The San Francisco Medicine Ball Band is an eclectic Bay Area ensemble featuring a revolving line-up of all-star entertainers brought together from around the world by founder and bandleader David Sturdevant. Known for his amazing combinations of award-winning multi-instrumentalists and first-class vocalists, David delivers an intimate musical experience on stages of all sizes without ever losing touch with a band that started playing for tips on the streets of San Francisco.
This legendary band, known for its vast array of universally appealing music, has performed at every type of event imaginable – from movie premiers for Clint Eastwood to private parties at the Coppola estate to the most intimate occasions. David continues to welcome a variety of artists into the band, picking up fans from all walks of life with an infectious brand of Swing, R&B, Classic Rock, Jazz, Motown, Latin and Beyond!
DAVID STURDEVANTHarmonica, Guitar, VocalsFounder and band leader of the exciting ensemble Medicine Ball Music, "Doctor" David Sturdevant is renown for his mastery of the diatonic and chromatic harmonica, driving rhythm section guitar and impassioned vocals. A composer & songwriter, David is also a celebrated educator and mentor. He has been music director at Plymouth Church of Jazz & Justice for over 20 years, and formed the highly acclaimed San Francisco Medicine Ball Band over 40 years ago. Medicine Ball Triage includes multi-Grammy-winning violinist Mads Tolling and sax, flute & clarinet master John Stafford, with whom he has toured the US, Asia and Europe extensively. Jazz, R&B, Latin, Swing, Trad, Country, Gospel, Rock and Beyond are among his passions.
“As the rhythmic spark and guiding spirit behind his band, David is a longtime Oakland resident that continues to be a ubiquitous presence on Bay Area stages, where he delivers an infectiously buoyant blend of old-time jazz, soul, and old-school R&B.” - Andrew Gilbert, Oakland Magazine
TERRIE ODABI VocalsFew vocalists own the stage like Terrie Odabi. When the statuesque Oakland native begins to sing, a hush falls over the audience. They’re about to take a ride through the highs and lows of soul music, led by a beautiful singer who packs her shows with heart-pumping energy and poignant memories. Whether it’s opening for Average White Band or Lenny Williams, or performing at the Concord Pavilion or the Fillmore Jazz Festival, Terrie’s finely honed instrument is matched by her generous spirit and wit.
NANCY WRIGHTSaxophone, VocalsNancy Wright is one of the most highly respected and in-demand sax players on today’s blues, Americana and R&B scene. Major music writers have hailed her big-toned tenor and compared her to the all-time greats.
LARRY VANNDrums, VocalsLarry Vann has made an impressive mark on the Bay Area music scene over the years with his authentic, piercing, all-encompassing musical technique. One listen to his compelling, penetrating and intoxicating grooves clearly demonstrates why he has been in such huge demand for sessions and tours with the likes of Elvin Bishop and Merl Saunders.
His top-notch drumming and percussion have garnered him popular and critical success throughout the United States and Europe, and Vann has also wowed critics and crowds alike with his sultry singing voice, buoyed by his melodic, inventive songwriting.ROSCOE GALLOPiano, Organ & Synth Keyboards, VocalsPhilip (Roscoe) Gallo has been employed as a professional keyboard player since 1971. He moved from Buffalo NY to San Francisco in 1977 and has performed with many local musicians and singers including the Jules Broussard Band, Malo, The Fred Ross Project and The Starlight Orchestra, Alvon Johnson, Frank Biner, Pacific Brass and Electric and many others.
He has been heavily involved in musical recording and musical arrangement and production since 1980 and is the owner of Philip "Roscoe" Gallo Productions. He has arranged and produced many styles of music including Contemporary R&B and Classic R&B, Blues, Gospel, Rock and Roll, Urban (Rap), New Age, Jazz Fusion, Latin and Country. He has been involved with the most recent technology in the field of Digital Recording, Digital Editing and Mastering since 1989 and has had the opportunity to also work on radio and voice over and voice only recording and editing projects.
'HESHIMA' MARK WILLIAMSBassist Heshima Mark Williams is a San Francisco native whose playing springs from thirty years’ experience of the Bay Area’s rich musical heritage. Heshima studied under the tutelage of the first African-American classical bassist in the Boston Symphony, Dr. Ortiz Walton. He has toured with trombonist Julian Priester, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, saxophonists Pharoah Sanders, Sonny Simmons and Idris Ackamoor (as a member of The Pyramids), vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, and pianist Jeff Chimenti. He has performed on albums by Julian Priester and Bobby Hutcherson, as well as Japanese pianist Saya Saitol, jazz blues vocalist Lady Memphis and jump blues vocalist Lavay Smith, The Pyramids, saxophonist Robert Stewart, and guitarist Calvin Keyes, among others.
Tickets are $18 and are available in advance at the link below, or at the door the night of the show. ADoors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash only at the door (ATMs are nearby). The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own adult beverage with no additional corkage fee. If you need more information, or have any questions, please call us: #510-654-3808. Thank you for your support!
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This legendary band, known for its vast array of universally appealing music, has performed at every type of event imaginable – from movie premiers for Clint Eastwood to private parties at the Coppola estate to the most intimate occasions. David continues to welcome a variety of artists into the band, picking up fans from all walks of life with an infectious brand of Swing, R&B, Classic Rock, Jazz, Motown, Latin and Beyond!
DAVID STURDEVANTHarmonica, Guitar, VocalsFounder and band leader of the exciting ensemble Medicine Ball Music, "Doctor" David Sturdevant is renown for his mastery of the diatonic and chromatic harmonica, driving rhythm section guitar and impassioned vocals. A composer & songwriter, David is also a celebrated educator and mentor. He has been music director at Plymouth Church of Jazz & Justice for over 20 years, and formed the highly acclaimed San Francisco Medicine Ball Band over 40 years ago. Medicine Ball Triage includes multi-Grammy-winning violinist Mads Tolling and sax, flute & clarinet master John Stafford, with whom he has toured the US, Asia and Europe extensively. Jazz, R&B, Latin, Swing, Trad, Country, Gospel, Rock and Beyond are among his passions.
“As the rhythmic spark and guiding spirit behind his band, David is a longtime Oakland resident that continues to be a ubiquitous presence on Bay Area stages, where he delivers an infectiously buoyant blend of old-time jazz, soul, and old-school R&B.” - Andrew Gilbert, Oakland Magazine
TERRIE ODABI VocalsFew vocalists own the stage like Terrie Odabi. When the statuesque Oakland native begins to sing, a hush falls over the audience. They’re about to take a ride through the highs and lows of soul music, led by a beautiful singer who packs her shows with heart-pumping energy and poignant memories. Whether it’s opening for Average White Band or Lenny Williams, or performing at the Concord Pavilion or the Fillmore Jazz Festival, Terrie’s finely honed instrument is matched by her generous spirit and wit.
NANCY WRIGHTSaxophone, VocalsNancy Wright is one of the most highly respected and in-demand sax players on today’s blues, Americana and R&B scene. Major music writers have hailed her big-toned tenor and compared her to the all-time greats.
LARRY VANNDrums, VocalsLarry Vann has made an impressive mark on the Bay Area music scene over the years with his authentic, piercing, all-encompassing musical technique. One listen to his compelling, penetrating and intoxicating grooves clearly demonstrates why he has been in such huge demand for sessions and tours with the likes of Elvin Bishop and Merl Saunders.
His top-notch drumming and percussion have garnered him popular and critical success throughout the United States and Europe, and Vann has also wowed critics and crowds alike with his sultry singing voice, buoyed by his melodic, inventive songwriting.ROSCOE GALLOPiano, Organ & Synth Keyboards, VocalsPhilip (Roscoe) Gallo has been employed as a professional keyboard player since 1971. He moved from Buffalo NY to San Francisco in 1977 and has performed with many local musicians and singers including the Jules Broussard Band, Malo, The Fred Ross Project and The Starlight Orchestra, Alvon Johnson, Frank Biner, Pacific Brass and Electric and many others.
He has been heavily involved in musical recording and musical arrangement and production since 1980 and is the owner of Philip "Roscoe" Gallo Productions. He has arranged and produced many styles of music including Contemporary R&B and Classic R&B, Blues, Gospel, Rock and Roll, Urban (Rap), New Age, Jazz Fusion, Latin and Country. He has been involved with the most recent technology in the field of Digital Recording, Digital Editing and Mastering since 1989 and has had the opportunity to also work on radio and voice over and voice only recording and editing projects.
'HESHIMA' MARK WILLIAMSBassist Heshima Mark Williams is a San Francisco native whose playing springs from thirty years’ experience of the Bay Area’s rich musical heritage. Heshima studied under the tutelage of the first African-American classical bassist in the Boston Symphony, Dr. Ortiz Walton. He has toured with trombonist Julian Priester, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, saxophonists Pharoah Sanders, Sonny Simmons and Idris Ackamoor (as a member of The Pyramids), vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, and pianist Jeff Chimenti. He has performed on albums by Julian Priester and Bobby Hutcherson, as well as Japanese pianist Saya Saitol, jazz blues vocalist Lady Memphis and jump blues vocalist Lavay Smith, The Pyramids, saxophonist Robert Stewart, and guitarist Calvin Keyes, among others.
Tickets are $18 and are available in advance at the link below, or at the door the night of the show. ADoors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash only at the door (ATMs are nearby). The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own adult beverage with no additional corkage fee. If you need more information, or have any questions, please call us: #510-654-3808. Thank you for your support!
The San Francisco Medicine Ball Band is an eclectic Bay Area ensemble featuring a revolving line-up of all-star entertainers brought together from around the world by founder and bandleader David Sturdevant. Known for his amazing combinations of award-winning multi-instrumentalists and first-class vocalists, David delivers an intimate musical experience on stages of all sizes without ever losing touch with a band that started playing for tips on the streets of San Francisco.
This legendary band, known for its vast array of universally appealing music, has performed at every type of event imaginable – from movie premiers for Clint Eastwood to private parties at the Coppola estate to the most intimate occasions. David continues to welcome a variety of artists into the band, picking up fans from all walks of life with an infectious brand of Swing, R&B, Classic Rock, Jazz, Motown, Latin and Beyond!
DAVID STURDEVANTHarmonica, Guitar, VocalsFounder and band leader of the exciting ensemble Medicine Ball Music, "Doctor" David Sturdevant is renown for his mastery of the diatonic and chromatic harmonica, driving rhythm section guitar and impassioned vocals. A composer & songwriter, David is also a celebrated educator and mentor. He has been music director at Plymouth Church of Jazz & Justice for over 20 years, and formed the highly acclaimed San Francisco Medicine Ball Band over 40 years ago. Medicine Ball Triage includes multi-Grammy-winning violinist Mads Tolling and sax, flute & clarinet master John Stafford, with whom he has toured the US, Asia and Europe extensively. Jazz, R&B, Latin, Swing, Trad, Country, Gospel, Rock and Beyond are among his passions.
“As the rhythmic spark and guiding spirit behind his band, David is a longtime Oakland resident that continues to be a ubiquitous presence on Bay Area stages, where he delivers an infectiously buoyant blend of old-time jazz, soul, and old-school R&B.” - Andrew Gilbert, Oakland Magazine
TERRIE ODABI VocalsFew vocalists own the stage like Terrie Odabi. When the statuesque Oakland native begins to sing, a hush falls over the audience. They’re about to take a ride through the highs and lows of soul music, led by a beautiful singer who packs her shows with heart-pumping energy and poignant memories. Whether it’s opening for Average White Band or Lenny Williams, or performing at the Concord Pavilion or the Fillmore Jazz Festival, Terrie’s finely honed instrument is matched by her generous spirit and wit.
NANCY WRIGHTSaxophone, VocalsNancy Wright is one of the most highly respected and in-demand sax players on today’s blues, Americana and R&B scene. Major music writers have hailed her big-toned tenor and compared her to the all-time greats.
LARRY VANNDrums, VocalsLarry Vann has made an impressive mark on the Bay Area music scene over the years with his authentic, piercing, all-encompassing musical technique. One listen to his compelling, penetrating and intoxicating grooves clearly demonstrates why he has been in such huge demand for sessions and tours with the likes of Elvin Bishop and Merl Saunders.
His top-notch drumming and percussion have garnered him popular and critical success throughout the United States and Europe, and Vann has also wowed critics and crowds alike with his sultry singing voice, buoyed by his melodic, inventive songwriting.ROSCOE GALLOPiano, Organ & Synth Keyboards, VocalsPhilip (Roscoe) Gallo has been employed as a professional keyboard player since 1971. He moved from Buffalo NY to San Francisco in 1977 and has performed with many local musicians and singers including the Jules Broussard Band, Malo, The Fred Ross Project and The Starlight Orchestra, Alvon Johnson, Frank Biner, Pacific Brass and Electric and many others.
He has been heavily involved in musical recording and musical arrangement and production since 1980 and is the owner of Philip "Roscoe" Gallo Productions. He has arranged and produced many styles of music including Contemporary R&B and Classic R&B, Blues, Gospel, Rock and Roll, Urban (Rap), New Age, Jazz Fusion, Latin and Country. He has been involved with the most recent technology in the field of Digital Recording, Digital Editing and Mastering since 1989 and has had the opportunity to also work on radio and voice over and voice only recording and editing projects.
'HESHIMA' MARK WILLIAMSBassist Heshima Mark Williams is a San Francisco native whose playing springs from thirty years’ experience of the Bay Area’s rich musical heritage. Heshima studied under the tutelage of the first African-American classical bassist in the Boston Symphony, Dr. Ortiz Walton. He has toured with trombonist Julian Priester, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, saxophonists Pharoah Sanders, Sonny Simmons and Idris Ackamoor (as a member of The Pyramids), vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, and pianist Jeff Chimenti. He has performed on albums by Julian Priester and Bobby Hutcherson, as well as Japanese pianist Saya Saitol, jazz blues vocalist Lady Memphis and jump blues vocalist Lavay Smith, The Pyramids, saxophonist Robert Stewart, and guitarist Calvin Keyes, among others.
Tickets are $18 and are available in advance at the link below, or at the door the night of the show. ADoors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash only at the door (ATMs are nearby). The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own adult beverage with no additional corkage fee. If you need more information, or have any questions, please call us: #510-654-3808. Thank you for your support!
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This legendary band, known for its vast array of universally appealing music, has performed at every type of event imaginable – from movie premiers for Clint Eastwood to private parties at the Coppola estate to the most intimate occasions. David continues to welcome a variety of artists into the band, picking up fans from all walks of life with an infectious brand of Swing, R&B, Classic Rock, Jazz, Motown, Latin and Beyond!
DAVID STURDEVANTHarmonica, Guitar, VocalsFounder and band leader of the exciting ensemble Medicine Ball Music, "Doctor" David Sturdevant is renown for his mastery of the diatonic and chromatic harmonica, driving rhythm section guitar and impassioned vocals. A composer & songwriter, David is also a celebrated educator and mentor. He has been music director at Plymouth Church of Jazz & Justice for over 20 years, and formed the highly acclaimed San Francisco Medicine Ball Band over 40 years ago. Medicine Ball Triage includes multi-Grammy-winning violinist Mads Tolling and sax, flute & clarinet master John Stafford, with whom he has toured the US, Asia and Europe extensively. Jazz, R&B, Latin, Swing, Trad, Country, Gospel, Rock and Beyond are among his passions.
“As the rhythmic spark and guiding spirit behind his band, David is a longtime Oakland resident that continues to be a ubiquitous presence on Bay Area stages, where he delivers an infectiously buoyant blend of old-time jazz, soul, and old-school R&B.” - Andrew Gilbert, Oakland Magazine
TERRIE ODABI VocalsFew vocalists own the stage like Terrie Odabi. When the statuesque Oakland native begins to sing, a hush falls over the audience. They’re about to take a ride through the highs and lows of soul music, led by a beautiful singer who packs her shows with heart-pumping energy and poignant memories. Whether it’s opening for Average White Band or Lenny Williams, or performing at the Concord Pavilion or the Fillmore Jazz Festival, Terrie’s finely honed instrument is matched by her generous spirit and wit.
NANCY WRIGHTSaxophone, VocalsNancy Wright is one of the most highly respected and in-demand sax players on today’s blues, Americana and R&B scene. Major music writers have hailed her big-toned tenor and compared her to the all-time greats.
LARRY VANNDrums, VocalsLarry Vann has made an impressive mark on the Bay Area music scene over the years with his authentic, piercing, all-encompassing musical technique. One listen to his compelling, penetrating and intoxicating grooves clearly demonstrates why he has been in such huge demand for sessions and tours with the likes of Elvin Bishop and Merl Saunders.
His top-notch drumming and percussion have garnered him popular and critical success throughout the United States and Europe, and Vann has also wowed critics and crowds alike with his sultry singing voice, buoyed by his melodic, inventive songwriting.ROSCOE GALLOPiano, Organ & Synth Keyboards, VocalsPhilip (Roscoe) Gallo has been employed as a professional keyboard player since 1971. He moved from Buffalo NY to San Francisco in 1977 and has performed with many local musicians and singers including the Jules Broussard Band, Malo, The Fred Ross Project and The Starlight Orchestra, Alvon Johnson, Frank Biner, Pacific Brass and Electric and many others.
He has been heavily involved in musical recording and musical arrangement and production since 1980 and is the owner of Philip "Roscoe" Gallo Productions. He has arranged and produced many styles of music including Contemporary R&B and Classic R&B, Blues, Gospel, Rock and Roll, Urban (Rap), New Age, Jazz Fusion, Latin and Country. He has been involved with the most recent technology in the field of Digital Recording, Digital Editing and Mastering since 1989 and has had the opportunity to also work on radio and voice over and voice only recording and editing projects.
'HESHIMA' MARK WILLIAMSBassist Heshima Mark Williams is a San Francisco native whose playing springs from thirty years’ experience of the Bay Area’s rich musical heritage. Heshima studied under the tutelage of the first African-American classical bassist in the Boston Symphony, Dr. Ortiz Walton. He has toured with trombonist Julian Priester, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, saxophonists Pharoah Sanders, Sonny Simmons and Idris Ackamoor (as a member of The Pyramids), vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, and pianist Jeff Chimenti. He has performed on albums by Julian Priester and Bobby Hutcherson, as well as Japanese pianist Saya Saitol, jazz blues vocalist Lady Memphis and jump blues vocalist Lavay Smith, The Pyramids, saxophonist Robert Stewart, and guitarist Calvin Keyes, among others.
Tickets are $18 and are available in advance at the link below, or at the door the night of the show. ADoors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash only at the door (ATMs are nearby). The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own adult beverage with no additional corkage fee. If you need more information, or have any questions, please call us: #510-654-3808. Thank you for your support!
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1984 Bonita Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
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