Wednesday July 1
Craig Horton 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
Craig Horton is an Oakland-based, celebrated blues guitarist. Voted Best Blues Guitarist by the Bay Area Blues Society, it was noted that he’s also a very talented musician and singer, and a great band leader. Tom Mazzolini, producer of the San Francisco Blues Fest, reported after last year’s event that, “Craig Horton gave one of the most memorable sets that had people talking. It was impressive and it was deep mountain high! The real thing!”

Thursday July 2
David Landon Band 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
David Landon is a blues guitar player extraordinaire and his band had become a steady fixture in the Paris club scene, and throughout Europe. In 1994 David returned to the U.S and took up residence in the San Francisco Bay Area where he currently lives and performs with his band. In addition, David is a busy session guitar player and producer working with a wide variety of artists.

Friday July 3
Jackie Payne & Steve Edmonson Band 8PM & 10PM $20
> Artist Website
Jackie Payne and Steve Edmonson have a history together that goes back almost ten years. They first met when they were members of the popular show band, The Dynatones. They soon found that they had a common love for the blues. Jackie doesn’t just sing, he entertains. Jackie’s show can easily match the fervor and intensity of a fire and brimstone gospel revival.

Saturday July 4
Derick Hughes 8PM & 10PM $20
> Artist Website
Known as one of the best vocalist in the country, and son of Soul & Blues Singer - Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Mr. Freddie Hughes (Send my baby back, 1968); Derick Hughes is back and in full swing! His originality, vitality, and showmanship afforded him the opportunity to sing with Norman Connors, Prince and The New Power Generation, Tower of Power, and Michael Bolton. Derick’s distinctive voice covers five octaves ranging from first and second baritone to second soprano. He is currently touring with Roberta Flack and is killing her softly with his song.

Wednesday July 8
Sharrie Williams 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
Sharrie touches souls with her talent and passion for her music, combined with her smoky, sexy and imitable style she always leaves her audience calling for one more song. She emerges with grace as a humble and rock solid professional, a talented songstress that stands on her own.

Thursday July 9
Curtis Salgado 8PM-11:30PM $16
> Artist Website
Singer Salgado started his own band in the burgeoning Northwest blues scene in the early Seventies then leaving to front the respected Roomful of Blues from 1984-1986. Along the way, he inspired John Belushi to create the Blues Brothers when Belushi was in Eugene, Oregon to film Animal House and caught Curtis’s act. Belushi dedicated the first Blues Brothers album to Curtis.

Friday July 10
Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers 8PM & 10PM $20
> Artist Website
Lavay Smith is internationally recognized as The Queen of classic Jazz & Blues in the authentic style of the 1940's and 1950's. Lavay's last album received a prestigious 4 & 1/2 Star review in Downbeat magazine and reached the top 10 on the National Billboard Jazz Charts. This is one of San Francisco’s favorite swing and jump blues band.

Saturday July 11
Frank Bey 8PM & 10PM $22
> Artist Website
Frank Bey is a blues singer who grew up in Millen, Georgia, son of gospel singer Maggie Jordan. Frank toured with the Otis Redding Review in the 60's and later with Archie Jenkins & The Incredible Saxons. Frank Bey is finally receiving his long over due props as an excellent blues performer and will be playing this year’s Monterrey Bay Blues Festival. Frank will perform songs from his most recent album Blues in My Pocket which is receiving rave reviews.

Tuesday July 14
Fat Tuesday Band 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
The FTB presents the great funky vibe of New Orleans’ best music from groups like The Meters, The Neville Brothers, Fats Domino, Rebirth Brass Band, Satchmo, and Professor Longhair. The Fat Tuesday Band also features a series of exciting guest musicians including; New Orleans piano man Randy Craig, and soul singer Edna Love among others.

Wednesday July 15
Kevin Russell 8PM -11:15PM $15
> Artist Website
Kevin is a contemporary artist known in hip musical circles and by fans worldwide. He is a provocative player whether you listen to him playing smooth jazz, soul, rhythm and blues or burning rock guitar. His versatility and daring spirit are always apparent in his playing. Kevin has been a well respected player for many years by innovators in the music industry and fans alike. Kevin has always believed you must grow musically and continue to strive forward and always remember the best is yet to come. He will continue to develop new ideas musically and touch audiences worldwide.

Thursday July 16
Guitar Shorty 8PM-11:30PM $20
> Artist Website
Between his blistering, rocked-out guitar work and his fierce, soulful vocals, the power of his music is unmatched, and the perceptive and meaningful lyrics unique among modern bluesmen. Guitar Shorty, has lived the life of a bluesman for as long as he can remember. Check his résumé and you'll see he's worked with some of the best blues guitarists of all time: Earl Hooker, T-Bone Walker, George Benson, and others.

Friday July 17
Todd Morgan & The Emblems 8PM & 10PM $20
> Artist Website
As a serious musician and an entertainer, Todd Morgan wants to make a name for himself in the music business. He is convinced that he can build up a large following, based purely on talent and determination, regardless of the popular trends in music today. He pours his heart and soul into every exciting and energetic performance.

Saturday July 18
Lee Rocker 8PM & 10PM $22
> Artist Website
In the early 1980s, Lee Rocker founded The Stray Cats and reintroduced rockabilly to a mass audience. His solo recordings continue igniting the roots music fire, and the artist’s audience has grown to include a third-generation fan base of young rockers hungry for the roots sounds.

Sunday July 19
Diddley Squat 8PM-11:30PM $12
> Artist Website
Diddley Squat (East Texas) This high-energy band is from the East Texas bayou country and plays Delta to Chicago-style Blues and Memphis to West Coast Swing. Whether playing a festival, casino, club, or coffee house, they just love music and love to entertain! You already know the Blues. Now you know Diddley Squat!

Wednesday July 22
Earl Thomas Unplugged 8PM-11:30PM $16
> Artist Website
Earl Thomas has tapped into the spirit that created the classic R&B/soul sound. This evening will showcase his true sound unplugged in an intimate setting. Mighty Mike Schermer & James Depreto to accompany Earl.

Thursday July 23
Shane Dwight 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
Shane Dwight is a charismatic and supremely talented guitarist, soulful vocalist, prolific songwriter and one of the brightest young up-and-coming stars on the rock/blues scene today. In the last two years, the Shane Dwight Band has been catapulted to the forefront of the West Coast Blues Scene.

Friday July 24
Delgado Brothers: CD RELEASE
8PM & 10PM $20
> Artist Website
Though they came out of the same East L.A. scene as Los Lobos and El Chicano, the Delgado Brothers -- frontman Joe, bassist Bob, and drummer Steve with keyboard player Billy Steinway -- rely instead on blues/R&B and sweet vocal harmonies. Signed to the Hightone label, the group worked with producers Bruce Bromberg and Dennis Walker, and released The Delgado Brothers in 1987. This show will be in celebration of their new album.

Saturday July 25
Sweet Baby J’ai 8PM & 10PM $20
> Artist Website
Sweet Baby J'ai is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and actress who has toured the world with her distinctive sound. Although J'ai is known for her energetic stage presence and powerful vocals, some critics describe her as a "jazz singer", a R&B/Pop singer, others as a "blues singer” but all agree that this versatile singer-songwriter is a "storyteller". Sweet Baby J’ai’s latest album, Introducing J’ai Michel, to be released July 3, is produced by renowned producer, arranger, pianist Jane Getz and Grammy Award winner, Bob Tucker, and boasts and eclectic mix of R&B, pop, jazz, rock and blues with a little spoken word thrown in for good measure!

Tuesday July 28
Alvon 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
Alvon Johnson is the winner of the 2005 Guitar Player of the Year Award and former member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame vocal group, The Coasters. His rich voice helped to recreate all the wonderful and familiar songs such as, Charlie Brown, Yakety Yak, and Poison Ivy. Alvon is a versatile, multi-talented blues entertainer with years of experience on stage.

Wednesday July 29
Kenny Neal 8PM-11:30PM $16
> Artist Website
Amazing with many talents, Kenny Neal is a mighty blues singer and guitarist filled with Blues that would blow you away. His music craft keeps his shows alive and hot, and as a multifaceted musician Neal injects different styles of music throughout. Kenny is also the winner of a 2009 BMA (Blues Music Award) for Song of the Year, "Let Life Flow."

Thursday July 30
Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan w/ Alan Iglesias 8PM-11:30PM $16
> Artist Website
Alan Iglesias began playing guitar professionally in ‘69 and toured the New England area extensively with local blues-based rock bands. Feeling a strong affinity for Stevie’s music and stage show, he decided to reproduce a Stevie Ray Vaughan concert as close as possible to the real thing. He considers it a privilege to have the opportunity to play such soulful music in Stevie’s style and that he and the band is helping to keep the legacy of Stevie and his music alive.

Friday July 31
Zakiya Hooker 8PM & 10PM $20
> Artist Website
To be the daughter of a living legend is a major obstacle. To choose to follow in his footsteps is a major undertaking. But rather than relying on her father, Zakiya has pursued life -- and music -- on her own terms. A strong and versatile vocalist, not unlike Esther Phillips, Billy Holliday and a touch of Bonnie Raitt, Zakiya has carved out a market for herself. The jazzy blue sound takes you in and out of songs like “Hey Lady, Baby you Busted,” “New Orleans Rain” and “Protect me from the Blues.” Zakiya’s music has carried her all over the world and given her the opportunity to perform for fans the world over. To see Zakiya perform is a treat. She is a versatile vocalist and a fine performer. She puts on a witty, funny, emotional and most of all entertaining show. Catch her performance whenever you can.

Saturday August 1
Sista Monica 8PM & 10:00PM $20
> Artist Website
Recently joining the ranks of well-established and legendary artists such as BB King, Etta James, and Buddy Guy, Sista Monica won the "Artist Of The Year Award" at the prestigious Monterey Bay Blues Festival. She is a fierce force of nature while blending soul, funk and gospel with her blues. With a stage presence that commands the listener’s attention, Sista Monica will keep an audience captivated.

Sunday August 2
Lloyd Gregory 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
Lloyd Gregory's smooth jazz guitar playing and distinguished musical taste and style captivates audiences throughout the world. Doing a mix of jazz, blues, popular favorites and standards, Gregory has performed and toured with such noted artists as Stanley Clarke, Martha Reeves, Freddie Stewart (Sly & The Family Stone), Lenny Williams (Tower of Power), and the Dells.

Tuesday August 4
Sugaray 8PM -11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
Born and raised in Texas, Sugaray became interested in music while attending church. His Gospel influence can be heard and felt when he sings. Drawn to the blues, he began singing and writing blues tunes, a natural jump from his gospel roots. He has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with such greats as The Average White Band, Kal David, Joe Louis Walker & Dennis Quaid to name a few. When Sugaray belts out a soulful tune, you will experience the blues like it was intended to be experienced.

Wednesday August 5
Rockin’ Jake 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
Based out of New Orleans since 1990, Rockin' Jake relocated briefly to Ft. Worth Texas since being flooded out by Hurricane Katrina, then settled in St. Louis where he now makes his home. Rockin' Jake has been hailed by many as one of the premier harmonica players in the country. His original sound is a hybrid of second line, swamp funk, blues and zydeco with influences from Paul Butterfield, Big Walter Horton, James Cotton, The Meters,WAR, J. Geils Band, Clifton Chenier, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. He and his band pour out their souls in every performance with high energy and electricity which consistently brings the audience to their feet.

Thursday August 6
Jason Ricci 8PM-11:30PM $16
> Artist Website
Blues, Rock, Funk, Jazz Fusion, Eastern, Punk, Carnival, Psychedelic, Performance Art and more are all regularly attached descriptions of the band Jason Ricci and New Blood. Defying category, without defying the techniques, authenticity and disciplines of any one of those category is a rare and dangerous high wire act this band has been balancing expertly year after year, award after award, show after show, fan after fan and album after album.

Friday August 7
Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers 8PM & 10:00PM $20
> Artist Website
Lavay Smith is internationally recognized as The Queen of classic Jazz & Blues in the authentic style of the 1940's and 1950's. Lavay's last album received a prestigious 4 & 1/2 Star review in Downbeat magazine and reached the top 10 on the National Billboard Jazz Charts. This is one of San Francisco’s favorite swing and jump blues band.

Saturday August 8
Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers 8PM & 10PM $22
> Artist Website
The blues of Rod and Honey Piazza is universal. Sure, we call it Chicago blues, but their magic formula has spread all over the world. He sings and plays a mean harp, while Honey drives hard with a boogie-woogie piano attack that brings on a party all night long.

Sunday August 9
Watermelon Slim and The Workers 8PM-11:30PM $16
> Artist Website
Born in Boston, Mass., and raised in North Carolina, Bill "Watermelon Slim" Homans has taken his blues all over the USA, Europe, and Southeast Asia. During a career spanning over 30 years, Watermelon Slim has played with the late Henry “Sunflower” Vestine of Canned Heat, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, the late John Lee Hooker, and in France with Champion Jack Dupree. After winning 2 Blues Music Awards (BMA) in 2008 for “Best Blues Album of the Year” and “Best Band of the Year”, Slim and The Workers received 4 more BMA nominations in 2009. That’s a total of 17 nominations since 2004!

Monday August 10
Eric Sardinas 8PM -11:30PM $20
> Artist Website
It was exposure to the likes of gospel, Motwon and R&B that eventually caused Eric to seek out the emotionally charged acoustics sounds of the Deep South. His unique sound and honest delivery are breathing life back into the lungs of a stale industry on the verge of collapse. Sardinas is both a welcome reminder of the finest unfiltered music from an era bygone, as well as, a glimpse into a future realm of infinite sonic liberty. He's a courageous trailblazer who's constant repudiating routine limits and challenging all genre inherent boundaries with his wild innovations.

Tuesday August 11
Savoy Brown 8PM-11:30PM $20
> Artist Website
Legendary! One of the earliest of British blues bands, Savoy Brown (with founder guitarist and longtime member Kim Simmonds at the helm) helped launch the UK blues/rock movement that paved the way for such acts as Led Zeppelin. “The music of SAVOY BROWN has never really got that far away from the blues", Simmonds says. "Today, I can still do a show that does straight traditional blues along with rock hits like "Tell Mama" and it all seems to fit. Everything that I have done with the band has had a blues stand point to it".

Wednesday August 12
Kevin Russell 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
Kevin is a contemporary artist known in hip musical circles and by fans worldwide. He is a provocative player whether you listen to him playing smooth jazz, soul, rhythm and blues or burning rock guitar. His versatility and daring spirit are always apparent in his playing. Kevin has been a respected player for many years by innovators in the music industry and fans alike. Kevin has always believed you must grow musically and continue to strive forward and always remember the best is yet to come. He will continue to develop new ideas musically and touch audiences worldwide.

Thursday August 13
Tinsley Ellis 8PM-11:30PM $18
> Artist Website
Hard-rocking blues-soaked guitarist/vocalist/song-writer Tinsley Ellis sings and plays with the energy and soul of all the great Southern musicians who have come before him. Ellis attacks his music with rock power and blues feeling, following in the tradition of Deep South musical heroes Duane Allman, Freddie King, Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes. His live shows feature extended fretwork filled with melodic and rhythmic experimentation, in the spirit of jam bands like his friends Widespread Panic and The Allman Brothers.

Friday August 14
Larry McCray 8PM & 10:00PM $20
> Artist Website
Bold, brawny, often dazzling guitar lines are matched with confident, soul-drenched vocals. Understated funk rhythms and crunchy rock riffs meet searing slow blues and booty-bumping shuffles.
Larry McCray is one of a handful of talented young blues performers leading the genre across boundaries and into the new century. McCray's savage blues-rock guitar and warm, soulful vocals have drawn attention worldwide.

Saturday August 15
Earl Thomas 8PM & 10:00PM $22
> Artist Website
Earl Thomas has tapped into the spirit that created the classic R&B/soul sound. Not only is the production free of almost all contemporary flourishes but the songwriting and playing -- especially the horn section -- is so authentic you'll be checking the credits for the recording date. The singer's voice –emotive, smooth but gutsy -- nails these tracks, but he never hogs the show or the arrangements, which are crisp and tight.

Tuesday August 18
Fat Tuesday Band 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
The FTB presents the great funky vibe of New Orleans’ best music from groups like The Meters, The Neville Brothers, Fats Domino, Rebirth Brass Band, Satchmo, and Professor Longhair. The Fat Tuesday Band also features a series of exciting guest musicians including; New Orleans piano man Randy Craig, and soul singer Edna Love among others

Wednesday August 19
Freddie Roulette 8PM-11:30PM $16
> Artist Website
The slack key and steel guitar tradition of Hawaii has been adapted for the blues by Illinois-born and San Francisco-based guitarist Freddie Roulette. Known for his cool tone and intense, high-note, squeals, Roulette provides some of the blues' most unique sounds. In addition to recording as a soloist, Roulette has collaborated with bluesmen Earl Hooker and Charlie Musselwhite and guitar wizards Henry Kaiser and Steve Kimmock.. Brought to San Francisco in the mid-'70s by Musselwhite, Roulette has continued to call the area "home."

Thursday August 20
Bill Magee 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
When Willie (Bill) Magee met, befriended and eventually joined up with Hendrix to form the band "Jimmy James and the Flames." In 1967, Hendrix went to England, and Magee took his newly formed band, the "Kansas City Playboys" on a tour around Europe. The rest is history...now after a brief hiatus Bill Magee has felt the pull of the blues once again and come out of retirement. Catch a performance of his and see the best of Southern Blues music. Nowadays, Bill Magee is one of San Diego, California's busiest working musicians.

Friday August 21
EC Scott 8PM & 10:00PM $20
> Artist Website
No less a music industry legend than Jerry Wexler, co-founder of Atlantic Records, called E.C. Scott “one honest-to-God soul singer.” High praise indeed from the main who produced Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Wilson Pickett! Blues and R&B diva E.C. Scott possesses a warm, inviting voice and a delivery that can be smooth and sultry one minute but sassy and sexy the next. She can mesmerize a crowd down to a whisper or rock them into a loud frenzy.

Saturday August 22
R&B Bombers CD Release 8PM & 10:00PM $20
> Artist Website
Swing, blues, rock, with a modern twist is the R&B Bombers. Their sound is timeless, and extremely enjoyable to play. The present group of players includes new members Don Roberts on baritone and alto saxes, Steve Wachsman on guitar, and long time member Jim Christie returning on drums. These and the original members have toured and performed in the back-up bands for such artists as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Brian Setzer, Joe Cocker, Freda Payne, The Temptations, Four Tops, James Brown, Joe Walsh, Dwight Yokam, Paul Anka, Tony Bennett, Big Mama Thornton, Manhattan Transfer, and Bobby Caldwell, just to name a few. The R&B Bombers are back and ready to become a mighty force on the blues circuit!

Wednesday August 26
Chris “Kid” Andersen 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
Born and raised in Norway, blues guitar player Chris "Kid" Andersen moved to California at 21 years of age to pursue a career in the blues. He quickly became a staple of the thriving West Coast Blues scene, just as he had been a vital part of the Scandinavian Blues scene for years already. He spent four years touring with harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite. He is currently the lead guitar for Rick Estrin and The Nightcats.

Thursday August 27
Shane Dwight 8PM-11:30PM $15
> Artist Website
Shane Dwight is a charismatic and supremely talented guitarist, soulful vocalist, prolific songwriter and one of the brightest young up-and-coming stars on the rock/blues scene today. In the last two years, the Shane Dwight Band has been catapulted to the forefront of the West Coast Blues Scene.

Friday August 28
Insomniacs 8PM & 10:00PM $20
> Artist Website
The Insomniacs seemed to literally explode onto the scene out of nowhere in 2007 as a fully-formed and functional unit delighting audiences with their joyous and highly contagious musical sound and irresistible sense of swing. Their self-produced debut release "Left Coast Blues", recorded in the living room of bassist Dean Mueller, was quickly snatched up and issued on Delta Groove Music, hitting a peak position of No. 5 on the national Living Blues radio charts. Critical praise and industry recognition from the blues community soon followed, garnering the band a 2008 Blues Music Award nomination for Best New Artist Debut, as well as a 2007 Muddy Award presented by the Cascade Blues Association for Best Contemporary Blues Act. They bust out with an original mix of blues, swing, jump, and roots rock & roll that has crowds dancing the night away.

Saturday August 29
John Lee Hooker Jr. 8PM & 10:00PM $20
> Artist Website
John Lee Hooker Jr. is an amazing blues singer and son of the legendary John Lee Hooker. From the gravely blues of the Detroit streets to a new era of sound; from the shadow of his father's accomplishments to standing apart from his namesake; from criminal to crime-fighter; from San Quentin to the Red Carpet, its no wonder the album is called All Odds Against Me. John Lee Hooker Jr. has built upon his colorful past as he continues to distinguish himself as a contemporary "Bluesman." John Lee Hooker Jr. has been nominated for a 2008 Grammy for best contemporary blues album.

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