About Us
Austin's best tribute to the Seattle grunge scene
We play one-artist tribute sets to Chris Cornell, Alice In Chains, and mixed sets of 90s grunge and alternative
Black Days formed in 2018 to play Birth Ritual, a tribute show raising money for Health Alliance for Austin Musicians in memory of Chris Cornell. A lifelong Soundgarden fan, Charlotte was particularly gutted when Chris died and wanted to do something tangible to honor him.
From that one show playing all Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Temple of the Dog something beautiful and powerful emerged. Through the challenge of taking on that material, we discovered we really loved playing music and hanging out together, and one show turned into another and another. Nostalgia for the 90s, as it turned out, was in full swing, and we've since had the privilege of playing all over Austin--everywhere from the Carousel Lounge, Empire Control Room, Hanover's, the Highball, Shooters, Come And Take It Live and more in Central Texas and surrounding areas.
Along the way, we evolved our sound and added to our repertoire. Several times a year, we continue to play multiple all-Chris Cornell shows in honor of our roots, and we also play sets of all-Alice In Chains (those sick, spooky harmonies are a sweet spot for us) and mixed sets of songs from all the Seattle grunge greats along with harder and darker 90s alternative.
Black Days is currently holding down regular shows around Central Texas, from breweries and clubs to special events, bringing ’90s grunge and alternative back to loud, sweaty life. We’re always adding new deep cuts and fan favorites to the set, and we love working with venues to build the right vibe for each night.
To talk about booking, upcoming dates, or collaborations, reach out to us at blackdaysatx@gmail.com or connect via our Facebook or Instagram. Crank up the volume, check out our live clips, and come catch a show!
Charlotte Wise
Vocals
Originally from Marshall, Michigan, Charlotte grew up in choir and musical theatre but didn’t sing solo on stage until the age of 42—inspired by her dad, a lifelong guitarist and luthier. What started as a late-blooming leap of faith quickly became a passion, and she’s been making up for lost time ever since.
Charlotte’s voice is shaped by a wide range of influences—from the warmth and clarity of her high school idols Natalie Merchant and Harriet Wheeler to the raw intensity and power of Chris Cornell, Layne Staley, and Sinead O'Connor. Since 2018, she’s been the lead vocalist of Black Days, Austin’s tribute to 90s grunge, and also lends her voice as Christine McVie in Crystal Visions, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, and as a vocalist in Rule The World, a tribute to Tears for Fears and 80s synthpop.
Charlotte is a 2024 and 2026 nominee for Best Female Vocalist in the Austin Tribute Band Community awards.
Her favorite songs Black Days covers are Soundgarden's "Slaves & Bulldozers" and Alice In Chains' "Rotten Apple.”
Scott Bonneau
Guitar and Vocals
Scott Bonneau is a guitarist and vocalist for Black Days. A native of the Boston area, he’s called Austin home since 1999. Scott picked up the guitar at age 12 and has been performing in bands for over 30 years. In addition to playing in Black Days, he’s also in Crystal Visions, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac. He has released a couple of albums of original music, as well as several tributes to his favorite songs and artists.
His passion for sound extends beyond the stage—he’s also the owner and chief engineer of Studio 465, a recording studio in Dripping Springs, TX. Scott brings decades of experience and a deep love for the 90s grunge music that he grew up on to the stage every night.
His favorite songs Black Days covers are Silverchair's "Tomorrow" and Pearl Jam's' "Alive.”
Omar Mejia
Guitar and Vocals
Omar started liking music in the early 2000s, getting enough of the raw energy of the 90s but was too young to understand it. He couldn't help be musically shaped by a heavy, melodic soul, sharp with the edges of grunge and asking for the grit of metal. With time, guitar playing became about hearing chords finding their place among friends, and a carefully crafted tone blended with a loud crowd and the talent of his bandmates. With a decade playing in cover bands, Omar found home in the art of a solid rhythm guitar with an exhaustively dialed-in tone. Looking up to his idols Santana, Hammett or Satriani he strives for putting on a show that will have the audience share in the magic he feels on stage.
Sergio Carranza
Bass
Sergio was born and raised in Bolivia, where he learned to appreciate Latin American rhythms and music at an early age. He picked up a nylon string guitar in his early teens to learn how to play popular Latin songs of the 70’s and 80’s.
In 1999 Sergio and his wife moved from northern California to Austin and immediately took a liking to the blues. Eventually, he built up the courage to get on stage and regularly play bass at Antone’s blues jams. He went on to play in blues and Latin bands around town in the 2010’s.
In 2016 he met many talented musicians and joined them on several projects including classic rock, heavy metal, and grunge. Sergio feels really lucky to share the stage with amazing friends as a member of Black Days and, best of all, play 90s grunge rock here in Austin!
His favorite songs Black Days covers are Soundgarden's "Outshined" and Alice In Chains' "Man In The Box.”
Rochelle Kraus
Drums and Vocals
Ro is a lifelong lover of all kinds of music. Born in New York City, she grew up in Houston, TX, where she started piano lessons at the age of seven. She played percussion in middle school and high school marching and concert bands, as well as in the Houston Youth Symphony. She continued to play in her college marching band and wind ensembles.
After a few years in New York and Paris, Ro settled in Austin in 2003 and started a family. She joined the Austin live music scene ten years ago and since then has been in multiple bands either as drummer or as a keys player and singer.
Constantly growing as a musician, Ro feels lucky to be surrounded by people who inspire her.
Rochelle is a 2026 nominee for Best Multi-Instrumentalist in the Austin Tribute Band Community Awards.
Her favorite songs Black Days covers are Soundgarden's "Spoonman" and Smashing Pumpkins' "Cherub Rock.”