BandsoftheBay.com had a historic day yesterday, as bands from all over the Bay Area and beyond gathered to play at our official launch party, and damn, what a time.

The evening gave people an oppurtunity to come join us in checkin’ out the site, eat some free food, drink some good booze, and most importantly, listen to some free, live music. New comers Cadium Red kicked the night off with two songs off their new album, and did a hell of a job loosening up the vibe of the place with their alternative/hip hop combination that got the crowd pumped for more. It also helped that they brought throngs of fans (many with I <3 Cadium Red t-shirts) to party along side every one else. Oh, and their bassist: in. sane.

The French Cassettes, winners of the 45th annual Battle of the Bands in Hayward, performed with their usual ferocity and poise, rockin’ the Red House with a 30 minute set of epic, technical and, as always, purely beautiful and soulful rock that received the loudest ovation of the night. I’m no expert, but I, in agreement with almost every body who saw them that night, feel that this teenage band has a future in the business.

The New Centuries, a local SF band rocked the stage with a unique pop sound and paid homage to 80’s alternative with a rousing set. Think the Strokes, only the lead singer didn’t have distortion in his voice, and played a mean key board.

And last but definitely, definitely not least, Mingus Amungus, headed by BANG’s very own, Martin Reynolds.

What a breath of fresh air. This band had, far and away, one of the coolest new vibes I’ve heard in some time. This was pure, unhindered jazz music, lead by rythmic, walking bass lines and some awesome work on the horns. Martin’s lyrics were as varied as the tone that he’d speak them in; though whether loud, soft, angry or delighted, Martin, and the band, always stayed, well, cool.

For videos of all the above performance, visit the Watch box on our home page.

There was another aspect of the night, other than the free food, the beer and wine, or the awesome bands. It was the feeling you’d get walking around the lobby, seeing musicians and fans from different ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures colliding with one another; all joined in one particular forum for one particular cause: a love for live music.

That’s what the event was truly about, and that, I promise you, is what we’re about too. Whether you were at our launch, an aspiring musician, or simply just a person who loves music, thank you for joining us in welcoming BandsoftheBay.com.