All Access Music News

90s alt rock grunge band, Everclear, delivered an "intoxicating" performance at the Solvang Theaterfest on March 27, 2026.  They are best known for their hits, "Father of Mine", angsty song about a boy growing up without a father and "Santa Monica", reflecting struggles with alcohol, drugs and personal grief.  Lead singer, Art Alexikis has had his fair share of struggles including his ongoing battle with MS but has risen above it all, finding the strength and energy to return to touring.  Fans roared with applause and rose from their seats, singing along and rocking out.  The 90 minute concert was a welcome blast from the past for fans in the Santa Ynez valley and beyond.  

Abra Cadabra sounds like a magician's incantation but it's also the name of a tribute group for the iconic 70s musical group, ABBA.  There was magic in the air as they brought ABBA's memorable tunes to life in a glittering performance at the Solvang Theaterfest, April 7, 2026.  The energy on stage was electric and contagious, raising audiences to their feet to dance as they performed the hit Dancing Queen not only once, but twice ending the evening with it.  Multiple costume changes featuring boa feathers, flickering lights and oodles of sequins added to the disco feel of the performance.  After the performance, each member took the time to pose for pictures with all their fans.  And just like the song says, they were all "having the time of their lives". --Written by Gina Sigman  Photos by Barry Sigman

Vonda Shepard graced the stage last night at Tales from the Tavern. She played to an over filled crowed who got to hear and enjoy the very talented singer, song writer and actress. From the television series Ally McBeal to the TFT stage. Vonda was invited back for her third time to a crowed that couldn't wait any longer to hear. her. She didn't let them down.  Photos and words by: Barry Sigman

 December 5, 2025 The thing about Luke Spiller is, you never know where or when he'll turn up.  AAMN photographer and chief editor, Barry Sigman and I enjoyed a brief encounter with him before the show as we were setting up the photography equipment.  There, standing majestically at the bar, clad in a long black coat, shod in silver snip toed boots, stood the enigmatic singer//songwriter/poet.  His deep-set eyes, accented by smokey eyeliner looked straight into mine.  Extending his hand, he introduced himself like someone does at a party, "hi.  I'm Luke," he said softly in his charming British accent.  So sweet and unpretentious.  Does he really think we don't know who he is? I thought.  "Yes.  we KNOW who you are!" I exclaimed.  All I could think of to say was, "enchanted!" The Sun Rose lounge only seats about 150 including standing room and standing room only it was as Struts and Luke fans alike, filed in for the show.  The m...

Friday night's Jefferson Starship concert at the Chumash Casino started with rocket-themed montage showing the history of the band from the 70's, 80's and beyond.   The band appeared on stage opening with Find Your Way Back.   Original member David Freiburg and 18-year veteran Kathy Richardson's soaring voices and vibrato harmonies glowed as brightly as the exhaust flames off a rocket.   It's hard to believe this band is now celebrating their 50th year and still just as stellar as ever! A svelte Kathy, poured into faux leather slacks, gave an energetic and youthful performance.  87 year-old David's voice seemed untouched by time as he sang the late Marty Balin's Runaway....and without a prompter, folks! It's a little-known fact that Donny Baldwin, drummer since the 80s, is responsible for the hit songs, Fooled Around and Fell in Love and yacht rock favorite, If Only You Believe.  These songs remind the listener of a time when long-haired guys stil...

October 15, 2025 Maverick Saloon  Santa Ynez, CA. Gretchen Peters performed to a full house at the Tales from the Tavern concert series with her husband, Barry on backup vocals, piano and accordion. Gretchen has a voice like an angle and a string of self-written top hits. A partial list includes, Independence Day, made famous by Martina McBride and Here I Am by Bryan Adams.  Peters has also achieved notoriety winning a Grammy for CMA song of the year, inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of fame and winning a Golden Globe award. Some of the artists who have recorded her work are, Bonnie Raitt, Patty Loveless, George Strait, Bryan Adams and Faith Hill. The audience demanded an encore, and they were not disappointed. Words and photos by: Barry Sigman