Friday September 10, 2010 [9 PM ]

Jake Smith

Growing up in New Orleans and still residing in the area, Jake Smith knows his roots and influences. However, where is he really coming from? This is an entirely different question.

Some listeners first met Jake in 2007 when his opening effort was picked up for national distribution in a serendipitously short-lived deal. As the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported, “He and the label ultimately disagreed on the direction his music should take. He was not entirely displeased when (the label closed), freeing Smith from his contract.”

Since then, this 26-year-old has reclaimed his independence with vigor, selling out local shows at the House of Blues, playing shows with Grammy-award winning artists and landing a main stage gig at his hometown’s annual JazzFest just before Better Than Ezra and Dave Matthews Band. With that debut drama in the rearview mirror, Jake Smith is happy to be growing up before a growing audience—and is clearly moving on these days.

The Scorseses

The Scorseses began in July 2009 when band mates Christopher Noto(Alone At The Wheel, Splitwig, Canadian Bacon) and Vincent Ebeier(Alone At The Wheel, 2 Way Radio) were itching to get back in the New Orleans rock scene post-Katrina. They called upon local musicians David Latino(Slang Angus, FeedLu), John Jouet(The Bills), Dave Demarest(The Dispensers, The Medians) and Bryce Mansfield. They embarked on a project influenced by alternative rock, classic rock, third wave ska, and new orleans funk in a way that represents our beloved city and it's surrounding areas. What began as Scorseses Kickball Prom(i.e.. named after their first gig) eventually became The Scorseses. Along the way they managed to find master brassman Jimmie Reamey(The Brigadiers Drum & Bugle Corps, The Medians, Jake Smith), saxophonist Danny Nixdorf(The Medians, Jake Smith, Refried Confuzion) and Jerell Rodriguez which helped redefine and strengthen songwriting arrangements. Within weeks The Scorseses shared bills at top local venues with a variety of acts including surf rock legend Dick Dale, rapper MC Chris, 6 Pack Deep, The Local Skank, and Luke Starkiller.

Cortland Burke Band

Cortland Burke is a twenty-three year old New Orleans-based Singer/Songwriter. His first album "It Gets Late." with the "Cortland Burke Band" is an independant release mixing Cortland's Pop influence with a band of Funk and Jazz Veterans. Now working as "Cortland Burke & the Outsiders" they are explanding their sound, and preparing for their next record.