Rose City Band, Serafima and The Shakedowns

Rose City Band’s country psychedelic rock, led by Ripley Johnson (guitarist and vocalist for Wooden Shjips and Moon Duo), evokes the American west's wide-open spaces and free spirits. Initially focused on "porch music," the band now thrives as a live ensemble featuring pedal steel guitarist Barry Walker, keyboardist Paul Hasenberg, bassist Dewey Mahood (aka Plankton Wat), and drummer Dustin Dybvig. Their album "Garden Party," recorded at the Center for Sound, Light, and Color Therapy in Portland and mixed by John McEntire, celebrates summer's communal gatherings and nature's beauty. With contributions from Moon Duo bandmates John Jeffrey and Sanae Yamada, the album captures the energy of a live band with radiant guitar interplay and driving rhythms. Tracks like “Chasing Rainbows” and “Slow Burn” showcase the band's dynamic range, culminating in a joyous ride that transports listeners to their sunny spot. As Ripley says, “I always like when an album starts in one place and ends in another.”With a keen eye for life and love, Serafima sings about the experience of a modern day woman in all its sparkle and grit. Through reflective hyperbole and honest observation her lyrics dance their way to the front of your heart, and live in the back of your head. But every pot needs a holder and The Shakedowns know how to distribute the heat. The band brings a unique “un-americana” sound, electrifying classic elements of The Golden Age of Radio, honky tonk, and Russian folk. With an unbridled love for artists like the Grateful Dead and Loretta Lynn, Serafima and the Shakedowns bring a lil sass to the country western world.