New Wave to World Beat 1985-1986
Urban Renewal 1986...
Urban Renewal began as a quartet in 1985. The band was started as a vehicle for original compositions by singer/keyboardist Linda Kadis and bassist Dan Brusseau. The other members were drummer Joe Montalvo and guitarist Jay Kadis. The band developed a sound influenced by New Wave artists like the Pretenders, Blondie, Pat Benatar and the Motels; by local bands the Looters, Big City, and Romeo Void; and by other ska/reggae influenced rock bands like the English Beat and the Police.
Linda Kadis with Urban Renewal at the Chi-Chi Club
(Photos by Scott Thompson)

Urban Renewal obtained the services of saxophonist Edd Cook, who joined after his stint with the Mutants. This completed the final line-up and was the configuration which attempted to record and release an album in 1986. Unfortunately, the band dissolved before the album could be completed. [Boy, that's a familiar story...eh?]

Over their lifetime, Urban Renewal played a lot of bay area clubs like the Chi-Chi Club, the 16th Note, Full Moon Saloon, the Berkeley Square, Major Pond's and others which have also ceased to exist.

So, where are they now??

Linda Kadis went on to sing with several Bay Area bands and is currently teaching high school math as well. Edd Cook moved to Hawaii. Dan Brusseau has finished three solo album projects and is currently working as an electrician. Joe Montalvo is working in the security field. Jay Kadis...well you know about him...

The Latest News

Some of the Urban Renewal recordings are now available on CD as part of Linda's solo album project So Long Ago-Go. They have been remixed and mastered, so they're worth checking out even if you've heard the older versions.