.jpg)
Schedule Released!
Click here to download the Performance Schedule.
|
|
Jonny Lang
Saturday, May 17
Closing the show on Saturday night will be guitarist & singer Jonny Lang, making his first appearance at Doheny since 2003. Lang burst onto the music scene in 1996 at the age of 15, capturing critical acclaim and worldwide fans. Over a decade later, at the age of 27, Lang has matured into a top live performer, blending blues, funk and rock, while continuing to develop his guitar work, songwriting and soulful vocals.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Robert Cray Band
Saturday, May 17
For thirty-plus years Robert Cray has laid down track after track of good-time, uptown, low-down blues. He's won five Grammys and been nominated for 16 total, has inspired critics to praise his soulful vocal and instrumental artistry, earned respect from his peers, and sent young guitarists running back to the woodshed.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Eric Burdon & The Animals
Saturday, May 17
Eric Burdon's life has been a musical journey matched by few other performers in music history. Along with The Beatles and Rolling Stones, Burdon’s first band The Animals led the British Invasion, introducing British music, fashion and attitude to an entire generation.
In addition, Burdon helped to pioneer the San Francisco psychedelic rock scene, he discovered & fronted WAR (the biggest funk band of the 1970's), cut an LP with jazz-blues pianist Jimmy Witherspoon, and he is widely considered one of rock’s all-time great voices.
Burdon has charted with 25 Top-40 hits including classics We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, House Of The Rising Sun, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, It’s My Life and Spill The Wine.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Joe Willie "Pinetop" Perkins
Saturday, May 17
At 94 years old, Joe Willie "Pinetop" Perkins is widely recognized as the world's best blues piano player and one of the last great Mississippi bluesmen. He created a style of playing that has influenced three generations of piano players and will continue to be the yardstick by which blues pianists are measured.
Pinetop was awarded the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album for his new release with David "Honeyboy" Edwards.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Hubert Sumlin
Saturday, May 17
Hubert Sumlin is best known from his longtime work with Howlin' Wolf's band. Listed in Rolling Stone's The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, Sumlin continues to tour and play blues guitar at the age of 77. Sumlin is cited as a major influence by many artists, including Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Page, and Jimi Hendrix.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
Saturday, May 17
Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith was born in Helena, AR in 1936. At the age of 17 he ventured to Chicago where he heard Muddy Waters for the first time, and he was hooked.
As a drummer, Smith's traditional "shuffle" style has been regarded as the heart and soul of the Chicago blues sound, with Willie laying the beat behind many of the blues classics. But these days fans are just as likely to find Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith holding on to a harmonca, his first instrument, or leading the band with his voice.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
J.J. Grey & MOFRO
Saturday, May 17
JJ Grey and his band MOFRO exude funky, melodic, front porch realism in every song they play. Grey cites influences such as R.L. Burnside, Muddy Waters and Dr. John, while as a performer, Grey is influenced by the sexually charged blues of Howlin' Wolf, the country soul of George Jones, and the hard funk of James Brown, as well as local personalities like street preachers and old-time radio DJs.
"The MOFRO vibe travels freely among swamp funk, blues, rock and soul, with a certain down-and-dirty swagger that's as real as it is appealing." (Billboard Magazine)
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
B.B. & The Blues Shacks - direct from Germany
Saturday, May 17
B.B. & The Blues Shacks today have developed into the most successful performers of traditional blues in Europe. Since its formation in 1989, the band from Hildesheim has established itself as one of the top acts within the blues scene, with countless club and festival appearances all over Europe.
B.B. & The Blues Shacks are an exciting visual live act with a repertoire that encompasses Delta Blues, Swing, Chicago Blues, and West Coast Jump Blues, all the way to 50’s style Rock ’n’ Roll.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Bobby Rush - Unplugged
The Backporch Stage
Saturday, May 17
Most fans know Bobby Rush for his high-energy live show, a true R&B Revue... gritty, sweaty, funky and sexy. Rush's newest release, "Raw," is a bit of a diversion for the Arkansas native, as it's an acoustic record that's receiving rave reviews, including nominations for record of the year at the upcoming Blues Music Awards.
This will be Bobby Rush's first appearance at Doheny, and we will be treated to two sets; an acoustic Backporch set on Saturday (with second guitarist), and the high-octane Bobby Rush Revue on Sunday (with the dancers!)
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Paul Rishell & Annie Raines
The Backporch Stage
Saturday, May 17
When 22-year-old harmonica ace Annie Raines first sat in with 42-year-old country blues guitarist Paul Rishell in a Boston bar in 1992, few in the crowd suspected that they were witnessing the beginning of a 15 year musical partnership that would generate award-winning albums and worldwide fans.
“…Rishell is a master of country/blues styles, particularly slide played on a National steel guitar. Raines, a rare female ace blues harmonica blower, shows that she is as strong an acoustic country harp accompanist as she is a harder-edged, electrified Chicago-style lead player à la the great Little Walter…” -Billboard
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Saturday, May 17
Hailing from Tremé, the most musical neighborhood in the most musical city – New Orleans, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews has made the leap from child prodigy to Professional Master Musician. Playing both trumpet and trombone, Andrews' current project is Orleans Avenue, a funk/pop/hip-hop mix populated with musicians like Andrews who are young in age only. Orleans Avenue is high energy, high octane and highly contagious.
Andrews was voted Offbeat Magazine's 2007 Performer of the Year, while Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue takes home Best R&B/Funk Band of the Year.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
.jpg)
Los Fabulocos feat. Kid Ramos
Sat. May 17
Los Fabulocos play with enough energy to power a small fleet of motor vehicles. It's a fuel that burns full- throttle, ignited by the heat of soulful guitar and accordion solos that will make your heart bleed. With the world famous "Kid Ramos" taking the over lead guitar an bajo sexto responsiblities, you are guaranteed to be blown away... Los Fabulocos play songs about complex things; love, family, home and lost loves. While emotions connect, melodies soar. 95 years of combined playing experience provide the audience with a musical experience that will not be soon forgotten.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Bonnie Raitt
Sunday, May 18
More than just a best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer, and accomplished songwriter, Bonnie Raitt has become an institution in American music. The release of "Souls Alike", her eighteenth album, marks yet another brave, exhilarating step in a legendary body of work.
A lifelong activist and supporter of environmental causes, Raitt is a perfect artist to headline the Doheny Blues Festival, and we are honored that she has chosen to perform for the fans in Dana Point.
This will be Bonnie Raitt's only LA/OC appearance in 2008.
Click photo for biography & artist website.
|
|
Little Feat with very special guest Coco Montoya
Sunday, May 18
Little Feat is easily one of the hardest-working and enduring bands in the industry today. With a history that spans more than 30 years, this band's band is regarded as one of the greatest groups in American rock music history. Best known for their combination of California rock and Dixie-inflected funk-boogie, they craftily blend folk, blues, rockabilly, country and jazz to create a unique style all their own, garnering a faithful grass-roots following.
"I'd have to say Little Feat was the biggest influence... musically, they're my favorite band." -- Bonnie Raitt
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Coco Montoya
Appearing as special guest with Little Feat
Sunday, May 18
Coco Montoya uses blues as a blasting off point for his emotional, soulful music on his newest Alligator release Dirty Deal, which features Little Feat members Paul Barerre (who also produced the record), Kenny Gradney, Richie Hayward and Bill Payne. Coco first met Paul Barerre and Little Feat at a blues festival and according to Barerre, “Coco’s playing was inspirational to me - great tone and attitude.”
The band invited Montoya to their annual Feat Festival in Jamaica two years in a row. “Our fans took to him like butter on bread”, recalls Barerre. “He fit in so well with the band that I knew I had to produce him. I really wanted to get that live feel from him on a recording, and that’s just what we did. He rips the guitar solos, and his voice is as strong as three-day-old coffee.”
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Bobby Rush Revue
Sunday, May 18
Bobby Rush—it’s pronounced as one three-syllable name—calls his music “folk funk,” an apt description for a blend that’s both decidedly modern and deeply rooted in tradition. Over the decades he has consistently updated his music by incorporating new styles-- Chicago blues, soul, funk, reggae, and hip-hop—into a fresh mix.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Joe Bonamassa
Sunday, May 18
Blues-rock guitar virtuoso and vocalist Joe Bonamassa kicked off 2007 with the honor of being named Best Blues Guitarist by Guitar Player Magazine’s readers. The year continued with the release of Sloe Gin, Bonamassa’s seventh solo album, a mix of heavy blues, big rock and textured acoustic tracks. Joe also became the youngest-ever member of the Board of Directors of the Memphis-based Blues Foundation, serving as the lead spokesperson for their highly respected Blues In The Schools program. Not bad for a 30-year old from Utica, NY.
“This kid's potential is unbelievable. He hasn't even begun to scratch the surface. He's one of a kind.” -- B.B. King
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk
Sunday, May 18
Formed in 2003, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk was initially put together on a whim in order to perform a solo gig at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Ivan called in cousin Ian Neville (guitar), the double-bass bottom of both Nick Daniels and Tony Hall, and drummer Raymond Webber to round out the show. Dumpstaphunk has since grown from side-project into what is now widely considered to be New Orleans’ most popular musical export. The band was recently voted 2007’s “New Orleans Best Funk Band” by both Offbeat Magazine and Gambit Weekly, and performs at some of the nation’s largest music festivals.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Watermelon Slim & The Workers - on the Backporch
Sunday, May 18
Does anyone in modern music have a more intriguing biography than Bill "Watermelon Slim" Homans? Born in Boston and raised in North Carolina listening to his maid sing John Lee Hooker around the house, Slim dropped out of Middlebury College to enlist for Vietnam. While laid up in a Vietnam hospital bed he taught himself guitar, then returned to the states and has driven a truck, been a sawmiller and farmed watermelons, hence the name.
Fast forward to 2008; Watermelon Slim & The Workers have received 12 Blues Music Award nominations in the past two years, more than any other artist.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets
with very special guest James Harman
Sunday, May 18
Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets with Sam Myers were one of the most popular and beloved bands throughout their twenty year association. Once long time partner Sam Myers took ill in 2004, Anson kept off the road to help Sam with the necessities of daily life. Wary of touring without his long time singer and harp player, Anson spent the last few years raising his family and gigging around Dallas. Now, at the urging of fans, Anson Funderburgh is back on the scene, teaming up with James Harman for a limited number of 2008 festivals and concerts. Welcome back, Anson!
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers
The Backporch Stage
Sunday, May 18
Jimmy Thackery is one of the few blues guitarists who learned first hand from the masters of the blues like Muddy Waters, not off a blues record or DVD. Though most associate Jimmy with his 15 years as the co-founder of the Nighthawks, he ended his time with them twenty years ago. Since then, Jimmy has been on the road as a solo musician performing hundreds of shows each year, proving each night why he is considered one of the top guitarists in the blues genré.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Reverend Billy C. Wirtz
Appearing with Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers
Sunday, May 18
Reverend Billy C. Wirtz is a comic genius, gifted pianist and American musicologist who defies easy classification. From the moment he sits down at the piano and lights into his Southern old-time gospel and blues with a twist, the six-foot-five-inch, goateed, tattooed tongue-in-cheek "Reverend" commands the stage and spreads the "gospel" like nobody's business.
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the True Loves
Sunday, May 18
“There are singers who sing and there are singers whose sheer power of expression can knock you off your feet. Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed falls firmly into the latter category ... [he] threatens to be one of the defining voices of the year” - MOJO MAGAZINE
“Mr. Reed invokes the stylish and muscular R&B of Otis Redding and Sam Cooke with convincing suavity.” - THE NEW YORK TIMES
Click photo for full biography & artist websites.
|
|
| |
|
