Velvet Cafe

The factors that make Velvet Cafe so difficult to categorize are exactly those that have garnered the band such a devoted local following. Stylistically diverse, their repertoire ranges from La Vie en Rose and Besame Mucho to White Rabbit to Jolene, all of which are treated with a level of musicianship and sincerity not typically present in a cover band. The 5-piece is fronted by Stacy Antonel, a trilingual vocalist whose eclectic taste and vocal versatility allowed her to beat out over 130 singers to take home the grand prize in Fox San Diego's 2013 singing competition, 3 Minutes to Stardom. Band leader and manager Robb Huff makes up the heart of the band with humor and virtuosic guitar playing, and Murray Nies' soulful harmonica belies anything you thought you'd ever hear out of a blues harp. Soundman Rene Roques brings his perfect ear to the bass, and Bob Pickford his encyclopedic musical knowledge to a thoughtfully pared down drum set. Velvet Cafe plays regularly throughout San Diego and Coronado, at venues including 1887 on the Bay, Hotel Del Coronado, McP's, Manchester Hyatt, La Costa Resort, Humphrey's by the Bay, Coronado & Mission Bay Yacht Clubs, W Hotel, Marriott Marina, the San Diego County Fair and various weddings, corporate and special events.