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Today the Venice Paparazzi Spotlight shines on musician Jeff Gilbert

How many years in Venice?  My whole life.
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Tell us about your music/band?  The band “Yikes!” has been playing, locally since 1995. It’s a three piece band of some amazing musicians, including Frank Guthrie, on guitar and Jim Xavier, on Drums. We are a great party band that brings the audience together on the same wavelength. The energy is tangible, and by the end of the night, almost spiritual. People walk away with a sense of community and probably a good buzz.
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Genre?  We play a very eclectic mix of almost every type of music imaginable: Heavy, Soft, Old, New, Dance, Reggae, and Rap
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Your job in the band?  My role is founding member, lead singer, and bass player
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What projects are your currently working on?  We are just coming back from a short hiatus after I  broke my wrist. We are getting back to playing around town and will soon be recording and putting out a solo album.
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Past bands/ Albums recorded: There are too many to list, many bands, recordings, and albums in the rock, rap and jazz genres
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Influences: Again, too may to list. However, when it comes to playing bass, Jaco Pastorius, Flea, and Chris Squire come to mind.
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How did you get into it?  Music to me was a “calling.” Having been to church, studied numerology, as well as various other spiritual and psuedo-spiritual practices, I stepped back and thought “What really moves my soul?” Music moves my soul more than anything else and I made it my life. My cog in the machine if you will.
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Upcoming Shows?  We play regularly around town at various bars and night clubs. The places and dates vary.
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Best memory/show?  Oh gosh, again, too many amazing memories to list. There has always been great energy at “Jeffest,” however  some of the best moments in my career are the validation from people at the shows.  There was one time that a  woman came up with tears in her eyes  saying that I made her cry with my music.  Another time a huge man  came up with large pupils, staring at me as he said “Dude, I GET it!”
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What advice would you give someone starting out in your field?
Firstly, LEARNING to “play” music is not easy, it’s “work.”  Once you develop the skills that make it come naturally, then you are “playing.” Also, keep your intentions pure. Do not play the way you feel OTHERS want you to play, or what they want you to play. Play what YOU are actually feeling. Then all will understand and true art comes out
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Favorite book, band or movie?   I have tons of favorite books, and Stephen King is one of my favorite authors. There are too many bands to list but I will throw out: Early Genesis, Chili Peppers and Soundgarden. Movies: Big Lebowski, The Ruling Class, Harold and Maude.
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© Steve Tracy

What causes do you support?  I support the people that surround me and share love with me. A symbiosis if you will. I used to be very politically active until I realized how corrupt the system is and how angry it made me all the time. Now I am much happier

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Favorite affirmation, mantra, or quote?
“Be Here Now.” Being grateful for what I have. “Breath.”
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What’s one thing we can do to make the world a better place?  Love! Be love, give love, receive love, and do this without fear.
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List 1-2 things on your bucket list, and 1-2 on your VENICE bucket list?  Hmmm…. The Pyramids at Giza and/or Machu Pichu. Venice? Hmmm, play some of the great outdoor festivals that occur, yearly.  Hit me up promoters!
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Anything else you want to share about yourself to the world? Fun facts?  I am so blessed to be where I am and believe it has comes through being good to people and living a “pure” life. My mother and I have gone from occasionally sleeping in the car to being property owners two blocks from the beach. Life is good, comfortable, and I am able to play music without worry. Being able to host “Jeffest” over the years and to give back to the community has been a true blessing, and it is well received and appreciated by all that attend.  A true volunteer effort!
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Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice Questions:

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Describe Venice?
Venice is a wonderful, eclectic community of beauty and expression. The people that gather here consider and watch out for others as family.  They protect, support and respect each other.
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Describe your perfect day in Venice? (start from morning to night)
Morning, sleep in, early afternoon, head out for a stroll along the beach and down the boardwalk. Buy some sunglasses, some sage and hit a bar or two. Go to the gym after sundown, shower and then hit another local bar with live music. Of course if I am in the band playing, it’s a whole other  level
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List any of your favorite Venice businesses, event(s) or activities?
Too many to list, but a few would be:  Hinano’s Cafe, Jeffest, The Terrace, any of the outdoor music festivals.

Jeffest 2016. Venice, California. Photo by www.VenicePaparazzi.com

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Who has the best Venice nightlife?  Favorite places to watch live music?
Hinano’s, hands down! The vibe, the people, it’s a true local place to hang out.
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© Steve Tracy

Your favorite Venice bands?

Meet me at the Pub, “Yikes!” Rated X, Tone Def.
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What is your craziest or fondest Venice experience?
Too many, mostly involving wild women.
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Any shoutouts or thank you’s?
I want to thank everyone that has kept me going in this business and appreciate what the musicians do.
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Anything else about Venice that you would like to say?
Come to Venice and experience YOUR Venice.
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Who should Venice Paparazzi cast the spotlight on next?
Gosh, any of the bands I have listed or even “Jeffest”, a true local event.

© Rick Washburn

Where can we find you?

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