Listening to The Nickel Slots is like sitting around the campfire on a warm summer night. From the sentimental folk story to the foot-stomping, raucous sing-along, their alt-country rock songs make you nod in recollection of a long-lost memory or shared experience of pain, joy, heartache, love, hope, and redemption. Performing together since November 2008, the band has already built a devoted following in their home base of Sacramento, and a song from their September 2009 debut CD spent a month in rotation on KWOD 106.5 FM's Sounds of Sacramento series before that station's demise.

Lead singer and acoustic guitarist Tony Brusca has a knack for connecting with audiences like few other singers. Bassist and mandolin player Paul Zinn's backing vocals lock in perfectly with Tony, and his bass lines just can't sit still. Christopher Amaral, The Nickel Slots’ versatile drummer, adds distinct power to the band's sound. His brother and SAMMIE Award-winning electric guitarist Steve Amaral throws down licks that dance across the line between rock and country.