"Live from Laurel Canyon - Songs and Stories of American Folk Rock" is an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the mid 1960's and 70's. Similar to other legendary rock and roll neighborhoods of the same era like Haight Ashbury in San Francisco or Greenwich Village in NYC, Laurel Canyon was a community of artists who would forge a new genre of music (Folk Rock) and forever change the look, sound and attitude of American pop music. Live from Laurel Canyon celebrates The Mamas and The Papas, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Doors, Crosby, Stills, Nash, Neil Young, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, America, and the Eagles with their own unique interpretations of some of the most iconic songs of the era.
Much more than a 'tribute' act, Live from Laurel Canyon not only performs the music you love in a new and unique way but shares with you the stories that inspired them. Live from Laurel Canyon is a journey through a special time in American pop music... won't you join us?
Brian Chartrand (vocalist/acoustic guitarist/creator of Live from Laurel Canyon) grew up in rural Massachusetts and made his way to Phoenix in 2003. Brian’s main focus is Live from Laurel Canyon and his original music with his bands The Sweet Remains and The Project. A longtime fan of 60s and 70s music and a rock and roll history fanatic, Brian came up with the idea for Live from Laurel Canyon while working as an entertainer on a luxury cruise ship in the Summer of 2012. Since it’s inception, the show tours all over the country and in Europe.
Holly Pyle (vocalist) was voted best vocalist of 2019 by Phoenix New Times. Holly channels her "liquid-like voice" and intense presence into a variety of local and traveling music projects, most frequently as the front-woman of progressive soul outfit House of Stairs. Holly completed studies in jazz, opera and psychology at Northern Arizona University in 2010, and since then has given nearly 1500 performances, released 3 albums and gives lectures about loop station technology and arranging.
Josh Taylor (vocalist/acoustic guitar) Genre-bending singer-songwriter and guitarist Joshua Taylor is the 2023 recipient of two San Diego Music Awards, for Best Pop Album (Unscene) and Best Rock or Indie/Alternative Song ("Cars Don't Run Forever"). Hailing from the Heartland, tattered and travel-worn from an ill-fitting decade in the Navy, Taylor stumbled his way into a meaningful midlife identity as a confessional storyteller. The sound is something between pop-rock, R&B, and fusion, and the songwriting is undeniably lyrics-forward.
Todd Chuba (drums) is originally from rural Michigan but moved to Arizona to study music at ASU. He has been a professional drummer and percussionist, specializing in a variety of musical genres and styles, for over 35 years.
Lamar Gaines (keys) is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up immersed in music that turned into a life-long passion. Apart from playing music professionally, he runs his own production company with his brother called Jeemusic.
Adam Armijo (electric guitar) is an in-demand session musician currently residing in the Phoenix area. Growing up in an art and music loving home, Adam took to guitar very early and began playing professionally at the age of 16. Adam is known for his unique approach, musicality and the ability to play many genres authentically. He has recorded and toured with a wide variety of Grammy™ award winners and Billboard™ chart toppers. Recently, Fender & Gretsch Guitars have featured Adam on dozens of youtube product demos which have been extremely successful and have racked up over 3 million views.
Mario Mendivil (bass) Born and raised in Phoenix Arizona began his professional career at the age of 15. His talents on the bass led him to playing with smooth jazz and pop charting artists such as Brian Bromberg, Jeff Lorber, Everett Harp, Eric Darius, Sam Moore (Sam&Dave), Glen Campbell, Billy Preston, Alexander Zonjic, Denise Williams, Sister Sledge, Steve Oliver, Marion Meadows, Ray Obiedo, Cindy Bradley, Jay Soto and many more…
