The UJN house band kicked off ULTIMATE JAM NIGHT 2017 with Panama and Pretty Woman in a “Salute to Van Halen” with Chuck Wright on bass, Paulie Z on vocals, Matt Starr on drums, Mitch Perry and Walter Ino on guitar.

Kenny Kanowski sang and played guitar on Everybody Wants Some with Chillin’ Sun band mate Jerry Best on bass and Phil Varone on drums.

Varone, Kanowski and Best stayed onstage to back Neil Turbin, who sang Runnin’ With The Devil.Turbin also performed Ain’t Talking About Love with Varone, Kanowski and Koko Powell on bass.

Guitarist Lance Turner of The Atomic Punks performed Eruption with Daniel Spree from the The Drills on bass and drummer Dio Britto, who were then joined by Atomic Punks singer Brian Geller for You Really Got Me, Hot For Teacher, with Matt Starr taking over on drums for I’m The…

Guitar legend Nuno Bettencourtis back as curator for the first Soundcheck Live of 2017 on January 11, 2o17.  Nuno and special guests will perform a special set for Act II.

2017 I’m excited to Rock in the New Year at the First Soundcheck Live of 2017 next Wednesday Jan 11th. I’ll be guest curator for the night. And that means I get free reign to do 10 unpredictable songs and more importantly get to perform with whomever I want up on that stage with me. You’re not gonna wanna miss this one…There will be quite a few guests and surprises. I don’t wanna tell you, but I juuuuust caaaant not tell you that the Legendary Steve Vai will be joining me… yup, he’s gonna kill me for that, but hey he’s an IDOL of mine… how can I keep that a secret. Ok, no more, I’m not gonna tell you…

Tickets are on sale now for the drum event of the year, Guitar Center’s 28th Annual Drum-Off Finals on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 7pm at The Novo in LA LIVE, downtown Los Angeles.  The night will feature exclusive musical performances by renowned drummers (TBA) and a special ceremony honoring John “Jabo” Starks and Clyde Stubblefield’s legendary career with an induction into Guitar Center’s RockWalk.  Five finalists will perform live to compete for the winning title in front of a panel of celebrity judges and a large audience.  

Finals Grand Prize

• $25,000 Cash
• Roland Electronic Drum Kit and the SPD-SX
• GoPro Music Bundle Deluxe Pack
• High-End Drum Kit by DW, Tama, Pearl, Gretsch or Yamaha (Winner’s Choice)
• Full set up of drum sticks, cymbals, and drumheads (Winner’s Choice)
• Cymbals, Sticks, Drumhead, and Drum Kit Endorsement Deals (Winner’s Choice, *Subject to vendor’s terms)
• $500 Guitar Center Gift Card
• VIP Experience at…