Plaza Unplugged

Sandi King and Joshua Taylor formed King Taylor Project in 2016 in San Diego, California.  Conceived as a flexible platform based on their shared love of soul, blues, and jazz music, KTP features a roster of energetic improvisational musicians supporting soulful vocal performances.  Since their launch in February of 2016, KTP has appeared for more than 140 performances in formats ranging from duo/trio to 8-piece band, in settings including bar/restaurant gigs, private parties and weddings, local fairs and festivals, and local radio and television appearances.  They completed their first two tours in 2016 and are currently booking dates for several tours in 2017, which will include the band's first full national trek.  KTP's next stint on the road will be for the KTP Tea Bee DeTour, a five week Western US regional tour starting in late February 2017.  Sandi and Josh have begun writing new material, and they are proud to share the stage with a wonderful group of collaborators whose contributions will extend to the studio for the first KTP album.

When the stars align and musicians, Nathan Rivera and Jessie Andra Smith are in the same place at the same time, the duo is a sight to be seen and heard. Their musical style is a fusion of gypsy jazz and folk, and blues music all played on National Reso-Phonic guitars. Throw in an accordion and some harmonica and this duo creates a unique musical experience. 

Nathan's eclectic accordion and virtuoso guitar improvisation along with Jessie's jazzy sweet vocals and rhythm guitar make for a unique style of gypsy blues/folk music that tell their stories of life, love and travel. 

One of the most gifted, honest musicians to emerge from San Diego’s thriving singer-songwriter scene in years, national recording and touring artist Steven Ybarra has captivated crowds across North America with his voice, guitar, and keen ear for that perfect melody. An accomplished and innovative standout, Steven Ybarra has put out eight captivating, heartfelt albums of passionate pop gems. Along the way he’s earned not just devoted fans, but numerous accolades, including four San Diego Music Awards. He has shared the stage with Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Gavin De Graw, Jason Mraz, Switchfoot, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jeremy Camp, Sugar Ray, and countless others. His modern country and pop songs have been featured on MTV, ESPN, and in motion pictures and documentary films. His albums Love Love Love and Best Days have helped build his solo career to what it is today, and now his 3^rd CD, What I Really Want to Say, is set to catapult him all the way. Steven is currently signed with Pacific Records. 

Rheanna Downey is a San Diego based singer, songwriter, and guitarist. She performs solo (guitar/vocal), as a duo, and with other bands. With a style that is versatile, ranging from slow, sweet melodies to pop, soul, jazz and classic rock, Rheanna has toured the world, appearing at major venues in the UK, Europe, and the USA. She released a full-length record, Pull the Moon, in 2011, and released original songs for LA indie label Cleopatra records in 2012. Rheanna has worked with top names in the industry, and has gained the attention of popular radio stations. She continues to write, perform, teach, and enjoy the journey.

Matt Commerce is a Virginia-born singer/songwriter, now based in Southern California. His style blends catchy melodies with acoustic guitar and a smooth soulful voice. A student of cello and stand-up bass as a child, Commerce picked up the guitar at age twenty, and within two years became a full-time performer. In 2005, Matt moved to San Diego, and began playing acoustic shows at restaurants and bars up and down the California coast.

Guitarist, singer, songwriter Casey Turner has a distinct sound that now glides on a mellow vibe. Originally from the East Coast he spent his earlier years sheltered from the winters under the warm rays of the sunshine state where he studied engineering, surfed, and formed the punk rock trio Liquid Image. Upon graduating from Florida Institute of Technology, Casey hired on at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in the main propulsion systems group where he groomed his expertise in rocket science by day and punk rock music by night.With oranges and old people on the rise, coupled by inconsistent swell and a wayning music scene; westward progression was inevitable. Casey moved to San Diego, California where he made a change in musical direction recording his 1st solo album "No Stress Express". Now armed with an acoustic guitar and ukulele he glides on a mellower vibe playing venues throughout Southern California and Hawaii.

Joe creates a unique combination of live loops using percussive beats by thumping his guitar, laying down the chords, and playing bass lines (using the octave guitar pedal). In addition, he sings the melody while often times looping vocal harmonies. Perhaps the most unique aspect of his show is Joe's ability to open up the songs by picking up any of his four saxophones and playing soulful solos with the loops in the background. Joe's sound can be described as a melting pot of Howie Day, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, and Dave Matthews, topped off with tasteful saxophone solos. 

Ben is a member of Stateside Islander Crew, which brings you the best of Pacific Island style Music to the Mainland. A talented musician on his own, Ben blends together a unique flavor of the Islands, Reggae, Jahwaiian & Rock.

For this young singer/songwriter Alaina Blair, writing and performing is the ultimate form of expression. Alaina: “writing a song from an emotion or a real experience and then performing that song to an audience is like a dream come true in itself!” She has been performing since at the age of 5 when her Grandfather built her a stage to sing from to anyone who would watch and listen. Describing her music as Rock/Country, her soulful music influences include Joss Stone, Grace Potter, Norah Jones and Sheryl Crow. She met producer/musician Billy Alexander (FEEL, John Waite) in the summer of 2011 and the two began to write a batch of songs that later become Alaina’s debut EP entitled “Gypsy Girl” (available on iTunes and physical CD). “Gyspy Girl” was nominated for Best Rock Album Of The Year by the Los Angeles Music Awards.

Based out of Temecula, CA, the singer-songwriter has been taking Southern California wine country by storm with his unique blend of acoustic soul, pop, jazz, and even a touch of hip-hop. With his knack for clever lyrics, groovy melodies, and "butter-smooth" vocals, Dustin is the epitome of effortlessness. A true acoustic artist. Ironically, though, it's been his penchant for simplicity that has brought so much depth to his songwriting. "I don't play with a band, so I can't add layers of guitar solos or five part harmonies." Says the t-shirt and jeans-wearing singer/songwriter. "My layers have to be more subtle. Stories and emotions. Words and melodies. I'm obsessed with fitting it all together just right."

Known for her role as lead singer of San Diego’s popular pop/rock cover band HoneyRock, Marcela’s acoustic music has been turning ears for several years now with her soaring vocals (think Adele meets Stevie Nicks) and spicy personality.

Ben is a member of Stateside Islander Crew, which brings you the best of Pacific Island style Music to the Mainland. A talented musician on his own, Ben blends together a unique flavor of the Islands, Reggae, Jahwaiian & Rock.

Joe creates a unique combination of live loops using percussive beats by thumping his guitar, laying down the chords, and playing bass lines (using the octave guitar pedal). In addition, he sings the melody while often times looping vocal harmonies. Perhaps the most unique aspect of his show is Joe's ability to open up the songs by picking up any of his four saxophones and playing soulful solos with the loops in the background. Joe's sound can be described as a melting pot of Howie Day, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, and Dave Matthews, topped off with tasteful saxophone solos. 

Sam and Stacy came together in January 2014 when Sam took over guitar duties for Stacy's Monday night residency at Alexander's on 30th in North Park. Coming from very different stylistic backgrounds, they shared a passion for playing an eclectic mix of songs commonly known but rarely performed. Their song selections range from rock, soul, blues, jazz, pop and vintage country to French & Spanish language tunes. Sam has been an active and in-demand guitarist in San Diego since 2009, playing with punk/rock bands, jazz ensembles, as a classical soloist, and with classic rockers Ron's Garage and Michael Gonzales. After a year of singing commercial jingles and performing with an electro-pop band in Argentina, Stacy returned to the United States in 2011 and formed Coronado-based band Velvet Café. In 2013 she beat out over 130 singers to win Fox San Diego’s televised singing competition “3 Minutes to Stardom”. In addition to fronting Velvet Café, Stacy sings straight-ahead jazz around town, and recently debuted her vintage country band.

Jasmine Commerce, performs solo (voice/guitar), and as a duo with various artists (voice/violin/guitar), at events throughout the U.S. Her style is uniquely her own, moving comfortably between genres, from folk, to soul...from jazz to pop. A full-time musician for a decade, Jasmine has opened for stars like Natasha Bedingfield and Joss Stone, recorded with Grammy award winning producers in NYC & LA, and has released original songs on Sony's Hickory Records and LA's Indie Label, Cleopatra Records. Jasmine took Grand Prize in Sony ATV/Nine West's National Vintage Voices Singer-Songwriter Contest in 2009. In 2011 she won Taylor Guitar/San Deigo County Fair's Singer Songwriter Competition.

Guitarist, singer, songwriter Casey Turner has a distinct sound that now glides on a mellow vibe. Originally from the East Coast he spent his earlier years sheltered from the winters under the warm rays of the sunshine state where he studied engineering, surfed, and formed the punk rock trio Liquid Image. Upon graduating from Florida Institute of Technology, Casey hired on at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in the main propulsion systems group where he groomed his expertise in rocket science by day and punk rock music by night.With oranges and old people on the rise, coupled by inconsistent swell and a wayning music scene; westward progression was inevitable. Casey moved to San Diego, California where he made a change in musical direction recording his 1st solo album "No Stress Express". Now armed with an acoustic guitar and ukulele he glides on a mellower vibe playing venues throughout Southern California and Hawaii.

Sandi King and Joshua Taylor formed King Taylor Project in 2016 in San Diego, California.  Conceived as a flexible platform based on their shared love of soul, blues, and jazz music, KTP features a roster of energetic improvisational musicians supporting soulful vocal performances.  Since their launch in February of 2016, KTP has appeared for more than 140 performances in formats ranging from duo/trio to 8-piece band, in settings including bar/restaurant gigs, private parties and weddings, local fairs and festivals, and local radio and television appearances.  They completed their first two tours in 2016 and are currently booking dates for several tours in 2017, which will include the band's first full national trek.  KTP's next stint on the road will be for the KTP Tea Bee DeTour, a five week Western US regional tour starting in late February 2017.  Sandi and Josh have begun writing new material, and they are proud to share the stage with a wonderful group of collaborators whose contributions will extend to the studio for the first KTP album.

For this young singer/songwriter Alaina Blair, writing and performing is the ultimate form of expression. Alaina: “writing a song from an emotion or a real experience and then performing that song to an audience is like a dream come true in itself!” She has been performing since at the age of 5 when her Grandfather built her a stage to sing from to anyone who would watch and listen. Describing her music as Rock/Country, her soulful music influences include Joss Stone, Grace Potter, Norah Jones and Sheryl Crow. She met producer/musician Billy Alexander (FEEL, John Waite) in the summer of 2011 and the two began to write a batch of songs that later become Alaina’s debut EP entitled “Gypsy Girl” (available on iTunes and physical CD). “Gyspy Girl” was nominated for Best Rock Album Of The Year by the Los Angeles Music Awards.

Known for her role as lead singer of San Diego’s popular pop/rock cover band HoneyRock, Marcela’s acoustic music has been turning ears for several years now with her soaring vocals (think Adele meets Stevie Nicks) and spicy personality.

Sam and Stacy came together in January 2014 when Sam took over guitar duties for Stacy's Monday night residency at Alexander's on 30th in North Park. Coming from very different stylistic backgrounds, they shared a passion for playing an eclectic mix of songs commonly known but rarely performed. Their song selections range from rock, soul, blues, jazz, pop and vintage country to French & Spanish language tunes. Sam has been an active and in-demand guitarist in San Diego since 2009, playing with punk/rock bands, jazz ensembles, as a classical soloist, and with classic rockers Ron's Garage and Michael Gonzales. After a year of singing commercial jingles and performing with an electro-pop band in Argentina, Stacy returned to the United States in 2011 and formed Coronado-based band Velvet Café. In 2013 she beat out over 130 singers to win Fox San Diego’s televised singing competition “3 Minutes to Stardom”. In addition to fronting Velvet Café, Stacy sings straight-ahead jazz around town, and recently debuted her vintage country band.

Jasmine Commerce, performs solo (voice/guitar), and as a duo with various artists (voice/violin/guitar), at events throughout the U.S. Her style is uniquely her own, moving comfortably between genres, from folk, to soul...from jazz to pop. A full-time musician for a decade, Jasmine has opened for stars like Natasha Bedingfield and Joss Stone, recorded with Grammy award winning producers in NYC & LA, and has released original songs on Sony's Hickory Records and LA's Indie Label, Cleopatra Records. Jasmine took Grand Prize in Sony ATV/Nine West's National Vintage Voices Singer-Songwriter Contest in 2009. In 2011 she won Taylor Guitar/San Deigo County Fair's Singer Songwriter Competition.

Matt Commerce is a Virginia-born singer/songwriter, now based in Southern California. His style blends catchy melodies with acoustic guitar and a smooth soulful voice. A student of cello and stand-up bass as a child, Commerce picked up the guitar at age twenty, and within two years became a full-time performer. In 2005, Matt moved to San Diego, and began playing acoustic shows at restaurants and bars up and down the California coast.

Sandi King and Joshua Taylor formed King Taylor Project in 2016 in San Diego, California.  Conceived as a flexible platform based on their shared love of soul, blues, and jazz music, KTP features a roster of energetic improvisational musicians supporting soulful vocal performances.  Since their launch in February of 2016, KTP has appeared for more than 140 performances in formats ranging from duo/trio to 8-piece band, in settings including bar/restaurant gigs, private parties and weddings, local fairs and festivals, and local radio and television appearances.  They completed their first two tours in 2016 and are currently booking dates for several tours in 2017, which will include the band's first full national trek.  KTP's next stint on the road will be for the KTP Tea Bee DeTour, a five week Western US regional tour starting in late February 2017.  Sandi and Josh have begun writing new material, and they are proud to share the stage with a wonderful group of collaborators whose contributions will extend to the studio for the first KTP album.