CARRIE NATION & THE SPEAKEASY is a high-energy "Brass 'n' Grass" sextet from Wichita, KS. The band, whose sound has been described as “...a stagecoach in overdrive”, has brought their eclectic blend of bluegrass, ska, punk, and dixieland to packed clubs, basements, and festivals across the US since their inception in the spring of 2007.
CNS has built a solid following playing 47 states and 5 countries with their energetic live show and ability to fit on the bill with acts ranging from bluegrass to rockabilly; punk to ska. As the banjo rolls over rhythmic guitar, breakneck mandolin solos melt into blaring trombone and trumpet lines, while the standup bass and feed-bucket-trap-set churn out driving rhythms that carry the force of a Kansas freight train.
The band’s DIY mentality is shown through their self-recorded albums, self-published music, self-booked tours, and a community of local and regional visual artists that illustrate the band’s distinctly grassroots approach. CNS has been pounding the highways and byways of this great country (and others) for almost a decade now, bringing their songs and stories to thousands. Always providing a high energy, drink’em down atmosphere to any place they play, CNS has proven a dedication to their live shows with a solid understanding of what entertainment really means.
Cartoon Violence are one of the fastest rising talents on the current UK ska scene. Hailing from the wilds of Mid Wales, they are fronted by the formidable vocalist and piano/organ player, Chuzz; whose unique stage presence builds upon soaring vocals, skanking piano and crazy Hammond lines. He's played with a plethora of Ska artists, from Neol Davies to The Toasters.
A sparkling and intriguing vocal duet has presented itself with the inclusion of Smoke Like A Fish member Sash, who also adds Sax, while Chuzz's former band mates from 3 Minute Warning; Matt and Harold (regular Toasters drummer) complete the rhythm section with, original Cartoon Violence guitarist, Milky who returns to the fold.
The Cartoon Violence sound is an insanely catchy affair that mixes super bouncy 2 tone ska with distinctly British sounding pop & indie stylings. Their songs capture the classic Brit Pop storytelling vibe of the likes of The Kinks, Madness, Squeeze, The Hotknives & Parklife-era Blur, with each tune lyrically being like a mini kitchen sink drama in its own right! Endless soaring energy, great sing-a-long choruses & wonderful piano/organ melodies are all hallmarks of the band's unique ska sound.
Cartoon Violence's superb debut album "Whatever Happened To The Likely Lad?" was released in 2008 on cult UK ska label Do The Dog Music & received great reviews & airplay on ska radio shows across the globe. Since its release the band have toured extensively around the UK sharing stages with the likes of Toots & The Maytals, Roddy Radiation, Bad Manners, Ruts DC, Random Hand, & The Toasters along the way.
Cartoon Violence have since spread their wings further afield with their stunning second album, titled "Tit For Tat", and released across Europe by Rocking Records, in the USA by Megalith Records & in Australia by Care Factor Records, as well as in the UK by Do The Dog Music. Now their eagerly awaited third album is in its final stages and the pre-release singles/videos “Serpico” and “Much Ado About Nothing” have already piqued their fans appetite. With tour dates building up, 2018 looks to be a very exciting year for Cartoon Violence.
Celina is a dynamic artist whose music blends the best of pop, rock, country, and indie influences. Known for her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances, she brings an unmatched energy to the stage, delivering both original songs and reimagined covers that captivate and inspire.