Come Join Us For Tollak's last solo performance (before his sabbatical in Europe)!
Friday April 16, 2004: 8PM-10PM PST

featuring
Hollye Dexter and the Brave Souls

Hollye Dexter and the Brave Souls' music is a heartfelt, soulful alternative to the bland form of canned pop we've all been lulled into accepting on the radio. Stylistically speaking, they have successfully blurred the lines between pop, rock, funk, blues and folk to create their own original sound. They are often described as having a Fleetwood Mac-type sound. Their songs are lyrically driven with strong melodic hooks. Regarding their musicality, L.A.'s Music Connection praised their "...strong songwriting, incredibly talented musicians, and versatile vocals." It's good to know that those are still viable assets in the music business.
Produced by her song writing partner and husband Troy Dexter, Hollye released her premiere twelve song CD entitled "Life Goes On" in 1997. In the Fall of 2001, Hollye and the Brave Souls released their follow-up CD, "Tales From the Green Room". This collection of powerful songs covers subjects ranging from questioning faith to finding it again, from anger and loss to love, from prejudice to acceptance. The songs are honest and real. Her summation of the album: "This is music for all brave souls living in the real world."

Hollye and the Brave Souls have become a fixture on the L.A. club scene. They have played the world famous "Roxy", The Rosebowl, The San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon, and have opened for such acts as Smashmouth, Gene Loves Jezebel and Stephen Bishop. They are also proud to be a MUSIC HEALS band, a non profit foundation which Hollye co-founded. Through Music Heals, they have performed for such charities as the American Cancer Society, The Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation, Project Angel Food, the West LA Veteran's Hospital, opened the American Veteran's Golden Age Games, the Five Acres home for abused children and many others...The "souls" mission is to use their music to help heal their communities.

When asked where the band's name came from, Hollye explains that many members in the band have survived some kind of life-threatening experience and have lived to tell about it. "This band has a lot of heart and soul. Life is a gift. Music is a gift. We don't take any of it for granted, and are happy to share it."

The Brave Souls consists of a group of seasoned studio musicians; Troy Dexter (guitars and other unusual instruments), Tracey Brown (percussion and vocals), Rick Robbins (guitar), Dave Kief (bass), and "Jake" Jacobs (drums). Collectively, these musicians have previously toured with such greats as Joan Armatrading, Phil Collins, Tower of Power, Young Dubliners, Stephen Bishop, and many others.

Hollye had an unconventional childhood, having spent her early formative years on the road with her guitar player Dad, and started writing and performing in the coffeehouses and clubs at age fourteen with her songwriting partner Vonda Shepard. She was a child actress, starring in the popular 1978 film "The Wilderness Family" and had a recurring role as a troubled teen on the soap "General Hospital". But her first ever live musical performance at the tender age of 11 was at the local talent contest at "Beef n' Barrel Restaurant". She has been hooked ever since.

Hollye spent the early part of her career as a live and studio backup singer for other artists, but in recent years has clearly defined herself as a solo artist and community activist.

with special guests:
TOLLAK

If you think his name has an original sound, just wait until you hear him on the harp. Chances are, though, you've already heard him because Tollak Ollestad has a list of credits any musician would envy. You might have caught his sound in the theme to the former hit show, "Northern Exposure." Or if you are a "Good Morning America" fan, you can hear his distinctive harp playing between segments. He has been featured on CD’s by artists such as Natalie Cole, Al Jarreau, Brian McKnight, Earth wind and fire, Dave Grusin and Billy Idol.
As a Harp player and keyboard player- singer he has played live and or toured with such acts as, Ambrosia, Michael McDonald, Don Henley, Kenny Loggins, Jewel, Seal and Chet Atkins.

Tollak, who was named for his Norwegian grandfather, but is also part Native American, describes himself as a singer, songwriter, harmonica and keyboard player. In fact, he says that if you had to diagnose him musically, he would have a multiple personality disorder. "I love exploring lots of different sounds," says Tollak, who is an unusual harp player, exceptional on both the chromatic and blues harp. Much of his harmonica playing involves studio projects. "I get great joy out of having a lot of diverse challenges," he says. "I love being thrown in and not knowing what to expect."

You can hear and see more about Tollak, including his own outstanding music at his homepage at www.tollak.com

TIN DRUM

Meet TIN DRUM: an ensemble of musicians bringing an invigorating freshness to contemporary music by exploring themes that fall outside of well-worn trends. This Southern California-based band has released two CDs, REAL WORLD(1995) and SMALL PARADE(2001), both capturing the musical passions of the group, presented with intimate, personal style.

The band's nucleus is the husband-wife team of BURLEIGH DRUMMOND and MARY HARRIS, two veterans of American music who continue to thrive with their current project as strong,experienced singing and songwriting partners.

Drummond was the founding drummer of Ambrosia, a group that helped define the sound of popular music in the 1970s and 80s with a string of hits and 5 subsequent Grammy nominations. Drummond wears many musical hats now, playing drums, percussion and acoustic guitar while also providing vocals.

Harris is a singer/songwriter who has honed her skills on the road and in the studio, working with such top acts as Pink Floyd, XTC, Stanley Clarke and Jimmy Buffett. She plays keyboards and provides vocals.

Enhancing the ensemble are MICK MAHAN(bass) and LARRY TREADWELL(guitar, mandolin, vocals), musicians who embrace and help further define Tin Drum's musical philosophy. The band also continues to work with music industry stars, like the master producer Alan Parsons, who contributed production assistance on "Surrender" from their debut release Real World.

The name Tin Drum comes from Gunter Grass' novel, The Tin Drum. It's about a boy who decides that staying young is preferable to growing up. The name is especially appropriate because the music of Tin Drum is, at times, incredibly playful, young and refreshing-especially the up-tempo percussion, crisp vocals and intoxicating harmonies.

But a deeper exploration reveals rich, complex arrangements and a mature look at the world that is revealed through lyrics that reflect both the ethereal content of dreams and the concrete issues of everyday living. The individual tracks stand alone as examples of gifted composition, while also being compelling layers of a greater musical structure.

At the heart of the group's music is the notion that music never ages, but it does grow up. And with each new Tin Drum release, this band demonstrates its capacity to grow.

Kulak's Woodshed
5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91607
818-766-9913
paulkulak@earthlink.net

We're An Intimate, Listening Room, Seats 'bout 40, That Music Lovers and Performers Have Taken Into Their Hearts and Kept Alive by Nightly Cash Donations and Operated by Volunteers Dedicated to the Celebration of Music Just fer the FUN of it... Kinda...Thang.

Nightly Shows from 8:00 - 10:00pm-ish PST as well as Archived Songs 24 hours a Day 7 Days a Week.

Click Here kulakswebcast@yahoo.com to
make a song request during the Live webcast!

Hollye Dexter
Music Heals
www.MusicHeals.tv
9909 Topanga Canyon #197
Chatsworth, CA 91311
phone (818) 623-6697