Group Activities

Bands agree to residencies because they want to test new material, sharpen the tunes they’ve got, or build a fan base. But Long Beach’s Delta Nove—performing Wednesdays at the Blue Café—isn’t doing any of that. Instead, the Brazilian-inspired funk/jam band is playing for purely selfish reasons, i.e., having fun. The quartet rocks multiple improvisational sets with guests from varying genres (on tap for tonight is former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford and Cubensis’ Craig Marshall) to ensure a completely unique gig each week. As the night progresses, the Delta Nove guys smile and strain as they swap instruments for a jam that unites sweater-wearing college kids and dreadlocked hippies on the dance floor. Upcoming guests include Ozomatli’s Justin Poree and EOTO’s Jason Hann. Check the group’s web site (www.deltanoveband.com) for who’s dropping in when.
Wed., Oct. 29, 8 p.m.; Wed., Nov. 12, 8 p.m., 2008