Photo courtesy Ed Riojas
Popular R&B band City Beat, incorporating the six-member Main Street Horns section, returns to the Idyllwild Summer Concert Series determined to keep the music professional and up tempo.
Leader Ed Riojas, guitar and vocals, talked about the band’s reorganization and its expanded horn section. In previous appearances, City Beat was an all law-enforcement band composed of serving or retired police personnel.
The band is still composed of professionals, but the professional spectrum has expanded to include the serving mayor of West Covina, John King on keyboards and vocals; high school music teacher Steve Graves on drums; retired CEO of Line Six Amplifiers Mike Muench on trumpet; and teacher (not actor) Kevin Kline on trumpet and a smattering of other fields.
Still representing the blue line are Riojas, Burbank Airport police; Bob Binder, LAPD lieutenant on tenor sax; and Dan Glass, retired El Monte Police, now with the LA County Public Defender’s Office, on trombone. Fronting the band as the new lead singer is Rick Grady, formerly with the United Blues Band. Grady replaces Jonny Walker, LAPD, who left to form his own band.
“We’re still doing the same music,” said Riojas, “Tower of Power; Blood, Sweat and Tears; Chicago; and across the board R&B.”
Rhythmically persuasive, percussive, pulsing and powerful, City Beat professionally guarantees an evening of dancing nirvana.
Opening for City Beat are locals Sandii Castleberry and the Girls at 6 p.m. City Beat takes the stage at 7.
There is no charge for this summer concert series designed especially for locals. But bring chairs for comfort, beverages of choice for motivation, food for fun and cash for the ubiquitous donation jars. Contributions also may be sent to Idyllwild Summer Concert Series, P.O. Box 1542, Idyllwild, CA 92549.
Be generous and support Ken Dahleen and his Idyllwild Summer Concert Series board in this their 16th season.
For more information about City Beat visit www.citybeatband.com. For more about ISCS, visit www.idyllwildsummerconcerts.com.
