The Secret Gardeners are a Los Angeles trio bringing you an uplifting mix of blues, country, folk-rock, and Americana. Their shows span the range from quiet acoustic ballads to fun rockers with plenty of audience interaction.
James E. "Jime" Van Booven started playing professionally around Southern California in 1972. He is a prolific singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with many LA acts, and is universally loved by everyone he meets. Jime's music background is in country, bluegrass, rock & roll, and blues.
Barrett Tagliarino writes hilarious story songs, heartbreaking ballads, and (of course) mind-bending instrumentals, as he's known for incendiary lead guitar in local acts including John Zipperer & Friends, Severin Browne, and Dave Morrison. Barrett has recorded four CDs, along with session work for various artists, and commercials for ARCO, Sony, Miller Lite, and MTV. His commitment to music and music education has taken him to over 20 countries.
"Thrown in with the lions and he comes out with a coat."
- Eric Schwartz
Merritt Raff has been drumming since he began to walk. He is classically trained and strong in many styles from rock to jazz and beyond. Merritt's ability to support any artist's musical vision puts him regularly in demand in the LA singer/songwriter community, where he met Barrett and Jime and the Secret Gardeners were born.
What can you say about the Secret Gardeners?
"Great show Friday! I loved every minute of it. Thank you for the fabulous music and community, as always."
---Haleila N.
