28 Dec 2013
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Magical Mini Tour in Southern California

We’re pumped to be heading back down to the greater Los Angeles area for a magical mini tour in mid-January. Playing a Friday show at Rusty’s Surf Ranch on the awesome Santa Monica Pier then helping the World-Famous Whisky A Go Go celebrate their big 50th Anniversary on Sunday.

Dude, we’re playing Rusty’s at the Pier!

We’re thrilled to have been invited to play at the Santa Monica Pier. We get to rock the socks off of the center of the surf scene, dude! Rusty’s has made us feel very welcome and we’re proud to be part of their Friday night lineup.

Whisky A Go Go 50th Anniversary

Anyone who hangs out with me knows how important rock and roll history is to me. I find it compelling on so many levels. The different sounds, the scene, the political statements and poetry that have changed lives and influenced generations make it alive in my heart. I hope you’ll put on your dancin’ shoes as we rock into the musical history that IS the Whisky A Go Go.

We’re humbled to be standing on the same stage where The Doors, Zeppelin, Janis Joplin and so many other great musicians have rocked before. We’re in awe of the incredible acts and historic significance that places The Whisky high in rock and roll prominence. We’re honored to be a part of their 50th anniversary celebration of music and the venue that has been home and catalyst for musicians worldwide. It has changed so many lives including our own.

We’ll be opening for Martha Davis and the Motels – So come party with Jeffrey Walsh, Ralph Humphrey, Peter Bates and me on our “Magical Mini Tour”. Together we’ll conjure up the spirit of Jim Morrison with a little “Life Affirming Rock N’ Roll” and add the Mendocino sound into the rock music history books.

FRIDAY, JAN. 17, 10:30pm
Rusty’s Surf Ranch
256 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA
Admission $7

SUNDAY, JAN. 19, 8:00pm
Whisky A Go Go
8901 W. Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA
Tickets $20
Buy Tickets from us and show you support the band!

Magical Mini Tour

 

 

17 Nov 2013
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A Rockin’ Good Time Was Had By All

Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate at the Patterson’s Pub 20th Anniversary Party. What a terrific Mendocino welcome after our exhausting trip the day after our late night Whisky A Go Go gig in Hollywood. After doing so many solo acoustic shows at Patterson’s, it was so much fun to be playing electric with the full band to a packed house. We were all jammed in so tight, it felt like audience members were backup singers for the band. We appreciate everyone brave enough to dance in such tight quarters. Is there a dance called “The Sardine”?

Bates-rocks-PattersonsPubBut what a great party! The old house was practically rocked off its foundation! The bar even lost a bottle or two as the bass and drum beat throbbed them right off the shelves! The already busy bar tenders had to push back the bottles to save them from the rising swell of sound waves.

I have to give a few shout outs to some friends who really made the last few days over-the-top fantastic. Thanks to our good buddy, Monsieur Bottrell for singing lead vocals on “Miss You”. We love it when you play with us, Bill! Old friend, Angelo, for supporting the band and showing us a great time in Hollywood. Hugh, for getting us back to Mendocino in one piece and being our champion of rock music. Big thanks to Jeannie for squeezing us in through throngs of partiers. And of course, Tony and Mary Anne for letting the band play our asses off at Patterson’s Pub.

I will take a few days to recover, but damn, let’s do it again!

P.S. Hope to see everyone next Sunday at V’Canto where we’ll be playing unplugged.

11 Oct 2013
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Big Win at Rising Stars Music Competition

I was honored to win for a second time at the Rising Stars Music Competition at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds on Saturday. Me and my trusty 6-string took first place in the Singer/Songwriter Acoustic category. The competition was fierce, but friendly on a beautiful fall day in Ukiah. I loved hanging out with the other talent. Who doesn’t want to hob-nob with fellow songwriters, crooners and jamming musicians? It’s just a gas.


Plus, nothing is more gratifying than getting to do what I love, while contributing to causes that help folks. The competition is a 12-hour, multi-musician, multi-genre smorgasbord of talent, who over the years have helped raise over $15,000 for charity.

It’s more like a marathon for sponsors and volunteers who give countless hours organizing the yearly event. But it is a worthwhile labor of love that touches a lot of lives — just like the music they help promote.


Rising Stars Event Poster 2013
27 Sep 2013
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Back to The Whisky We Go Go!

Steven playing rock historian at the Whisky

We’ve been asked back to The Whisky already! We’ll be heading south again to that hallowed hall, the musician’s Mecca and all around rockin’ nightclub: The Whisky A Go Go. That’s right! How cool is that? We feel like Sally Field getting her second Oscar, saying “Wow. You really like me! You really, really like me!”

Steven Bates Whisky poster 10-7-13LR
Steven Bates Band
Playing live at The Whisky A Go Go
8901 W. Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
October 7, 2013 at 7:00pm
Tickets $10
We’ll be opening for “Hookers and Blow” Dizzy Reed’s new band. Name sound familiar? Reed is the “Guns N’ Roses” keyboard player. The Whisky looks to be the happening spot on the Strip Monday, October 7th.

Since we’re the opening act, going out on a school night is no excuse for not coming out to play. We start to jam at around 7:00pm. Everyone can have a great time, a couple of drinks and still be at work with no problem on Tuesday. Let’s face it. Monday is usually the bummer day of the week. Why not make it a memorable Monday instead? Come hang out at The Whisky with us and dance those Monday blues away. You’ll be glad you did.

So what are you waiting for? Click the link and get some tickets – they’re only $10 bucks!

Get Tickets

Still need convincing? Check out the videos from our last Whisky show.

26 Aug 2013
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Whisky Road Trip Anyone?

Whisky A Go Go 9-8-13 poster2
Hollywood here we come!
We’re really excited to be playing at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go on Sunday, September 8th. We hope you will make the pilgrimage to our psychedelic dance party as we jam at this historic club.

I’ll be playing with long-time friend and Hollywood native, Jeffery Walsh on guitar. The amazing Ralph Humphrey on drums and my brother Peter Bates on bass.

Whisky road trip anyone?
It’s a long haul for my northern California fans, but the journey is what it’s all about. Who’s in?
BUY TICKETS

24 Apr 2013
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Thanks All European Listeners

Hello. Greetings from this April evening. I have been told by my confederates…..is that the right word?…com…padres…that works for California after all…anyway I have heard that many of our European brothers and sisters have been visiting this website. Well, that to me is inspiring. In this latter era of Rock and Roll it seems that often times Europeans still pine for this great and everlasting American art form. I know, Jazz usually gets the big distinction as America’s original musical art form…..Rock and Roll though….a different beast as it were. Keep on visiting, Europe, and we will continue to give you all that we can….Best to you on this April Eve.
Steven

20 Apr 2013
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New Single Coming Soon

We have a new song coming soon. It’s turning out great.  Just had to get one more song released before my friend, Calvin Turnbull has to relocate his music studio. Hugh made it possible and I am so pleased with what I’ve heard so far.

11 Apr 2013
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Lost Black Magic Coming Soon

Of course I have to say hello, greetings, etc. The new single, “Lost Black Magic” is, to me, a magical piece of music as music sometimes can be. A few small dents have been hammered out as I understand and I am looking to it to hear the latest version. More rock and roll and more to come. Best, Steven

21 Dec 2012
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Jukebox Surprise

Funny thing happened when I went to have a drink at Dick’s Place in Mendocino…

We ordered drinks and my buddy, Hugh told me he’d go put some good music on the jukebox. You should’ve seen my face when Insider’s Blues blared out of the speakers! I laughed loud and hard — It took me totally by surprise! Had no idea they had Play It Pretty For Atlantis on the jukebox. Of course, Hugh knew and wanted to surprise me. Well, needless to say, we played a lot of songs off the album that night! Amazing to hear my new music on the local jukebox!

Dick's Place poster