““This is a band that would sit perfectly in the mix with Joni Mitchell, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot and even early Clapton solo releases that featured cuts like ‘Let it Grow’ and ‘Promises’" ” - Luke Wolk, Radio Guitar One
What happens when a world class jazz singer returns to her Appalachian folk roots and meets up with a veteran blues/rock guitarist who is also a gifted singer-songwriter? Los Angeles based Folk & Roots outfit “Diane Hubka & The Sun Canyon Band” blends Diane’s honey-toned vocals and rhythm guitar, Rick Mayock’s expressive lead guitar work, melodic vocals and genre-defying originals with a dynamic rhythm section, bringing life to original and traditional songs alike, taking listeners along for a joyful ride!
The title track of their sophomore album, “Moon Over Larrabee” (out Oct. 22, 2025) is inspired by moonlit scenes where the band found its beginnings, near the site of the original Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard where a street named Larrabee climbs up into the Hollywood Hills and offers sparkling views of Los Angeles. Traces of the legendary music scene in nearby Laurel Canyon can be heard in the selections of folk, Americana, rock & roll, swing, country, blues, with six original songs and plenty of surprises, including two cuts with extraordinary guitarist Albert Lee, (Emmylou Harris, Eric Clapton, Everly Brothers.)
Their 2023 debut album, "You Never Can Tell" was co-produced by bassist Chad Watson (Ronnie Milsap, The Burrito Brothers, Janis lan.) It also featured special guest, guitarist Albert Lee, and topped the Roots Music charts, landing at #4 in 2023 (and remaining in the top 20 throughout 2024 & 2025!)
DIANE HUBKA - vocals, guitar, bass
Before forming “The Sun Canyon Band”, Hubka was widely known as a jazz artist. Originally from Western Maryland, she lived in New York City for two decades, and was an active member of its jazz community, as well as toured up and down the East Coast. After recording three albums in the Big Apple, one with saxophonist Lee Konitz, she moved to Los Angeles in 2005. She recorded three more albums and toured Japan multiple times, singing and playing 7-string guitar. But Hubka’s earlier influences came from growing up in the Appalachian mountains in Western Maryland, a child of the ‘60s folk revival. With a mother who sang in a folk group, she was a big fan of Peter, Paul & Mary, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. In early 2017, she turned away from a lifetime of jazz to follow a new direction. “I felt a calling to get back to my acoustic and folk roots.” No matter the genre, “she wraps her clear-as-mountain-stream sound around the songs with consistently winning results.” (JAZZTIMES)
RICK MAYOCK - acoustic, electric and baritone guitars, vocals
Originally from Wilkes-Barre, PA, Rick Mayock has performed with bands and as a solo artist in both the Los Angeles area and on the East Coast. An integral part of the Venice Beach music scene of the 70’s and 80’s, he played clubs across Southern California. Rick played for many years with rock and blues guitarist Slavin’ David and in the band Street Smart with Peter Demian. He formed the original rock bands Spare Parts with singer Shawn O’Brien of the Cripples, and Primal Hearts with renowned guitarist Linda Taylor. He is the founder and lead vocalist/guitarist of the band East of Lincoln, playing an eclectic blend of original rock, blues, R & B, and urban acoustic music.
IRV “SKEETER G” GERSHENZ - drums, vocals
Skeeter grew up in Los Angeles. While working in his father's record store, celebrated local L.A. treasure, "Music Man Murray", he was exposed to every type of music imaginable. He studied with Bill Douglass at Drum City, and went on to play with numerous bands from the 70's to the present day, including Green, Focal Point, The Loners, Eddie Reday and Country Wildwood, to name a few. He played in venues including Madame Wong's, The Central, Carlos and Charlie's and Club 88. A sensitive musician, Skeeter plays for the song.
MATT FISH - bass
Matt came up playing bass in bands before finding his voice on the cello, building a career as a session and touring musician in Los Angeles. He has shared stages and studios with John Cale, Alejandro Escovedo, k.d. lang, Matt Nathanson, and Earlimart, with appearances ranging from Carnegie Hall to the Austin City Limits festival and TV show. His other television credits include Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and his cello can be heard on film soundtracks including Jonathan Demme's Jimmy Carter, Man From Plains. Off the stage, he produced the David Hopkins album There Are Debts, which features Damien Rice on the title track. Picking up the bass again, Matt brings a deep musical vocabulary to the Sun Canyon Band.