BIO
The Moonstone Band is based in Cambria, California on the beautiful Central Coast. Our music is rooted in classic rock and originals. With Evan Gusar on guitars and harmonica, Tim Novoa on drums, Mike Weddige on Bass, Lorenzo Ybarra on vocals and guitar and Lauren Minter on vocals. The band plays at a high-level showcasing songs from artists like the Talking Heads, Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, Santana, Traffic, Tom Petty, Foo Fighters, Sheryl Crow, Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton,Bob Marley and Elvis--and always adding new songs.
All members come with a deep background in music from performing, recording and writing material.
Evan Gusar
Guitar and Harmonica
My appreciation for music goes all the way back to when I was 5 years old. I remember my dad playing Harry Belefonte, Ella Fitzgerald and The Ramsey Lewis Trio records in our living room. Around the same time my big sister turned me on to 45 RPM records that her and her friends would dance to in her bedroom. They would let me hang out with them and taught me how to dance. When I was 7 my mom bought me a Stella guitar for 25 bucks. I took a few lessons and learned how to read music a little bit. Fast forward to when I was around 13 and the Beatles released Sargent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. That album had a big influence on me. By the time I was a junior in high school I was a full-fledged member of the Woodstock Nation. I was influenced in a big way by the likes of Jimi Hendrix (who I had the good fortune of seeing twice) Carlos Santana, The Allman Brothers, Jefferson Airplane, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, Joe Walsh, Derek Trucks, Tom Petty, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and of course The Beatles and countless others. My guitar playing is still influenced strongly today by all of those artists.
I have always benefited by playing with other musicians. I have been in several different bands throughout most of my life, starting in the 7th grade . In 2006 I recorded an album of original songs with Shakey Earl and the EarthQuakers.
I have written and composed several original songs that I hope to one day perform.
For the past six years I have been fortunate enough to be playing and performing with a most talented group of people called The Moonstone Band.
Tim Novoa
Drums and Percussion
When I was about eight years old and living at home, we had stereo speakers throughout the house—including in the bathroom.
One afternoon, I was taking a bath when the song “Silly Love Songs” by Paul McCartney came on.
I heard the drumming and was suddenly “taken to a different place.” The drums stood out so clearly. My senses came alive.
The drums separated themselves from the rest of the music in a way I had never experienced before. The experience was powerful—almost spiritual. The instant connection I felt with the drums is difficult to explain using words.
I was never the same after that moment, and I knew I wanted to play the drums.
I have since played in many churches, groups, bands and recording studios as a session drummer.
Now I’m happy to be playing with my friends in The Moonstone Band.
Lauren Minter
Lead Vocals
Lauren has been singing since she could talk, long before she ever found her way to a formal stage. That lifelong passion took her through years of competitive choral music—honing a sharp ear for harmony—and eventually onto the Central Coast music scene.
After three years of performing at local venues and regional stages with a local duo, Lauren joined The Moonstone Band, where she brings a performance style built on a lifetime of practice. For her, the best part of any set is the connection with the audience; nothing brings her more joy than sharing the energy of a live crowd through music.
When she’s not behind the mic, Lauren loves spending time outdoors with her husband and two daughters. Her greatest inspiration comes from her family, and she carries their love and support with her every time she steps onto the stage.
Lorenzo (Fattkatt) Ybarra
Rhythm Guitar and Lead Vocals
Started playing and learning the guitar in 1976 with a 1975 Yamaha acoustic guitar which I still have. In 1999 I started the rockabilly group Fattkatt and the Vonzippers in Bakersfield, California. We played all over the Central Valley and the coast. In 2001 Buck Owens hired us to start playing at his Crystal Palace venue, got to meet and play with a lot of musicians like Dwight Yoakam, Hunter Hays, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Junior Brown, Wanda Jackson, Lady A, Merle Haggard, Billy Mize, Red Simpson, Sunny Langley and the great Jimmy Phillips (Highway Patrol drummer). After time the band evolved into Bakersfield Sound Country thus creating the BakerBilly Sound Band. After 20 years playing at the Crystal Palace, it was time to retire from work and the Crystal Palace. I moved my family to Cambria, California and love it. After taking a year off from music, it was time to get back to music. Then I met Evan Gusar, who has the newly reformed band called the Moonstone band. Love playing Classic rock, never had the opportunity to play until now. Hope to see you near a stage soon.
Lorenzo (Fattkatt) Ybarra
Mike Weddige
Bass Guitar and Vocals
Mike is a lifelong rock 'n' roll Bass Player who still enjoys the simple pleasure of playing music with others. Mike started young, taking his first music lessons from Sister Carol, and grew up in a home with talented, musical parents who encouraged his love of music from the beginning.
With decades of experience from local gigs, rehearsals, and jam sessions, Mike is known for keeping a steady groove and supporting the sound of the band. Influenced by classic rock and blues, Mike's style is relaxed, reliable, and focused on serving the song. Whether performing on stage or playing with friends, Mike values the connection that comes from making music together and the role the bass plays in bringing a song to life.