About these cats

Acoustic Kitty brings uptempo covers and originals across many genres, including blues rock, garage rock, 70s, 80s, and classic rock. The band's origins date back to the 1990s, when guitarist Eric Slifkin joined singer/keyboardist David Albright in a series of bands leading up to Acoustic Kitty. Since then, the Kitties have been pumping out tunes and playing shows throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire.

 

David Albright

Vocals and keyboards

David Albright (Bellamy) has been playing piano since high school and performing in bands since college, on keyboards and vocals. He has played concerts and clubs throughout the LA area with various bands, including including  Roaming Streets, Sleaztax, and Hooray Henry. Dave's passion is writing melodic songs with an energized rhythmic sense of expression, inspired by life’s ups and downs. His influences and inspirations include The Beatles, Oingo Boingo, The Doors, Frank Sinatra, The Cult, U2, and Burt Bacharach. When he’s not rocking, David is an architect and construction manager.

Eric Slifkin

Guitar and backing vocals

Eric is a founding member of Acoustic Kitty. He is the driving force behind Acoustic Kitty's punchy guitar style. Beyond his rockin' guitar solos, Eric is the king of the count-off and the witty retort. He enjoys building equipment and doing custom work on his guitars.

Kyle Jones

Drums

Kyle is the newest Kitty. He has been playing drums for thirty years in genres ranging from concert band to jazz, rock and country. He is a graduate from The Armed Forces School of Music and was formerly a drummer in the Marine Corps. He works as a Water Treatment Operator for a local water district and enjoys cycling when he’s not playing the drums.

Erik Dahl

Bass and backing vocals

Erik playing bass in November 2021

Erik brings the low tones of the Kitty sound.  He has been playing with the band for the past ten years and provides an essential element – a place to practice.  Musical influences include Roger Waters from Pink Floyd, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, and John Illsley from Dire Straits. Erik is a 5th grade teacher in Claremont and is currently training an army of ten-year-olds to take over the world.

 

Weston Thompson

Guitar and backing vocals

Weston playing guitar in November 2021

Weston joined the Kitties in 2021. He has a wide-ranging musical past, including school band geek, garage rocker, and college chorister. Weston credits the rebirth of his guitar work to Rodrigo y Gabriela. Other influences include Old 97’s, The Decemberists, R.E.M., Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Fishbone. By day, Weston is a digital product manager.