The Salty Suites, a dynamic three piece acoustic band with blazing instrumentals, beautiful vocals and soaring harmonies, will be performing at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena on Friday, November 19, starting at 8 p.m.
The band, consisting of Scott Gates on mandolin and vocals, Chuck Hailes on standup bass and vocals, and Chelsea Williams on vocals and acoustic guitar, played their very first show together in a high security prison for the criminally insane – a very fitting beginning for this plucky bunch of misfits.
Gates plays the mandolin with a healthy mix of finesse and mayhem. His ear bending tones can go from sounding like classic mandolin to electric guitar and in between.
Hailes, who started playing jazz and classical bass, has evolved into the musical mischief maker. His playing ranges from dulcet bowing tones to off kilter funky grooves. He might break your heart with his poignant original songs.
Singer Chelsea Williams has a voice that is one part honey and two parts whiskey. Her sweet sound can turn to gravel in an instant and her bittersweet songs test listeners into believing they might enjoy a little heartache.
The Salty Suites’ brand of original Americana encompasses a wide spectrum of musical styles – from bluegrass to blues,and from classic country swing to heady jam rock, as rocking as you can get with mandolin, stand up bass and acoustic guitar. The three lead singers’ voices could not be more different from one another, and yet, when they come together in three-part harmony, the powerful sound delivers a heavy dose of musical charm.
The Salty Suites are a top-notch show and have been popular for years at the Coffee Gallery Backstage.
All patrons must be masked and fully vaccinated to attend. Be ready to present your vaccination card or a scan of the card upon entry, with no exceptions.
For reservations, call (626) 798-6236.
For more information, visit www.coffeegallery.com/blog/11-
