Nightbeats: High-energy Con Brio band hits Sebastopol’s HopMonk Tavern

WTH GREAT STAGE ENERGY COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY and the members of Bay Area band Con Brio, named after the Italian phrase meaning great energy or with spirit, live up to the name’s responsibility.

Taking it upon himself to create a music scene full of “serenity, compassion and euphoria on earth,” after singer Ziek McCarter received an invitation to join his late father in paradise during a dream before the release of the band’s 2016 album Paradise, McCarter and Co. put on an unforgettable live show.

Con Brio blends trumpet, saxophone, guitar and keyboards with a spectacular rhythm section to create truly unique songs. Along with McCarter, the band is full of talented bay area musicians including, Brendan Liu, Marcus Stephens, Benjamin Andrews, Patrick Glynn, Jonathan Kirchner and Andrew Laubacher, who come together to offer the perfect mix of soul, funk and rock n’ roll.

The seven-piece group has a set list of infectious and catchy numbers. From early beautiful tunes like “Kiss The Sun” to funky songs like “Liftoff,” from the band’s first full-length album, the tracks generally have audience members dancing from start to finish.

On stage, McCarter moves with the grace of the great James Brown and the lively energy of a young Michael Jackson whilst doing splits and backflips.

However, Con Brio isn’t all bells and whistles, the group’s catalog also includes a number of songs about issues facing the Bay Area.

“Money,” a song McCarter about the current cost of living and the struggle to make ends meet while pursuing his dreams in the arts is an all too real anthem you can’t help but relate to if you are struggling to make ends meet.

Con Brio also tackles global issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement in songs like “Free & Brave,” political song inspired by the death of McCarter’s father at the hands of East Texas police.

Between catchy songs and lyrics that shake you to your core, the band’s upcoming concert at Hopmonk Sebastopol is a must-see.

You may have caught Con Brio playing at Bay Area venues such as the Greek Thater in Berkeley, The Independent or Swedish American Hall in San Fransisco and at last year’s BottleRock here in Sonoma County.

Seeing the band’s name light up so many local marquees might lead you to believe you can catch them any old time but in reality, the band’s busy touring schedule marks local shows far as a rare treat.

These days, you’ll also find the band’s name on the list full of big-name artists playing festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Fuji Rock in Japan.

Details: 9 p.m. Friday, Dec.29, HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. Admission: $15-$18, 21 and older. Information: hopmonk.com/sebastopol

ONE ARMED JOEY: Remember when One Armed Joey played at the 112 birthday at the Phoenix Theater and performed a song with the Theater manager Tom Gaffey?

If you missed it, fear not. The punk-rock trio is back for a show at The Phoenix Theater at the end of the month.Catchy songs like “You and Your Friends Are Dead (Game Over)” bring you back to your high school days of sleeping in and late night adventures.

Other songs like “The Best We Know How,” explore the difference between doing your best vs. what others expect.

While you might not get the chance to see Gaffey perform with the band whilst eating an apple this time, One Armed Joeys live shows are a blast regardless of a special guest.

Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, The Phoenix Theater, 201 Washington St., Petaluma. Admission: $10. For more information, go to thephoenixtheater.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!: If you’ve gone to local shows in Sonoma County, chances are you’ve seen Joshua James Jackson play stand up bass or trumpet alongside a long list of North Bay Artists.

From The Crux to sharing the stage with John Courage & the Great Plains, Jackson has performed on many local stages.

To commemorate his 27 birthday, Jackson and his band Sharkmouth decided to perform at the Twin Oaks Roadhouse with Rainbow Girls and Sebastian Saint James instead of a traditional shindig. Catch the Santa Rosa Jazz-punk trio, dance and grab a beer to celebrate this local artist.

Details: 8 tonight (Friday, Dec. 15), Where: Twin Oaks Roadhouse, 5745 Old Redwood Highway., Penngrove. Admission: $10. Information: twinoaksroadhouse.com

Help us keep the beat. Write Estefany at nightbeats@pressdemocrat.com