San Francisco Medicine Ball Band with
Pee Wee Ellis
Saturday November 20th (Jazz/R&B) 10:00PM $12

Pee Wee Ellis
Saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis was the architect of James Brown's era-defining soul classics of the late'60s, introducing the dynamic arrangements and punishing rhythms that would define the emerging language of funk. Ellis co-wrote and arranged a series of James Brown smashes, including "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" and "Mother Popcorn," as well as issuing a handful of solo singles on Brown's label King. Ellis is also know for his work touring behind longtime Brown backing vocalist Bobby Byrd in tandem with fellow J.B.'s alums Fred Wesley and Maceo Parker as the JB Horns.

SF Medicine Ball Band
Founded 38 years ago by guitarist David Sturdevant, the Medicine Ball has featured a host of jazz and r&b greats - PeeWee Ellis, Faye Carol, Randy Jackson, Lady Bianca and so on. Current members include Ylonda Nickell, 'Queen of the Alto Sax and amazing dancing saxophonist Andrew Beal, winner first year "America's Got Talent", joining Charlie Hickox on keys, bass and vocals; John Hunt on trombone, washboard and vocals, Bill Belasco on drums and Sturdevant, also on harmonica and vocals. Renown for its blend of funky swing and New Orleans-rooted R&B, this is one of the most fun bands around.