Cajun & Zydeco
Brian Jack &
The Zydeco Gamblers
Playing Saturday, Sat Night and Sunday
As much fun to watch as he is to listen to, Brian Jack is a true Zydeco showman! A master accordionist, Brian and his band infuse both his original compositions and timeless favorites with a hip, urban style—fast–paced and with great harmonies. Brian Jack plays and sings with a seemingly unbounded energy, dancing around the stage, jumping in the air, playing his accordion between his legs, rarely standing still--- inspiring dancers and audiences to get up and shake it!
Everybody just goes wild!
Website
Horace Trahan & The
New Ossun Express
playing Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Horace Trahan, the maker of the hit single, “That Butt Thing,” is a world renowned Cajun and Zydeco artist, respected for his ability to pull the hell out of an accordion and belt out vocals that will give you chills. Having over-stepped boundaries and bypassed the stereotypes of naysayers, this native of Ossun, Louisiana, has made a huge and highly anticipated comeback on the music scene!
At 15, Horace wanted to learn to play the accordion. His father brought him to Felix Richard, a strong accordionist and first cousin who lived in Cankton, LA. Horace was a natural and booked his first gig within six months of learning to play.
Horace was very comfortable in a musical setting, as he had purchased his first guitar at the age of 12 and had also begun playing the saxophone in the fifth grade. It was when he combined his angelic-pitched voice with the skills he honed on a Crown single row accordion, that the musical magic began. Horace was sixteen years old when he began singing Cajun music in French and in English. Not long after making his mark on bass drum in the marching band at Carencro High School and graduating, Horace hit the road and began touring with D.L. Menard. The road schedules would take the talented 18-year old musician to New York, Boston, Chicago, Canada, France, California, and the summer Olympics in Atlanta.
(more bio)
Ryan Brunet &
The Malfecteurs
playing Saturday & Sunday
Ryan Brunet was born on the bayou of Southeasten Louisiana in the town of Raceland in 1983. Like most kids he first learned to play music in his school’s band and grew to love the soulful sounds of the saxophone, bass and rhythm guitars. But unlike most kids he was raised in a French speaking household of trappers, trawlers, hunters and musicians. At the age of 12 Ryan was introduced to the accordion by his friend Roland Cheramie and his passion for Cajun music grew as he was influenced by Louisiana icons such as Nathan Abshire, Horace Trahan, Austin Pitre, Ray Abshire, and The Balfa Brothers.
Nearly a decade later Ryan began to borrow fiddles from his friends a few days at a time. He would teach himself the fiddle parts to accompany the accordion songs he was so familiar with. “It wasn’t until I watched Mitch Reed play fiddle that I was inspired to really learn all of the mysteries the instrument holds. Seeing first hand how much could be played on a fiddle finally moved me to own one“. Over the years Ryan has used his abilities as a multi-instrumentalist to form several bands and play with even more: The Malfecteurs, The Dirt Pile Ramblers, Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys, Kermit Venerable, Lafayette Rhythm Devils as well as the Grammy Nominated Pine Leaf Boys and Lost Bayou Ramblers. In 1999 Ryan was honored by the Cajun French Music Association with their prestigious New Dawn Award.
(more bio)
L' Angélus
Cajun Fiddle Swing band
from Louisiana
Playin Sunday ~ May 8th
Bourbon St. Stage ~ 3:00PM
Expert musicians, incredible singers and topnotch live entertainers, L’Angelus combines the best of Louisiana’s music traditions: cajun fiddle tunes for the dance crowd, saxophone driven swamp-pop, and New Orleans influenced R&B. The result is a live show that rolls along with what Michael Doucet of Beausoleil calls “the instrumental energy of a freight train that knows no boundaries.” And the band is all from one Louisiana family.
Music in the Cajun culture has always been a unifying force - it brings families together on the front porch and at the parish dance. L’Angelus is the name of an ancient prayer that, like the music, signifies a coming together of a people. For centuries, Cajuns and their Acadian and French ancestors have bowed their heads to pray as a community whenever they hear the bells ring.
L’Angelus now performs as a dynamic high energy four piece band, featuring Katie, 27, Paige, 26, Johnny, 24, and Stephen, 22. They describe their sound as Louisiana roots, but still love to play the popular old rock and country and motown tunes - Americana music. Audiences across North America and Europe are drawn to the “joie de vivre” that radiates from the stage.
L'Angélus Website
The Bayou Brothers
and Sister
Just back from a European tour, the Bayou Brothers thrilled sold-out audiences whereever they performed. Listening to the Bayou Brothers, you hear Louisiana music at its best. These local favorites bring us their foot stompin’ style, conjuring up the energy of bayou dance halls, backyard crawfish boils, and festival fun. The Bayou Brothers will rock you right on into "Fat Tuesday" with their funky Mardi Gras dance tunes and it’s a musical gumbo y'all won't soon forget!
Website
Theo and Zydeco Patrol
With a sound straight from the backwoods zydeco dance clubs, Cajun "fais do do" dances, backyard crawfish boil parties and bayou festivals, San Diego based Theo and the Zydeco Patrol brings the best of Southwest Louisiana festival music to Southern California. Featuring the diatonic "Cajun-style" button accordion, keyboard accordion, washboard and vocals in the original Cajun French of the Southwest Louisiana, Theo and the Zydeco Patrol cooks up a fiery mix of the Cajun and Zydeco
dance music that is the USA.
Website
San Diego Cajun Playboys
Think there's nothing authentic in Southern California? Think Again! The San Diego Cajun Playboys are the reigning winners of the Cajun French Music Association's Le Cajun award for "the best Cajun band outside of Louisiana." The band's 2004 album "Small Town Two Step" -- available at cdbaby.com -- took top honors in the CFMA's Prix Dehors DeNous category at the association's Grammy-style awards show in Lafayette, Louisiana, on August 18, 2006. The Playboys' won the day over French language CD's worldwide, including Europe and Scandanavia.
Not bad for your hometown Cajun band, eh?
Band Bios & Website
Billy Lee & the
Swamp Critters
Billy Lee was raised in the Gulf Coast bars and dance halls his mother's band played in, towns such as Beaumont, Houston, Port Arthur, and Galveston, that has long been known to be home to many zydeco greats--such as Clifton Chenier. The effects of this unique and rich environment and has influenced
his traditional yet original style.
Billy attained a music degree from UCSD, and has taught dance professionally for the Sweet Water School District, National Festivals. This unique combination, along with his childhood environment, gives Billy a keen insight to what dancers need to feel, and music audiences love to experience.
Yea you Right, mes amis!!!
The Swamp Critters Website
R.A. Richard
R. A Richard plays both Piano Key Accordion, and Chromatic Button Accordion -five row button accordion- “I play Roland Digital Accordions, and top of the line Accoustic Chinese Accordions, I prefer the Chinese Acoustic PKA and CBA Accordions. They are made with german steel reeds and tuned beautifully with much overtones to please the ear....... I Love the upbeat happiness and rhythm of Louisiana music as well as the sweetness and tenderness of Louisiana’s Evangeline Waltzes. In Louisiana, Accordions are King,, everyone loves the accordion... This Louisiana Music is America’s Authentic Accordion Sound...
Fontenot and Pappion Creole Band
OLD CREOLE STYLE
One is a retired butcher, the other works in an oil refinery. But the hands-on experience of Joe Fontenot and Dempsey Pappion, also cousins, doesn’t end with their past, they are accomplished Cajun players. The two Louisiana natives will display their love and expertise of Cajun folk music, alternating between accordion and the rub-board. Fontenot, who is 75, has played the accordion for decades, “He grew up playing this kind of music". "What’s most fulfilling for me is that I’m preserving my culture’s music,” said Pappion, 55. Not to be missed!
Website
Tim Cook's "Steelbone"
Bontemps Band
You ain't gonna believe
what this man can do!
Tim Cook calls himself a survivor of the Country Dick legacy. A trombone player since childhood, Tim’s musical talents have continued to evolve through his pedal steel guitar and accordion work, and he has proven himself to be a uniquely versatile artist. He has been recording and performing with many successful local and national acts, and as a result his show never lacks for diversity! Your feet won't miss a beat as Steelbone grabs his trusty old Hohner and heads for Cajun country, then spices things up with a little Tex-Mex flavor. Tim can make that steel guitar talk! Don't miss this chance to "second line with Steelbone" when the Dixieland trombone comes out and we all strut off to Basin Street.
The Zydeco Mudbugs
Hot Zydeco in So. Cal! The Zydeco Mudbugs feature some of the best of traditional and contemporary Zydeco around. Their influences come from Keith Frank, Chris Ardoin, Brian Jack, Boozoo Chavis, and Beau Jocque.
Mudbugs Website
EUPHORIA BRASS BAND
New Orleans Traditional Brass Band
Playing Sunday, May 8th ~ 11:00 AM
KSDS Festival Stage
The Euphoria Brass Band is a force to be reckoned with. Part New Orleans tradition and soul, part West Coast attitude and flow…. and a whole lot of love! Created in 2011, when two New Orleanians, David Bandrowski (banjo/Guitar) and Ron Bocian (snare drum) who now call San Diego home, had an idea to build a New Orleans style brass band on the West Coast. The idea became a reality when they approached KSDS Jazz 88.3’s “Second Line Parade” host Drew Miller (bass drum) with the idea. Through Drew’s connection with some of San Diego’s top horn players, soon Euphoria Brass Band was born. EBB boasts a top shelf horn section: Steve Ebner (trumpet), April West (trombone), Dave Jackson (tenor sax), JP Balmat (clarinet) and Wayne Rice holding down the bottom on sousaphone. Paying attention to tradition and at the same time letting the Southern California vibe shine through, Euphoria Brass Band is undeniably unique and exciting. Come join the parade and let Euphoria Brass Band make you feel good too!!! |
Blues & Swing
 
Elvin Bishop
Grammy Award Nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album!
with Johnny Vernazza
Lengendary Blues and Slide Guitarists
that will make you move your stuff.
Playing Saturday ~ May 7th ~ 3:00PM
KSDS Festival Stage
Elvin Bishop has been travelling the Blues road longer than most, and he’s got the stories to prove it – many of which are contained within the songs on this release. Stops along the way include his work as a founding member of the groundbreaking Paul Butterfield Blues Band in the early ‘60s, recordings with legends such as Clifton Chenier, John Lee Hooker, and The Allman Brothers, and Pop success with his own 1976 smash hit “Fooled Around and Fell In Love”. Bishop’s long and varied career has included plenty of side trips along the way as well, from deep down gutbucket Blues played in smoky South Side Chicago taverns, to raucous roadhouse R&B, to good time Rock & Roll on concert stages and festivals around the world. And at every stage along the way, he’s instilled all of his music with passion, creativity, and a healthy helping of wisdom, wit, and good humor.
Elvin Bishop Website
It all started in the early 60’s with Johnny Vernazza‘s involvement in the San Francisco music scene. This led to joining San Francisco blues group, the Elvin Bishop Band, as second lead and slide guitarist, recording five albums in the following four years. This included the hit record, “Fooled Around and Fell In Love”.
(more bio for Johnny Vernazza)
Johnny Vernazza Website
Maria Muldaur
w/Norton Buffalo's Knockouts
2011 Grammy Award Nominee
Playing Sunday, May 8th ~ 2:00 PM
KSDS Festival Stage
Maria Muldaur's musical roots run deep. Born and raised in New York City's Greenwich Village, Muldaur was surrounded by bluegrass, old-timey, jazz, blues and gospel music, but her very first musical influences were from the records of country and western singers Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, Hank Snow and Ernest Tubb. Maria migrated to Boston and joined the popular Jim Kweskin Jug Band. Her first recorded song with them was "I'm a Woman," the anthem of feminine power and joyful sexuality. It has been her theme song ever since. The Kweskin Band recorded several albums together and during this time Maria married and had a daughter, Jennie, with fellow bandmate Geoff Muldaur. Maria had a chance encounter with Mo Ostin, the president of Reprise Records. Ostin offered Maria the opportunity to make her first solo album. Maria Muldaur went platinum in two years and forever enshrined Maria in the minds of baby boomers the world over. "Midnight at the Oasis" remains to this day a staple song on multi-format radio. Four albums on Warner Brothers followed including her acclaimed second disc, Waitress in a Donut Shop, which contained her next hit single, a remake of "I'm A Woman". The rest is history, right up to the present as Maria Muldaur continues to perform the music, steeped in the fervent blues traditions of the South, that she loves.
Maria Muldaur Website
Norton's Knockouts
This dynamic and diverse band of R&B-blues-rock veterans includes some of the Bay Areas finest talents, most notably is the core of the Knockouts, John Vernazza, David Brown and Tyler Eng. They have been playing behind with Buffalo for decades and together they dig a rock solid groove, and a great mix of power and dynamics. With them behind him, Norton gets to relax and play from the depths of his soul. Norton passed away peacefully October 30th, 2009 in Paradise, California. He was surrounded by his family and a few close friends..
The Knockouts Bio
Lazy Lester Johnson
A Living Blues Legend
performing with Ric Lee, Nathan James, Troy Sundow & Eric Leiberman
Playing Saturday, May 7th ~ 1:20 PM ~ Bourbon Street Stage
Back when blues was king and South Louisiana was the breeding ground for a blast of some of the most memorable American music ever recorded, at the heart of it was Lazy Lester. Leslie Johnson was born June 20, 1933 in the small town of Torras, Louisiana near the Mississippi state border to Robert Johnson and Maggie Hartford. There aren’t many living bluesmen who’ve had major hits, as Lester did on Excello Records in the 1950s and ‘60s, and are still performing with the gusto and precision of their youth. Lester hasn’t lost a thing, and as his voice has richened with age, you could make a strong case for him being in his prime now. Lester carries the tradition almost single-handedly around the world several times over each year. As a true living legend, his talents are as much in demand as ever. You’d be well advised to see him when he performs at The Gator By The Bay festival!
Lazy Lester Website
Missy Andersen
A Organic Mix of Soul and Blues!
Playing Friday May 6th ~ 8:30 PM
Bourbon Street Supper Club Show
Born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Queens, New York, Missy’s first real memory of singing is at age six.
Through the years, she listened to Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, The Staple Singers, Teddy Pendergrass and a host of others. She met local blues man, Earl Thomas in the late 90’s. It was then that she became one of the original Juke Joint Jezebelles, a gospel, blues, and soul quartet, who provided backup vocals for Earl’s stage show. She played and toured with Earl for several years hitting festivals and venues in the U.S. and Europe. Earl Thomas and the Jezebelles shared the stage with Ray Charles, B.B. King, Robert Cray, John Hammond, Keb’ Mo’, Kenny Neal, and The Meters. Missy felt it was time to strike out on her own. Her self-titled debut album, Missy Andersen, released on Main Squeeze Records, is an organic mix of soul and blues from another era with a healthy dose of today.
Missy Andersen Website
Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra
Winner Best Self-Produced CD International Blues Challenge, Memphis, TN
Playing Saturday May 7th ~ 2:10 PM
San Diego's Queen of Boogie Woogie, Sue Palmer, has amazed audiences all over the world
with her unique style and phenomenal left hand. She delights in creating an atmosphere
reminiscent of the small clubs and cafes of 1932 Paris, Harlem and West Texas. Her music
has been described as "cool enough to cause crop damage to orange groves," and a "steam
of sultry sound." Her latest CD was voted "best blues album" at the San Diego Music Awards. Not to missed!
Sue Palmer Website
Bill Magee Blues Band
San Diego's Home Town Blues Hero!
Playing Saturday, May 7th ~ 4:50 PM
In 1963 (as the story goes), Jimi Hendrix was playing as Jimmy James...Willie (Bill) Magee met,
befriended and eventually joined up with Hendrix to form the band Jimmy James and the Flames.
In 1967, Hendrix went to England, and Magee took his newly formed band, the Kansas City Playboys
on a tour around Europe. The rest is history...The Bill Magee Blues Band will make you feel how
the blues is meant to be felt.
The Bill Magee Blues Band has been a mainstay for many of Southern California's most talented instrumentalists. The mark of a great bandleader is the ability to keep great players in the ranks of the band, and Bill Magee has risen to that occasion for decades. Bill knows how to pick em and knows how to play em!
Bill Magee Website
The Swing'n Kings
Jammin' Jimmi Woodard Is Hot, Hot, Hot!
Playing Friday May 6th ~ 6:30 PM
Bourbon Street Supper Club Stage
Entertaining crowds in San Diego since 1992, The Swing’n Kings might be categorized as a blues band. But during an evening with The Swing’n Kings you can hear music ranging from the smooth swing of Duke Ellington to the rock and roll of Chuck Berry, jump blues of Louis Jordan, R and B like Otis Redding,or the hard driving sound of Stevie Ray Vaughn. The Swing’n Kings have gained respect in the San Diego Music Scene by sharing the stage as the opening act for such nationally known artists such as Robben Ford and The Blue Line, John Mayall and The Blues Breakers, and Leon Russell. "Jammin" Jimmy Woodard the founder and leader of the Swing’n Kings is a respected guitarist with over 25 years years of performance experience. He has backed up such artists as Big Joe Turner,Lowell Fulson, Jimmy Witherspoon, Big Mamma Thorton, Pee Wee Crayton, Charlie Musselwhite, and Bo Diddley.The band is a collaboration of seasoned musicians all respected in their own right. So don't miss out! Come on down and have some fun dancin to one of San Diego’s top bands.
Swing'n Kings Website
John Earl's
Boogieman Band
Playing Saturday and Sunday
May 7th, 8th ~ 11:00 AM ~ Bourbon St. Stage
John Earl's BoogieMen Band was founded in 1988 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They began playing concerts as the opening act for both Blues and Zydeco icons such as Albert Collins, Geno Delafose, John Lee Hooker, Al Rapone, Koko Taylor and Louisiana Sue with Kenny Menard to name but a few!
The band members are well seasoned veterans from Connecticut to California and Wisconsin to Texas. "Hold the seasonin' Mabel, this band is HOT!!!"
John Earl's Boogieman Website
Chris Martinez
Hollywood Texas Blues
Playing Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
May 6th, 7th & 8th
It all started in the early 1990′s, when Chris Martinez originally started Hollywood Texas as a three piece blues band. But as the economic train wreck continued to smolder… Hollywood Texas Blues was born. Changing directions, Chris Martinez then started producing a live music TV cable show featuring local musicians, hosting singer/songwriter showcases, finding amazing undiscovered local talent, and creating “The Ginger Lounge,” a private invite only venue for friends and family, named by llocal guitar hero, Jimmy Papastathis. They will be filming and posting each day, gathering footage for a documentary about their journey, struggles, sacrifices, and the state of the live music scene today in the USA.
Hollywood Texas Blues Website
Road Dogs
Very very Funky Blues
A Road Dog's show is a dynamic mix of old and new electric blues from this fun, tight, dedicated, rehearsed, goodtime blues band. Their show is always danceable and always a blast! Whether they’re playing for a large crowd or a small group, Road Dogs always wow them, especially so on a recent six gig tour of Costa Rica where they performed at the 2nd Annual Costa Rican Blues Festival. They have opened for such national acts as Doyle Bramhall, Tommy Castro, Smokin Joe Kubek, Guitar Shorty and Mike Zito. This is a blues band not to be missed.
Website
Robin Henkel
with Kellie Rucker
on Harp
Americana to the Bone
Playing May 7th ~ 12:40 PM
Get ready to hear a San Diego Legend! Winner of Best Blues CD at the 2000 San Diego Music Awards, Robin Henkel’s guitar playing encompasses the blues, jazz, funk, country swing, Hawaiian and Latin music. Borrowing from each of those styles when he performs, he sometimes even surprises himself with the musical direction his songs take. He likes to shake things up, so expect the unexpected.. "I like playing music", he says. “It just feels good!” Listeners will feel especially good, too, when Henkel picks up that sawed-off pipe fitting and puts it on his baby finger, and then lays it on the strings of a resonator or Dobro.
Website
Dennard Clendenin & the
Brother Blood Blues Band
Big Blues Classics and Originals
Playing May 8th ~ 2:20 AM
A transplant from The Bronx, NYC, Dennard originally took up the guitar as therapy for an injured hand. His hand healed, and now he and his band have been showing his audiences a good time ever since! His influnces include blues legends such as BB King, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, and Buddy Guy. Be sure to look for Dennard and the band at various local bars and clubs!
Website
Chet Cannon
& The Committee
Good Time Blues, Swing and Rockin' Boogie!
Playing May 7th ~ 11:50 AM Mardi Gras Stage
Chet Cannon is a self described Terminal Blues Fan who once attended 26 blues shows in just 29 days. Diggin' blues since the early 1970's. Developing his singing voice from a young age in church with the family, and later singing along to Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley on the radio. Over the years having attempted to play drums, trumpet, guitar, and most recently the harmonica which you'll hear every now and then. Have you heard the News? Chet and The Committee were nominated Best Blues Band 2008 and again for 2009 by San Diego Music Awards Association. Don't miss this truly groovin' "Swingtime" band!
Chet Cannon will also be hosting "The Chet Cannon's Blues Party" in the early evening.
Website
Ben Powell
Mississippi Delta Blues
with a unique energy and soul.
Playing May 8th ~ 4:50 PM ~ Fountain Stage
Ben Powell makes his way through this world like a one man band of years past, but with a fresh, new, vibrant sound. Ben has created a truley unique sound playing his resonator guitars, stomping on a homemade winebox footboard, playing rack-harmonica, and singing his old style blues and his original tunes about anything from world politics, to economics, to any of the issues of the day. Ben's show's are high energy, uplifting and should not be missed!
Ben Powell Website
Billy Watson
Mysterious excitement and
spontaneity to every performance
Billy Watson is an entertainer extraordinaire, capable of throwing down a blues show that can be infectiously hilarious and convincingly nasty. His energy as a frontman is relentless, his vocals inspiring, and his harp work musically outstanding. Billy's repertoire ranges from creepy grooves, grinding shuffles, to fast boogies and swings. Yet audiences do not flock to his shows simply for his mastery of the harmonica... they are drawn by his magnetic stage personality and the idea of never knowing what antic may be next!
Blues music was created by people looking for a way to forget their "blues" by telling their stories through song. Billy's show reminds modern audiences that blues music can be lowdown, but that in the end it's all about having some fun, dancing, and forgetting about your worries.
Billy Watson Website
The Rhythm Jacks
Traditional Blues and Vintage Rock
Playing Sunday, May 8th ~ 12:30 PM
Bourbon St Stage
Based out of San Diego, The Rhythm Jacks play an intriguing repertoire of unusual Rhythm & Blues, traditional Blues, Vintage Rock 'n' Roll and Jazz. The Rhythm Jacks love playing driving grooves, and making people dance. You'll hear songs the other groups just don't play spiced up with smoking slide guitar and dynamite sax lines. The Rhythm Jacks combine a dozen original songs with a collection of gems from artists like Howlin Wolf, Mose Allison, Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, Little Feat, Ry Cooder, Robert Johnson, Little Richard, Albert King, and Johnny Winter.
Website
Will Street Blues
Groovin' Blues and Beyond
Playing Sunday, May 8th ~ 3:00 PM
Fountain Stage
Come see, hear, and dance to the southern style rockin' blues show of "Will Street Blues" Sunday at 3 PM. Featuring Will "The Thrill!" Jackson on Bass Guitar and vocals, Bobby "Whiteshoes" Bowley on Drums, and the Duane Allman style "Hot Licks" of Terry Padgett on Guitar! Just the right mix of spices to
"Get your Gator on!"
Website
Burnsville Blues Band
Groovin' Blues and Beyond
Playing Saturday, May 7th ~ 4:00 PM
Fountain Stage
The Burnsville Band is another fine group of bluesmen from that burgeoning San Diego, CA, scene. Mixing the eclectic styles of electric Texas blues/rock, and acoustic Delta blues, the Burnsville Band is making waves on the strength of their outstanding musicianship and their unique sound. They have gained an ever-growing fan base thru the energy of their live shows. with their fans clamoring for a CD. Thanks to the good folks at Double Barrel Records, that wait is over, with the release of "Give Me A Job." It's ten tracks of good-time, roadhouse-rockin' boogie, featuring a couple of sweet nods to the Delta masters, letting everyone know that these guys are true to the roots of the blues, while continuing to give their fans a rockin' good time!
Website
Roxy Blue and the Handful
A Journey of Musical Fusion
Playing Saturday, May 7th ~ 5:00 PM
Fountain Stage
Roxy Blue and the Handful is a local San Diego band that fuses jazz, blues, hip-hop and rock n’ roll to create one heck of a ride for their live performances. From bringing fans up onstage to dance with the band, to silencing a room for a soulful ballad, every show is a journey that will leave you with stories to tell your friends, coworkers, and the grandkids, when they're old enough to hear about that kind of stuff!
Website
Blues Wailers
with Harmonica John
12 bar Blues
Playing Saturday, May 7th ~ 3:00 PM
Fountain Stage
BluesWailers play blues/rock with a funky edge. Harmonica John Frazer plays drums and harmonica simultaneously, while Rod “Lumpy” Lumry holds down the bass and “Big Shot” Reuben Vigil creates the guitar textures. BluesWailers tend to play less traditional “12 bar” blues than your average blues band. Be ready to jump around!
Website
Mercedes Moore Band
Blues with a Twist of R & B
Playing Sunday, May 8th ~ 12:00 PM
Fountain Stage
The Mercedes Moore Band combines traditional blues with the soul of the 50's and 60's. Mercedes Moore captivates audiences with her sultry voice and graceful presence. Diverse rhythms keep dancers moving and listeners grooving!
Website
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Jambalaya
Eve Selis
"Nothing But The Truth!"
Playing Saturday, May 7th ~ 5:50 PM
Mardi Gras Stage
Eve Selis isn’t just a “singer” — she’s an emotion transducer who converts country, R&B, blues, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll signals into a megawatt zap that galvanizes everyone in its path. And as with fellow femme-furnace frontwomen Bonnie Raitt, Joan Osborne, Maria McKee, Melissa Etheridge, and Lydia Pense, the cauterizing power of Selis’s voice can arc-weld material from almost any genre into a personal manifesto. The group is made up of great musicians, and a potent potpourri of songs that sound like they burst fully formed from the artist’s bared soul. Don't Miss Eve Selis on Saturday!
Eve Selis Website
Three Chord Justice
~Songs from a Real Country Girl~
Playing May 8th ~ 12:30 PM
How do you like your twang? Whether it be warm heartfelt vocals with a weeping steel guitar or riding on the edge of a rail with freight train beats and a Telecaster spitting out deep fried nuggets of Americana goodness, Three Chord Justice has it on their menu and is ready to serve. TCJ’s music is a true gumbo of Americana… Country, Blues, Rock, Folk. It’s all in the pot, sometimes simmering and sometimes boiling over. Hailing from Missoula, Montana singer/songwriter Liz Grace leads TCJ through a mix of Americana crafted originals and handpicked covers from the likes of Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams, Buck Owens and Patsy Cline. She got an early start singing in bars and honky-tonks, far before legal age, having to wait in alleys during band breaks. Three Chord Justice ain’t looking to change the world…they just want to put a little twang in your corner of it.
Website
The Stilettos
Hotrod Rockabilly of the 50's
Playing Sunday May 8th ~ 4:20 PM
The up-beat music of the 50’s lives in the fun-inducing retro sounds of The Stilettos, one of Southern California's favorite rockabilly & swing bands. Not stuck in a time warp, however, they also play some swingin' originals and plenty of contempoary rockabilly tunes. With their energy, sound and classic look, The Stilettos are a powerful musical production, doing their best to bring their music, style and good times of the 50's to the dance halls all over the world, from Hollywood to Bollywood.
Stilettos Website
Shari Puorto
Playing Friday 5:30 PM, May 6th
Festival Stage
Shari Puorto Band (or commonly referred to as, The Shari Puorto Experience) is a Blues, Roots, Rock-N-Soul band and have been touring together for many years.
Unique & powerful vocals, BIG guitar, groove-oriented rock & roll with a full dropper of Blues coloring.
The Shari Puorto Website
Nena Anderson
"Real Country, Real Jazz, Real Music"
Playing Sunday, May 8th ~ 2:00 PM
Bourbon St Stage
Incredibly sexy and sweet and soulful…rare and unflinching sounds. Kay Starr on Valium. Rickie Lee Jones with diction. A mix of PJ Harvey, Big Mama Thornton, Lucinda Williams and Billie Holiday all in one velvety voice. Nena Anderson offers us an honest, raw, and completely unrelenting look into our own souls by pouring out her own. We hear all of her vulnerability and heartache as well as her strength and frustration, carried by the velvety texture and warm tones, drawn in by captivating songs. We stay because our hearts won’t let us leave.
Her jazz, blues, country, and rock-inflected songs are simple, timeless melodies that cross genres and capture audiences.
Nena Anderson Website
Sickstring Outlaws
Wild Country Blues
Playing Saturday May 7th ~ 5:10 PM
Bourbon St Stage
The Sickstring Outlaws are a outlaw/bluegrass country band whose main goal is to show people a good time by keeping old school country/southern rock music alive. The San Diego based band whose members consist of lead singer/songwriter Ron Houston, guitarist Rizzy Rizbourne, electric bassist and harmonica player Drew Holiday, drummer/percussionist Eric Alan, banjo pickin Jason Weiss and backup vocalist Marcy Houston. The Sickstring Outlaws have taken the hard way by playing their own originals instead of playing covers which seems to be the easy way out.
If you are lucky enough to catch their show...you will not be disappointed.
Sickstring Outlaws Website
Rose Winters
Piano Extraordinaire at Her Best!
Playing May 6th ~ 4:00 PM
Bourbon Street Supper Club Stage
Rose Winters starts off our 10th Anniversary Festival playing a rockin’ set with a very special trip around the world in the middle. Lots of Rose Winters originals, including songs from her two CD’s, and her very own, “San Diego Is Where it’s At!” Also dynamo cover tunes, from Amy Winehouse to Louie Prima, Black Eyed Peas to Peggy Lee! "I had the honor of co-writing a song for Ray Charles!"
Smokey Blues, sizzling latin and rocking good fun!
Rose Winters Website
"Slapjazz Barber" and
"Spoonful" Collins
A Unique San Diego Treat
Playing May 7th ~ 11:50 AM
Meet Danny "SlapJazz" Barber and Leland Collins (aka "Spoonful" or simply "Spoons"). (Leland's in the red derby hat, Danny's in the black derby hat). These gentlemen have been wowing everyone they play for...musicians, kids, grown-ups, pets, and now trees. Danny slaps “jazz” (more widely known as hambone or body percussion) and plays jaw harp, while Leland beats those spoons together...each with such flair and style, it's indescribable. Just by the nature of their instruments, their shows are unique...but their showmanship and talent make it a rapturous event. Whether performing solo, or together...their funkified rhythms get to you and you absolutely HAVE to move with it. Don't pass up a chance to see, hear or jam with either or both of these gentlemen. It's a rhythmical, musical education...not to mention just a damn good time!
Website
Kellie Rucker
Women In The Blues Traveling The World
Playing May 8th ~ 3:30 PM
Bayou Grove Stage
She stands a mere five feet tall, but don't let her tiny stature fool you, Kellie Rucker is a very BIG talent. Over the course of a professional career that has spanned more than 25 years, she has appeared on the bill or onstage with such legends as Dizzy Gillespie, Stephen Stills, Albert Collins, James Cotton, ZZ Top, Dan Hicks, Warren Zevon, Little Feat and B.B. King. Kellie has become a recording artist in her own right, with 3 CD releases, *"Ain't Hit Bottom", "Church of Texas", and the latest release, "Kellie Rucker, Music of Soul Return". Her command of the blues harp and her powerful singing voice have made her a key ingredient on recordings and live shows.
Kellie Rucker Website
Talking Fields
Taking us back to our Celtic Roots!
Playing May 8th ~ 12:00 PM ~ Bayou Grove
Talking Fields is the culmination of a musical relationship that has transcended both space and time. The group's core members are Dominic Cummins, a Gaelic speaking Irishman, and Tom Podgoretsky, a native Californian. The pair began performing folk music and the protest songs of the era in the cafes and bars of Paris, France. Their influences are diverse and unusual but whenever they get together they always seem to wind up back at their roots, as *“bards” of the present time, playing music for everyone, wherever they go.
* Definition: 15th century Scottish & Irish Gaelic bard - in Celtic culture, a poet-singer, composer or declaimer skilled in composing and reciting verses on heroes and their deeds describing important events.
Tinku
Andean, Latin and World Folk Music
"A MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA"
Since 1995, TINKU's specialty consists of delighting audiences with a musical extravaganza featuring a large selection of music from around the world (international music) and a wide repertoire of Latin based song themes from over 12 different countries and 19+ musical genres.
TINKU is a family band comprised of father & sons whose musicians are recording artists and multi-instrumentalists. TINKU's youngest artists are also members of the San Diego Youth Symphony.
In addition, TINKU utilizes a variety of native instruments and highlights the unique sounds of the South American string, percussion and wind instruments known as "panpipes" or "panflutes".
Current venues include: Seaport Village, Old Town State Historic Park, Universal Studios Hollywood and City of Palm Springs among others. Some prior venues include performances at Seaworld California, the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Wild Animal Park.
Website
Bed Breakers
A mix of Blues covers and originals
Playing Friday, May 6th ~ 4:15 PM
The Bedbreakers were formed in 1989 by guitarist and singer Tim Pinnell and musical partner Alan Brown. We had played together in various bands since 1979, and decided to get a group together to play some blues and other American roots music. Harmonica player David Harrison joined up in the early 90's and added another great texture to the band. We spent most of the 90's playing around Southern California, notably at the Casbah and the Belly Up Tavern. In 1998 we released a CD, "Widetrack Town", which included a mix of originals and cover material.
Website
Red Lotus Review
Oldtime Blues At Its Best
A mix of musicians, The Red Lotus Revue is made up of Karl Cabbage on harmonica/vocals, Jimmy Zollo on guitar, and Pete Fazzini on Guitar. These seasoned musicians have played all over Southern California, Memphis, and Chicagoland areas... ..Karl Cabbage is most noted for his work with West of Memphis, which was awarded San Diego's best blues band title in 2009 by the San Diego Music Awards. Karl is also noted for being the front man of The Smokin' Knights, which was voted by Blues Lovers United of San Diego to represent their organization in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN in 2010.
Website
Sandollar Band
Smooth Reggae....
Playing Sunday, May 8th ~ 11:00 AM
Fountain Stage
The local San Diego band called Sandollar is so diverse it falls in a genre of its own: beach rock. Their early start came from daily jam sessions in a high school woodshop class and has evolved throughout the years, picking up new songs and new members along the way. This 5 piece band, consisting of vocals, keyboard, guitars, bass and drums, currently tours all of San Diego County, performing at popular venues such as Sound Wave, Winston’s and 710 Beach Club. Sandollar has released one self-titled CD and is currently in studio mastering two new singles, with plans to release them in the Spring of 2011.
Website
Michele Lundeen
Featuring Madame LeRoux
and her Mardi Gras Krewe
Playing Saturday, May 7th ~ 5:30 PM
Fountain Stage
Michele Lundeen, dubbed the "QUEEN OF STEAM" for her stirring vocals and electrifying stage presence, does indeed command attention. Often described as "Janis Joplin meets Bonnie Raitt" (or think Lydia Pense, Bonnie Bramlett, Bette Midler, Etta James, Aretha Franklin!), Michele is a POWERFUL, SOULFUL vocalist with an incomparable style all her own, effortlessly blending classic roadhouse rhythm & blues, jump swing, Memphis groove, sultry jazz and funky soul into a satisfying musical stew.
Influenced by that commanding, Gospel/Soul sound, Michele’s own musical expressions exude attitude and confidence...but especially honesty. "I'm honestly moved by my experiences enough to shout them from the rooftops," Singing is a release. I'm telling/singing my story from my heart...my soul...I feel it, I believe it, and I know that the people can relate...I hand over my honest emotions to the audience.”!
Website
The Panache Orchestra
East Meets West.... with 10 Strings!
Playing Sunday, May 8th ~ 11:10 AM
Bayou Grove Stage
The Panache Orchestra got started in Tokyo, Japan in mid 1998. TPO has enjoyed an unusually warm welcome to the hyper-competitive environment of Southern California since their official US launch in 2008, being enthusiastically received at fine arts events and music festivals, which speaks highly of what they have brought to the party, arriving uninvited and unannounced, with only their instruments, their resumes and their music, and a steely resolve to make a go of it. Since their relocation to Los Angeles, California in 2006, they have released a critically acclaimed double album "10 Strings", featuring acoustic guitar/violin renditions of 20 of their original compositions, and are presently working on a follow-on project that will feature more of their music with more elaborate arrangements. Not to be missed!
Website
The Crown Point Jr.
Music Academy Music Club
The Future of Music Making!
Playing Saturday, May 7th ~ 11:00 AM
Mardi Gras Stage
Crown Point Jr. Music Academy Music Club is an after school Club that was started October 2009. It is an all comers Club, meaning no musical experience is necessary to participate. We meet twice a week throughout the school year. At any given session the Club has 25-35 participants, K to 5th grade. The Club focus is “Modern Band” which includes guitar (acoustic/electric/base), drums, vocals, harmonica and percussion. The Club relies on parent and teacher volunteers for instruction along with donated instruments and equipment. We play an eclectic selection of music including rock, reggae, blues and country. Let’s Rock!
Website
The Trunks
San Diego
Playing Saturday, May 7th ~ 11:00 AM
Fountain Stage
A youthful new band whose influences range from Albert king to John Scofield to Motown. "We love funk, rock, blues, jazz, and a fusion of it all to make our own sound." We are mostly an instrumental band but very organized about it, with dynamics that you would not excpect from 17 year olds. We Love to get involved with the audience as well, we bring drums up for the children and let them jam with us, its a really cool experience.
Gary Lehmann
Wandering Minstrel
Playing Saturday & Sunday,
10:00 PM
Front Gate and
throughout the Festival.
Catch him if you can.
Website
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