Snazzy Productions presents: WATER TOWER

Name: Snazzy Productions presents: WATER TOWER
Start: 2025-09-26T19:00:00-07:00
Location: Kuumbwa Jazz

Schedule

Fri, 26 Sep, 2025 at 07:00 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

Kuumbwa Jazz | Santa Cruz, CA

TICKETS: Advanced general admission is $30 ($40 at the door if available). GOLD CIRCLE is $42.
In an era where genres are increasingly blurred and authenticity is both elusive and prized, Water Tower has forged an identity that is at once rebellious and reverent, punk and pastoral. They’ve not only survived nearly two decades of changing scenes and shifting lineups—they’ve thrived by staying true to their roots while constantly pushing their boundaries.
Whether they’re playing the main stage at bluegrass festivals, collaborating with punk legends, or busking on the streets of Los Angeles, Water Tower continues to challenge expectations and broaden the possibilities of American roots music. With every fiddle solo, every banjo breakdown, and every defiant, heart-on-sleeve lyric, they are writing a story that is entirely their own.
And in the process, they’re not just playing bluegrass—they’re redefining it.
In the vibrant and often eclectic musical landscape of Los Angeles, a band has been carving out a truly unique niche, blending tradition with rebellion in a way that defies easy categorization. That band is Water Tower, a collective known for their electrifying fusion of bluegrass, old-time, and punk rock. From their origins in Portland, Oregon, to their current standing as a powerhouse in the California bluegrass scene, Water Tower has cultivated a fiercely loyal fanbase, affectionately known as "The Owls," and earned a reputation as one of the most innovative and thrilling acts around.
The story of Water Tower begins in 2005 in Portland, Oregon, with multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Kenny Feinstein. Originally performing under the names "The Water Tower Bucket Boys" and "Water Tower String Band," the group started with a deep reverence for traditional bluegrass, even beginning as a Foghorn Stringband cover band. However, even in those early days, a distinct edge was apparent, a hint of the punk rock influences that would eventually become a hallmark of their sound. In 2014, the band made the significant move to Los Angeles, a relocation that coincided with a streamlining of their name to simply "Water Tower" and the beginning of a new chapter in their musical evolution.
What truly sets Water Tower apart is their audacious blending of genres. Imagine the intricate, fast-paced string work of traditional bluegrass and old-time music colliding head-on with the raw, unbridled energy and DIY ethos of punk rock. This isn't merely a stylistic mash-up; it's a seamless integration, where the speed and intensity often found in punk find a natural home within the rapid-fire banjo rolls, fiddle melodies, and driving guitar rhythms of bluegrass. As one writer put it, "If Earl Scruggs was a skater from Portland, who had a passion for the free-spirited thrash of NOFX and fell in love with the community and earnest nature of bluegrass, you would have Water Tower."
Their music, as heard on albums like "Fly Around" and their various singles, showcases this adventurous spirit. "Fly Around," for instance, features not only traditional melodies and instrumentation but also incorporates modern, psychedelic, and outright punk elements. The band has even gone so far as to invite punk legends like Don Bolles (The Germs) to co-produce their work, and their tracks have featured guest vocals from Ron Reyes, formerly of Black Flag – clear testament to their punk bona fides. This unique sonic identity allows them to appeal to a remarkably diverse audience, having opened for and played festivals alongside acts as varied as Against Me!, T.S.O.L., Molly Tuttle, and John Craigie.
The current lineup of Water Tower is a testament to the collective's talent and chemistry. While founder Kenny Feinstein (lead vocals, guitar, fiddle, mandolin) remains at the helm, the band has evolved to include Tommy Drinkard (banjo, guitar, vocals), Jesse Blue Eads (banjo, electric bass, vocals), Taylor Estes (bass, mandolin, vocals), and John Seltzer (mandolin, vocals). Each member brings a distinct flavor to the mix: Tommy's reggae-rock influences, Jesse's jazz-prog wizardry, Taylor's commanding basslines, and John's precise mandolin work all contribute to the band's dynamic and unpredictable sound. This collaborative spirit and the collective's willingness to embrace diverse influences are key to their ongoing innovation.
A significant part of Water Tower's identity and success stems from their fiercely independent, DIY approach. They prefer to book their own shows and tours, and a considerable amount of their time is spent busking, often at freeway off-ramps around Los Angeles. This isn't just a means of survival; it's a fundamental aspect of their creative process and connection with their audience. Songs like "AMPM" and "Skante Warrior" are born from these street-level experiences, transforming the grit and grind of urban life into powerful, relatable anthems. Busking provides a raw, unfiltered platform to hone their skills and connect with listeners on a visceral level, proving that true artistry can thrive outside traditional venues.
Water Tower's live performances are legendary for their high-octane energy and sometimes, even moshing – a rare sight at a bluegrass show! They've electrified stages at major bluegrass festivals like the California Bluegrass Association (CBA) Father's Day Festival, Huck Finn Jubilee, and Topanga Banjo Fiddle Festival. In 2024, they were an official showcase band at the prestigious IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) World of Bluegrass, and 2025 will see them make their highly anticipated debut at the iconic Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Perhaps most remarkably, Water Tower is making history as the first bluegrass band to ever play the legendary Vans Warped Tour, a testament to their genre-bending appeal and ability to resonate with a punk-rock audience.
Beyond the stage and the street corners, Water Tower is a band with a deep understanding of their roots. While they push boundaries, they remain deeply loyal to the traditions of bluegrass and old-time music. Feinstein has spoken about their admiration for bluegrass greats like Clarence White and Tony Rice, ensuring that their innovative sound is always grounded in respect for the genre's pioneers. Their lyrical themes often reflect the realities of life, drawing inspiration from their experiences on the road and busking – touching on hope, recovery, love, acceptance, and even death.
The "Owls," Water Tower's dedicated fanbase, are more than just listeners; they're an integral part of the band's journey. This passionate community embodies the spirit of the band – a shared love for music that defies convention and embraces authenticity. The band's consistent touring, including successful runs across the West Coast and a impactful UK tour in 2023, has solidified these connections and expanded their reach. They've shared stages with a wide array of artists, from bluegrass heavyweights like The Brothers Comatose and Molly Tuttle to figures like Nick Hexum of 311, further underscoring their versatility and broad appeal.
In an industry often confined by rigid genre definitions, Water Tower stands as a vibrant outlier. Their journey from a Portland-based string band to an L.A. collective blending bluegrass with punk rock is a testament to their unwavering vision and commitment to their art. They are not just making music; they are forging a movement, inspiring listeners to embrace the unexpected and celebrating the wild, untamed spirit that lives within us all. Water Tower proves that tradition and innovation can coexist, creating a sound that is as electrifying as it is authentically American.