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Envision Music Fest 2011 Blutech, Random Rab, CB-3

January 26th, 2011 | No Comments

MARCH 3-6, DOMINICAL, COSTA RICA

Bluetech

The 2011 Envision Music Festival is set for
March 3-March 6 in Dominical on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Featuring music, workshops, performance
art, and other activities, the three-day festival aims to create a convergence of different
levels of consciousness to confront a situation that is becoming critical, like the environmental conservation and the
prosperity of diverse communities and all the world inhabitants.

The festival will highlight this area to the world as a leader in eco-local consciousness. By using local vendors and
suppliers for everything from building materials to organic produce and artwork, the community involvement will
enrich each guest’s individual experiences. Promoting local businesses helps to maintain solid relationships and
builds ongoing prosperity for the community.

The Lisa Wendel Memorial Foundation will donate an amount equal to 10% of ticket sales to charitable causes.
Envision Tribe has decided that 5% will go to support Community Carbon Trees – Costa Rica and the other 5% will be
spent towards improving local schools.

The LWMF was formed in memory of Lisa Wendel who died when she was six and half years old of Leukemia. The
Foundation was founded in 1984. The purpose to assist individuals and organizations with education, charity,
science and other charitable purposes.

Below is the confirmed lineup. More additions are expected soon, with the daily schedule coming in February. Click
here to get
tickets.

LINEUP
Random Rab

Bluetech

David Starfire

Govinda

CB-3 (Chris Berry Trio)
Future Simple Project

Miraja

Geno Cochino (Sacred G)

Lunar Fire

Santos y Zurdo

MathPanda

Calavera y la Canalla

Blane Lyon

The Human Revolution

Westerley
Kaminanda

Chris Berry Trio with Kimock | 03.01 | Ukiah

March 6th, 2010 | No Comments

Words by: Zack Sampsel | Images by: Rob Burgess

Chris Berry Trio with Steve Kimock :: 03.01.10 :: Ukiah Brewing Company :: Ukiah, CA

Kimock & Berry – CB3 :: 03.01 :: Ukiah, CA

The Chris Berry Trio returned to the certified organic confines of the Ukiah Brewing Company once again, this time with guitar legend Steve Kimock in tow, and gave the Redwood Empire crowd a lesson in feel-good fun and psychedelic exploration.

The evening began with a solo set from Steven Bates on acoustic guitar, who at first struck me as a woodsy version of James Blunt mixed with the voice of Bob Dylan. As the crowd packed in, Bates utilized a strong catalog of covers to raise the temperature on a damp Monday night. Launching into a strong rendition of The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life,” Bates evoked some Phish-y thoughts and a sing-along from the eclectic and equally colorful crowd. Bates also showed off his mandolin skills with a heartfelt rendition of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” that immediately had this Widespread Panic fan thinking of John Bell and the Marley raps he peppers throughout versions of “Stop-Go.”

Previously when CB3 visited Ukiah last summer, Berry brought with him longtime friend and Panjea member Michael Kang of String Cheese Incident fame, but the revolving door of CB3 guest musicians had turned and with it came Steve Kimock. Throughout the nation, and the West Coast in particular, Kimock has made guest appearances with a plethora of bands and brings with him a legion of loyal followers – for good reason, too. Kimock, Berry and Aaron Johnston and Jesse Murphy, both of Brazilian Girls (though Murphy is no longer an active member), took the stage to show Ukiah just what they had up their sleeves.

Kimock – CB3 :: 03.01 :: Ukiah, CA

Opening with “Come Away,” Berry wasted no time in getting out his unique mbira and filling the Brew Co. with its xylophone-meets-organ sound, and the crowd loved it. From Kimock’s upstroke guitar riffs to the bouncy, rolling tones of the mbira, the inimitable sound of CB3 was locked in and the kettle was starting to boil. I’ve come to expect that the soundscapes Berry and the band create can often be so rich that they’re almost visual, and this show was more of the same.

The previous CB3 show in Ukiah featuring Kang kept with a mostly island-like, calypso groove, but Kimock brought an entirely different flavor. With a row of effects pedals in front of him that looked like he could launch rockets, Kimock did just that. Following the opening verses of “Start Over Again,” Berry said, “Take it, Stevie,” and the ensuing solo dipped into an inspired jam that resonated through the room leaving mouths agape. Creating an almost Egyptian feel, Kimock took the jam into the depths of world beat downtempo before igniting the crowd with his fluid style of searing electronica and spacey interplay. Johnston and Murphy kept the first set flowing with a quick drum and bass solo as Kimock’s nimble fingers danced up and down the fretboard over the top. From there, the band uncorked a track that sounded like something from The Disco Biscuits‘ catalog thanks to the flavorful combination of guitar and pedal magic.

If CB3′s first set was all about structure and composed rhythm, then the second set was an experimental free-for-all with Kimock let loose on almost every track, stirring the crowd like a bowl of psychedelic soup. While Berry made up lyrics on the fly about the sky splitting Redwood trees of Mendocino County, the crowd stayed engaged as they fist pumped in unison. As the set drew to a close, Berry was in typical madman form onstage, multitasking between the bongos and mbira while keeping up with the vocals the whole time. With one track left, Kimock and Berry squeezed out the last of the crowd’s energy with a huge jam that touched on elements of jungle, calypso and some old fashioned rock & roll. As the jam reached its final crescendo with Kimock’s guitar placed in his lap, a good friend turned to me and gave a colorful conclusion about the show: “Steve Kimock is the Doctor Digital of the lap licks on guitar.” I think that about sums it up.

Continue reading for more pics…

Chris Berry Trio Tour Dates :: Chris Berry Trio News :: Chris Berry Trio Concert Reviews

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Tropical Jam 5: Kimock, Kang Kreutzmann, Vega, Berry

February 12th, 2010 | No Comments

Tropical Jam 5 and Chris Berry Trio Tour Announced

Steve Kimock

Fresh Jam Radio and Dove will be sponsoring Tropical Jam 5 on three Hawaiian Islands this March – Maui, Oahu and Kauai on March 12, 13 & 14, 2010. The island retreat will feature Steve Kimock Chris Berry, Bill Kreutzmann, Michael Kang and Bobby Vega.

All of the shows are benefits for various important causes, both on the islands and for Haiti. As a special bonus, those on Kauai will get a special treat for Equinox with the rare powerhouse trio of Bill Kreutzmann, Steve Kimock and Bobby Vega on Saturday March 20 in the intimate venue The Lava Lounge (formerly Tapaz Lounge) in Kapaa, Kauai.

Tropical Jam V – Hawaiian Heart Tour

March 12 Voyage East in the Pauwela Cannery -Haiku, Maui
March 13 Pikake Pavilion, Waimea Valley – Hale`iwa, OAHU
March 14 Kilohana Plantation – Lihue, Kaua’i

Artists Include:
Bill Kreutzmann
Steve Kimock
Bobby Vega
Michael Kang
Chris Berry

Under the guise of Chris Berry Trio (CB-3), featuring Steve Kimock alongside the rhythm section of the Brazilian Girls, the group will be performing together for their first multi-night West Coast tour. The 10-day tour which launches on February 24 will maneuver along the West Coast including dates in Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Eugene and Portland Oregon.

Chris Berry Trio feat: Steve Kimock Tour Dates:

02.24 Moe’s Alley- Santa Cruz CA
02.25 Montbleu Resort (Bleu Room)- Lake Tahoe
02.26 Yoshi’s- San Francisco CA
02.27 Yoshi’s- San Francisco CA
02.28 Mystic Theater- Petaluma CA
03.01 Ukiah Brewing Co- Ukiah, CA
03.02 Red Fox Tavern – Eureka CA
03.04 W.O.W Hall- Eugene OR
03.05 Mt. Tabor Theater Portland OR
03.06 Domino Room- Bend OR

Chris Berry Trio Feat. Steve Kimock Tour Dates

January 21st, 2010 | No Comments

CHRIS BERRY TRIO FEATURING STEVE KIMOCK ANNOUNCES WEST COAST SHOWS

Chris Berry

What happens when you put African grooves born in the ghettos of Zimbabwe with the ground breaking guitar work of San Francisco’s scene and combine it with New York City’s urban electronica? The West Coast is about to find out.

Joining together for their first multi-night tour, and performing under the guise of Chris Berry Trio (CB-3), Chris Berry has arranged his most interesting collaboration yet. Featuring Steve Kimock alongside the rhythm section of Aaron Johnston and Jesse Murphy (Brazilian Girls) comes an explosive cross-cultural musical experience for music lovers of all types. The 10-day tour will maneuver along the West Coast including dates in Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Eugene and Portland, OR.

Music first touched the Grammy award winning Chris Berry as a teen living in the heart of Zimbabwe where he carefully learned the indigenous rhythms of Africa on the sacred Mbira (African Thumb Piano). His ability to speak out against the tyranny of the Zimbabwean regime through the art of music won him overnight success across the country and in the World Music market, bringing his music around the globe.

Since then, Berry has performed on the stages of the 2000 Olympics, the Sydney Opera house and the nation’s largest festivals across the United States with his project Panjea. 2010 finds the “Afropop Superstar” (SF Chronicle) a multi-instrumentalist with grace on Mbira, the hand drum, as well as a gifted singer-songwriter whose voice is often compared to Sting.

Collectively, CB-3 has the ability to bring together three decades of music history tightly fitted into one anthology adorned with cutting-edge improvisational guitar, hip-hop and elements of modern electronica. Show goers can expect both a dance ready experience as well as an intimate view into music provoked by both the past and present.

Chris Berry Trio featuring Steve Kimock Tour Dates

02/24/10 Wed Moe’s Alley Santa Cruz, CA

02/25/10 Thu BLU Nightclub Stateline, NV

02/26/10 Fri Yoshi’s SF San Francisco, CA

02/27/10 Sat Yoshi’s SF San Francisco, CA

02/28/10 Sun Mystic Theatre Petaluma, CA

03/01/10 Mon Point Arena Theater Point Arena, CA

03/02/10 Tue The Red Fox Tavern Eureka, CA

03/04/10 Thu WOW Hall Eugene, OR

03/05/10 Fri Mt. Tabor Theater Portland, OR

03/06/10 Sat Domino Room Bend, OR

Steve Kimock Crazy Tour:
Kimock Designs New Guitar

August 14th, 2009 | No Comments

Steve Kimock Crazy Engine Hits The Road This Fall

Kimock To Join The Chris Berry Trio For Select Dates

Steve Kimock Crazy Engine

Steve Kimock is a busy guy. In between a seemingly endless touring schedule, Kimock has somehow managed to design an electric guitar with legendary guitar-smith Scott Walker, compose a score to a 1920′s silent film, plan for a three-show stint with world music guru Chris Berry and still muster enough strength to cross the country with the Crazy Engine.

Starting in 2007, Scott Walker and Steve Kimock began discussing the ergonomics of a perfect guitar. How it sits in the lap, how it hangs on the shoulder, how the strings present themselves, etc. The guitar player and craftsman came up with a design that offers both a unique look and sound. For more info on this collaborative guitar creation visit scottwalkerguitars.com.

As the New York Guitar Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this January, a series of special shows at Manhattan’s Merkin Concert Hall on Thursday nights will showcase an artist or ensemble scoring an early classic film. On January 21, the festival will present Kimock playing to Buster Keaton’s classic silent film Cops. That same night, Bon Iver‘s Justin Vernon will provide the sonic backdrop to Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush.

As an artist known to bring together many genres, Kimock will play a string of dates in September with the Chris Berry Trio. The Trio will also feature Michael Kang (The String Cheese Incident) and drum and bass from the Brazilian Girls.

Kimock Dates With Chris Berry Trio:
09/10/09 Thu Le Posson Rouge New York City, NY
09/11/09 Fri Pearl Street North Hampton, Ma
09/12/09 Sat Mexicali Live Teaneck, NJ

Steve Kimock Crazy Engine Tour Dates:
08/14/09 Fri The Stone Pony Asbury Park, NJ

08/15/09 Sat Bears Picnic Laurelton, PA

10/01/09 Thu Mexicali Live Teaneck, NJ

10/02/09 Fri Recher Theatre Towson, MD

10/03/09 Sat Canal Club Richmond, VA

10/09/09 Fri Riverview Music Festival South Elgin, IL

10/23/09 Fri Camp Zoe Salem, MO

10/24/09 Sat Granada Theater Lawrence, KS

10/27/09 Tue Humboldt Brews Arcata, CA

10/28/09 Wed El Rey Theater Chico, CA

10/29/09 Thu Stillwater Ashland, OR

10/30/09 Fri McDonald Theatre Eugene, OR

10/31/09 Sat Aladdin Theater Portland, OR

11/06/09 Fri Bearsville Theater Woodstock, NY

11/08/09 Sun Fairfield Theatre Stage One Fairfield, CT

11/11/09 Wed Carrboro Arts Center Carrboro, NC

11/13/09 Fri The Pour House Charleston, SC

11/14/09 Sat Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival Live Oak, FL

11/16/09 Mon Visulite Theatre Charlotte, NC

11/17/09 Tue Smith’s Olde Bar Atlanta, GA

11/19/09 Thu The Rev Room Little Rock, AR

11/20/09 Fri George’s Majestic Fayetteville, AR

11/21/09 Sat George’s Majestic Fayetteville, AR

12/18/09 Fri The Fillmore San Francisco, CA

12/19/09 Sat Crystal Bay Club Casino Crystal Bay, NV

01/03/10 Sun Jam Cruise Fort Lauderdale, FL

01/04/10 Mon Jam Cruise Fort Lauderdale, FL

01/05/10 Tue Jam Cruise Fort Lauderdale, FL

01/06/10 Wed Jam Cruise Fort Lauderdale, FL

01/07/10 Thu Jam Cruise Fort Lauderdale, FL

01/08/10 Fri Jam Cruise Fort Lauderdale, FL

For more on Steve Kimock check our recent feature/interview here.

Chris Berry Trio w/ Kang | 07.17 | Ukiah

July 28th, 2009 | No Comments

Words by: Zachary Sampsel | Images by: Roger Franklin

Chris Berry Trio with Michael Kang :: 07.17.09 :: Ukiah Brewing Company :: Ukiah, CA

CB3 with Kang :: 07.17 :: Ukiah, CA

With a little help from The String Cheese Incident‘s Michael Kang, the Chris Berry Trio brought some cool, island vibes to Ukiah on a sweltering Friday night in July.

The Ukiah Brewing Company, with its certified-organic menu, was the perfect spot to choose for a fundraiser benefiting EcoMotion, the October block party in the name of sustainability taking place in Fort Bragg. Although afternoon highs of more than 100-degrees created a sweaty setting for the night, the four-piece opener, High Heat, didn’t mind. Wasting no time in giving the heady Emerald Triangle crowd what they wanted, High Heat busted into a classic by Phish. As soon as the opening riffs of “My Friend, My Friend” came humming off the pickups plenty of people in the crowd, myself included, took notice. Following a good reception for “My Friend,” High Heat launched into original material and lubed up the crowd for what was to come.

Fresh from the String Cheese reunion at Rothbury (read the review here), Kang joined Berry for a seven-show tour throughout Northern California and Oregon with Aaron Johnston and Jesse Murphy, both of Brazilian Girls, rounding out the core of CB3.

Opening with a free-form, improv jam that featured Berry chanting “Ukiah” over the top of an island-sounding beat, the tone was set for an evening that would blend world sounds, live instrumentation and electronics through Berry’s unique perspective. Much like the opener, CB3 linked up quickly and dropped into dub-filled songs and jams that pleased the reggae-friendly crowd of sandals, bare feet and socks that covered the dance floor. Whether it was Kang’s electric mandolin work or the unique, organ-like sound of Berry’s one of a kind mbira, CB3 officially whisked everyone off to the oasis with the free spirited feel of “Come Away.”

Berry on the mbira :: 07.17 :: Ukiah, CA

But upstroke guitar and dub beats weren’t the only tricks up their sleeves. One of the strongest songs of the first set was the psychedelic calypso of “Stronger,” which showcased Berry’s songwriting strengths, as the crowd was up in arms at his message of self-empowerment. And the ensuing jam wasn’t too bad either. With Johnston and Murphy pounding out the low end and padding the bass, Kang took a moment to let loose on a solo that showed why he and his other band had successfully sold out Red Rocks Amphitheatre for four nights back in 2007 (read the review here).

The second set picked up where the first left off with the same psychedelic synthesizer sound from “Stronger” reappearing during the opening. I’m not sure if I was the only one who noticed it, but that synthesizer was eerily familiar to some of the sounds I’ve heard Kyle Hollingsworth use when playing with String Cheese, which I believe added to the palpability of it all.

Much like I’ve seen from Berry during Panjea sets at festivals, he isn’t one to let the energy die down quickly, which was apparent as the band launched into the raucous dance party portion of the night, the one-two punch of “Booty Bump” and “Come & Play.” From here on, the rest was a blur of gyrating waists, fists pumping, hands waving and even a few people spinning in circles. CB3 had the crowd hooked, and with a title like “Booty Bump,” who could resist?

Thinking the evening was over, Berry and friends left the stage, but the zealous crowd’s cheers for an encore spilled into the streets and the band returned to the stage. Back on stage, Berry was something like the mad hatter as he bounced around from vocals to percussion and back to mbira, which looks something like a wooden keyboard made of spoon handles. But Berry wasn’t the only one feeling the love. An enthusiastic Kang looked blown away as the crowd poured the last of its energy into those final moments before drifting away from the oasis.

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