Exit Stage Left has reached the end of its second season! In this time we have seen the rise of several acts who have gone on to accomplish major milestones in their careers, we have learned what the different music schools have to offer for young upcoming musicians, and we have been able to attend some great performances put on by amazing local talent! Three bands were chosen to help bring this amazing season to a close; Christa Briana, Paris!, and The Veronas. Each of these acts gave it all they got and made this season finale special!
Singer/songwriter Christa Briana starts off this showcase with her special blend of modern folk music which is brought to life by the ghosts of her influences which can be heard in each song, whether it's Alanis Morissette, Bob Dylan, or Dolly Parton. Her own smooth vocal approach carries the stories in each of her songs while her steady strumming and harmonica solos create an atmosphere which places you directly into a countryside landscape, whether she performs her folk sounds on “Getting Started” or the more rock based “Ball and Chain” or the open love letter to El Paso “Homesick” her stories will remain with you.
Christa Briana (@christabriana)
The second act of the day is the unique alternative band Paris! Who put on an energetic set full of whimsy! Lead singer Damian Castaneda knows how to work the audience by pouring his heart and soul out on stage. He has the power to convince you that you may be in the danger zone of a moshpit about to ensue as he opens the song “Cheerio”, he may get you to simply sing along with him on “Splendid Day” and “How?”, or you may want to bawl your eyes out with the band as he loses his mind over his non-existent future girlfriend (his words). Bassist Lauren Ceballos’s higher pitched vocals are ever present and harmonizes well with Damian’s, meanwhile drummer Gustavo Garcia Jr.’s monstrous cymbal crashing and steady drumming keeps the whole musical acid trip together in each song.
Paris! The Band (@paris.theband)
Finally, closing out this showcase is a trio that had a busy year after reaching a career milestone, The Veronas! We were fortunate enough to be graced with two unreleased tracks by them! Each instrument is highlighted all throughout the set, from the call and response vocal approach between Said Hernandez and Steven Garcia on the first song “Baby”, to the driving basslines of Said, or the thunderous drumming performed by Arturo “Tuyo” Hernandez, who just couldn’t get enough cowbell on “3000 Blondes”. Lastly, “Tongue Tied” brought out the classic rock influences instead of their usual desert rock style, Eric Clapton and Keith Richards would be happy to know rock indeed lives on.
The Veronas (@losveronas)
We would like to give a special thanks to Abel Mireles and his production staff at the Fox Fine Arts recording studio for helping to bring this showcase to life. Thank you to Christa Briana, Paris!, and The Veronas for taking the stage and giving it their all for this showcase on top of allowing us to share their music with the listeners! Finally, a special thanks to KTEP’s production staff members Charlize Mercado, Arely Avitia, Aaron Montes, Eddie Martinez, Martin Leon, and Olivia Williams for making this happen!
