THE BAND
DISTRICT XVII is a Rock and Pop Cover Band. We love music from the 70s, 80s & 90s,
and that greatly influences our gigs.
Every band has a story. In our case, it's all in the name. The band is based in Fremont, California, a part of California's 17th congressional district, hence the name, DISTRICT XVII.
BRIAN
// vocals
Brian is the frontman for District XVII, leading with vocals and rhythm guitar. Since college Brian has been performing on stage, where he was the frontman and founder of a classic rock cover band called Oasis. Appearing regularly at campus events Oasis did covers of songs from Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, Queen, Beatles Eric Clapton and many more. Brian also fronts Font72 a classic rock cover band and has performed at various Art and Wine Festivals in the SF Bay Area.
Associated Acts: Font72
VIK
// drums
Vikram is the rhythmic foundation of District XVII and loves experimenting with the latest hybrid drum technology. When he's not performing, he's probably doing live sound or video for other bands. His musical journey began at the age of 6, when he taught himself to play the guitar. He switched to playing drums in the mid 90s and has since been the drummer in over a dozen bands. He enjoys playing all kinds of music from the 60s through today.
Associated Acts: Tricycles, Soul Providers
KELKAR
// guitar
Rajeev is the swiss army knife of District XVII, ready to do vocals, lead guitar, acoustic rhythm guitar, percussion, keys, or mandolin when the need arises. He started playing acoustic guitar and melodica when he was 12 and performed in various school and local community events in India. Later, he was part of a four-person instrumental group (a band with no name) in which he played drums. In Massachusetts, he played acoustic guitar and sang in a folk music trio called Table Salt, that played at various venues. After an extended hiatus from organized music Rajeev joined Font72 in 2014 playing acoustic and electric guitar, and singing. He also plays in a pop-dance band called The Soul Providers where he plays percussion, lead guitar and sings. And since 3 bands aren't nearly enough, Rajeev is also part of a bluegrass band called The Well Actually in which he plays mandolin. He is a big Genesis, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, REM, Beatles, Bob Marley fan, and likes to play all types of music from progressive rock to pop/dance to bluegrass.
Associated Acts: Font72, Soul Providers, The Well Actually
WAZNT
// bass
Vasant is a man of few words. His bass does the talking.
Associated Acts: BOOMM, Pallavi
NIM
// guitar
"Play that face-melting lead" pretty much sums up Rahul's job in District XVII, along with rhythm, backing vocals and occasional percussion. While Rahul's focus has been to cover iconic solos from bands like Cream, Def Leppard, Pink Floyd and Blue Oyster Cult, he is in his element while jamming on the Blues. His early music education of North Indian classical music, however, is a far cry from the Blues. He spent his early years learning vocals, violin and Hawaiian guitar in the Hindustani style. But when Eddie Van Halen's solo on Beat It came out, there was no turning back. In the last two decades Rahul has also performed in several cover bands as a band member (Prithvi) or as a guest artist (VDaze, Jigary, Boomm). As part of Prithvi, Rahul has also released an album, where he was the primary songwriter and one of the main composers.
Associated Acts: Tricycles, Font72
RANJIT
// keys
Ranjit is the keyboard guru. A musically inclined bartender once told him "You look like someone who would play The Doors". He's been involved with synths and software since the days of Moog and Apple II and ensures that the 70s are well represented in our set lists.
Associated Acts: Font72
VIDEOS
EVENTS & GIGS
Coming Soon
