Sidestreet Reny

Sidestreet Reny & Lil’Bell are something, well, unique. He’s a beautiful guitar player, really squeezing every drop of soul out of that tinny, wild-sounding instrument with the metal pie-plate top. But he’s a helluva a singer and songwriter too. And he comes at it from his beginnings as a rap artist, so his songs tend to have a modern-zeitgeist, social-protest bent (lyrically), coming at you through that gut-bucket, gut-wrenching ’30s resonator guitar sound that feels dirt-poor, mad and about 100 years old. It’s an odd mix. When Reny really gets going, he stomps his foot in a frightening, raise-twist-slap-down manner that makes you fearful he’ll break something (like his ankle). Reny’s wife, Lil’ Bell, really is lil’ (about 4 foot 11, and all of maybe 90 pounds). But she can play the drums like a ring in a bell and sing like a bird, the perfect accompaniment to Reny’s spare, brimstone performances. Somehow they manage to forge their own sound and push musical boundaries in an era when many other musicians strive to sound the same.

Over the years Reny has traveled extensively and shared the stage with many acts such as A Tribe Called Quest, Gang Starr, Xanax 25, Bass and Trouble, Culver City Dub Collective, Paula Fuga and Ice Cube just to name a few and played at festivals and clubs throughout Scandinavia, Germany, and the U.S. Reny (aka J-sun or Jason Fine) has been featured on various international remixes and albums/singles including Brian McKnight - I Can't Go For That, Vanessa Williams - The Comfort Zone remixes, Inner Circle - Bad Boys remix and a string of European releases. Reny has also accumulated an impressive back catalog of songs and recordings including 5 commercially unreleased cd's and Mp3's.

Alongside Reny is Lil’ Bell, whose drumming and vocals provide the perfect counterpart to his gritty guitar work. Her energetic percussion gives the duo a surprisingly full and driving sound, while her vocals add another layer of character and musicality. Together, Sidestreet Reny & Lil’ Bell turn a stripped-down musical setup into something powerful, spirited, and wonderfully unconventional. Their chemistry helps make every performance engaging, whether the audience consists of longtime blues enthusiasts or guests discovering this distinctive sound for the first time.

Reny also brings an extensive performance and recording history to the stage. Over the years, he has traveled internationally and shared stages with artists including A Tribe Called Quest, Gang Starr, Culver City Dub Collective, Paula Fuga, and Ice Cube. His musical travels have taken him to festivals and clubs throughout the United States, Scandinavia, and Germany, while his recording background includes appearances connected with international releases and remixes. Those varied experiences—from hip-hop and international collaborations to roots music and blues—help explain the wonderfully eclectic character of Sidestreet Reny’s music today.

For festivals, clubs, private parties, corporate events, weddings, community celebrations, and other special occasions looking for something beyond the ordinary, this act offers plenty of personality. The combination of resonator guitar, driving percussion, expressive vocals, original songwriting, and an unmistakable stage presence can create an atmosphere that is gritty, soulful, energetic, and fun. Rather than recreating the same familiar blues-band formula, Sidestreet Reny delivers an individual musical identity that can become a memorable centerpiece of an event.

Booking Sidestreet Reny is an excellent choice when you want authentic blues and roots influences paired with a modern, boundary-pushing approach. From the first growl of the resonator guitar to the driving beat and passionate vocals, this Portland-area act brings character, experience, and genuine musical excitement to the stage. For an event that calls for soulful live entertainment with an unconventional twist, Sidestreet Reny offers a performance audiences are likely to remember.