Ian Santillano may be from Hayward, but the spunky young guitarist and self-described “Greasy Mayer” spends a lot of time gigging in San Jose. This Friday’s free livestream will be filmed on stage at Art Boutiki, an appropriately funky location for Santillano’s deep grooves, soulful melodies, and sweat-drenched fretboard freakouts. The guitarist recently also composed a new tune for San Jose Jazz, as part of their Jazz Aid Fund grant program. A little bit of soul, a little bit of rock, and a whole lot of heart. That’s the Greasy Mayer.

Ian Santillano
Fri, June 4, Free (registration required)

At 23, indie R&B singer-songwriter Ian Santillano is shining with artistic potential. Santillano hails from Hayward but is quickly gaining traction within San Jose’s DIY music scene. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, Santillano’s lush guitar harmonies and bouncy bass lines complement his understated vocals with a waviness reminiscent of contemporary R&B acts like Daniel Caesar and The Internet. Santillano’s debut EP, 1856, dropped last Friday and will be celebrated with a performance at the Art Boutiki featuring his band, the Housewarmers. Sharing the date are local surf rock band Swells and the Lünatics, and the Sacramento neo-soul group Basi Vibe.

Ian Santillano
Fri, 7:30pm, $10+
Art Boutiki, San Jose