30 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 4-10, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC On a warm February evening at the Salty Seal in Monterey, a group of friends have their arms around each other as they jump in unison to the Transducers’ cover of Lady Gaga’s “I Was Born This Way.” The Transducers have been filling dance floors around Monterey County since 2017, covering a variety of genres, such as rock (“Magic Man” by Heart), funk and motown (“I Want You Back” from the Jackson 5). “They’re fun! They have a lot of energy and they seem to connect with the audience,” says Robert Murray, a local fan—or “fanducer,” a term coined by the group. That is not to say that they approach their gigs lightly. The members are serious about developing music and going all out for each show. “The contradiction in this band is that we are very serious about the music, but we try not to take ourselves too seriously,” explains Lisa Rutta, drummer and vocalist. Concluding that there’s a joyfulness in the band that she’s not experienced before is what led her to join the group. Founders Sam Salerno (bass and vocals) and Taylor Safina (keyboard and vocals) have theater backgrounds. “Musical theater is such a collaborative effort. You really have to work together,” Salerno explains. This teamwork is evident in that they all share the limelight as vocalists. Sefina, a relative latecomer to the group, is the one who pushed the others to start writing songs after coming across earlier raw originals. After the successful release of their first EP, fanducers now expect to hear originals interspersed through sets. So they’ll be happy to know the group is set to release its debut album before summer’s end, completing a project they started in October 2022. “Playing live is our main joy, and that’s partly why it’s taken so long is because we love being in the moment and seeing people and relating with them,” Rutta observes. The delay was a blessing in disguise. There has been a gradual evolution of the songs. They’ve become more complex as the group started experimenting more as they performed them live. “It’s like a party,” Rutta says. For a July 5 show—or party?—they will be joined by Tanner DowningMcAdams on guitar and Arno Featherstone on sax. The Transducers 6:30-9:30pm Friday, July 5. O’Callaghan’s Irish Pub, 3772 The Barnyard, Carmel. No cover. 625-5500, ocallaghanscarmel.com. BILL BROWN Seriously Fun The Transducers take performing purposefully, which translates into a good time for their fans. By Tonia Eaton Left to right: Transducers members Taylor Safina, Sam Salerno and Lisa Rutta show off their signature goofiness at a Halloween performance in 2023. Try Us First. We Pay The Highest! MONTEREY COIN SHOPPE Since 1970 same street for 40 years Open Mon-Thur 11am-4pm and Friday by appointment only. Call for an appointment: 831.646.9030 449 Alvarado St., Monterey www.montereycoinshoppe.com WE BUY GOLD AND SILVER, JEWELRY, COINS, DIAMONDS, WATCHES, ART & RARE ANTIQUES Domenico’s on the Wharf features Cioppino-a house specialty, Boat to Table Wild Alaskan Salmon, Oysters Rockefeller are a sample of the many great menu choices. Also enjoy Fine Wines and Cocktails, Desserts and Great Service. A local favorite celebrating 43 yeARS on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. 50 Old FiSheRmAn’S WhARF mOnTeRey • 831-372-3655 www.domenicosmonterey.com Open Daily 11:30am to close Fresh Seafood, Italian Classics, Prime Steaks , with Beautiful Harbor Views. Make July 4th Weekend ReseRvations! WoodysMontereyAirport.com Monterey regional Airport 200 Fred Kane Drive, Monterey 831-373-1232 open 9am-9pm Every Day Del Mesa Carmel 500 Del Mesa Carmel, Carmel valley 831-624-1854 open Wed-Sun lunch and dinner Woody don't know fireworks Woody knows how to get grilled! Stop in for a steak or burger, the way the Founding Fathers did... with Natural Beef This holiday week stop into Woody's and leave the grilling to us !
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