The Expansion of Local Bands in SLO

Michael Harvey, singer, and guitarist for the band Joone, grabs his grandfather’s favorite guitar pick for good luck and heads to the stage as a room full of fans awaits. The Libertine Brewing Company is packed with eager faces, all waiting for the infectious rhythm and a moment to release the stressors from college reality. Hard vibrations, settled yet emotive screams, and electric strums, attract the metal heads at SLO. The band Joone huddles together in the narrow, cluttered backstage room, laughing nervously and running through final checks.  Joone is huddling up and getting backstage motivation for their performance at The Libertine on February 7.  Opening band, Joone is performing their latest single and enjoying their time on stage. Joone’s vocalist and guitarist, Michael Harvey, is singing his original song “Just This Way.” Accompanied by guitarist, Trinity Barron, they debut this song live for the first time.  The crowd is filled with energy and spunk, shufflin...

  Metals Next Generation Thrives at The Aviary in SLO Freshman, Paloma Brunson, crowd surfing at the Halloween show at The Aviary. (Photo taken by Alyssa Parikh) It’s a Saturday night at The Aviary , and the air is electric with anticipation. As the first chord strikes, the crowd of young metalheads erupts, dancing in unison. In this simply lit venue filled with talent, passion, and bandanas; a raw, underground scene is thriving and becoming a hit for the young Cal Poly crowd.  San Luis Obispo, often known for its laid-back vibes and sunny streets, is home to a music scene far from conventional. In the heart of downtown SLO, tucked away by the shadows, is a venue that has become a target for the local metal scene: The Aviary.  For years, this intimate venue has hosted local bands dueled by passion and love for heavy music.  Breeding Ground for Local Talent The Aviary has found its niche by embracing the raw energy of up-and-coming metal bands, providing them a platfo...