“Marty Cohen calls what his band does ‘urban folk’…” (but) “If you listen closely to their renditions of Cohen’s songs, you’ll hear the underpinnings of Americana and pop music as well.”  –Sacramento News and Review (2018).

The band creates a sound that has been called “an inspired blend of urban folk…with a pop twist” –Sacramento Bee.  

MEET THE GUYS:
Marty Cohen – award-winning songwriter and veteran performer who fronts the group on lead vocals, guitar and harmonica. Dreams of being a Sidekick.
A veteran of the folk music club circuit, Marty played extensively on the East Coast both in the U.S. and Canada before his move west. He founded and directed Sacramento’s first Songwriters’ Showcase featuring the original music of local talent through concerts, workshops and public TV programs. Over the years Marty has performed with many top musicians in the Sacramento area. The current group –with Ken Rabiroff and Jeff Sears as the Sidekicks – has been together about 4 years. Marty fronts the band,writes the original material and provides lead vocals, guitar and harmonica.

Ken Rabiroff (rightkick) – on lead guitar and vocals, with a passion for guitar that can’t be controlled. Looks good in hats.
If there’s music to be made, Ken will play it – he picked up an instrument before he picked up a crayon. From a bluegrass ballad to Charlie Parker bebop, all he needs is a good tune and a little room to do his thing. His rich lead guitar fills in those nice spaces in Marty’s songs, and he brings a solid harmony to the Sidekicks’ vocal mix.
He’s also an accomplished bass player on both upright and acoustic/electric who has performed with other popular Sacramento groups – everything from roots music to wailin’ rockabilly. He can’t resist trading places with Jeff to set the bass groove for some cover tunes. Especially in live performances, Ken brings a freewheeling energy to the group.

Jeff Sears (leftkick) – on bass and vocals. Born under the western skies and raised on rock ’n’ roll.
Jeff first crossed paths with Marty Cohen back when they were both singing waiters at a Sacramento restaurant. He’s the bass anchor for the Sidekicks and adds a sweet harmony to the band’s original material. For the stage and in the studio, Jeff’s strong arrangements tie the group together. Jeff’s a versatile player who’s been seen on many other musical stages with bass or guitar in hand, working with fellow performers in styles from rock to folk to jazz to blues.
All longtime Sacramento residents, these talented musicians combine their years of experience to create spirited live performances featuring rich harmonies and inspired arrangements. Mostly, these guys just love to share a great song.