Lee Bob & Bellygunner

This evening will feature full sets by Lee Bob (with band) and Gabe Nelson’s band Bellygunner.

Lee and Gabe began their musical kinship 25 years ago in the Sacramento songwriter scene. Since then they’ve played in each other’s groups, on each other’s recordings, and shared many stages as sidemen in various projects.

But if memory serves (...and does it really these days?), December 16, 2023 will be the very first time the two have shared an evening both playing complete sets of their original music.

A little background: Gabe Nelson is widely known for playing bass and co-writing tunes with Cake. A prolific songwriter, he has also released original music with a number of local bands, most recently with the indie outfit Bellygunner. The band is a tight knit, indie rock band with witty, upbeat material. (Think Pavement/Spoon meets Elvis Costello/Donovan).

Lee Bob came to local attention as a sideman for the band Jackpot. His solo debut, The Sun Years (2001), was described by Christian Kiefer of Sacramento News & Review as “a strange amalgam of Tom Petty and Miles Davis.” An uncanny comparison that the artist would love somehow to be true.

David Dye of NPR Music: World Cafe said Lee Bob’s music “grapples with the quest for authenticity in a culture that is based on recycled themes and sounds.”

In recent years, Lee Bob has doubled down on the quest for authenticity with Lee Bob & The Truth – with members who have played with Richard Ashcroft, Tommy Guerrero, Darondo, Lauryn Hill, Miko Marks, and others.

American Standard Time (KEXP affiliate) called The Light, the band’s second album: “the best headphones album of the year” in 2016.

Culture Collide called their debut album: ”a gentle reminder that music can stand for something.”

Lee Bob has a new solo EP titled FREE on the way. Set for release in early December, it is a set of intimate, atmospheric songs recorded at home with cameos from some of his favorite Sacramento musicians. This evening will be the first live performance of the new material, accompanied by some old favorites.

We invite you to join us. The night is all ages and family friendly. Tell your friends and we will see you there.