April Hendrix to Debut New Band, New Sound
April Hendrix, Ojai’s own soul star, will debut her new band and original songs on Sunday, August 24, beginning at 6:30 PM at The Farmer & the Cook, 339 W. El Roblar Drive in Meiners Oaks. Well known around the county and beyond as the lead singer for blues outfit Baby Sister and soul/funk band Soul Star Express, April is forging ahead with a brand new sound combining elements of soul, blues, rock, funk and hip hop. She has been hard at work writing songs with partners from across the musical spectrum and now has assembled a smoking hot band to deliver her sound to the world.
Anchored by bassist Aron Von Alstine and drummer Greg Weiser, her band includes local favorites Sunny Erickson on guitar and David Gorospe on keys, both members of the popular funk groove band Euphoria.
The daughter of a professional backup singer, April Hendrix comes from a strong musical lineage. Besides her famous cousin Jimi, her uncles “Spud” and Jerome Hendrix were stalwarts of many Ventura county bands. Often traveling with her mother on the road, April’s earliest memories of performing are in the backseat of the car, singing along with her mother’s demo tapes. But Sharon “Muffy” Hendrix made her daughter promise she would get an education before she pursued a music career. So April found a way to do both.
Starting out as lead vocalist for Happy Valley School’s rock-and-jazz band, April continued to gig on weekends while completing her college courses and starting a career as a teacher. Along the way, she found time to sing on albums by Bob Dylan, Craig Chaquico, Mick Fleetwood Band, and, most recently, L.A. hip hop phenom Pigeon John. Now her own time has come. Check April’s myspace page for more info on upcoming dates and to hear some of her new material.
April’s management commissioned renowned rock artist Eric “GMAN” Gottesman to create an original poster to commemorate this event. It can be viewed at her myspace page.
Farmer & the Cook serves organic gourmet pizzas and pastas at their weekend concert series along with organic beer, wine, beverages and desserts. There is no cover charge for music. All seating for concerts is outdoors. The restaurant is offering preferred seating for this special event to those who call ahead for dinner reservations at (805)646-0960.
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Comments (5)
Congrats, April, wish I could be there!
Comment #1 Posted by: Demitri | August 14, 2008 07:30 AM
Your intelligence, loving soul (all of which you have given to your students and all of us without limits) will send you Godspeed!
We will love being there enjoying your amazing self,
Always, Kate & Eryn
Comment #2 Posted by: Kate O'Loughlin | August 14, 2008 10:07 PM
Gill SOTU just added to bill with April Hendrix!!
Popular hip hop singer and poet Gill SOTU will open the show for April Hendrix when she debuts her new band and original songs on Sunday, August 24, beginning at 6:30 PM at The Farmer & the Cook, 339 W. El Roblar Drive in Meiners Oaks. He will be joined by his longtime musical partner Dan Flores on guitar.
Gill SOTU is originally from Oxnard and now resides in San Diego. He is a 2008 Semi-finalist in the National Poetry Slam, 2007 Los Angeles Gang Green Grand Slam Champion, 2006 Ventura County Grand Slam Poetry Champion, and three time winner of the Annual Poetry Slam at Borders Bookstore 2004-2006.
Gill took first place in the 2003 CSUCI Talent Competition and is a member of the 2006 Ventura Slam Team & 2007 Gang Green Slam Team. Gill is the former host of “Train of Thought,” a weekly open mic/slam, every Thursday at the Coastal Roasting Cafe.
Gill has been asked to return again and again to the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation’s Martin Luther King Day Celebration where he always has the crowd on their feet moving to the infectious beats of his songs.
Comment #3 Posted by: Lanny | August 21, 2008 04:20 PM
Damn, I wish I could go. We're going to be on a road trip to British Columbia. Does one say "Break a leg" to musicians?
Comment #4 Posted by: spk | August 21, 2008 05:14 PM
"break a string"
Comment #5 Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2008 06:02 PM