How many bandleaders does it take to rock the Freight? In the case of Skip the Needle, the answer is four. The band features four outstanding performers who lead other local bands: Kofy Brown of the Kofy Brown band, Shelley Doty of the Shelley Doty X-tet, Katie Colpitts of Dolorata and Year of the Fist, and Vicki Randle, who currently backs Mavis Staples and has headlined many wonderful shows at the Freight. Skip the Needle plays a fiery brew of rock, soul, and funk, with blistering guitar work, an irresistible beat, and glorious vocal harmonies. Their musical muses are Sly Stone and Chaka Khan, Chrissie Hynde, and Jimi Hendrix.

Oh, and speaking of Jimi, here comes Sistas in the Pit, who call themselves the love child of Jimi and Sade. Sistas also features Kofy Brown and Shelley Doty, along with original guitarist Anita Lofton and drummer ieela Grant. Their rock, soul, and Afro-punk has wowed audiences from Shanghai to Switzerland and all across America.

Dolorata combines old school rock and modern day attitude. With Katie Colpitts on guitar and lead vocals, Dori Sappo on guitar, Veronica Savage on bass, and Dawn Richardson on drums, the band plays with power, passion, and an edgy energy that grabs the audience and won’t let go.

For an evening of East Bay magic, check out this great triple bill at the Freight!

visit the Skip the Needle Facebook page

visit the Sistas in the Pit website

visit the Dolorata website