Announcing the 1st Annual Temecula Blues Festival

Multiple BMA Nominee, vocalist Tad Robinson, headlines 1st Annual Temecula Blues Festival.    (TEMECULA, CA) - The burgeoning SoCal Inland Empire finally has it's very own Blues Festival with the advent of the 1st Annual Temecula Blues Festival, Civic Center Plaza, 41000 Main St., taking place Saturday, April 21, from 12 Noon until 10 pm (rain or shine). Tickets: $38., now available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/temecula-blues-festival-tickets-37343345953. Info: (951) 676-2722. Presented by The Old Town Blues Club (formerly The Lucky Stone). All ticket sales final.                                              Highly-regarded South Bay-based vocalist Shari Puorto & Band are on the bill.   Multiple BMA nominee, vocalist Tad Robinson, headlines a strong eight-band bill that also includes San Diego-based guitar ace Stoney B. Blues Band; highly-regarded South Bay vocalist, Shari Puorto Band; blues harmonica at its best from The Honey Lickers; Chris Fast Band; Bill Magee Blues Band; Cash N Freedman; and JD Priest Band. There's also a Vendor Blues Village featuring Blue Beat Music; Ugly Hands; Blues Festival Music; and many more.  A top-end assortment of food vendors include Rene's Cowgirl Cantina (Gourmet Mexican); Rosati's Authentic Chicago Pizza; Laurent's Cafe' (French Pastry Sandwiches); Devilicious Cafe; Rock N' Jenny's Italian Subs; Bad To The Bone BBQ; The Bridge at 3rd Fish N Chips; The Bank (Mexican Food). No less than eight quality Inns and Hotels give the concert-goer the option of staying the night, with great live bands on Sundays at the Old Town Blues Club nearby.  "This festival will be the first of annual blues festivals to follow, so go ahead and make the decision to be a part of this inaugural event and make a weekend out of your trip to lovely Temecula," says TB Promoter, Andy Doty. "You'll enjoy yourself immensely." The Temecula Blues Festival will be held on the plaza, a beautifully-landscaped area with trees, grassy areas, park benches and a serene water fountain to create the perfect Spring day concert environment.  Temecula, which is situated within a population of twenty-million Southern California residents, is alive and kicking as a regional hot-spot, entertainment destination. Nowhere else in the country can a person wine taste at 40-plus wineries, beer taste at approximately a dozen micro-breweries, gamble and/or stay the night at California's largest casino (Pechanga) and experience a large volume of nightly, live music entertainment right in the heart of Old Town, which has a little bit of everything to offer including unique restaurants, boutique retail shops, hotels, museums, theater, art, antiques, a weekend farmer's market, and a wide variety of live entertainment every weekend. Old Town has over forty annual special events, including the famous Rod Run Car Show each Spring that attracts more than 30,000 visitors to Old Town Temecula.                                        www.temeculabluesfestival.com www.facebook.com/oldtownbluesclub

Little Lightning Productions artist: Shari Puorto - My Obsession - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, My Obsession, from Shari Puorto and she's still slamming it. Opening with funky rocker, It's A Damn Shame, Puorto's vocals are tight and her phrasing is super. Johnny Hawthorn knows how to make it hot on guitar and Bob Glaub's bass lines are smokin. Backed by Kenna Ramsey, Julie Delgado and Mike Finnigan, this is my favorite track on the release. On Home of the Blues, Jimmy Vivino and Steve Fister step up on lead and slide guitar (respectively) and Mike Finnigan's B3 work is super. Rock and roller, Six Months Sober is square down the middle with Jim Pugh's piano and B3 and slide soloing by Hawthorn is smooth. Sugar Daddy is a slower sure stepper with a drone bass line and slap snare from Tony Braunagel. Title track, My Obsession, opens with a subdued niteclub feel but kicking into a solid rocker with Vivino and Finnigan trading lead riffs under Puorto's cool vocals. Old Silo Road is a quiet ballad, primarily the purity of Puorto's voice and Finnigan's piano. Johnny Lee Schell's tasty slide riffs add a real nice touch to this solid radio track. Workin' The Room has a definite country feel with a two step rhythm and nicely executed piano work from Barry Goldberg. Schell again steps up with a cool guitar solo making this another track that could easily hit multiple radio lines. Better Left Unsaid has a R&B styling with cool backing vocals from Ramsey, Delgado and Finnigan. Schell's rhythm guitar work and Finnigan's piano work give this track a lot of textural traction. With a New Orleans feel, What's The Matter With The World, has a real nice rhythm and Schell's slide work is spot on the mark. Finnigan gives the track a nice boot of his own with nicely stylized piano work. Very cool! Steve Fister adds his own guitar zip to All About You, a serious ballad with Schell joining on rhythm guitar. The interweaving guitar styles, coupled with Puorto's vocals make this another serious radio track. Turned To Stone has a real "Jackson Browne" feel with Johnny Hawthorn playing some excellent David Lindley style pedal steel lead throughout. Goes without saying that this track, with a cool melodic hook and slick pedal work, could really hit big. Wrapping the release is the soul classic, When A Man Loves A Woman. Finnigan on B3, Pugh on piano and with Darrell Leonard and Joe Sublett on horns, gives this track a rich clarity and Vivino's clean guitar work, coupled with Puorto's power makes this a perfect track to close it up.


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The Fabulous Ms.Shari Puorto Is Special Guest For Wednesday's VCBS Jam In Ventura

THE FABULOUS MS. SHARI PUORTO IS SPECIAL GUEST FOR VENTURA COUNTY BLUES SOCIETY-SPONSORED JAM  - THIS WED., APRIL 10 AT THE TAVERN IN VENTURA          (Ventura, CA) - Holy Crap! The special guests just keep getting bigger and better each week at the weekly Ventura County Blues Society-sponsored Wednesday night Jam session. This Wednesday night, April 10, host band Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog welcome that blues-singing dynamo, the fabulous Ms. Shari Puorto. It all takes place at The Tavern, 211 Santa Clara Ave. from 8-11 p.m. And there's no cover! Info: (805) 643-3264.                                          "Shari Puorto's vocals meld Susan Tedeschi self-taught soul, Bonnie Raitt country-rock sweetness and just a touch of Melissa Etheridge rasp. On the slide guitar-laden "Don't Mess With Me," off her most recent release Real, Puorto unleashes a similar raw self-assuredness that brings to mind greats like Etta James and Ruth Brown, themselves masters of evoking feeling," writes the Monterey County Weekly. The 2010 L.A. Music Awards winner in the "Best Americana Roots or Blues" Song of the Year category will also be performing at this year's Kern Rock & Blues Fest September 27-29. http://www.bluesrockmusic.com/.                           "Tommy Marsh & Bad Dog is a red-hot blues outfit. He has a strong crowd showing up on a weekly basis seeing great out-of-town talent with some very hot locals. The Ventura Blues Society sponsors the weekly event, with a featured artist showcased, (with) Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog backing that person. Afterward there is a jam with Bad Dog, that is fun to watch. At some of these jams you can see some real talent come to life. The room was humming with people casually dancing, some more intense than others - all having a wonderful time. If you are in Ventura you need to check out The Tavern. It is a fantastic place with good food and spirits." -  B Noel Barr, Random Lengths News.    Tommy Marsh will be performing with Michael John and the Bottom Line at the upcoming 8th Annual Ventura County Blues Festival, Saturday, April 27 at Moorpark College (click on the link here for additional information). Wailing Guitars, Soulful vocals speak to the listener.... Drawing from Blues, soul, country and Southern Rock roots, Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog have a sound you will truly enjoy listening to. Great originals and a few extended guitar solos make Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog a real Jam band -  one you will want come back to see again and again!          Check out a great interview with Tommy in a recent issue of Blues E-News:            https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tommy-Marsh-and-Bad-Dog/187328757996121?ref=ts&fref=ts          Ventura County Star - Feature   All Access Magazine - Interview/Feature   Guitar On SKy Feature

Tommy Marsh & Bad Dog Welcome The One & Only Shari Puorto To Weekly VCBS Jam - Wed., September 26!

Tommy Marsh & Bad Dog welcome the incomparable Shari Puorto as their weekly Special Guest at Wednesday, September 26's Ventura County Blues Society-sponsored Blues Jam. Catch Tommy and the band competing at the VCBS IBC Band Challenge September 29 for a chance to go to Memphis.

Ventura Bluesman/Guitarist-Vocalist 

 Tommy Marsh  & BAD DOG 

 

Continue Popular Weekly Wednesday VC Blues Society-Sponsored Blues Jam At The Tavern - This Wednesday, September 26: Special Guest Vocalist Shari Puorto 

   (Ventura, Calif.) - Wedneday Night Blues Jam!: Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog continue to up the ante' of quality guest talent each week at their weekly Wednesday night Blues Jam at The Tavern. This Wednesday, September 26 Tommy's special guest is South Bay-based vocalist Shari Puorto, renowned far and wide as one of the most talented singers on the Southern California blues/music scene. Puorto is a former Los Angeles Music Awards "Blues Vocalist of the Year" winner with a great stage presence and a voice that's second to none! 8-11 p.m. Free. 211 Santa Clara Ave. Info: (805) 643-3264 or https://www.facebook.com/thetavernventura. Sponsored by the Ventura County Blues Society.

 

   Root For Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog This Saturday At The IBC Band Challenge: Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog compete in the upcoming  Ventura County Blues Society IBC Band Challenge at the High Street Theater, 45 High St. in Moorpark, this Saturday, September 29. Doors open at 3 p.m., and the music starts 4 p.m. Tickets $10. online in advance via the VCBS website; $15. at the door. Winning band receives $3,000.00 in expense money to travel to the International Blues Challenge Finals in Memphis this coming January, representing the Ventura County Blues Society.  

   Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog In the News: Read an interview with Tommy in the Ventura County Star about his VCBS Sunday Matinee performance this past July: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/jul/05/tommy-marsh-to-help-kick-off-new-blues-series-in/?preventMobileRedirect=1  

         https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tommy-Marsh-and-Bad-Dog/187328757996121 

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Start It Up/medley - Blues Bettie

This Anaheim, California, Blues, Funk and Soul band melds a diverse group of SoCal musicians, who integrate their musical styles and experiences to deliver a fresh 'SoCal Style' musical edge to the blues. Powerful vocals, signature guitar work, a tight rhythm section, and the world renowned Blues Bettie Horns give the band versatility and musical strength, and Blues Bettie knows how to deliver this musical experiance straight into your soul. Their audiences are growing, validated by four nominations as the best Blues Band by the OC Music Awards.
Shari Puorto Vocals
Claude von Trotha Guitar, Vocals
Tommy Bellone Hammond, Piano
Billy Pulliam Bass, Vocals
Felix 'D-Kat' Pollard Drums & Percussion
Louis Van Taylor Tenor Sax
Adam Schroeder Bari Sax
Ryan Porter Trombone
Bijon Watson Trumpet
If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Bman's Exclusive Interview with Shari Puorto

Bman: Hi Shari. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. Tell me about Shari, the person. Your Bio indicates that you are "currently residing" in Southern California but didn't you grow up on the east coast?

Shari: I did grow up on the East Coast! If you asked me where I was from, I'd probably say, Connecticut. Even though I was born in So. Cal. I feel I'm "from" Connecticut because that's where I grew up. I have strong ties there. I still have family and my bestest friends in the world in Connecticut! Not to mention the best pizza in the world, Pepe's. Oh man, my mouth is watering! I always feel at "home" when I go back to CT. Interestingly enough, I'm currently writing a song with Barry Goldberg called, "Old Silo Road". That's the road I grew up on! I'm so psyched.


Bman: I'm guessing that a move back east isn't in your future. I grew up in the east as well.You look really comfortable in your west coast skin.

Shari: Well, never say never right?.....but I don't plan on it anytime soon....I love California. You can't beat the weather and living by the beach. It's just gorgeous!


Bman: Exactly! You put on a pretty hot show which is likely why you've shared the stage with the likes of Johnny Winter, Dickey Betts, Robben Ford, Tower of Power, Walter Trout, Coco Montoya, Larry Carlton... a virtual who's who of the blues music business. Now you're working with Barry Goldberg. Now I know that a lot of people don't really know Barry by name but he's played with Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, Howlin Wolf, Bob Dylan and Mike Bloomfield. I even have an old vinyl recording of him with Duane Allman!

Shari: Wow, I'd love to hear that album! What a treasure.

Bman: Ask Barry about the recording. It was primarily he and Mike Bloomfield but Duane was featured as well. So how did you hook up with Barry?

Funny you ask about how I met Barry. I met Barry through Alastair Greene, who you know. He coordinated a jam and Barry and I hit it off ever since. We've been writing songs and on occasion perform live together. It's been about 3 years now! Man, how time flies. Barry and I had a show last night ironically enough. Too much fun!

Bman: Nice! Do you write most of your own music or is it mostly collaborative?

Shari: Mostly collaborative. It can work so many different ways. Sometimes I write the lyrics based on something happening in my life (or happened) with an idea of the melody or chorus. Then I'll sit down with someone and the magic begins! Or, the other person might have an idea and they start playing it. I'll start to sing lyrics here and there based on how the music is making me feel and we go from there. Sometimes Barry and I have written amazing songs in 2 hours (well, I think they are amazing! One I'm thinking of is called, "Could it be Me?")

Bman: And I know that you recently released a new album called "Real". How is that going?

Shari: I'm so excited about this album. Also scared a little. My fear is that it isn't better than the last one. You know we always want to top ourselves, right? At least I do. I've received great feedback which settles me a bit. And I am very happy with how it came out.

Bman: No, You're right. We all think tomorrow's results should be better than today. Can you tell us a little about it?

Shari: Would love to. I called the CD 'Real' because that's how I feel the music and performances are on the CD (and should always be), "Real". You know how the record industry has been going which is more "pop" culture ...with a lot of synthesized sounds, bells and whistles not only in the "live" performances but on the recordings too. I miss Real, Raw, it-is-what-it-is performances from the heart and soul. Just strip all that crap down and let's go for it! From the singing to the musicians....that's what we do. Each and every fiber of my songs (whether it's a recording or a live performance) gets a piece of me and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Bman: I know exactly what you're saying. I'm glad to know that the artists aren't all buying into the machine where it all has to sound homogenized.

Shari: Maybe you should come out to my CD Release party on 12/3?! It's going to be a blow out event. I can't wait. The show will be at the new Harvelle's in Long Beach, CA at 6pm. More details can be found at my website, www.BluesRockMusic.com. Why not come out!? In case anyone is interested, being the "starving" musician I am, I have a fundraising campaign online with a company called Kickstarter. If you went to Kickstarter.com and typed my name (Shari Puorto) in the search box you can watch my video and read all about what I'm doing. I'm raising money to fund a long held dream of mine. Which is filming a High Def DVD to be released next year. The people near and far can watch and hear us. I am very excited about this. So everyone who comes to the CD release party on December 3rd will be a part of the DVD! How fun is that?


Bman: Sounds like a blast! Do you have a supporting tour set up for this new cd. If so what is the schedule?

Shari: I don't have a scheduled "tour" per-say at the moment, but we perform a lot which certainly is helpful. We'll be heading up North at the first of the year, with other travels in the works and, festivals hitting around festival season. Those are always fun times!






Bman: It gets harder for some of the more talented but less "Pop" band to afford touring except in a festival setting so I'm glad that that venue is still available.
Do you have anything else that you would like to share with your fans?

Shari: Yes! I can't thank my supporters enough. They know who they are and they mean so much to me. If you haven't seen or heard my music, please take a moment, tune in and take a listen. There are several sites that carry my 3 albums. iTunes, CD Baby, and my website (BluesRockMusic.com), etc. If you want to feel something deep in your soul and like to be "moved" by music, I think you might like what we are doing. But to really get the idea, you have to come to a show! Or help with the DVD campaign so you can get a copy. Again, the campaign can be found at kickstarter.com - search for Shari Puorto.

Shari: Thanks Bman. I truly appreciate your time and interest in talking with me. I hope to see you soon! Perhaps on December 3rd!! =) Music and what's 'real' xo Shari
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This Aint That Kind Of Love Song - Shari Puorto w/ Barry Goldberg - Alastair Greene

Host Alastair Greene Welcomes Blues Diva Shari Puorto Thursday, June 16

And Is Joined By Renowned Guitarist John Mark Next Thursday, June 23




(SANTA BARBARA) - The Savoy holds with its weekly Blues Night, every Thursday throughout the summer, with special guests performing each week. "Blues Night At The Savoy" is hosted by longtime Santa Barbara musical mainstay, The Alastair Greene Band.

The Savoy is a newly-remodeled live music venue located smack in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara at 409 State St. 9 p.m.-till each evening. No cover; 21 and over. Info: (805) 957-1111 or log onto www.thesavoysb.com.

Joining Greene this week is dynamic vocalist Shari Puorto, 2010 Los Angeles Music Awards "Best Song of the Year" winner in the Blues, Roots or Americana category. On Thursday, June 23, Alastair welcomes renowned guitarist John Marx (known for his work with the late, great William Clarke, Albert Collins, and Lowell Fulson among others). Recent guests have included blues harp great James Harman and Ventura's R&B Bombers.

Santa Barbara native son Greene continues to maintain a rigorous work schedule which includes being the touring guitarist with the renowned Alan Parsons Live Project as well as selected Southern California dates (just played the Main Stage at the Real Blues Festival of Orange County 2 in Santa Ana, the second consecutive year he has appeared at the fledgling festival). Alastair also performed at last week's Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival, performing with none other than renowned SB harpmeister, Mitch Kashmar. Alastair is currently putting the finishing touches on his new CD Through The Rain, the follow-up to critically-lauded Walking In Circles (Riatsala Music). Guitar ace Ty Tabor from rock greats King's X duets with Greene on the track, "By The Way."
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