Calendar of Events

Thursday | August 3, 2017 | 7pm | Music Night at Bogies | JZB Band ($10 cover)

James Montgomery Baker aka James Zota Baker was born in Inglewood, California and was raised in Santa Monica, CA. At the tender age of two, James had 3 open heart surgeries and believes that's when his passion and love for life and music began. During his 7 month stay at Children's Hospital, his Mom was by his side every day and when the rest of the family would visit, his Grandpa would bring a record player and play Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass. James loved this and with a little help would stand and dance, doing the chicken. After admiring his brother playing the guitar and being inspired by his taste in music (The Beatles, Jeff Beck, Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix) James started playing guitar around the age of 12. He was also very much drawn to the harmony and melodies he heard when his sister played the piano. In 1985, James joined the renowned South American band Arco Iris. In the 1970's, the band revolutionized "World Music" as we know it today. In the 80's Arco Iris moved to the United States from Argentina and again began to change the landscape of modern instrumental music. Through the years, James has brought his flavor of Guitar Playing and Songwriting to several Arco Iris albums and has toured the U.S. and South America with them. 30 years later James remains a member of Arco Iris and continues to play live shows with the band. From 1998 to 2002 James toured the world with the legendary band WAR and shared the stage with such acts as: Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Toto, Bonnie Raitt, Tower of Power, Average White Band, Joan Jett, Natalie Cole, Lou Rawls, Doobie Brothers, Earth, Wind and Fire, David Lee Roth, Jethro Tull, Motorhead, Los Lobos, Michael Brecker, Herbie Hancock, Cheap Trick and Perry Farrell as well as doing numerous radio shows and television appearances.