MORE THAN JUST A PIANO BAR
The Alley Entertainment
Pianist
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Hailing from Ontario, Canada, son of an Irish mother and Singaporean father, Bryan Seet's musical journey began with classical training during his early years. He later pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area soon after graduation. In this new environment, Bryan began honing his skills as a pianist, keyboardist, and accompanist, gaining a reputation for his versatility and emotive sensitivity. From pop and jazz, to Irish and folk, Bryan’s musical heart dances to a myriad of beats and styles.
Bryan's American odyssey in music commenced in touring alongside the renowned Irish vocal ensemble, The Black Brothers. This engagement not only solidified a decade-long tenure as their pianist but also allowed him to connect deeply with his own Irish heritage.
In 2006, Bryan co-founded the Bay Area cover band sensation, The Peelers, known for their innovative "Top 40 Mash-ups and Medleys". Their charisma and captivating performances won them accolades, including being named the "Best Cover Bay Area Band" by Metro magazine. Their popularity and uniqueness led to a prestigious 14-month weekly headlining residency at the Red Rock Casino Resort in Las Vegas in 2012.
From 2016 onwards, Bryan's passion as a piano accompanist found its weekly expression at the iconic Alley Piano Bar in Oakland every Thursday and Saturday evening. Additionally, his talents shine monthly at The Battery Club in San Francisco bringing the piano bar experience as an Artist-In-Residence.
In 2021, Bryan was pivotal in keeping the Alley community together by organizing a virtual piano bar online that promoted community through sharing of music on Zoom calls twice a week. He also spear-headed and managed the GoFundMe campaign to “Save The Alley” that raised $95,000 that provided a financial bridge for The Alley Piano Bar through its closure of the pandemic.
Bryan Seet's musical journey is a testament to passion, adaptability, and continuous growth and the belief in the importance of community, creativity, and the arts.
JEF LABES
Pianist
Jef Labes is a seasoned keyboardist and pianist known for his versatility and exceptional talent. Over the years, he has collaborated with a variety of renowned artists and played an instrumental role in bringing numerous projects to life.
Perhaps best recognized for his collaboration with Van Morrison, Labes' keyboard prowess can be heard on several of Morrison's albums. Throughout his career, Jef has displayed an uncanny ability to seamlessly blend into various genres, from rock and pop to jazz and blues.
In addition to his work with Morrison, Labes has collaborated with a plethora of artists, enriching their sound with his distinctive keyboard style. Beyond performing, he is also a skilled arranger and songwriter.
Jef's dedication to his craft and his passion for music have made him a sought-after musician in the industry, and his contributions have left an indelible mark on the albums and projects he has been a part of.
Guitarist
Paul Hlebcar has been a San Francisco Bay Area musician and bandleader for over twenty years. His experience and skill in performance, as well as expertise in client relations, has made him a valuable commodity. He plays both acoustic and electric guitar, not to mention a "mean" harmonica.
As the leader of the seven-piece R&B band, The Desotos, Paul has played many large and small venues, including: the Fillmore Auditorium (opening for Tower of Power), the San Francisco Giants' Stadium (where The Desotos sang the National Anthem three times), and numerous wedding and corporate event locations throughout the Bay Area.In previous years, many famous musicians have sat-in with The Desotos: Eddie Money, Joshua Redman, Frankie Avalon. And, a few years ago they did a show as the back-up band for Bo Diddley. Today, they continue to entertain and delight.
Paul's other love is a quieter, "unplugged" sound, which goes back to his roots (he began his career playing folk music). Lately, he has been performing regularly in smaller, more intimate settings, usually in solo, duo or trio form. His warmth and personality come across well at these gigs. He sometimes adds drums, bass, and piano for a fuller sound.
KENNETH FATE - KJ KENDO
Karaoke
JAMESÂ DAVIS
Trivia Host
