KEANU IENCO, ELI, & I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT BETTER

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Bear Cave as we start the new year right with some of the best talent southern UK can offer. Keanu and his band will be performing a set of new and old tunes in his signature style of "Native American infused jazz/rock music" to celebrate his nomination at the 21st Native American Music Awards. The immensly talented ELI from Australia will also be performing an intimate set of his original music just ahead of his new single release "15 and Alive". A brand new band "I Can't believe It's Not Better" will be making their debut as they open the night.

£10

Doors at 7pm

Music at 7:30pm

About the artists:

Keanu Ienco: With the unique ability to translate stories and Native American culture into dynamic guitar driven soundscapes, Keanu Ienco is an Indigenous jazz/rock artist unlike any other on the scene. During his childhood, Keanu discovered his passion for music when his mother gifted him his first guitar for his eighth birthday. At thirteen he started playing professionally and by the age of sixteen had already performed live with numerous groups and received radio airplay of his own originals. Following the completion of a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies at Vancouver Island University Keanu has naturally grown his career and has been able to share the stage with industry professionals such as Steve Vai, Delfeayo Marsalis and Rufus Reid. 2020 saw the birth of Keanu's original instrumental project under his own name. Drawing from his authentic lived experiences as a Native American, Keanu’s music transports listeners on an emotional journey that honours his heritage while still being able to pull inspiration from his instrumental heroes such as Steve Vai, Pat Metheny and Plini. His debut album Celestial Desire was released in March 2022 to critical acclaim and earned him a nomination for "Instrumental Artist of the Year'' at the 2022 Western Canadian Music Awards and most recently a nomination at the 21st Native American Music Awards!

ELI:There’s an undeniable surge of authenticity that ensnares you with ELI. This is in no small part due to his ability to navigate music in all its forms. Heartfelt, thoughtful, and rebelliously vulnerable lyrics projected by a powerful, yet tender voice that soars over a raw and unique wall of pop production. Drawing inspiration from his past, sex and of course Prince. ELI is an alternative artist with inspiring messages of breaking the victim mentality, making sadness purposeful and discovering power in identity. Eli’s upcoming release “15 and Alive” cuts through with his emotionally drenched voice, over a genre blurring tune that holds you captivated from beginning to end.

I Can't Believe It's Not Better: Formed in the Summer of 2024 in Bournemouth, I Can't Believe It's Not Better was inspired by a fresh wave of hardcore bands including Turnstile, Title Fight and Code Orange. Combining fast punk rhythms with deeply melodic vocals and a tortured lyrical style, they are currently working on their first EP for release in 2025.

Host or Publisher Keanu Ienco