Kristi Callan and I know each other through the indie pop music scene and Harry Nilsson fandom. I love close vocal harmonies and at the last Nilsson birthday tribute we got to talking and she told me she was part of a group called the Roswell Sisters. I thought they’d be great addition to our eclectic First Fridays Jazz Night.
Check out this résumé!
A captivating close-harmony group from Los Angeles, modeled loosely on the legendary jazzy New Orleans 30s band the Boswell Sisters, but bringing unexpected, eccentric, and occasionally even glam rock touches to that vintage vocal style. Group leader Justin Tanner has a special gift for arranging songs from the 20s and 30s straight through to originals by Roswells pianist Kristian Hoffman in classic “old tyme” tight, dense harmonies, dazzling in their complexity. Justin (tenor) is a noted Los Angeles playwright (“Zombie Attack,” “Pot Mom,” “Day Drinkers”) and a classically trained pianist. Lisa Jenio (alto), lead singer and songwriter for L.A. pop band Candypants, has also collaborated with the Negro Problem and Ronnie Spector. Kristi Callan uses her varied experience working with a wide range of artists from David Gray to Dave Davies to her own alt-country band, Dime Box and 80s girl group Wednesday Week, to inform her role as the emotive soprano in the group.
The Roswell Sisters are backed by Kristian Hoffman (Ann Magnuson, Prince Poppycock, Rufus Wainwright, Mumps, Klaus Nomi) on piano and Pierre Smith (El Vez, Ann Magnuson, New Marines, Human Hands) on guitar. The response to this young combo has been wildly enthusiastic, and audiences have been transfixed by the gorgeous harmonies the Roswells bring to classic 30s songs like “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and modern pop gems like the Mumps’ “Just Look, Don’t Touch.”
From their show-stopping version of “42nd Street” to their spectacular original “Imaginary Friend,” the group delivers a mesmerizing performance every time. The Roswells have played eclectic venues all over the greater Los Angeles area and are currently in the studio recording their debut.
And on 11/3 they’ll be with us!
JASON LUCKETT
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits and Social Justice Events | ||
| Saturday, 02/22/25 | Pasadena, CA | Lineage Performing Arts Center |
| Time: 7:00pm. Admission: $30/$25/$0. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 920 E. Mountain St.. Venue phone: 626-844-7008. Seasons of Love: Live Music, Dance and Storytelling to Benefit those in our community affected by the Eaton fire Related post. Buy Tickets | ||
| Friday, 02/28/25 | Long Beach, CA | The Grand in Long Beach |
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Time: 8:00am.
Admission: $150 (discounts available — see notes).
Age restrictions: All Ages.
Address: 4101 E Willow St.
The Roots of Justice Convening will be a full day opportunity for dialogue, learning and reflection. Our keynote speaker is Jenan Mohajir with Interfaith America. Join us for meaningful conversations and workshops geared towards building bridges in divided times. For a discounted ticket price, contact Vanessa Rodriguez at vrodriguez@cacej.org. Related post. Buy Tickets |
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| Saturday, 03/01/25 | Morro Bay, CA | The Savory Palette |
| Time: 7:00pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 601 Embarcadero, On The Bay (Waterfront Suite at Marina Square). Venue phone: 805-772-8388. Doing a set of my own and accompanying Zoe FitzGerald Carter for her set, the night before the Cambria Sam Cooke tribute. Related post. | ||
| Quick South Central Coast | ||
| Sunday, 03/02/25 | Cambria, CA | Cambria Center for the Arts |
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Time: 2:00pm.
Admission: Reserved seats $25.00 CCA Members: $20.00.
Age restrictions: All Ages.
Address: 1350 Main St.
Venue phone: (805) 927-8190.
Come celebrate the music of soul music legend Sam Cooke on Sunday March 2. at Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre (CCAT)! We’ll cover his hits (You Send Me, Cupid, Bring It On Home to Me, Another Saturday Night) and deep cuts from his extensive discography. The performers include Zoe Fitzgerald Carter, Mike Berman, Jesse Loren Strickman, Emily Zuzik, Justin Christian, Sebastian Luna, Jason Luckett, and Adrian Bourgeois. Related post. Buy Tickets |
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