Carbon City Lights 7/8

Carbon City Lights is an alternative rock band based in San Luis Obispo. Their sound blends folk, pop, and rock. Frontman, Michael Venia, was a contestant on Season 21 of NBC’s hit show, the Voice. Listeners appreciate the authenticity that comes from Venia’s lyrics and shines through in his powerful vocals. The band’s live performances are fun and energetic, and feature extended jams with tight rhythm and dueling guitars. Carbon City Lights started as a solo project by singer-songwriter, Michael Venia, in 2010 in Toronto, and morphed into a full band in 2018. Their music rings with influences of Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, and Coldplay.

Singer-songwriter, Michael Venia, picked up the guitar while growing up in Saudi Arabia listening to Rick Dees Top 40 international radio hits. As a teen, he was interviewed by CNN's Chief International Correspondent, Christiane Amanpour for a piece on Western music in the Middle East. After leaving Saudi Arabia, Michael gained traction in the music scene in Toronto, Canada while going to recording arts school and performing original music. As an audio engineer, he's produced his music independently and is now sharing his sound with the full band on the Central Coast.

Michael Venia - Vocals/Guitar
Bret Heenan - Lead Guitar
Dan Hernandez - Bass Guitar
Bob Liepman aka Cello Bob - Cello
Howard Emmons - Drums