Booze & Blues Tour 2013 To Visit Nine Coastal Clubs In The OC Starting August 3

BLUES & BOOZE TOUR 2013 BRINGING LIVE BLUES MUSIC TO NINE COASTAL VENUES IN ORANGE COUNTY; KICKS OFF SATURDAY, AUG. 3@SURFIN COWBOY IN CAPISTRANO BEACH; PROCEEDS BENEFIT ORANGE COUNTY BLUES SOCIETY                 (CAPISTRANO BEACH, Calif.) - After frequently hearing from music lovers that there isn't enough blues music in Orange County, online music guide B.D. McGee's decided to partner up with The Orange County Blues Society to present the Blues & Booze Tour 2013,  bringing some of the O.C.'s best local blues bands to select coastal venues for nine consecutive weeks, beginning Saturday, August 3 at The Surfin Cowboy in Capistrano Beach. Portions of the proceeds from each show - as well as 10% of each venue's food and beverage sales during each night's event - benefit the Orange County Blues Society (OCBS), a non-profit organization that exists to ensure that one of America's greatest sounds - the Blues, thrives and prospers in Orange County. Tickets $20. for each show, available at the door. Info: http://bdmcgees.com/   Among the bands scheduled to perform at each of these shows: Papa J & Friends, the former a well-regarded harp player and vocalist who also presents the yearly Real Blues Festival of Orange County; and Big Daddy Williams & Lexi G, fronted by guitarist-vocalist Kenny "Big Daddy" Williams, who also hosts Friday night's popular "Laguna Blues" radio show from 7-8 p.m. on KX93.5 FM.    They've Got Their Blues Hats On: Papa J (left) and Kenny "Big Daddy" Williams (right) perform at the upcoming Blues & Booze Tour 2013, which kicks off Saturday, August 3.

Bluesman Papa J's Birthday Bash - Memphis At Santora This Saturday!

Blues harpist-vocalist and music impresario Papa J (right) performing at the recent Muck Roots Blues Revue presented by the Orange County Blues Society in Fullerton.

Papa J's Blues Birthday Bash (Memphis At Santora) - Saturday, September 8

(SANTA ANA, Orange County, Calif, USA) - When the subject is the blues in Orange County, a handful of names come to mind - Walter Trout, James Harman, and Eric Sardinas to be sure. One would be hard-pressed not to add Papa J to that short list.

Papa J's Blues Birthday Bash takes place at the Memphis at Santora Restaurant/Nightclub, 201 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, Saturday, September 8, 1-4 p.m. Free. Info: (714) 564-1064 or log onto www.memphiscafe.com Also performing that day with Papa J is OC-based Delta Blues guitar stalwart, K.K. Martin

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Harpist, vocalist, founder/creator of both the Real Blues Festival of Orange County and the Orange County Blues Society - Papa J (Jeffrey Hudson) has been one of the hardest-working and most influential people on the Orange County blues scene for the better part of the last two decades. This past August alone, Papa J presided over two successful multi-band events: The Muck Roots Blues Revue at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton; and the Real Blues Festival of Orange County 3 at Malone's in Santa Ana.

Papa J was again honored this year with a "Best Americana, Blues, or Roots Artist" nomination for the 2012 Los Angeles Music Awards. Last Fall saw the release of "The Big Show" (Houndog Records) by Papa J and Friends to great reviews:

"Great CD chock full of Blues standards performed with energy and enthusiasm!" - Barrelhouse Blues

"The Big Show'' is absolutely first-rate with great performances by all involved including Papa J...a big winner that I have no problem highly recommending to Blues enthusiasts." - Blues Underground

"On 'The Big Show' Papa J and Friends are winning over music aficionados with mental images of smoke-filled, Old-School Blues where people celebrate in sharing this fine music genre."

L.A. Examiner

www.papajandfriends.com

Papa J - ORANGE COUNTY BREEZE

The Big Show CD Review - L.A. EXAMINER

Papa J - Live Show Review ENCINO PATCH

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Real Blues Festival Of Orange County 3 Offers Something For Everyone

This should be a great show! K.K. Martin, a slick acoustic guitar player, Jay Gordon who hits like a Mack Truck, solid blues singer Tricia Freeman, the antics of Jumpin' Jack Benny who can really deliver, heavy Harp man Papa J and of course Whiteboy James and the Blues Express, a really hot band that I just reviewed earlier this week!

Real Blues Festival Of Orange County 3:

Something For Everyone's Musical Taste

Sunday, August 26, 2012 - Malone's in Santa Ana, Calif.

Orange County's Rip Cat Records recording artists Whiteboy James And The Blues Express plus K.K. Martin head an eclectic lineup now in its third year - and the only true grass-roots music festival presently in the Southern California area!

WHITEBOY JAMES AND TRICIA FREEMAN BAND K.K. MARTIN
THE BLUES EXPRESS

(SANTA ANA, Calif.) - The Real Blues Festival Of Orange County, Southern California's only true grass-roots festival for the Blues now in its third year, takes place Sunday, August 26 at Malones, 604 E. Dyer Rd., Santa Ana. Info: (714) 979-6000.

Presented by the Orange County Blues Society, this year's lineup features a pair of Rip Cat Records artists, colorful Whiteboy James And The Blues Express plus acclaimed Delta Blues guitarist, K.K. Martin; up-tempo jump 'n' swing from the Jumpin Jack Benny Blues Band; hot blues-rock from OC's own Tricia Freeman Band; searing blues-rock guitar-istry courtesy of Jay Gordon and Blues Venom; KOCI-FM's's Dave Toole and his band, bornBlue; plus Real Blues Festival founder, and a talented harpist/vocalist in his own right, the always-energetic Papa J and Friends. 12 noon-10 p.m. Tickets $20. in advance, $25. day of show. $5. discount with any active Southern California Blues Society membership. Purchase advance tickets at www.orangecountybluessociety.com.

Brief Synopsis of the Bands Performing at Real Blues Festival of Orange County 3

White Boy James & The Blues Express: Having just completed their second album, Whiteboy James and the Blues Express is a detonative force to be reckoned with. Since re-forming in 2006 after a five-year absence, the band has re-established themselves as the legendary band they once were during the Southern California Blues explosion of the 80's and 90's. Whiteboy James has a mesmerizing, driving and sonic stage presence. Signed to OC indie label Rip Cat Records in 2010, WBJ&TBE consists of Whiteboy James (vocals/harmonica); Scott Abeyta (guitar); Blake Watson (bass); and Max Bangwell (drums). www.whiteboyjames.com.

Tricia Freeman Band: One of the hardest-working ladies on the SoCal music scene gigs on average five-six times a week with the Tricia Freeman Band. Freeman has toured Europe from Finland to Germany several times, with different line ups, performing songs from her own CDs and a blend of cover tunes that she makes completely her own with her bold original sound, that can only come from living the songs she sings. Besides Walter Trout, Tricia has also shared the stage with the likes of Spencer Davis, The Little River Band, Olivia Newton John, Missing Persons, Eric Burdon and The Animals. Her latest album that has been released to great reviews is Everyone Can See.

www.triciafreemanband.com.
K.K. Martin: Orange County-based, fourth-generation Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist born in West Monroe, Louisiana. Exposed in the womb to the music of Jimmie Rodgers, Robert Johnson and Hank Williams, Martin began touring with his parent's band at age ten, was transplanted to California in 1969, and cut his teeth on the local L.A. rock scene at sixteen, landing a brief stint with the Albert Collins Backup Band. K.K. Martin is a musician's musician who "delivers polished material via its basic components - a man, a guitar, and a microphone." His latest CD is Naked Blues Volume II (Rip Cat Records). www.kkmartin.com.

Jay Gordon & Blues Venom: Electric blues guitarist Jay Gordon recorded a series of albums for Blue Ace that has inspired comparisons to such legendary guitarists as Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Beginning with BLUES INFESTED (1994), Gordon won much praise from the blues community. Each successive album became increasingly successful - BROADCASTING THE BLUES LIVE (1996), ELECTRIC REDEMPTION (1998), and so on - and the guitarist soon found himself being compared to some of the most legendary guitarists to ever play electric blues. In 2000, Gordon collaborated with Phillip Walker on the JAYWALKIN album for Blue Ace, yet another accomplishment for the celebrated guitarist. His latest record is Blues Venom, No Cure (Shuttle music). www.jaygordonandthepenetrators.com.

Jumpin Jack Benny Blues Band: Entertainer extraordinaire Jumpin Jack Benny is one of the most entertaining acts on today's music scene. Audiences have been thrilled by their frenetic performances since 2003. Front man Benny Cortez brings high energy Blues to the stage reminiscent of the great 1950's rock & roll performers with smoking hot guitar work from Tony "Fingers" Naranjo. They have toured and/or recorded with B.B. Chung King, Little Milton, John Mayall, WAR, Bo Diddley, and James Cotton, among others. www.jumpinjackbennyblues.com.

Papa J And Friends: When it comes to the Blues in Orange County, California, there's no bigger or more passionate proponent than Papa J (Jeffrey Hudson). For the better part of two decades, the affable harpist/vocalist has entertained in venues ranging from House of Blues to the Doheny Blues Festival with a spirited brand of Chicago-style Jump/Blues that earned him "Entertainer of the Year" from the 2010 Los Angeles Music Awards. Papa J is founder of both the Real Blues Festival Of Orange County and Orange County Blues Society. Last Fall Papa J and Friends released The Big Show (Houndog Records). www.papajandfriends.com.

www.orangecountybluessociety.com

"An Intimate Evening Of The Blues" With Papa J & K.K. Martin@Encore Dinner Theater

K.K. Martin Papa J

*****MEDIA ALERT*****

WHAT: "An Intimate Evening Of the Blues" Featuring Papa J and Friends With Special Guest, K.K. Martin
WHERE: Encore Dinner Theater & Club - 690 El Camino Real, Tustin (657) 210-3200
WHEN: Thursday, August 9 - 8 p.m. Tickets $20. ($16.50 for Muckenthaler Cultural Center members) - Presented in association with the Orange County Blues Society ABOUT THE ACTS: When it comes to the Blues in Orange County, California, there is perhaps no bigger or more passionate proponent than Papa J (Jeffrey Hudson). For the better part of two decades, the affable harmonicist/vocalist has entertained countless numbers of fans in venues ranging from the House of Blues (both the Anaheim and L.A. locations) to the Doheny Blues Festival and more with a spirited brand of Chicago-style Jump/Blues that once earned him "Entertainer of the Year" from the prestigious 2010 Los Angeles Music Awards. n addition to a tireless performing schedule, Papa J has become a bonafide Blues impresario - first, creating the successful Real Blues Festival Of Orange County, which is now in its third year of existence and has become an annual event; and, more recently, establishing the first Orange County Blues Society, which is presenting its first-ever concert event August 16.

Last Fall Papa J and Friends released an independent CD, "The Big Show" (Houndog Records) to great reviews: "Great CD chock full of Blues standards performed with energy and enthusiasm!" - Barrelhouse Blues

"The Big Show'' is absolutely first-rate with great performances by all involved including Papa J...a big winner that I have no problem highly recommending to Blues enthusiasts." - Blues Underground

"On 'The Big Show' Papa J and Friends are winning over music aficionados with mental images of smoke-filled, Old-School Blues where people celebrate in sharing this fine music genre." -L.A. Examiner

www.papajandfriends.com

K.K. Martin is a fourth-generation Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist/Musician/ Arranger/Producer/Engineer/all-around Entertainer born in West Monroe, Louisiana. Exposed in the womb to the music of Jimmie Rodgers, Robert Johnson and Hank Williams; he began touring with his parents band at age 10, was transplanted to California in 1969, and cut his teeth on the local L.A. rock scene at age 16 landing a brief stint with the Albert Collins Backup Band. As a stalwart in the 1980's L.A. scene, Martin was a founding member of the band A La Carte, recorded and played with Donald (Duck) Dunn, It's a Beautiful Day, Eric Burden, Booker T, Rick Derringer, Lester Chambers, Andy Johns, The Chambers Brothers, and Shark Island. He shared stages with, Journey, Van Halen, Motley Crue, Black Oak Arkansas, Blondie, UFO, Johnny Winters, Mike Campbell, (of the Heartbreakers) Glenn Cambell, and The Busboys, to name just a few. In the late 90's KK rediscovered his roots, producing, recording and performing Delta Blues in the old solo artist traditions and style. Martin was honored at the 9th Annual HOUSE of BLUES, Los Angeles MUSIC AWARDS being voted "OUTSTANDING BLUES ARTIST". His Delta Blues debut, "Naked Blues" featured Martin's amazing fretwork, the finger styling he learned at his grandmothers knee, but also emphasized his vocal performance and emotion; dark and suffused with undertones of danger. K.K. Martin is a musician's musician who "delivers polished material via its basic components - a man, a guitar, and a microphone." K.K. Martin performs at Real Blues Festival of Orange County 3, Sunday, August 26 in Santa Ana. www.kkmartin.com

ABOUT THE VENUE: The Tustin Theatre was built in 1959 and was the first and only movie theatre in Tustin for many years. It was owned by Saul Mahler until 1976. He had previously been involved in the movie theatre business in the Los Angeles area with many of the well known theatre owners of the 30s and 40s.

In 1978 a group of producers raised capital from local business owners to remodel the building and covert it into a dinner theatre. The construction took about a year. The newly opened Cabaret Theatre was presented innovative and captivating performances of all the loved musicals for all ages for the local audiences for several years. In 1980 the Curtain Call group assumed the reins of the theatre and ran it successfully for approximately 25 years.

The building was in need of a complete makeover. In October of 2011 the property owner, with much encouragement from City of Tustin building officials, set out to completely renovate the theatre. Decorators, structural engineers, architects, electricians, plumbers, painters, all went to work in a frenzy of non-stop around the clock construction in an attempt to get the theatre open for a Christmas 2011 show. By some miracle of cooperation between all involved the theatre was able to open on December 6, 2011 with "'Tis The Season",a holiday tribute to all religions which celebrates the miraculous nature of life and regeneration.

Now the theatre could celebrate it's own renewal. With dazzling chandeliers which rise when the shows begin, modeled after the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, and an interior reminiscent of a 1940s nightclub, the Encore Theatre provides an entertainment and culinary experience unlike any other in Southern California. The current show which showcases some of the most popular big band swing hits of the late 30s and 40s draws the audience back to a time when patriotism was "in", and the country was unified, things we need to rediscover and build on today. For this reason we have held the Big Band Swing Revue show over in to Summer in order to get the word and the message out to as many people as possible. That is who we are and that is what we are working for. Please tell all your friends and relatives to come and see the show and rediscover what this country is really all about. www.encoredinnertheatre.com

Better Vision For Children Benefit@House of Blues/L.A. Featuring Bluesman Papa J

Presents A "Better Vision For Children" Benefit Featuring Real Blues Festival Of Orange County Founder Papa J & Friends Saturday March 3 - House of Blues - Hollywood, Calif (HOLLYWOOD) - In a development that is guaranteed to make Southern California's fiercely loyal and ever-growing Blues community jump for joy, the House of Blues/Sunset is presenting a new, all-ages, Blues Concert Series in its second floor Crossroads Restaurant and Concert Hall. This Saturday night, March 3, the House of Blues presents Real Blues Festival of Orange County founder/harpist-vocalist Papa J & Friends with an auction benefiting Better Vision For Children - a non-profit charity working to prevent and cure partial or total blindness resulting from amblyopia (Lazy Eye), Autism, Diabetes, and Eye Cancer. 9:00 p..m-12:00 a.m. on the Voodoo Lounge stage; no cover and free appetizer with entree purchase. Info: (323) 848-5136 or http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/losangeles/. Papa J & Friends just-released album is entitled THE BIG SHOW. "A good solid blues album...there are actually a few of my modern blues favorites on here and Papa J has his own take on them. Very cool!," affirms BMANS BLUES REPORT. Casey Reagan of the AMERICAN BLUES NEWS writes, "coming up on sixty years of age, Papa J still bounces on stage every night with the energy of a guy half his age. A showman by nature and musician by instinct Papa J's stage presence and energy is undeniably huge to anyone who's seen him perform. From his contagious smile to his gut wrenching blues he puts a thousand percent into making every performance mean something special to every person watching and it sure works on me." In other breaking news, the longtime performer is nominated in the "Best Americana, Blues or Roots Artist" category for the 2012 Los Angeles Music Awards. Read recent reviews of Papa J and Friends latest release The Big Show by Southland Blues, Barrelhouse Blues, and BMans Blues Report below. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PAPA J & FRIENDS RELEASE "THE BIG SHOW" - "As a group we tried to run the gambit of styles and feelings that are what make up the blues," says Papa J about the band's new 10-song disc. Some of the album's tracks in his own words. "Checkin' Up On My Baby" - "a great Sonny Boy Williamson tune that I thought would be fun to do...it kind of shows how insecure musicians are." "Dimples" - "a truly simple John Lee Hooker song, that reminds me of all the girls on the road." "Laundromat Blues" - "Albert King for all you guys that worry if your woman is too clean...so sad, so true." "Slip Stumble & Fall" - "at sixty-plus years of age I still say this every day: it's so easy to forget what got you here. God Bless the Blues." Watch a live performance of the William Clarke song "Pawnshop Bound" by Papa J, Ray Goren, and Deacon Jones from last May's Real Blues Festival 2 below: Papa J THE BIG SHOW CD Review SOUTHLAND BLUES Papa J/THE BIG SHOW CD Review BARRELHOUSE BLUES Papa J THE BIG SHOW CD Review BMANS BLUES REPORT

HOLYWOOD'S HOUSE OF BLUES LAUNCHES ALL AGES LIVE BLUES SERIES FEATURING SOCAL'S FINEST TALENT IN THEIR CROSSROADS RESTAURANT

(WEST HOLLYWOOD) - In a development that is guaranteed to make Southern California's fiercely loyal and ever-growing Blues community jump for joy, the House of Blues/Sunset is presenting a new, all-ages, Blues Concert Series in its second floor Crossroads Restaurant and Concert Hall. Guitar slingers Big Shot Reub and the Reloaders (Friday, February 24) and Dave Widow And the Lineup (Saturday, February 25) kick off this weekend's lineup, followed by blues harpist Papa J & Friends (Saturday, March 3) and guitar ace Jay Gordon & Blues Venom (Saturday, March 10). No cover charge for any of these shows. 8:30-11:30 p.m. 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Info: (323) 848-5100 or www.houseofblues.com. San Diego's Big Shot Reub and the Reloaders, featuring the virtuoso guitar work of Reuben Vigil (pictured), perform at the House of Blues' Crossroads this Friday, Feb. 24. Dave Widow & The Lineup feature some of the best musicians in the 'Biz. Catch Widow (pictured) at HOB/Sunset this Saturday night, February 25. (Fri. Feb. 24) - Big Shot Reub and The Reloaders' ROUNDHOUSE BLUES, a San Diego Music Awards 2011 "Best Blues Album" nominee, has received very positive media response since its release. "I plopped this CD into the player and hoped for the best, and low and behold I was pleasantly surprised just how good of an album "Roundhouse Blues" turned out to be," writes BLUES UNDERGROUND. "Talk about some classy blues...this is the stuff you look long and hard for. If you like virtuoso guitar this is one album you need to get!," opines CASHBOX magazine. "On "Roadhouse Blues," Vigil moves flawlessly and tastefully across the frets to produce a very high quality product for any discerning ear to enjoy," asserts BLUESROCKERS. http://www.reverbnation.com/bigshotreubandthereloaders. (Sat. Feb. 25) - With his unique style of finger picking and distinct vocals, guitarist Dave Widow (whose new album LONG GONE drops this Spring) brings a fresh approach to the Blues, while also combining elements of R&B, Funk, Soul and Rock. His musical style is influenced by his relationship with many great blues and R&B talents, including Buddy Miles, Bonnie Bramlett, Bill Champlain, Lonnie Mack, and his mentor and collaborator (the late) Roger "Jellyroll" Troy, bassist and vocalist for The Mike Bloomfield Band. "Dave Widow and the Lineup do an amazing job channeling the authenticity of Blues, covering influential legends like Taj Mahal and T-Bone Walker, without compromising their own style," wrote respected trade publication MUSIC CONNECTION in a recent live show review. "Dave Widow and the Lineup deserve a spot on the '1,000 Bands To See Before You Die' List," the magazine concludes. www.davewidow.com. Harp maestro Papa J (pictured), also founder of the yearly Real Blues Festival of Orange County, and his band take the stage at the House of Blues/Sunset on Saturday, March 3. Guitarist Jay Gordon & Blues Venom (pictured) has been referred to as "the Yngwie Malmsteen of the Blues." Catch his powerhouse playing style at HOB/Sunset on Saturday, March 10. (Sat. March 3) - Real Blues Festival of Orange County founder/harpist-vocalist Papa J & Friends come to the House of Blues/Sunset for a special night of high-energy Blues, performing songs from their just-release album, THE BIG SHOW. "A good solid blues album...there are actually a few of my modern blues favorites on here and Papa J has his own take on them. Very cool!," affirms BMANS BLUES REPORT. Casey Reagan of the AMERICAN BLUES NEWS writes, "coming up on sixty years of age, Papa J still bounces on stage every night with the energy of a guy half his age. A showman by nature and musician by instinct Papa J's stage presence and energy is undeniably huge to anyone who's seen him perform. From his contagious smile to his gut wrenching blues he puts a thousand percent into making every performance mean something special to every person watching and it sure works on me." www.papajandfriends.com. (Sat. March 10) - Take the primal wail of American Blues and amplify them beyond the point with no limitations. Jay Gordon continues to shake planet earth with his onslaught of Electric Voodoo Blues. When you listen to BLUES VENOM - NO CURE you will see how Jay has moved the blues forward to the 21st century, infusing the music with the fire and power of rock while carving out his own place in the music world. BVNC features songs like, Dockery's Plantation (for Robert Johnson), World Blues, Slow Burn/Biker Mama, Red Hot Tempered Woman and more, even a bonus track in honor of the late great Phillip Walker. "Getting bit by Jay Gordon's BLUES VENOM - NO CURE is similar to Peter Parker getting bit by a radioactive spider. There is no cure, but that's a good thing," states the world's #1 authority on such matters, BLUES REVUE. "As solid as a blues album can be, and I consider one of the best I have heard this year," the review concludes. www.jaygordonandthepenetrators.com.

Real Blues Festival of Orange County Founder Papa J In Concert@House of Blues

Real Blues Festival Of Orange County Founder

Papa J

In Concert@House Of Blues/Anaheim - Thur., February 23

<Hear Papa J Perform Live on KOCI 101.5 FM Sunday, Feb. 19>

(Anaheim, Calif) - Hey Orange County: It's a Real Blues Festival of Orange County "House Party" redux as festival founder/harpist-vocalist Papa J and Friends perform in concert at the House of Blues, 1530 S. Disneyland Dr. in Anaheim, Thursday, February 23 in the Voodoo Lounge. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover. Info: (714) 328-9375 or www.papajandfriends.com.

Papa J performs live and is interviewed on "Dr. Barry's Traveling Blues Show" heard on Orange County's KOCI 101.5 FM this Sunday, February 19 at 1 p.m. Listen in as he talks about this year's Real Blues Festival Of Orange County (tentatively set for Sunday, August 5 at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton and more.

In other breaking news, the longtime performer is nominated in the "Best Americana, Blues or Roots Artist" category for the 2012 Los Angeles Music Awards.

Read recent reviews of Papa J and Friends latest release The Big Show by Southland Blues, Barrelhouse Blues, and BMans Blues Report below.

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PAPA J & FRIENDS RELEASE "THE BIG SHOW" - "As a group we tried to run the gambit of styles and feelings that are what make up the blues," says Papa J about the band's new 10-song disc. Some of the album's tracks in his own words.

"Checkin' Up On My Baby" - "a great Sonny Boy Williamson tune that I thought would be fun to do...it kind of shows how insecure musicians are."

"Dimples" - "a truly simple John Lee Hooker song, that reminds me of all the girls on the road."

"Laundromat Blues" - "Albert King for all you guys that worry if your woman is too clean...so sad, so true."

"Slip Stumble & Fall" - "at sixty-plus years of age I still say this every day: it's so easy to forget what got you here. God Bless the Blues."

"(Papa J's) "Checking Up On My Baby" is one of the best songs I've heard in a long time....the recording is good and the lead vocal is as smooth as can be."

BLUES PARTY CONNECTION

"Coming up on sixty years of age, Papa J still bounces on stage every night with the energy of a guy half his age. A showman by nature and musician by instinct Papa J's stage presence and energy is undeniably huge to anyone who's seen him perform. From his contagious smile to his gut wrenching blues he puts a thousand percent into making every performance mean something special to every person watching and it sure works on me." AMERICAN BLUES NEWS

Watch a live performance of the William Clarke song "Pawnshop Bound" by Papa J, Ray Goren, and Deacon Jones from last May's Real Blues Festival 2 below:

"Jeff "Papa J" Hudson was just one of the highlights of the day-long festival. Watching him and his band perform was simply witnessing musicians with a true passion for the blues. Papa J leaned into the microphone and gave raspy soulful vocals. He threw his hands out to his sides and shook his fingers to the rhythms in each song. Their band delivers the kind of music that enables you to soak up the joys of the South. It's these sounds and rhythms of the blues that make you want to close your eyes, lift your head up, and say "Mmhmm." OC MUSIC MAGAZINE

All-Star Blues Lineup Set For "The Big Show" CD Release Party at The House of Blues in Anaheim - Thur., Sept. 29

All-Star Blues Lineup Set For "The Big Show" CD Release Party at The House of Blues in Anaheim - Thur., Sept. 29

<Hear Papa J Perform Live on KOCI 101.5 FM Sunday, Sept. 25>

(Anaheim, Calif) - Hey Orange County: It's a Real Blues Festival of Orange County "House Party" redux as festival founder and harpist-vocalist Papa J, 11-yr. old guitar whiz Ray Goren, keyboard ace Deacon Jones and many special guests perform at "The Big Show" CD Release Party at the House of Blues, 1530 S. Disneyland Dr. in Anaheim, Thursday, September 29. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Tickets $20. (show only) or $30. (show, dinner, and complimentary CD). Info: (714) 328-9375 or www.papajandfriends.com.

Papa J performs live and is interviewed on "Dr. Barry's Traveling Blues Show" heard on Orange County's very own KOCI 101.5 FM this Sunday, September 25 at 2 p.m. Listen in for a chance to win tickets to "The Big Show" CD Release Party!!

PAPA J & FRIENDS RELEASE "THE BIG SHOW" - "As a group we tried to run the gambit of styles and feelings that are what make up the blues," says Papa J about the band's new 10-song disc. Some of the album's tracks in his own words.

"Checkin' Up On My Baby" - "a great Sonny Boy Williamson tune that I thought would be fun to do...it kind of shows how insecure musicians are."

"Dimples" - "a truly simple John Lee Hooker song, that reminds me of all the girls on the road."

"Laundromat Blues" - "Albert King for all you guys that worry if your woman is too clean...so sad, so true."

"Slip Stumble & Fall" - "at sixty-plus years of age I still say this every day: it's so easy to forget what got you here. God Bless the Blues."

Watch a live performance of the William Clarke song "Pawnshop Bound" by Papa J, Ray Goren, and Deacon Jones from last May's Real Blues Festival 2 below:

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