The Salty Suites

The Salty Suites played their very first show together in a high security prison for the criminally insane. That's no joke, and it was a very fitting beginning for this plucky bunch of misfits. Their brand of original Americana encompasses a wide spectrum of musical styles from bluegrass to blues from classic country swing to heady jam band rock (as rocking as you can get with mandolin, stand up bass and acoustic guitar).

The three lead singers’ voices could not be more different from one another and yet, when they come together in three-part harmony, the powerful sound delivers a heavy dose of musical charm.

The Salty Suites are Scott Gates (mandolin, vocals), Chuck Hailes (stand up bass, vocals) and Chelsea Williams (vocals, acoustic guitar). Scott Gates, a native to the Southern California bluegrass scene, plays the mandolin with a healthy mix of finesse and mayhem. His ear-bending tones can go from sounding like classical mandolin to electric guitar and everything in between. And to add insult to injury Scott is also an exceptional singer and songwriter. Chuck Hailes, who started out playing jazz and classical bass, has evolved into quite the musical mischief-maker. His playing style ranges from dulcet bowing tones to off-kilter funky grooves, and he might just break your heart with his beautifully poignant original songs. Singer Chelsea Williams has a voice that is one part honey and two parts whiskey. Her sweet sound can turn to gravel in an instant and her bittersweet songs tempt you into believing that you might actually enjoy a little bit of heartache.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door, general admission; $10 advance, $13 at the door for students with ID. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available at the link below, or you may purchase your tickets at the door the night of the show. Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash only at the door (ATMs are nearby). 
The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own adult beverage with no additional corkage fee. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-654-3808. Thank you for your support!