Sunstone Council is a queer, Oregon based quartet, featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Suzanne Callaway, with James Howe on vocals and flute, Theresa Riccardi on drums and Kaylee Jasperson on bass.
Our sound flows from folk to jazz tinged rock. We believe in music's power to heal and agitate and our songs reflect the beauty of nature, the messiness of being human and the joy of our chosen family.Β
Raised in Dallas, Texas, inspired by the musical talents of her mother, Suzanne began writing poetry in her early teens, putting words to music.
She studied literature and music and began writing songs and playing guitar and electric bass in bands in the 80s.Β
She moved to LA in the early 90s, where her songs received radio time on KROQ, KMHD, and KLOS.Β Β
In the late 90s she moved to Portland and recorded and produced an album with the band The Standing People, with all original songs and was interviewed and featured on KBOO. Β
In the 2010s, after a decade of studying jazz with the likes of Portland's iconic Nancy King, she recorded and produced an EP with Theresa Riccardi and their band, Two Spirit Jazz.
Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Vocals and Flute
James Howe has been singing and playing flute since middle school, joining every band she could, even transposing trumpet parts to play in the jazz band. She grew up harmonizing in choirs, around the house, and in the backyard.
Β After moving to Oregon with her family in 2009, she fell in love with the land and the community. Over the years, sheβs performed solo and with her duo Luminous Heart.
Β She met Suzanne and Theresa over a decade ago and was thrilled to get the call to help form Sunstone Council. Singing Suzanneβs songs and co-creating in this queer, heartfelt trio is one of her favorite musical adventures yet.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Theresa
She/Her Β RiccardiΒ
Born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Los Angeles.Β Her focus on drums started at an early age, inspired by her father who played several different instruments.Β
As a young teenager, Theresa played the drums in public school and held first chair in various bands. In her late teens Theresa began playing the drums professionally and joined her first cover band led by Larry Ford who had had a Vegas act for many years.Β
Throughout her career Theresa has functioned primarily as a freelance drummer and has performed and recorded with many different bands in a variety of musical styles.Β Β
Drums and PercussionΒ
Bass
Kaylee Jasperson has been playing and performing music for over 20 years. 13 of those years were spent in Nashville, TN where she expanded her skill set and received a Bachelor of Music from Belmont University.Β
She then went on to tour North America and Europe with The Harmaleighs, before settling in Portland, OR.Β She is currently performing with Dance-Punk pioneers J. Graves. Folk-Pop outfit Kuinka. Indie-Pop rockers PONCΓ and 90s pop cover band Sideboob.