Esquela (the band) to Perform at Athens Arts Fest Sat May 1st

Apr 26, 2010 1
Posted by admin

ATHENS, PA –  Esquela, a rapidly-ascending, six-piece “indie-roots-soul” band, will deliver a special performance this Saturday, May 1, at the 11^th Annual Athens Arts Fest in Athens, PA.  Showtime is “high noon” on the Arts Fest north stage.

Esquela will also perform regionally on Saturday night at Waverly, NY’s Rail House: 366 Broad St., Waverly.  The Rail House show will kick off around 9:30pm with special guests The Honest Mistakes.

Esquela is the collaborative brainchild of (co-writers) upstate-NY-native John “Chico” Finn (bass, vocals), and virtuoso rock-n-roller Keith Christopher (lead guitar, vocals).  Christopher is a founding member of the original, world-renowned Georgia Satellites’ band, and he has recorded/performed with a wealth of industry hit-makers, such as Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Billy Joe Shaver, Paul Westerberg, and Todd Snyder.  Christopher has also written for the great Ray Charles.

Esquela features the renowned vocal stylings of newcomer/phenom, Rebecca Frame.  Oft compared to the likes of Janis Joplin, Susan Tedeschi, and Bonnie Raitt, Frame’s powerful delivery and passionate, soulful interpretation never ceases to mesmerize audiences, drop jaws, and transform strong songs into unforgettable moments.  Esquela includes pro-player Richie “All-City” Touseull (guitar, vocals), Matt Woodin (mandolin, percussion), and Todd Russell (drums, vocals).

Esquela released its first album, ‘The Owl Has Landed,’ April 8 (Bovina Records) at a special launch/concert event at New York City’s Bowery Electric.  The album was produced by veteran industry heavyweight Eric “Roscoe” Ambel at his Cowboy Technical Services studio in Brooklyn, NY.  Ambel is a founding member of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and The Del-Lords, and he has served as producer for such hit acts as Ryan Adams, Marshall Crenshaw, Robert Randolph, and Mojo Nixon, among many others.

Esquela has also completed the video for The Owl’s first single, “Hands on my Jammies,” which was directed by ace filmmaker Andrew Huang:  named one of the top “Directors to Watch” in 2008 by Creativity Magazine.

For more information on Esquela, please visit www.esquelatheband.com.

For more information on the 11^th Annual Athens Arts Fest, please visit www.athensartsfest.com.