Don Arbor and the Bay Area All-Stars

Don Arbor and the Bay Area All-Stars consists of a great group of local pros, including John R. Burr on keyboards; Curtis Ohlson on bass (Ray Charles, Booker T., Branford Marsalis), Kevin Hayes on drums (Robert Cray, Bonnie Hayes), and Tal Morris, guitars (Huey Lewis, Sons of Champlin, Credence Clearwater Revisited).

The band will also feature Ryann Morris on vocals. Ryann comes from a long line of musical entertainers, so it was only a matter of time before she began singing professionally at the age of 15. Ryann has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with many talented musicians, including Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads, Jeff Campitelli (Joe Satriani), and her dad (and our guitar hero), Tal Morris! Ryann's pure and emotive vocals are sure to enchant the crowd.

Don Arbor is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and award-winning video artist, with a knack for timely subjects and catchy tunes that vary from acoustic folk to high-energy electric rock'n'roll. Don's songs and videos can be seen and heard at his website here.

Don's tune, "Everyone Comes from Somewhere," is a welcome song for present-day Dreamers and the immigrants of the past, including Don's own ancestors. In an interview in LA Progressive, "Everyone" was hailed as “An Anthem From the Sanctuary State.” It garnered close to 100,000 views on Facebook, YouTube, and other sites. "Everyone Comes from Somewhere" received dual Gold awards for Music Video and Original Song from the International Independent Film Festival for Winter 2018, as well as an Award of Recognition from the Best Shorts Festival. Don's song, "Salam Pax," won the award for Best Music Video at the Berkeley Video and Film Festival.

Don's songs have been compared to such varied performers as James Taylor, Glenn Frey of the Eagles, George Harrison, Steely Dan, and even Green Day.

Don's previous single, "County D," tells the moving story of leaving a familiar home behind, then finding life goes on, even better than before, yet never free of the memories. Don's pure, soaring vocals and poetic lyrics are the perfect accompaniment to Barbara Higbie's brilliant instrumental performance on piano and violin. Barbara is the Grammy-nominated co-founder of the Montreux band, and she has recorded for Windham Hill, and with Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, and many others. Together, Don and Barbara have produced a magical, musical collaboration.

(Photo credit: Irene Young).

Tickets are $25 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

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 food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

To join our mailing list, please click here.

Thank you for your support!

Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Host or Publisher Sam Rudin