Kristi Callan and I know each other through the indie pop music scene and Harry Nilsson fandom. I love close vocal harmonies and at the last Nilsson birthday tribute we got to talking and she told me she was part of a group called the Roswell Sisters. I thought they’d be great addition to our eclectic First Fridays Jazz Night.
Check out this résumé!
A captivating close-harmony group from Los Angeles, modeled loosely on the legendary jazzy New Orleans 30s band the Boswell Sisters, but bringing unexpected, eccentric, and occasionally even glam rock touches to that vintage vocal style. Group leader Justin Tanner has a special gift for arranging songs from the 20s and 30s straight through to originals by Roswells pianist Kristian Hoffman in classic “old tyme” tight, dense harmonies, dazzling in their complexity. Justin (tenor) is a noted Los Angeles playwright (“Zombie Attack,” “Pot Mom,” “Day Drinkers”) and a classically trained pianist. Lisa Jenio (alto), lead singer and songwriter for L.A. pop band Candypants, has also collaborated with the Negro Problem and Ronnie Spector. Kristi Callan uses her varied experience working with a wide range of artists from David Gray to Dave Davies to her own alt-country band, Dime Box and 80s girl group Wednesday Week, to inform her role as the emotive soprano in the group.
The Roswell Sisters are backed by Kristian Hoffman (Ann Magnuson, Prince Poppycock, Rufus Wainwright, Mumps, Klaus Nomi) on piano and Pierre Smith (El Vez, Ann Magnuson, New Marines, Human Hands) on guitar. The response to this young combo has been wildly enthusiastic, and audiences have been transfixed by the gorgeous harmonies the Roswells bring to classic 30s songs like “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and modern pop gems like the Mumps’ “Just Look, Don’t Touch.”
From their show-stopping version of “42nd Street” to their spectacular original “Imaginary Friend,” the group delivers a mesmerizing performance every time. The Roswells have played eclectic venues all over the greater Los Angeles area and are currently in the studio recording their debut.
And on 11/3 they’ll be with us!
JASON LUCKETT
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Short Appearance / Guest Artist | ||
| Monday, 04/27/26 | Culver City, CA | Village Well Books & Coffee |
| Time: 7:00pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 9900 Culver Blvd. #1B. Venue phone: 424-298-8951. with Cindy Lee Berryhill, Thee Holy Brothers, Bill See, Gary Calamar, hosted by Chris Morris. Related post. | ||
| Local Shows | ||
| Thursday, 04/30/26 | Tarzana, CA | Maui Sugar Mill Saloon |
|
Time: 10:00pm.
Age restrictions: No Minors.
Address: 18389 Ventura Blvd.
Venue phone: (818) 344-0034.
Playing a rare Valley show! Jacque Meyers & Angela Parrish at 8pm, Michael Russeck at 9pm, Jason Luckett (me) at 10pm, Bailey Drew at 11. Doors open at 7:30. I didn’t actually realize that I was playing so late when I agreed to this, but I hope you night owls will join me! Related post. |
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| Quick South Central Coast | ||
| Friday, 05/01/26 | San Luis Obispo, CA | Growing Grounds |
| Time: 5:00pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 956 Chorro St.. With Steve Key! Related post. | ||
| Short Appearance / Guest Artist | ||
| Sunday, 05/10/26 | Santa Monica | Ruskin Group Theatre Co. |
| Time: 7:00pm. Admission: $20. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 2800 Airport Avenue. Venue phone: (310) 397-3244. Library Girl Presents: Mama, You Been On My Mind. Mother’s Day Night, May 10th at 7pm! Readings by: Debbon Ayer, Chanel Brenner, Jane Cantlllon, Jen Cheng, Karen Croner, Alexis Rhone Fancher, Cassandra Lane, Jason Luckett, Steven Meloan and Pat Thomas. Music by Julianne Glass. Ruskin Group Theatre, 2800 Airport Ave, Santa Monica 90405. 2 doors west of former location. $20. Related post. Buy Tickets | ||
| Thursday, 05/21/26 | Santa Monica, CA | UnUrban Coffee House |
| Time: 7:00pm. Admission: $20. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 3301 Pico Blvd. Venue phone: (310) 315-0056. Related post. Buy Tickets More information | ||
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