Gulf Coast Records artist: Albert Castiglia - Righteous Souls - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Righteous Souls, from Albert Castiglia and it's chocked full of great music and heavy talent. Opening with Centerline, a rocker with a cool backbeat, Albert Castiglia is upfront on lead vocal and guitar, joined by Jerry Jemmott on bass, Jim Pugh on keys, D'man Martin on drums, Kid Andersen on guitars, Lisa Andersen on backing vocals, and features a great twin guitar duel with Popa Chubby. Great opener. Kevin Burt has the mic on R&B track, Mama, I Love You featuring a strong bass line by Jemmott, tight rhythm by D'Mar and really nice guitar work by Castiglia. Rick Estrin is upfront with Castiglia on Jr Wells' Come On In This House. Estrin's contribution is terrific and Castiglia milks all of the juice from his guitar, complimented by Pugh on piano making this one of my favorites on the release. Buddy Guy's funky, The Dollar Done Fell, features Josh Smith and Castiglia working the guitars and terrific vocals by Castiglia and Lisa Little Baby Andersen with Jemmott and D'Mar driving the rhythm. Excellent! Wrapping the release is another Wells track, What My Momma Told Me, with Castiglia really singing the Chicago blues. Estrin on harmonica really gets it going and Monster Mike Welch does a great job screaming the blues n guitar. Dyna


  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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mite closer. 

Gulf Coast Records artist: Joanna Connor - Best of Me - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Best of Me, by Joanna Connor and it's wild. Opening with funky blues number, House Rules, Connor dons her notorious slide guitar, accompanying herself on lead vocal, also featuring Josh Smith on guitar, and backed by a serious horn section of Fernando Castillo on trumpet and flugelhorn, Carlos Sosa on sax and flute, Raul Vallejo on trombone, together the Grooveline horns, Shaun Gotti Calloway on bass, Jason Edwards on drums, and Curtis Moore Jr on organ. Super opener. Title track, Best of Me, is a smooth, soulful, ballad featuring really nice vocal by Conner and nicely articulated lead work making hits an ideal radio track. I Lost You is another slow blues with excellent vocal and guitar lead by Conner, complimented by Dan Souvigny on rhythm and keys. Blues driver, Mercury Blues, really gets rolling with Conner pushing on vocal and letting the slide fly, joined by David Abbruzzese on drums. Very cool. Wrapping the release is blues rocker, Shine On with Gary Hoey joining on guitar and Jason Ricci joining on harmonica. With a really great beat, heavy riffs by Hoey, a driving bass line by Calloway and a tight drum bottom by Edwards, this is a solid closer to a real solid release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Vizztone Label Group artist: Chris "Bad News" Barnes - Live - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live, from Chris "Bad News" Barnes it's  a full blown boogie rocker. Opening with Back In A Cadillac, Barnes leads with his vocal power, joined by Gary Hoey on lead guitar, Steve Guyger onharp and backed by Sandy MacDonald on piano, AJ Pappas on bass, Matt Scurfield on drums, Mark Earley on sax, Doug Woolverton on trumpet and Gracie Curran on backing vocal. Little Walter's Boom Boom, Out Go The Lights gets a faster rockier pace and a strong harmonica solo by Guyger, nice sax solo by Earley, wicked guitar work by Hoey and full trumpet work by Woolverton give the track real oomph. Gravelly vocals by Barnes on a lumbering version of Morganfield's Hoochie Coochie Man is real nice with a humping bass line by Pappas and greasy solos by both Hoey and Guyger give the track a real grind. With it's Bo Diddley beat, It's Tight Like That, has Curran echoing Barnes lead vocals and wicked slide by Hoey sounds great over the tight horn accent. A Latin beat on Keep Your Mind On It, gives Hoey a great opportunity to show off his Spanish guitar techniques and cues up real nice Cuban style piano playing by MacDonald. Wrapping the release is Steve Cropper's R&B track, Raise Your Hand, with a healthy does of horns. Solid closer.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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Provogue Records artist: Gary Hoey - Neon Highway Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Neon Highway Blues, from Gary Hoey and it's a solid blues rocker with lots of heat. Opening with, Under The Rug, a funky blues rocker with a definite Eric Gales added guitar flavor. Hoey's style is easily discernable from Gales and they work together nicely. With Matt Scurfield on drums, Sandy MacDonald on organ and AJ Pappas on bass, a solid opener. Slowing it down to a cool blues pace, Mercy of Love is up next with Josh Smith joining Hoey for some real blues fireworks. Excellent! One of my favorite tracks on the release is shuffle track, Your Kind Of Love with an super shuffle feel and slick slide guitar work. Very nice. Don't Come Crying is a solid 8 bar number featuring Hoey's son Ian laying down some serious riffs with the old man. This is a cool track and showcases what's coming up for the blues world. For those seeking the blues ballad style with lead guitar a la Gary Moore, Almost Heaven is sure to scratch your itch. Lance Lopez is certainly a force to be reckoned with and add him to the mix with Gary Hoey, you've got white heat. That's exactly what you have on Damned If I Do, a pyrotechnic guitar shuffle. Trading solos over a solid rhythm line gets it done. A flashy, run heavy blues rocker, Living The Highlife really shows Hoey's agile finger work over a solid rock line. Very cool. Wrapping the release is title track, Neon Highway Blues, a melodic guitar ballad which has all the right stuff. Clean, articulate slide work over lush chords...a perfect way to end a really solid release.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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Connor Ray Music artist: Ally Venable - Puppet Show - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Puppet Show, from Ally Venable and it's quite good. Opening with Devil's Son, a powerful blues rocker, Venable leads on guitar and vocal, backed by Elijah Owings on drums and Bobby Wallace on bass. Gary Hoey adds some voracious guitar riffs on this track giving it a smoking hot edge. Very nice. Steve Krase joins on traditional delta style, Blackwater Blues, with a stripped down opening and then opening up to a full tilt blues rocker showcasing some of Venable's best riffs on the release. One of my favorite tracks on the release is a cover of Taj Mahal's, He Caught The Katy, with it's super bass line and solid vocal and guitar work by Venable. Excellent! With the swagger of Lynyrd Skynyrd, title track, Puppet Show is a solid rocker with really nice guitar riffs by Venable and warm keys by Eric Steckel. Another of my favorites on the release is slow blues, Comfort In My Sorrows with it's big time San Francisco blues styling and crisp, fluid guitar soloing by Venable. Very very nice! Jazz rocker, Survive, has exceptional bass lines with driving drums and full organ. Venable leads throughout with proud guitar work continuing to confirm her arrival as a serious guitar rocker. Wrapping the release is Sleeping Through The Storm, a straight ahead rocker with a driving boogie beat and heavy bottom. With slashing riffs and stiff, in your face drumming, this is an excellent closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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Provogue Records artist: Gary Hoey - Dust & Bones - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Dust & Bones, from Gary Hoey, and it's cool. Opening with blues power rocker, Boxcar Blues you get a strong taste of Hoey with a blend of Zep and Paul Rogers. Hoey leads the charge on electric slide and vocal backed by Matt Scurfield on drums and AJ Pappas. Strong. Next up is Who's Your Daddy, a fleet shuffle with the guitar finesse of Skynyrd's,I Know A Little, and driving boogie riffs on bass and drums. Very nice. Born To Love You has the strong drive that I associate with Foghat or Procol Harem blended with ZZ Top rocker. With a great rock style and fluid guitar runs, this disc smokes. Slowing things down a bit, title track, Dust & Bones, has more of a 90's rock feel with ballad like lines and clean guitar melody. Steamroller is a tribute to Johnny Winter with a driving drum and bass line under Hoey on slide (think Mean Town Blues). Solid blues rocker! Lita Ford shares the mic with Hoey on ballad, Coming Home. A well written radio style track, this one could easily get broad radio play. Ghost Of Yesterday is a nice rocker with traces of early Robin Trower but with a stylized turn of the century twist. A power rocker, this track really gives Hoey the opportunity to show his guitar riffs with vocal harmonies softening the edge. Another solid ballad, This Time Tomorrow, shows Hoey's finesse as a vocalist with shimmery chords under his nicely executed blues rock guitar lead. Shuffle track, Back Up Against The Wall, may be the most deliberate blues track on the release with relaxed vocals and soloing. Blind Faith is a lead footed blues rocker with super slide blues lead. With it's heavy bottom and slippery slide, this is a cool track. Wrapping the release is a super charged instrumental, Soul Surfer, with a blues bottom (think Otis Rush) overlaid with surf formatting with glistening chords and rapid blues riffs. I like both genres so this track is a home run! Excellent closer for a strong release.



  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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World's Best Blues & Beer Meet in Ventura: Two-Day California Beer Festival is Back

WORLD'S BEST BLUES & BEER MEET IN VENTURA: TWO-DAY CALIFORNIA BEER FESTIVAL IS BACK     Ventura Beer Week: Sept. 14-21   Craft Beer Heaven: Saturday, Sept. 20 (12:30 p.m. -5 p.m.) Blues & BBQ Festival: Sunday, Sept. 21 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)       SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: CBF'S FAMOUS "CRAFT BEER HEAVEN" - OVER 140 LOCAL, REGIONAL, AND NATIONAL CRAFT BEERS ON TAP, PLUS WIDE ARRAY OF GOURMET FOOD TRUCKS AND ALL-DAY MUSIC     SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21: "BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL" - AMAZING MUSIC LINEUP (TAB BENOIT, GARY HOEY, TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT, MORE) AND ALL-DAY BBQ SAMPLING, WITH CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER, FREE

(Ventura, CA) - All roads lead to Ventura as the world's best Blues music and Craft Beer once again meet at the 6th Annual California Beer Festival, Mission Park, 185 E. Santa Clara St., Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21. Prior to that is Ventura County Beer Week, from September 14-21, with nightly Craft beer-themed activities at selected venues throughout Ventura. The California Beer Festival is now a yearly post-Labor Day event that draws several thousand people during each of it's two distinctly different days - Saturday primarily for Craft Beer enthusiasts; Sunday for Blues lovers of all ages permitted (children 12 and under, free). Tickets priced as follows: Saturday's Craft Beer Heaven, $50.; Designated Driver tickets (Saturday only), $25.; Sunday's Blues & BBQ Fest (only), $30.; Blues & BBQ Sample Judge ticket, $45. (get to sample up to eight BBQ entries and vote for the winners! Sunday only); V.I.P. 3-Day Pass (Friday's 'Brew With A View,' Saturday's Craft Beer Heaven and Sunday's Blues & BBQ Fest, $109; 2-Day Pass (Craft Beer Festival and Blues & BBQ Fest), $75. Buy tickets now at http://www.californiabeerfestival.com/ventura/buytickets.php. Info: (805) 351-5650. In keeping with the yearly tradition, a portion of the proceeds from each day benefit the Gen Giammanco Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial support to student athletes to assist in their pursuit of both scholastic and athletic success in Ventura County.                     Saturday, September 20: CRAFT BEER HEAVEN        Saturday's Craft Beer Heaven (12:30-5:00 p.m.) is one of the largest yearly beer festivals in the state, and with over 140 craft beers on tap, it's a great place to come sample amazing craft beer from all over the world. Sample such fine beers as the legendary Burt's Honey Wheat; Karl Strauss; Surf Brewery; Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company; Creekside brewing Company; Woodchuck Hard Cider; Twisted Manzanita Ales; Wolf Creek Brewing Company; Mike's Hard Lemonade Company; American Vintage Beverage; Headlands Brewing Company; The Lab Brewing Company; Tap It Brewing Company; Fireman's Brew; Chaucer's Cellars; The Boston Beer Company; Ace Cider; Twisted Tea Brewing Company; Indian Wells Brewery; Reverend Nats Hard CIder; Anderson Valley Brewing Company; Einstok; Venice Duck Brewery; Frozen Beer; Mendocino Brewing Company; Mission Brewery; Telegraph Brewing; Crabbie's Ginger Beer; Crabbie's Orange Spiced; Kronenbourg Blanc 1664; Oskar Blues; and Coronado Brewing Company. Live music throughout the day by Rey Fresco, Dr. M and Petty Theft, the ultimate Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers tribute band. A great place to expand your mind and educate yourself on new and old styles of craft beer! Space is very limited; must be 21 years or older to attend. (Note: Beer Sampling times are from 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.).       Guitarist Tab Benoit (pictured) heads Sunday's stellar Blues & BBQ Festival lineup. Also performing; Gary Hoey; Trampled Under Foot; Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds; Michael John & The Bottom Line; Jonathan "Boogie" Long.                Sunday, September 21: BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL      Sunday's Blues & BBQ Festival features perhaps the most ambitious and eclectic lineup yet, in addition to amazing barbecue from top teams throughout California (special tickets must be purchased for BBQ sampling).      Headlining the main stage is guitarist Tab Benoit, Louisiana’s No. 1 roots export. More than just an acclaimed bluesman, he is an indefatigable conservation advocate. Benoit is a driving force behind Voice of the Wetlands, an organization working to save Louisiana’s wetlands. In 2010, he received the Governor’s Award for Conservationist of the Year from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. Benoit also starred in the iMax motion picture Hurricane on the Bayou, a documentary of Hurricane Katrina’s effects and a call to restore the wetlands. In 2007, Benoit won the dual awards of B.B. King Entertainer of the Year and Best Contemporary Male Performer at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis (formerly the W.C. Handy Awards). In 2006, he received a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues. Benoit's latest album, his seventh on the Telarc label, is titled Medicine. http://www.tabbenoit.com/.           World-renowned, rock guitarist Gary Hoey takes on the Blues with his new album, Deja Blues (Wazoo Music Group). "This is an album of original blues songs I’ve wanted to record for a long time. The blues has always been near and dear to my heart," states Hoey. "I have so much respect for it. When I’m recording a blues song, it’s a five-minute journey and you can’t take a breath, you can’t keep punching in the recording button to fix stuff or it loses the vibe.” To this day the guitar aficionado continues to tour extensively, endorsing Fender guitars and Amps, Monster cable, GHS Strings, and Rocktron to name a few. Hoey has toured and traded licks with the likes of Jeff Beck, Brian May of Queen, Joe Bonamassa, Ted Nugent, Joe Satriani, The Doobie Brothers, Foreigner, Styx, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Peter Frampton, and Dick Dale. http://garyhoey.com/.       Trampled Under Foot was originally formed as a family band consisting of Danielle, Nick and Kris Schnebelen. The trio headed to Memphis in 2008 for the IBC's, winning first place honors. Riding the wave of support following the IBC's, TUF took their unique style of power blues-rock to audiences around the world. After a series of headlining tours and standout performances at blues festivals across the globe, TUF earned the reputation as one of the hottest bands on the blues circuit. While their fan base grew world-wide, the trio released multiple CDs and DVDs under their own label, TUF Records, including 2011's highly-acclaimed Wrong Side of the Blues. The success of that album caught the attention of many throughout the music industry and in 2013 the band partnered with Concord Music Group to release their major label debut, Badlands. Hailed by fans and critics alike, Badlands revealed a musical sophistication well beyond the band’s years and provided further proof that Trampled Under Foot was the real deal. In 2014, after brother Kris announced he was leaving the band, Danielle and Nick solicited long-time friend/fellow KC musician Jan Faircloth to join them on drums. The addition of Faircloth inspired TUF to make other lineup changes; the group then added keyboardist Mike “Shinetop” Sedovic, turning the trio in to a four-piece and adding a new dimension to their already-stellar live performances. http://www.tufkc.com/.        Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds is a seven-piece powerhouse that put a modern spin on classic soul. The band is led by Arleigh Kincheloe (Sister Sparrow), whose astoundingly powerful voice and sly demeanor make for a spellbinding presence onstage. She is backed by the mighty force of The Dirty Birds, a flock of seven men who masterfully lay down thundering grooves and soaring melodies. While each of the Birds are capable of lighting up the stage with jaw-dropping displays of musicianship, it’s clear they’re all focused on delivering the band’s infectious music as a single entity. Simply put, the band’s live show is explosive. Sister Sparrow’s commanding style alone is more than enough to dazzle audiences, but the magic doesn’t end with her: the band’s palpable camaraderie, undeniable talent and passion for music makes for a contagious combination that is taking the country by storm. Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds’ blend of seductive soul and dirty blues-rock reminds audiences why they love live music. http://www.sistersparrow.com/.          Southern California native Michael John and his band, The Bottom Line, have earned their spot in the Blues scene. This six-piece, high-energy contemporary original blues band has played at many Festivals, concert theaters and venues such as The Doheny Blues Festival, Monterey Bay Blues Festival, BB King's Blues Club, Galaxy Theater, Coach House, and Ventura Theater. They have shared the bill with Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, The Robert Cray Band, Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, Coco Montoya, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robben Ford, John Hammond, Bobby Blue Bland, Solomon Burke, Rod Piazza and Tommy Castro to name a few. Michael John's strong, soulful vocals are without a doubt his main instrument while also supporting the groove with a style all his own on harmonica and rhythm Guitar. Their music has received positive feedback and airplay on blues stations throughout the U.S. http://michaeljohnandthebottomline.com/.        Hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jonathon “Boogie” Long was born with the blues coursing through his veins. Brought up in a Southern Baptist community, he first picked up the guitar at the age of six, teaching himself old gospel songs. At fourteen, Long left school to lay down his roots touring with local legends such as Henry Turner Jr. Since then, Long has shared the stage with standout musicians like Warren Haynes and Govt. Mule, Dr. John, Rockin’ Dopsie, Monte Montgomery, Ellis Hall, Kenny Neal, Larry Garner, Henry Gray, Lil Ray Neal, and Lou Marini of the Blues Brothers Band. Long currently fronts his own blues/soul trio, The Blues Revolution. His soul-stomping vocals and monster guitar shredding, paired with bluesy songwriting chops, make his powerhouse performances a “must see.” In 2013, Long was tapped by B.B. King to support his four-week tour.  He was also given a prime slot at the New Orleans Jazz Festival. Long's debut record was released in April of 2013. http://jonathonboogielong.com/.                http://www.californiabeerfestival.com/ventura/index.php     https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-California-Beer-Festival

World's Best Blues & Beer Meet in Ventura at 6th Annual California Beer Festival

WORLD'S BEST BLUES & BEER MEET IN VENTURA: TWO-DAY CALIFORNIA BEER FESTIVAL IS BACK Ventura Beer Week: Sept. 14-21 Craft Beer Heaven: Saturday, Sept. 20 (12:30 p.m. -5 p.m.) Blues & BBQ Festival: Sunday, Sept. 21 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: CBF'S FAMOUS "CRAFT BEER HEAVEN" - OVER 140 LOCAL, REGIONAL, AND NATIONAL CRAFT BEERS ON TAP, PLUS WIDE ARRAY OF GOURMET FOOD TRUCKS AND ALL-DAY MUSIC SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21: "BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL" - AMAZING MUSIC LINEUP (TAB BENOIT, GARY HOEY, TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT, MORE) AND ALL-DAY BBQ SAMPLING, WITH CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER, FREE

(Ventura, CA) - All roads lead to Ventura as the world's best Blues music and Craft Beer once again meet at the 6th Annual California Beer Festival, Mission Park, 185 E. Santa Clara St., Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21. Prior to that is Ventura County Beer Week, from September 14-21, with nightly Craft beer-themed activities at selected venues throughout Ventura. The California Beer Festival is now a yearly post-Labor Day event that draws several thousand people during each of it's two distinctly different days - Saturday primarily for Craft Beer enthusiasts; Sunday for Blues lovers of all ages permitted (children 12 and under, free). Tickets priced as follows: Saturday's Craft Beer Heaven, $50.; Designated Driver tickets (Saturday only), $25.; Sunday's Blues & BBQ Fest (only), $30.; Blues & BBQ Sample Judge ticket, $45. (get to sample up to eight BBQ entries and vote for thew winners! Sunday only); V.I.P. 3-Day Pass (Friday's 'Brew With A View,' Saturday's Craft Beer Heaven and Sunday's Blues & BBQ Fest, $!09; 2-Day Pass (Craft Beer Festival and Blues & BBQ Fest), $75. Buy tickets now at http://www.californiabeerfestival.com/ventura/buytickets.php. Info: (805) 351-5650. In keeping with the yearly tradition, a portion of the proceeds from each day benefit the Gen Giammanco Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial support to student athletes to assist in their pursuit of both scholastic and athletic success in Ventura County.             Saturday, September 20: CRAFT BEER HEAVEN    Saturday's Craft Beer Heaven (12:30-5:00 p.m.) is one of the largest yearly beer festivals in the state, and with over 140 craft beers on tap, it's a great place to come sample amazing craft beer from all over the world. Sample such fine beers as the legendary Burt's Honey Wheat; Karl Strauss; Surf Brewery; Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company; Creekside brewing Company; Woodchuck Hard Cider; Twisted Manzanita Ales; Wolf Creek Brewing Company; Mike's Hard Lemonade Company; American Vintage Beverage; Headlands Brewing Company; The Lab Brewing Company; Tap It Brewing Company; Fireman's Brew; Chaucer's Cellars; The Boston Beer Company; Ace Cider; Twisted Tea Brewing Company; Indian Wells Brewery; Reverend Nats Hard CIder; Anderson Valley Brewing Company; Einstok; Venice Duck Brewery; Frozen Beer; Mendocino Brewing Company; Mission Brewery; Telegraph Brewing; Crabbie's Ginger Beer; Crabbie's Orange Spiced; Kronenbourg Blanc 1664; Oskar Blues; and Coronado Brewing Company. Live music throughout the day by Rey Fresco, Dr. M and Petty Theft, the ultimate Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers tribute band. A great place to expand your mind and educate yourself on new and old styles of craft beer! Space is very limited; must be 21 years or older to attend. (Note: Beer Sampling times are from 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.). Guitarist Tab Benoit (pictured) heads Sunday's stellar Blues & BBQ Festival lineup. Also performing; Gary Hoey; Trampled Under Foot; Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds; Michael John & The Bottom Line; Jonathan "Boogie" Long.            Sunday, September 21: BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL    Sunday's Blues & BBQ Festival features perhaps the most ambitious and eclectic lineup yet, in addition to amazing barbecue from top teams throughout California (special tickets must be purchased for BBQ sampling).    Headlining the main stage is guitarist Tab Benoit, Louisiana’s No. 1 roots export. More than just an acclaimed bluesman, he is an indefatigable conservation advocate. Benoit is a driving force behind Voice of the Wetlands, an organization working to save Louisiana’s wetlands. In 2010, he received the Governor’s Award for Conservationist of the Year from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. Benoit also starred in the iMax motion picture Hurricane on the Bayou, a documentary of Hurricane Katrina’s effects and a call to restore the wetlands. In 2007, Benoit won the dual awards of B.B. King Entertainer of the Year and Best Contemporary Male Performer at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis (formerly the W.C. Handy Awards). In 2006, he received a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues. Benoit's latest album, his seventh on the Telarc label, is titled Medicine. http://www.tabbenoit.com/.     World-renowned, rock guitarist Gary Hoey takes on the Blues with his new album, Deja Blues (Wazoo Music Group). "This is an album of original blues songs I’ve wanted to record for a long time. The blues has always been near and dear to my heart," states Hoey. "I have so much respect for it. When I’m recording a blues song, it’s a five-minute journey and you can’t take a breath, you can’t keep punching in the recording button to fix stuff or it loses the vibe.” To this day the guitar aficionado continues to tour extensively, endorsing Fender guitars and Amps, Monster cable, GHS Strings, and Rocktron to name a few. Hoey has toured and traded licks with the likes of Jeff Beck, Brian May of Queen, Joe Bonamassa, Ted Nugent, Joe Satriani, The Doobie Brothers, Foreigner, Styx, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Peter Frampton, and Dick Dale. http://garyhoey.com/.   Trampled Under Foot was originally formed as a family band consisting of Danielle, Nick and Kris Schnebelen. The trio headed to Memphis in 2008 for the IBC's, winning first place honors. Riding the wave of support following the IBC's, TUF took their unique style of power blues-rock to audiences around the world. After a series of headlining tours and standout performances at blues festivals across the globe, TUF earned the reputation as one of the hottest bands on the blues circuit. While their fan base grew world-wide, the trio released multiple CDs and DVDs under their own label, TUF Records, including 2011's highly-acclaimed Wrong Side of the Blues. The success of that album caught the attention of many throughout the music industry and in 2013 the band partnered with Concord Music Group to release their major label debut, Badlands. Hailed by fans and critics alike, Badlands revealed a musical sophistication well beyond the band’s years and provided further proof that Trampled Under Foot was the real deal. In 2014, after brother Kris announced he was leaving the band, Danielle and Nick solicited long-time friend/fellow KC musician Jan Faircloth to join them on drums. The addition of Faircloth inspired TUF to make other lineup changes; the group then added keyboardist Mike “Shinetop” Sedovic, turning the trio in to a four-piece and adding a new dimension to their already-stellar live performances. http://www.tufkc.com/.    Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds is a seven-piece powerhouse that put a modern spin on classic soul. The band is led by Arleigh Kincheloe (Sister Sparrow), whose astoundingly powerful voice and sly demeanor make for a spellbinding presence onstage. She is backed by the mighty force of The Dirty Birds, a flock of seven men who masterfully lay down thundering grooves and soaring melodies. While each of the Birds are capable of lighting up the stage with jaw-dropping displays of musicianship, it’s clear they’re all focused on delivering the band’s infectious music as a single entity. Simply put, the band’s live show is explosive. Sister Sparrow’s commanding style alone is more than enough to dazzle audiences, but the magic doesn’t end with her: the band’s palpable camaraderie, undeniable talent and passion for music makes for a contagious combination that is taking the country by storm. Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds’ blend of seductive soul and dirty blues-rock reminds audiences why they love live music. http://www.sistersparrow.com/.    Southern California native Michael John and his band, The Bottom Line, have earned their spot in the Blues scene. This six-piece, high-energy contemporary original blues band has played at many Festivals, concert theaters and venues such as The Doheny Blues Festival, Monterey Bay Blues Festival, BB King's Blues Club, Galaxy Theater, Coach House, and Ventura Theater. They have shared the bill with Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, The Robert Cray Band, Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, Coco Montoya, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robben Ford, John Hammond, Bobby Blue Bland, Solomon Burke, Rod Piazza and Tommy Castro to name a few. Michael John's strong, soulful vocals are without a doubt his main instrument while also supporting the groove with a style all his own on harmonica and rhythm Guitar. Their music has received positive feedback and airplay on blues stations throughout the U.S. http://michaeljohnandthebottomline.com/.    Hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jonathon “Boogie” Long was born with the blues coursing through his veins. Brought up in a Southern Baptist community, he first picked up the guitar at the age of six, teaching himself old gospel songs. At fourteen, Long left school to lay down his roots touring with local legends such as Henry Turner Jr. Since then, Long has shared the stage with standout musicians like Warren Haynes and Govt. Mule, Dr. John, Rockin’ Dopsie, Monte Montgomery, Ellis Hall, Kenny Neal, Larry Garner, Henry Gray, Lil Ray Neal, and Lou Marini of the Blues Brothers Band. Long currently fronts his own blues/soul trio, The Blues Revolution. His soul-stomping vocals and monster guitar shredding, paired with bluesy songwriting chops, make his powerhouse performances a “must see.” In 2013, Long was tapped by B.B. King to support his fou r-week tour.  He was also given a prime slot at the New Orleans Jazz Festival. Long's debut record was released in April of 2013. http://jonathonboogielong.com/.                http://www.californiabeerfestival.com/ventura/index.php     https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-California-Beer-Festival

Don't Look Now - Gary Hoey

World renowned rock guitarist Gary Hoey takes his singer/songwriter talents to the next level with his new album, “Utopia” on Wazoo Music Group, coming Summer 2010. With a collection of 16 albums and five top 20 Billboard hits, itʼs no wonder Gary Hoey is listed in the top 100 greatest guitar players of all time. Whether itʼs rock, blues, surf or Christmas, Hoeyʼs command of each style makes his live show one of the most exciting on the circuit today.

Multi-tasking as writer, producer and guitar player, Hoey has had clients who include DISNEY, ESPN, NO FEAR, performed the National Anthem for the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, SAN DIEGO PADRES and the BOSTON RED SOX. Gary was recently featured on VH1 CLASSICS documentary “Aftermath”

In 1993 Gary Hoey launched his career with the hit song “Hocus Pocus” (Warner Bros Records). His fiery technique helped to send it to the top 5 on Billboards charts. The Boston raised guitarist followed up with the soundtrack to the surf saga, Endless Summer II (Warner/Reprise).

His popular Ho! Ho! Hoey series of Christmas CDs and on-air station visits have become a staple at hundreds of radio stations nationwide. His live rock and roll Christmas show continues to grow new fans each year. HALLMARKʼS musical greeting cards feature two Ho Ho Hoey classics.

Hoey has toured and traded licks with the likes of Brian May (Queen), Ted Nugent, Foreigner, Joe Satriani, The Doobie Bros, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, Peter Frampton, Rick Derringer and Deep Purple.”
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