Plaza Unplugged

From the Island of Oahu emerges singer/songwriter Kekoa Tsukiyama. Deeply rooted in his passion for R&B, his soulful voice mixed with Island Reggae beats helped breed success across the Hawaiian Islands. At the ripe age of 18, he created CitySide. In 3 short years their Debut album "Welcome To The CitySide" was released, producing the #1 Hit "Come On Pretty Baby" and crowd favorite "Lady Soul." Their Sophomore Album "Welcome II The CitySide" with the recent Grammy winning producer and engineer Dave Tucciarone didn't disappoint with another #1 hit in "Ooh."

In 2013, Kekoa decided to venture out and move to the Pacific Northwest to pursue his music career. After making his presence felt there, Kekoa decided to move to sunny San Diego and worked with renowned Producer Lewis Richards on the single "People Unite". He quickly followed that up with the dance hall inspired "Feel Good" and the inspiring "Smile". Things are looking bright for CitySide. With new music in the works as well as Tours, be sure to catch a show near you!

CitySide has shared the stage with the likes of Rebelution, Common Kings, and J Boog, just to name a few. 

Raelee Nikole is one of San Diego's youngest singer/songwriters. At only eighteen years old, she is a fresh-off-the-presses performer with a Southern California Summer style all her own. Inspired and influenced by the footsteps of other local legends such as Jewel and Jason Mraz, Raelee's music will leave you with a skip in your step and your glass half full. With lyrics known to be far beyond her years, she is spreading her music from restaurants to roadsides, from colleges to contests, from the House of Blues to the local radio stations, and everywhere in between. Be sure to keep an eye on Raelee Nikole so you can say, "I knew her back when…"

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.

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. 

Sandi King and Joshua Taylor formed soul-blues band King Taylor Project in 2016 in San Diego, California.  Sandi and Josh are joined by core members David Ryan “davyrockett” Norgren, Josh Weinstein, Jay Chu, and Eric Strickler, and supported by an extended family of incredible collaborators.  KTP performs frequently around Southern California in multiple formats ranging from an electric trio to their full lineup.  They tour and record independently, provide studio and live backing support for other artists, and host and produce The About!... Podcast, a comedic arts/entertainment show primarily featuring guests from the music industry.

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.

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.

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.

From the Island of Oahu emerges singer/songwriter Kekoa Tsukiyama. Deeply rooted in his passion for R&B, his soulful voice mixed with Island Reggae beats helped breed success across the Hawaiian Islands. At the ripe age of 18, he created CitySide. In 3 short years their Debut album "Welcome To The CitySide" was released, producing the #1 Hit "Come On Pretty Baby" and crowd favorite "Lady Soul." Their Sophomore Album "Welcome II The CitySide" with the recent Grammy winning producer and engineer Dave Tucciarone didn't disappoint with another #1 hit in "Ooh."

In 2013, Kekoa decided to venture out and move to the Pacific Northwest to pursue his music career. After making his presence felt there, Kekoa decided to move to sunny San Diego and worked with renowned Producer Lewis Richards on the single "People Unite". He quickly followed that up with the dance hall inspired "Feel Good" and the inspiring "Smile". Things are looking bright for CitySide. With new music in the works as well as Tours, be sure to catch a show near you!

CitySide has shared the stage with the likes of Rebelution, Common Kings, and J Boog, just to name a few. 

Whitney Shay has been making quite an impact as the little girl with a big voice who knows how to truly engage a crowd. You can't help but smile and tap your feet when you see what joy she brings to the stage! Whitney also often plays with Rhea whose dulcet sounds have been described as reminiscent of the greats: the clear, perfect pitch of Ella; the raw attitude of Janice; infectious energy of Tina and the soul of her own personal divine being: Aretha. Her vocal style incorporates jazz, soul, gospel and blues with Rhea finding inspiration from singers such as Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Etta James, and Sam Cooke. This duo bring soul to a whole new level.

Visit Websites:

Whitney Shay

Rhea Makiaris

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.

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."

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. 

Raelee Nikole is one of San Diego's youngest singer/songwriters. At only eighteen years old, she is a fresh-off-the-presses performer with a Southern California Summer style all her own. Inspired and influenced by the footsteps of other local legends such as Jewel and Jason Mraz, Raelee's music will leave you with a skip in your step and your glass half full. With lyrics known to be far beyond her years, she is spreading her music from restaurants to roadsides, from colleges to contests, from the House of Blues to the local radio stations, and everywhere in between. Be sure to keep an eye on Raelee Nikole so you can say, "I knew her back when…"

Having opened for B.B. King, performed at the Musician’s Institute graduation ceremony, and being a semi-finalist in the “Show Me The Music” national songwriting contest in Memphis, TN, Mike Officer’s career is one of diversity. Lyrically driven and genre-bending, his latest release titled The Jupiter Sessions EP expresses his unique style and powerful vocals. Mike Officer solidified his music career after attending the Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles, where he was selected as an honorary performer at the graduation ceremony and won Songwriter of the Year from the San Diego Songwriters Guild. He began playing gigs around the L.A. and San Diego area before opening for the legendary B.B. King and touring with the Kory Montgomery Band.

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.

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.

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.

From the Island of Oahu emerges singer/songwriter Kekoa Tsukiyama. Deeply rooted in his passion for R&B, his soulful voice mixed with Island Reggae beats helped breed success across the Hawaiian Islands. At the ripe age of 18, he created CitySide. In 3 short years their Debut album "Welcome To The CitySide" was released, producing the #1 Hit "Come On Pretty Baby" and crowd favorite "Lady Soul." Their Sophomore Album "Welcome II The CitySide" with the recent Grammy winning producer and engineer Dave Tucciarone didn't disappoint with another #1 hit in "Ooh."

In 2013, Kekoa decided to venture out and move to the Pacific Northwest to pursue his music career. After making his presence felt there, Kekoa decided to move to sunny San Diego and worked with renowned Producer Lewis Richards on the single "People Unite". He quickly followed that up with the dance hall inspired "Feel Good" and the inspiring "Smile". Things are looking bright for CitySide. With new music in the works as well as Tours, be sure to catch a show near you!

CitySide has shared the stage with the likes of Rebelution, Common Kings, and J Boog, just to name a few. 

Sandi King and Joshua Taylor formed soul-blues band King Taylor Project in 2016 in San Diego, California.  Sandi and Josh are joined by core members David Ryan “davyrockett” Norgren, Josh Weinstein, Jay Chu, and Eric Strickler, and supported by an extended family of incredible collaborators.  KTP performs frequently around Southern California in multiple formats ranging from an electric trio to their full lineup.  They tour and record independently, provide studio and live backing support for other artists, and host and produce The About!... Podcast, a comedic arts/entertainment show primarily featuring guests from the music industry.

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.

Having opened for B.B. King, performed at the Musician’s Institute graduation ceremony, and being a semi-finalist in the “Show Me The Music” national songwriting contest in Memphis, TN, Mike Officer’s career is one of diversity. Lyrically driven and genre-bending, his latest release titled The Jupiter Sessions EP expresses his unique style and powerful vocals. Mike Officer solidified his music career after attending the Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles, where he was selected as an honorary performer at the graduation ceremony and won Songwriter of the Year from the San Diego Songwriters Guild. He began playing gigs around the L.A. and San Diego area before opening for the legendary B.B. King and touring with the Kory Montgomery Band.

Sandi King and Joshua Taylor formed soul-blues band King Taylor Project in 2016 in San Diego, California.  Sandi and Josh are joined by core members David Ryan “davyrockett” Norgren, Josh Weinstein, Jay Chu, and Eric Strickler, and supported by an extended family of incredible collaborators.  KTP performs frequently around Southern California in multiple formats ranging from an electric trio to their full lineup.  They tour and record independently, provide studio and live backing support for other artists, and host and produce The About!... Podcast, a comedic arts/entertainment show primarily featuring guests from the music industry.