Madilyn Hazelton
Contributing Writer
If you’re looking to fill the time between the stress of midterms and mountains of reading, or to explore the busy night life of Isla Vista (I.V.), band shows are a great way to spend your time. Everyone knows I.V. has no lack of local music, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options to choose from. The following bands are a must when avoiding your assignments and trying to have a fun night with your friends.
A popular choice for the local I.V. band-party goer is Birchwood. This bluegrass folk band is known for their covers of “Revival” and “28” by Zach Bryan, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, and “Travelin’ Soldier” by The Chicks. This band is made up of Molly O’Connell, Beckett Dowhan, Xander Newell, Toby Gollan, Nik Belle, and Rowan Crass. They can often be found playing at Woodstock’s Pint Night as well as hosting shows in the mountains, filling the space with eager listeners in white skirts and cowboy boots at dusk. Dancing and singing along is common at Birchwood shows, so be prepared to leave with sore feet and a scratchy voice.
A band that can give you a mix of slow sultry songs and head-bobbing guitar solos is Veranda Nights. They are a seven-member band including Greta Dooley, Isaac Porter, Lennon Berger, Collin Green, Kailee Miller, Daniel Smirnov, and Geert Timmerman, featuring instruments such as bass, guitar, drums, and saxophone. Playing songs such as “Have a Cigar” by Pink Floyd and “One of These Nights” by the Eagles, this band has no limit on being cool and effortless. If you are looking for a psychedelic soul band, Veranda Nights is a great option to keep you swaying and singing.
Dawn Patrol, another popular choice, with members Miles Carter, Caden Lane, Joe Van Dongen, and James Lloyd, is a perfect fit if you are looking for guitar harmonies, beachy tango, sunny afternoon vibes, or neon light nightlife music. They recently released a new original song called “Devereux,” which they play at their shows along with covers of popular Radiohead songs that get the crowd engaged and dancing.
Jackson Gillies performing in I.V.
If you ever get the chance to watch Jackson Gillies, you better take it. This Santa Barbara local will come play shows in I.V. from time to time, and he is a sight to see. He plays rock songs with denim vests and floral headbands that resonate with the vibrant crowds attending his shows. The guitar riffs, fog machine, and colorful lights mixed with his charismatic performance make Gillies a must-add to your list.
Wind instruments aren’t a common find in most of these bands, but Junkyard has three: a saxophone, trombone, and trumpet. Mixing their wind instruments with drums, guitar, bass, keyboard, and vocals, this jazz funk band plays songs like “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder and “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars. Their name originates from a combination of “jazz” and “funk” — and their tendency to perform in yards. Their charming lead singer, Atalia, interacts with the crowd, creating a great atmosphere for a jazzy night under the full moon.
There are plenty more bands that could be added to this list, but here are just a few to get you started. Each band can be found on Instagram through their band names for dates and times of performances.
