
The Del Norte Association for Cultural Awareness (DNACA) continues its 35th Performance Series at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday February 10 in Crescent Elk Auditorium at 994 G St with the US’s first live electro-swing band, Good Co. Based in Seattle, WA, the six-piece ensemble has toured extensively, headlining various festivals, conventions, and burlesque performances while bringing that “new old” sound throughout the US, Canada, and Europe.
The group’s influences include bands such as Parov Stelar and Caravan Palace. The genre originated in the discotheques of Europe, blending today’s electronic dance music with guitar riffs and harmonica jams of the speakeasy era. Evoking jitterbugging flappers, they turn musical samples from the past on their heads by punctuating the classic live horn section with funky dance beats. Good Co. performances frequently include beatboxing, onstage dance parties, and crowd singalongs; don’t expect to sit still at the show.
The band consists of six diversely and immensely talented musicians. Carey Rayburn, the bandleader who provides vocals and plays trumpet, received his Bachelor of Art in Trumpet Performance from the University of Washington before going on to assemble Good Co. in pursuit of bringing his favorite genre to the states. On top of managing the band he also runs a trumpet studio as a freelance performer and composer.
Sasha Nollman studied jazz performance and comparative religion at Colorado College before returning to the Pacific Northwest to receive her Master’s degree in Public Administration and Social Work; in addition to providing vocals for the group she works in the nonprofit sector of Seattle with a passion for marine life.
Ben Verdier, the band’s elder statesmen along with bassist and pianist, earned his degree in Computer Science at Stanford while studying jazz performance, music theory, and composition. He also teaches and arranges privately.
Peter Daniel, providing brass for the group, received his Physics degree from Gonzaga. Fortunately for Good Co. (and us, the audience) he spends his time now exploring the relationship between funky jams and dancing crowds while touring with several groups including: Common Market, ODESZA, and Father John Misty. He also manages his own band, 45th Street Brass.
Joseph Eck, drummer, received his Bachelor of Art in Percussion from Cornish College of the Arts; being an in-demand performer, he plays for several different bands in many genres from newgrass to metal to salsa.
Jake Sele, playing keyboard and trombone for the group, earned his Bachelor of Art in Piano Performance from Cornish College of the Arts; as an established musician in Seattle he performs with a wide variety of bands as well as arranging for musicals, ensembles, and orchestras. He also leads his own group, Spontaneous Rex, described as “epic and full of surprises.”
Good Co. receives rave reviews everywhere they go. “The world is leaving an era of digital harshness with predictable arrangements and moving into a time when groups like Good Co. will thrive on the strength of their unique take, organic sounds, and studio savvy.” exclaims Christian Knudsen, president of K&W Publishing. RockisRock Blog asserts “Music definitely needs more acts willing to experiment like this.”
Tickets are available in Crescent City at Del Norte Office Supply at 240 I St and in Brookings at Wright’s Custom Framing at 810 Chetco Ave for cash or check only or online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/good-co-tickets-37343916660?aff=ehomecard. Tickets will also be available at the door where we will accept cash, check, and cards. General tickets are $18, senior (65 years and older) are $15, transitional-aged youth (18-25 years old) are $15, and students (K-college, full-time) are $12.
DNACA, of course, would not be able to bring such outstanding performers without the generous support of our underwriters. For our 2017-18 season, they are: Lisé Hamilton, Chip and Kareen Kalvin, Bill and Kathy Maffett, Gene and Carol Schach, and Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. Underwriters who are a part of Wild Rivers Community Foundation are: Caldwell and Sund Family Trust, Del Norte Area Fund, and Physicians of Sutter Coast Hospital Fund. Our in-kind supporters are Bicoastal Media and the Del Norte Triplicate. DNACA is supported, in part, by the California Arts Council, a state agency. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov. We are also supported, in part, by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
For more information, call DNACA at 707-464-1336 or email us at [email protected]. Find us on Facebook @DNACACC for links to the artists’ websites, music videos, and event updates.