continues to play to millions of fans all over the world averaging 100 dates a year. Todd has recorded several albums with the band including “Big Bang Theory” which put the band in the top 50 on Billboard for the fourth straight decade. In-between his time with Styx he’s recorded over 1000 radio and TV spots and worked with artists diverse as Peter Cetera, Brian Culbertson, Spinal Tap, Michael Bolton, The Falling Wallendas, Eric Marienthal, and Brian Wilson (

Los Angeles born guitarist Nita Strauss has become a force to be reckoned with in the music world, dazzling audiences across the US, UK, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and Africa, and sharing the stage with a diverse range of artists including rock legend Alice Cooper, R&B star Jermaine Jackson, early MTV darlings Femme Fatale, video game supergroup Critical Hit and popular tribute band The Iron Maidens. Her skill, exuberant stage presence and love for all things about her instrument have earned her a stellar reputation and endorsements from many top companies. Nita has been featured in many worldwide print magazines and on dozens of albums, trailers, and soundtracks, including Heroes Of The Storm (Blizzard) and Grammy-nominated Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (Konami/ Platinum Games); and is the author of the Premier Guitar column "Drop Dead Shred". Nita was also the official in-house guitarist for the LA KISS, the arena football team owned by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS. She is one of t

Ricky has often stated that he played every zip code starting with EiEiO before ever getting a major gig. Although known as the bass player for Bad English and The Babys, some of the other artists he has been invited to perform on stage and/or in the studio with include: Jimmy Page, Joe Cocker, Roger Daltrey, Mick Jagger, Sammy Haggar, Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Julian Lennon, Ted Nugent, Eddie Money, Steve Stevens, David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes, Joe Lynn Turner, Steve Lukather, Vinnie Caliuta, Alan White, Jeff Porcarro and Terri Bozzio. He has written, performed, sung, produced, and engineered music for various artists as well as for film and television. His styles of writing range from the rock genre he's known for, to children's music for Nickelodeon, jazz themes for CNN, Be Bop,  Flamenco, blues and contemporary pop.