The Main Street Players have regular shows in Lodi and Stockton. (Courtesy photo)

Lodi band brings rock 'n' roll with a funky twist to town

The Main Street Players are more than just a small town band. They have a full, lush sound that reverberates in the gut, making it hard not to move with the music. Their music is meaty, with soulful and heartfelt vocals, catchy lyrics and powerful guitar and drums.

Jay Orin, vocals and guitar, says the key to their performance is to "play like it's the last song you'll ever play."

The music of the Main Street Players is big, and that's what their music is all about. The band is made up of four local guys. Orin has lived in Lodi half of his life. Jeff Frey, who plays lead guitar, and drummer Moses Martinez also live in Lodi. Dave Featherston, on bass guitar, lives in Stockton.

The four got together in July and have been dedicated to their music ever since. Practicing twice a week with gigs every weekend, MSP is a band where determination and hard work shine through their music.

"We wouldn't be doing this if we didn't enjoy it," Orin said.

It is a never ending musical process that MSP are going through.

"Wer'e evolving," Featherston said. "We have to find our own sound and then sharpen the whole sound."

Main Street Players have drawn inspiration from Tom Waits, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The Eagels, but their music manages to be creatively and uniquely their own.

Main Street Players have fun, upbeat attitudes. They smile and joke while setting up. But when it's time to play, they jump right in and it becomes hard not to take notice of each individual song. MSP are doing exactly what they want to do.

Lodi is a big part of MSP inspiration; songs have historical context to Downtown Lodi and references to the Main Street, where the band practices. Lyrics are written by Orin and Frey.

For Orin, the writing just comes.

"You have to have musical instinct. If you like it, then you work with it," Orin said.

The band will continue to play in Lodi, at venues like Lodi Beer Co.

"Every small town needs a cool band," Martinez quietly replies with a smile on his face. "It's home."

The Main Street Players will play March 29 at 8 p.m. at The Waterwheel Saloon in Columbia and on April 5 at 8 p.m. at the Blackwater Café in Stockton. Their CDs can be purchased at http://www.MainStreetPlayers.net.