VKB Band, Vicki Kristina Barcelona plays the music of Tom Waits

VKB Band, also known as Vicki Kristina Barcelona, is a New York City based trio comprised of Rachelle Garniez, Amanda Homi and Mamie Minch, three deeply distinctive musicians, all acclaimed performing singer-songwriters with a wealth of collective experience.

Together, they merge their individual brands of magic, bedazzling audiences with theirunexpected yet always respectful renditions of the songs of Tom Waits.
VKB’s mesmerizing alchemy comes alive in a blend of glorious three-part harmony and carefully crafted musical arrangements. The group utilizes a most unusual sonic palette, including percussion from all corners of the globe, an array of squeezeboxes, and a collection of melodic
acoustic guitars and banjo, throwing in the occasional bell and whistle for an added element of surprise.

Without compromising the ugly beauty of Waits’ characters and scenarios, his melodies and settings are restated in a feminine light, softer and sweeter perhaps, but nonetheless impactful.

Mamie Minch brings a powerful presence; her rich contralto voice warm and delicious, her command of her signature1937 National steel guitar rings out a sensibility rooted in the tradition of Old-time Americana finger-picking blues.

Amanda Homi is what is known in show business as a triple threat; keeping the pulse of the music, all the while delivering a mind-bending blend of virtuosic vocalizing and charming theatricality.

Rachelle Garniez is a multi-instrumentalist and musical colorist; channelling emotions ranging from the delicate to the crude, touching on pathos, irony and rage, maintaining a sense of mischief throughout the show.

VKB’s concerts have the added attraction of featuring one original song from each member of the group, performed solo. This serves to introduce and highlight their extremely diverse origins and influences, making their collaboration all the more impressive and meaningful.

The three are intrepid treasure-seekers, plumbing the depths of the Waits catalog, exploring the shipwrecked universe of his story-songs, from the savage to the sentimental.

Program and cast

Rachelle Garniez: accordion, guitar, banjo

Amanda Homi: vocals, harmonium, drums, percussion
Mamie Minch: vocals, steel guitar