Hi, I’m Jordan Mallory. I was born and raised in Chico, CA.

Ever since sixth grade Symphonic band, I have been obsessed with drums/percussion and music in general, so much so that by the time I reached 7th grade I would spend the majority of class periods zoning out while drawing stick figures of what would become my futuristic “Animal” self on stage behind the kit with my dream band. That dream would eventually become a reality, which naturally started to take shape in 8th grade when my first garage band, Paper Trees, was formed. My obsession for playing drums intensified largely in part as a result of a newfound collective energy that I was experiencing while building a band and being united by others around me who were driven by that same creative force.

Paper Trees eventually graduated from the garage and out from under our influences of old school 80s Butt Rock into a new scene predominantly shaped by our mid–high school modern era of 90s alternative rock, punk, and Indie underground music. A new band, NumberOneGun, was birthed out of those influences. Most nights we would find ourselves either playing or watching other bands downtown Chico at The Blue Room, Moxies Cafe, or Juanita’s, where we cut our teeth. We started booking our own shows in multi-purpose rooms that became our practice spaces at a local church where a couple of us worked night shifts as janitors.

We had met some local bands who toured through Chico from places like Seattle and Portland and decided that once we graduated high school in the late 90s it was time to get a van and try our hand at hitting the road and discovering the country together. We set out north on Highway 99 to I-5, where we stopped in Redding along the way and then again on the way back, playing places like The Space and Serendipity. Between 2002–2005, touring nationally had become our lives. Playing between Redding and Chico was always special, as the NorCal Indie scene alliance was, and is still strong.

Through this alliance many friendships have been created, one of them in particular with my good friend Zach Zeller, who I’ve had the pleasure of playing many shows with, him and his band Belda Beast, along with my current band Surrogate. Zach is one of the very talented, inspiring musicians/songwriters in the Redding scene and has a strong desire to cultivate and keep it alive, as do I, so it was no surprise when I had the vision to put on this NorCal Indie scene fest that he acquiesced. He also happens to be a really great guy to be around.

 Find out for yourself at 599 Fest: A NorCal Reunion.

Hi, I’m Zach Zeller. Born and raised in Redding, CA, I’ve been part of the Northern California music scene since the late ’90s. At 12 years old, I started going to local punk shows and immediately knew I wanted to be in a band. A few years later, that dream became reality - playing music with friends on stages at venues like Serendipity in Redding and LaSalle’s in Chico.

In the mid-2000s, I moved to Chico and found a music community just as welcoming and supportive as the one I grew up with back home. Now in 2026, I'm back in Redding and that same DIY spirit is alive and thriving in both cities.

One of the best parts of being involved in this scene has been the people. Jordan Mallory is one of my favorite drummers, and the best dude I’ve met along the way. Collaborating with him to create 599 Fest has truly been a dream come true. I’m beyond excited to work with the bands, venues, and community partners to bring 599 Fest to the cities and people I love.