Imagine the Giant

Soulful vocals and a surprise guest

In response to a listener complaint about inappropriate content that Yaz insists on posting on the Marty Riemer Show Facebook page, and a snarky follow-up that the show was so much better with Jodi on it … we bring Jodi back to test that theory. No, it’s bad either way. But it’s still better than an old man talking to an empty chair at the Republican Convention.
Things do get much better though when City Faire steps into the Moldy Moldy. Just listen to their lead vocalist Ayesha Brooks and tell us she isn’t destined for greatness. Listen, spread the word and come see the band October 5th at the Crocodile Cafe. - The Marty Riemer Podcast

Soulful vocals and a surprise guest

In response to a listener complaint about inappropriate content that Yaz insists on posting on the Marty Riemer Show Facebook page, and a snarky follow-up that the show was so much better with Jodi on it … we bring Jodi back to test that theory. No, it’s bad either way. But it’s still better than an old man talking to an empty chair at the Republican Convention.
Things do get much better though when City Faire steps into the Moldy Moldy. Just listen to their lead vocalist Ayesha Brooks and tell us she isn’t destined for greatness. Listen, spread the word and come see the band October 5th at the Crocodile Cafe. - The Marty Riemer Podcast

830 miles later, local funk/soul group City Faire make their way home to Seattle after playing a handful of shows throughout the state. The bluesy tunes of City Faire have taken a positive turn recently with the addition of Ayesha Brooks on vocals as they debuted in May. Fortunately, I was able to attend this last show, where I noted that Brooks on vocals

“seemed to blend with the rest of the band as if they had been creating music together for years. Often times Brooks spent leaning on or feeding off of bassist Jacob Yackshaw to her left, or playfully assisting guitarist Larson Haakenstad to her right before he shifted off on a mesmerizing solo.”

Members of the band have also taken their dedication to the next level – some quitting their day jobs to solely focus on their passions and efforts for the band. This show on Friday night will be the last in Seattle for City Faire before they embark on a journey into the studio this August to record their new sound. Check them out this Friday at the Nectar Lounge, and with them see Down North, another groovy rock collective, BattleCry Melody, who will be celebrating their album release for Vanquish, and Brian Marshall Band. - SSM Music

After taking nearly a five-month performance break, City Faire was back to open for Lovedrug with lead vocals handled by their newly added Ayesha Brooks. With Brooks, the band presented new songs and a new flair to their sound. Their soulful rock was is complemented now by the powerful chops of Brooks, who seemed to blend with the rest of the band as if they had been creating music together for years. Often times brooks spent leaning on or feeding off of bassist Jacob Yackshaw to her left, or playfully assisting guitarist Larson Haakenstad to her right before he shifted off on a mesmerizing solo.

Raw and thriving, City Faire’s energy back to the stage was more than impressive. Together the four-piece produced a blend of songs mixed with originals that just felt right, with the enthusiasm of a prideful band. At moments, it felt like we were just witnessing a jam session between friends, as their collaboration felt so smooth and organic as they transitioned through their set of songs and separate solos. With their new direction, City Faire is positively going to have a successful summer of touring, for which they plan to travel nationally, beyond the Northwest. - SSG Music

Seattle’s City Faire is a five piece band made up of a combination of different sounds and styles. At their core their songs are structured with a pop/rock style but really their sound is infused with every other genre. Their guitars whine and racket like classic rock n’ roll. The drums are smooth and upbeat. The bass gets down heavy and funky and trumpets and saxophones are used to bring in the jazz. This band is a mixed bag and they’re more than willing to use what they have.

City Faire’s songs are lead by vocalist Rachel Gavaletz who confidently bellows soulful vengeance through her voice. She is the strong female lead that funk influenced men dream of. She sings like a woman with newfound freedom, a woman who can do whatever she wants, who walks down the street with a waltz because the world is at her fingertips.


City Faire’s debut album showcases a breakthrough of self-reliance. They are triumphantly saying goodbye to old habits and making a break for new beginnings. The album opens with thundering horns “No You Won’t”, igniting a fire, immediately voicing that life is going to get better. It is real passion, real victory. The song “Laugh Through Hell” is a fast rock number that can be used as fuel for someone to get through the hard times with their head up. “Gone” is a slow ballad built up with funky beats and clapping to make an almost chanting beat. “American Body” is the catchiest song on the album with a rhythm that begs to be danced to.

City Faire is from Seattle and proud of it. This is a strong debut album that shows great passion and incredible potential. I wonder what their live show is like. Are they going to have all the horns presented on the album? Are people going to get down and dance? Are the musicians going to have a chance to let loose and show their force? Whatever it is like I’m sure it will be a lot of fun.
They are headlining The Crocodile on Friday October 14th which you can buy tickets for here (http://thecrocodile.com/index.html?page=calendar&event=9654161 ) or you can find more information about City Faire on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityFaire. - Foltzam