Meet the Bands – Island of Black & White, Drop Dead Red, Riotmaker, and DJ Epik

Sureena Johl

You know it’s officially summertime when you’re kickin’ it in Cesar Chavez Park for Friday night Concerts in the Park, cold beer in hand! It just feels right. And it all starts this Friday, May 1^st with the launch of our 24^th summer music festival in the heart of Downtown. Check back every Monday to get to know the bands and DJs that’ll be hitting the stage every Friday night from May 1 through July 24. Here’s a look at our opening night lineup…

Island of Black and White

What’s the origin of your bands name?
The name Island of Black and White comes from an old celtic tale, at the end of the first Millennium, in which Mael Duin and his crew sail upon an Island of Black and White sheep. The men observed the sheep changing color -black to white and white to black- anytime they would jump over the fence that divided the island. To keep the balance of life. It is sort of the celtic version of the Yin Yang.

What’s your favorite part of downtown Sacramento?
The local music. You can see any kind of band you want, on any night of the week, in the Sacramento area.

For more information about Island of Black and White visit their website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE them on Facebook, and listen to them on YouTube.

 Drop Dead Red

What’s the origin of your bands name? 

A few years ago, Carly got a tattoo of a red headed pinup on her right arm bearing the banner ‘Drop Dead Red’. It’s an homage to The X-Files, two different episodes (Never Again, Piper Maru), because she’s THAT nerdy. It wasn’t Carly’s first choice for renaming, but the fellas were quite taken with the name, so it stuck.

What’s your favorite part of downtown Sacramento?

There’s a TON to love…our favorites are how easy it is to walk/bike around, the amazing assortment of food and drinks, the library, the beautiful evolution and growth of our city.

For more information about Drop Dead Red visit their website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE them on Facebook, and listen to them on YouTube.

Riotmaker

What was the first gig you played?

On February 23, 2013 at Marilyn’s on K.

What’s your favorite park of Downtown Sacramento?

Old Sacramento

What are you most looking forward to at Concerts in the Park?

Making love to thousands of earholes.

For more information about The Riotmakers visit their website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE them on Facebook, and listen to them on YouTube.

DJ Epik

What is your musical inspiration?

Everything around me. Sounds, crowd reaction, my family, soul music, seeing people have a good time is my main inspiration when performing.