Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes

Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes is a progressive American rock band rooted in the musical traditions of the West Coast. Formed in 2000, the group grew out of Michael Ward's decision to establish a permanent San Francisco–based ensemble after decades of working with rotating Los Angeles collaborators — a move that created the long-term continuity and chemistry that define the band today. For over two decades, Ward — singer, songwriter, and producer — has led the group through an evolving body of work marked by lyrical depth, rhythmic precision, and expansive instrumental interplay. The current lineup features drummer Prairie Prince (The Tubes, Journey, Tom Waits, XTC), guitarist Chris Von Sneidern (John Wesley Harding, Chuck Prophet), saxophonist Richard Howell (Etta James, Earth Wind & Fire), bassist Dave Jess (Freddy Roulette, David Gans), percussionist Fernando DeSanjines (Chalo Eduardo, Escola Nova), and keyboardist Joshua Raoul Brody (BATS Improv, The Residents, The Marsh Theater). Blending blues, Americana, Memphis soul, and classic rock into a distinctly West Coast sound, Dogs and Fishes balance deep roots with exploratory musicianship, operating with a rare musical telepathy built over decades together. The band continues to honor the legacy of guitarist Drew Zingg (Steely Dan, Michael McDonald), whose artistry was integral to Dogs and Fishes for many years. Parallel to his work as a bandleader, Ward is the longtime steward of Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco — the historic facility originally known as Wally Heider Studios. Since taking ownership in the mid-1980s, he has preserved its analog equipment, acoustic integrity, and independent spirit through decades of industry change. Now recognized as an official San Francisco Legacy Business, Hyde Street remains one of the last surviving large-format recording studios in the Bay Area. Following their politically resonant album Brighter Days, recorded at Hyde Street Studios, Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes released "Animal Magic,” continuing a body of work that engages the present moment while drawing on the enduring traditions of American rock.

Alex Cano is a nationally touring Rock/Americana artist hailing from New York’s Hudson Valley. Known for his rich baritone and soaring, gritty rock vocals, Cano’s sound lives at the crossroads of high octane, blues driven rock ’n’ roll and vulnerable Americana balladry. His debut album, Every Rise of the Sun, is a raw chronicle of resilience and survival—equal parts cathartic release and anthemic triumph. Praised by outlets including Paste Magazine and Indie Current for its authenticity and emotional weight, the record established Cano as a voice unafraid to merge heartfelt intimacy with road-tested rock energy. Since the release of Every Rise, Cano has toured across the US, performing everything from intimate listening rooms to major festivals. He has shared the stage with acts including Plain White T’s, Gin Blossoms, Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown, Band of Heathens, and Chris Barron (Spin Doctors). Along the way, he’s built a grassroots fanbase bound by a sense of community, connection, and resilience, values that run through all of his work. His influences span from outlaw country legends Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson, to rock icons like Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, The Band, Foo Fighters, and Jimi Hendrix. The result is a sound that feels both fresh and familiar. With a career already marked by resilience, authenticity, and growth, Alex Cano continues to carve his place as one of the most compelling voices in modern Rock/Americana. Cano will be an Official Artist at SXSW 2026, and will be releasing his second record later in the year.