Stax City

STAX CITY IS AN OLD-SCHOOL HORN-DRIVEN R&B BAND BASED IN SONOMA COUNTY, CA.

WE CELEBRATE THE MUSIC OF JAMES BROWN, WILSON PICKETT, OTIS REDDING, AL GREEN, TOWER OF POWER, AND MANY MORE FOR YOUR DANCING PLEASURE.

The Band

CLIFF CONWAY – TENOR/ALTO SAX

A few years back, Cliff had a vision of being in a top notch horn band performing Old-School Memphis Soul and Rhythm & Blues. That vision has been realized with his founding of Stax City. Assembling an excellent group of musicians committed to this music and using classic horn charts has lead Cliff and the band to fill dance floors.

BOB-MCBAIN – KEYBOARD

Bay Area keyboard veteran brings his years of experience playing with a wide variety of artists and styles to Stax City.

GEOFFREY WHYTE – DRUMS

Geoff began playing at the age of fifteen. One week after one lesson from a friend who acquainted him with reading music, he was called to sub for another drummer. That was the beginning of what was to become Tavares. He has performed with Les Paul, Eddie Harris, Charles McPherson, Richie Cole, Joe Pass and J.J. Jackson (It’s Alright) among others.

Craig Caffall – GUITAR – Vocals

WILLARD BLACKWELL – Vocals

Music took hold of Willards life at the age of 13. He and his singing group took to the stage and placed first at many talent shows throughout San Francisco. At 15, Willard picked up his first set of drumsticks. Playing in concerts and marching band at his high school eventually led him to join Running Waters, a Pomo Indian soul band in nearby Santa Rosa. Running Waters became the backing band for visiting artists such as Bobby Freeman and Little Dion. Willard went on to form and lead his own band Souler Heat 1973 to 1983. Today Willard leads his critically acclaimed New Orleans R&B / Zydeco band Gator Nation. Check them out at Gatornationband.com

Paul OLGUIN – BASS

RAY FERNANDEZ – BARITONE SAX

Ray Fernandez has played professionally for 35 years. He has played and toured with The Mad Maggies, The Overcommitments, Lagos Roots Afrobeat Ensemble, and many more. Ray performed in the house band for The San Francisco Mime Troupe’s award winning play Freedomland in 2015 and 2016. Steeped in R&B, soul, funk, rock, and jazz, multi-instrumentalist Ray Fernandez always brings it from the heart.

SCOTT NYGARD – TRUMPET

Scott studied with internationally acclaimed trumpet instructor Claude Gordon and continues his studies with Claude’s protege Jeff Purtle. Some artists he has performed with include Reno Jazz Orchestra, Danny Marona, Chris Calloway, and Kenny Rogers. Since 2000, Scott has played lead trumpet with Santa Rosa Junior College affiliated Wednesday Night Big Band, performing with world renowned jazz artists including Bobby Shew, Bill Watrous, Steve Smith, Alan Vizzutti, and Jon Faddis.

• Website: http://staxcity.net/