Our Story
The Yard Sale Kings play a flea market of tunes, trash and treasures from six or seven decades. Old stuff, new stuff, bright & shiny, well-loved & bit scuffed, familiar or even a little strange - it’s probably on our set list. Covering a wildly unpredictable range of tunes including pop, cowpunk, jazz, and soul, the Yard Sale Kings started in late 2023 when Cyn jumped up (mostly uninvited) at an open mic to harmonize with Joe on “Drift Away.”
Before long, we were performing together at local open mics. Within a few months we’d picked up John on cajon. And with the addition of Vico, we knew we definitely had Something beyond 15-minute slots at open mics.
Collectively, our influences cover a truly eclectic (and eccentric) range of popular music from the Western Hemisphere, plus some.
Joe Coppom (guitars, keyboard, & vocals) loves Elvis Costello, the Beatles, Jason Isbell, and Rush. He’s the unofficial band leader, not least because we practice in his basement, he makes really good croissants, and he keeps Vico caffeinated.
Cynthia Ross (lead & harmony vocals) grew up on Linda Ronstadt, the Beatles, Queen, and popular music from the 50s to the 80s, as well as her mother’s classical music and her father’s old country & jazz standards. Her years of teaching also give her a love of world music and a lethal side-eye.
Vico Melo (lead guitar & vocals) cites the rock & blues of the Teskey brothers, Freddy King, and Brazilian rock pioneers Legião Urbana as his favorites. Vico taught himself (!!) guitar during the pandemic but played keyboard from childhood (his family still has flashbacks whenever they hear “Let It Be”). Vico’s also our idea guy and will try to sell you a guitar pedal (#MeloToneLabs). Stickers are still free.
John Proulx (percussion) is a fan of Sting, Paul McCartney, the Grateful Dead, and, above all, Jimmy Buffett. When he’s off his cajon or out from behind the drum kit, you can recognize him by the grin, dubious jokes, and a truly impressive tie-dye collection.
“I could listen to you all day!”
Here’s a few of the printable comments from friends & fans (many are musicians themselves):
“It’s a good show and it’s never the same twice!”
“[Expletive], your tune selection is killer!”
“You guys always bring a crowd!”
“I’ve never seen this place so packed, and it’s ALL you guys!”