Sureena Johl
Last week’s kickoff was nothing short of EPIC! Ready for more? Meet the performers that’ll be bringing some serious energy to #CIP2016 this Friday. You might notice some familiar faces, and some exciting new ones – we’ve got a lineup that’s sure to keep you jammin’!
New Kingston
Reggae
Originally from New York, New Kingston is an American reggae band best known for fusing reggae with R&B and dancehall. New Kingston is a nationally touring act and have also graced the stage in other countries like Germany and Sweden, just to name a few.
What is your musical inspiration?
We get our musical inspiration from the likes of Bob Marley, Earth Wind & Fire, Dennis Brown, Michael Jackson, The Whispers and many more.
What’s the origin of your bands name?
New Kingston came about to appropriately reflect a combination of our Jamaican heritage and our present lives in progressive New York City.
What is one fun fact about you and your band?
Our 3rd album was released in 2015 and peaked at #1 on the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart.
For more information on New Kingston visit their website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE them on Facebook, or listen to them on
Element Brass Band
New Orleans Second Line
Fan favorite, Element Brass Band returns to the Concerts in the Park stage. Known for incorporating their listeners, EBB combines the traditional brass band concept with hip-hop.
Where are other paces that your band plays at?
We love playing local gigs and The Shady Lady is a favorite of ours!
What is your favorite part of Downtown Sacramento?
We appreciate the fact that downtown Sacramento embraces the local live music scene and there are lots of venues to play music.
Other than performing at Concerts in the Park, what do you enjoy doing in downtown?
We like to spend our free time supporting other local artists at their shows, many of whom are dear friends and colleagues.
For more information on Element Brass Band visit their website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE them on Facebook.
They Went Ghost
Rock/Reggae
They Went Ghost is a new upcoming band that has over 10 years of experience in the Northern California music scene, standing out from ordinary rock bands by blending two different styles of music (rock and reggae) and putting on an energetic live performance.
What was the first gig you played?
That’s funny, the first gig we played under the name They Went Ghost was Concerts in the Park 2013. It all comes full circle in the end.
What are you looking forward to at Concerts in the Park?
Having a great time! And getting to share the stage with so many other amazing acts. Not to mention making the park jump!
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
We would love the opportunity to collab with Tarzan Dragon
For more information on The Went Ghost visit their website, and LIKE them on Facebook.
Andrew Castro
Acoustic Pop
With his personal lyrics making his music easy to connect to, Sacramento native Andrew Castro has touched his growing following. He has toured all over the United States and it’s not stopping there. He has more tours that keep coming his way, including his first appearance this year at Concerts in the Park!
What is your favorite part of downtown Sacramento?
I love the open mics and being able to play at lots of different places.
How has your music evolved over the years?
I’ve incorporated many different genres. Starting with folk then a little more pop and dance music. Now I am collaborating with hip-hop artists.
Where do you pan on going after performing at a concert in the downtown area?
Hopefully go play at an after party – the party doesn’t have to end when the concert is over!
For more information on Andrew Castro visit his website, LIKE him on Facebook, and listen to him on
DJ Eddie Z
This year DJ EddieZ will be making his debut on the Sacramento Republic FC Electronic Stage. Incorporating all types of musical genres his skills at the turntables and natural ability to read the crowd he will be sure to keep you entertained.
In one sentence, how would you describe your band’s musical sound?
In one sentence, how would you describe your band’s musical sound?I play to the crowd and like to make sure the ladies are dancing.
What food can you not live without on tour?
Chipotle
What is your favorite part of downtown Sacramento?
Old Sacramento. It’s where I started the 360radio.com, which is an independent Internet radio station that plays nothing but independent music.
For more information on DJ Eddie Z visit his website, follow him on Twitter, and LIKE him on Facebook.