Blue Cinema returns to The 4th Corner Speakeasy

May 12-Since The 4th Corner Speakeasy at Red Man's Hall opened in February, Blue Cinema has become a regular part of its music scene, with the instrumental band performing at the venue monthly since March.

Led by guitarist John Miner - who has also performed at the Mad Hatter 4th of July Waterfront Celebration and the Empress Theatre - Blue Cinema sees The 4th Corner Speakeasy as a space for creative expression.

"We're really appreciative of The 4th Corner Speakeasy and having the opportunity to perform. Not just for the band, but for musicians in town and close in American Canyon and Benicia," said Miner.

Blue Cinema is an instrumental group with over 30 original songs.

The Blue Cinema ensemble consists of John Hand on drums, Mike Butterfield on bass, Keith Elocher on saxophone, and Miner on guitar.

Blue Cinema is set to perform at 7 p.m. Saturday at The 4th Corner Speakeasy at Red Man's Hall on 431 Georgia St., alongside the El Seven Quartet.

Miner's goal is to play music that feels more cinematic and more emotional through the music.

"I wanted to do an instrumental band because I wanted to avoid having to tell stories and instead create a feeling and atmosphere through music," said Miner. "Jazz is something that's in our blood, all four of us."

Miner says the lack of a lead singer allows the audience to focus on the musicians rather than seeing them as a "backup" for a main singer.

"It's music that is meant to take you somewhere, and the color blue is something that should be universally appealing to most people, like with the sky or the sea," Miner said.

The band is influenced by jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck, late 1960s Miles Davis, and Mahavishnu Orchestra. It also draws on elements from bluegrass, country, reggae, folk, and tango.

However, Blue Cinema does not limit itself to, or define itself by, a single genre.

"We're a reggae band when we're playing reggae. We're a jazz band when we're playing jazz," Miner said.

"Most people are surprised by the variety that we offer. We're not just playing jazz or blues, we're touching upon a vast variety of genres."

"I'm a big supporter of Vallejo art and music. I think it's a great town for advancing creativity and bringing musicians together and the community," said Miner. "I think people will be surprised that Vallejo is a very creative town and has a lot to offer, if they decide to check it out."

Blue Cinema will perform again at The 4th Corner Speakeasy on Saturday, June 13.

Advanced general admission tickets are $12. The tickets are $17 at the door.

To purchase tickets, visit: 4thcornerspeakeasy.com/blue-cinema-2/

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