The band’s name says it all. Joy, an emotion evoked by well being, success, and good fortune or the prospect of having one’s desires. Formidable, a feeling of awe and admiration from grandeur and great strength combines the artistry of the trio formed in 2007 from North Wales -- Ritzy Bryan on guitar and vocals, Rhydian Dafydd on bass guitar, and Matt Thomas on drums. This is a band that should be seen live. The recorded music, especially the new song “Whirring,” is good. But the trio thrives before live audiences. Live, the band lives up to its name projecting a soul-filling joy. Whether you are a sweaty youth in the crowded mosh pit or a 40-something professional grooving to the band

Local indie bands offered up a hearty dose of energy and a touch of theatrics to the 1,000-plus-person crowd at Cesar Chavez Park Friday night for the latest installation of the Concerts in the Park series. On the sidewalk leading up to the stage area, vendors were selling gyros, drinks, necklaces and earrings. The CHP had a tented booth, as did radio station Radio 94.7 FM and The Sacramento Press. The night’s diverse crowd included families, neon-haired teens and seniors, all basking in the glow of live music and sunshine. Friends spread out islands of blankets on the grass, and children ran around with balloons attached to their wrists. Siblings Juli and Tyler Lydell of The Dreaded Di

A Sacramento smooth jazz radio station is recasting itself as a rock station, but don’t expect the jazz-heads at Capital Public Radio to shed any tears. Gary Vercelli, CPR’s jazz music director, said the format switch at KSSJ 94.7 FM could be a boon for CPR’s three jazz shows. CPR, at 90.9 FM, wants to pick up KSSJ’s listeners.
 “We’re just hoping that people will find us” on the radio dial, Vercelli said. CPR and KSSJ shared the same pool of jazz listeners, he added. Vercelli said he was surprised to learn that KSSJ was overhauling its format. John Nelson, who is listed as a media contact for 94.7, was not immediately available Thursday afternoon and did not return two phone messages