Ben Misterka takes a blend of international music to create a band that brings jazz/funk, psychedelic and soul with Collectivity. The band, formed in Shanghai, China, and now based in the Bay Area, visits Carson City for the first time this Saturday as part of the Levitt AMP Concert Series hosted by the Brewery Arts Center.
Collectivity is known for their international blend of music, but also for the musicians who make up the band. Misterka said that the band is put together from touring musicians who are usually playing with other artists across the world.
“When I put this band together, I really wanted the musicians to get the chance to play and have some fun when we’re not touring and backing up other artists,” he said.
Misterka described the show as being one that has “fire musicianship and great performers with some really interesting music that is written from a high level of musicality that will make you dance and also make you think.”
According to Collectivity’s website: The seven-piece band includes two horn players who have played with Etta James, Boz Scaggs and The New Mastersounds. Bassist Uriah Duffy has worked with many artists including Christina Aguilera, Whitesnake, Too Short and The Family Stone. Kevin Wong on keys is in high demand in the Bay Area and Tokyo and James Small tours the world with Fantastic Negrito. Misterka plays guitar.
Also, for this show, they’ll be including Ziek McCarter on vocals, who is a super high energy and great performer, Misterka said.
INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE
The music brings influences from all over. Misterka said there is a great music scene where he was in Shanghai, and the city is full of musicians from all over the world. The original record included a bass player from Mauritius and a German sax player.
“The whole idea is it is very international,” Misterka said.
He said the music is high energy and danceable and the whole point is to have a good time and have fun.
“It’s a spirit-lifting endeavor, that’s my intention,” he said. “It’s definitely full of emotion, but it is intended to get you to have a good time with us.”
He said it’s important to get the audience involved and they really focus on keeping the energy and the vibe up as an uplifting endeavor.
The band also has a new single, “Microdose,” and you can find it on most streaming platforms. Or check out their website at www.collectivitymusic.com and follow them on Instagram @collectivitymusic. He said the band is constantly recording and putting out new material.
Collectivity is also known for a tour they did where they rearranged Jimi Hendrix’s music for the 7-piece band with horns.
“That’s one of the cooler directions we went,” Misterka said.
Fans can find videos from those performances on YouTube. Misterka said they might break out a song or two for the show on Saturday.
FRIENDS IN NEVADA
Misterka said he’s excited to come back to western Nevada and has many friends in the area. He said he’s played Reno a bunch while touring with Lyrics Born, and while he’s visited Carson City, this will be the first time playing there.
“It’s far enough away where it feels like we’re travelling, but it still feels like a relatively local market,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of friends up there.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Collectivity at Brewery Art Center’s Levitt AMP Concert Series
WHERE: 449 W. King St. at the Brewery Arts Center
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 24
MORE INFO: breweryarts.org; collectivitymusic.com; @collectivitymusic