'Favorite Songs of All Time' episode: TJR & Robert Kinsler discuss Songs 56-60

TJR and Robert Kinsler continue their video series where they discuss their Favorite 100 Songs of All Time; this week they discuss songs 56-60. Watch the episode HERE.

Charlie Watts Remembered

Charlie Watts / Photo shared via 
Twitter by Mick Jagger

Like millions of other music fans, I am devastated by today's news that Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has passed away (I last saw him perform with the band two years ago in Glendale, Arizona. See my review of the concert event HERE). Here is the official statement from the band and Watts' spokesperson: 

"It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.

"Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also a member of the Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation. We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time."

Charlie Watts performing at a livestream coronavirus
benefit in April 2020. Photo: YouTube

However, the outpouring of tributes and remembrances of the 80-year-old legend was immediate. Below are a few of the countless Tweets sent out today...Robert Kinsler

AXS TV New Original Music Series - "If These Walls Could Rock" - Premieres July 7, 2021

Exciting news for music lovers. Several of my favorite artists including rock 'n' soul champions Vintage Trouble, blues rock outfit Big Head Todd & The Monsters and singer-songwriter Jackson Browne are in the mix...Robert Kinsler 

AXS TV EXPLORES THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ICONIC ARTISTS & LEGENDARY VENUES IN THE NEW ORIGINAL MUSIC DOCUMENTARY SERIES IF THESE WALLS COULD ROCK, PREMIERING WEDNESDAY, JULY 7 AT 8:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. PT

 

Highlights Include Interviews & Performances by Jackson Browne at The Troubadour, Ivan Neville at Preservation Hall, Big Head Todd And The Monsters at Red Rocks, Vintage Trouble at The Old Brick Church, & More

 

Watch & Share First Look Clip Here From the Premiere Episode Featuring The Old Brick Church in Charleston, South Carolina - Link to Promo Here

 

  

 

LOS ANGELES (June 15, 2021) – AXS TV announced today the series premiere of the all-new original music documentary series If These Walls Could Rock—debuting Wednesday, July 7 at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT. If These Walls Could Rock joins returning investigative documentary series Music’s Greatest Mysteries in the Network’s new Wednesday lineup, which is dedicated to taking viewers inside music and behind the scenes with a night of in-depth interviews and exclusive performances, featuring some of music’s biggest names, and more.

 

If These Walls Could Rock’s inaugural season includes six 30-minute episodes that take viewers on a journey through the country’s most iconic music venues and bring the rich histories of these landmarks to life. The series highlights the important role the venues hold in their native cities and details how local music culture has been influenced by the venues themselves and the artists who have passed through them. The stories are told through insightful interviews with knowledgeable staff, both past and present, industry experts and notable artists. Each episode also profiles a different artist every week, who shares and creates his or her own personal connection to the featured venue before taking the stage for an exclusive private performance.

 

The series kicks off on July 7 as soulful blues rockers Vintage Trouble go on an emotional journey of self discovery at the Old Brick Church in Charleston. Other highlights include personal conversations with folk hero Jackson Browne, who returns to the stage where he came of age as an artist at The Troubadour in Los Angeles (July 14); alt-rock mainstays Big Head Todd And The Monsters, who come home to the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver (July 21) and multi-talented R&B star and hometown royalty Ivan Neville at Preservation Hall in New Orleans (July 28). Additional episodes will put the spotlight on venues such as The Caverns in Nashville (August 4), which boast natural acoustics and unparalleled sights in a unique subterranean setting; and the historic Aragon Ballroom in Chicago (August 11), a local institution known for its secret tunnels installed during Prohibition.

 

"If These Walls Could Rock explores the fascinating relationship an artist has with a performance space, and a performance space has with its community. We're proud to have documented these stories in a thoughtful way; celebrating a wide assortment of venues and a diverse line up of phenomenal artists," said Sarah Weidman, Head of Original Programming, Development and Multi-Platform Content for AXS TV.  “AXS TV’s new Wednesday night lineup is an immersive journey into music, taking viewers behind the scenes with exclusive access to some of music's greatest storytellers.  If These Walls Could Rock is a perfect complement to our returning series Music's Greatest Mysteries - digging deeper in the relevance and history of music in America."

 

If These Walls Could Rock is produced in-house by AXS TV, with Stephen Stormer serving as executive producer.

 

Schedule At A Glance

July 7 – Old Brick Church

July 14 – Troubadour

July 21 – Red Rocks

July 28 – Preservation Hall

August 4 – The Caverns

August 11 – Aragon Ballroom

 

About AXS TV

AXS TV is a leading music, entertainment, and lifestyle television network and digital media company controlled by Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. AXS TV’s programming broadly appeals to a diverse and impassioned fanbase, offering eclectic content that includes concerts and music performances, celebrity interviews, documentaries, wrestling, MMA, special events, and pop culture series. The Network’s signature programs include Dan Rather’s “The Big Interview”, “Music’s Greatest Mysteries,” “The Top Ten Revealed,” and “A Year in Music” and concert events such as CMA Fest and Farm Aid. The channel is also the home of IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s largest entertainment properties and Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion. The Network is available nationally in the United States and parts of Canada and the Caribbean. A full list of providers and territories can be found on axs.tv/subscribe. For more information, visit www.axs.tv and its social media channels YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

 

AXS TV Airs More Episodes of 'Live From Daryl's House,' Including two never-before-seen episodes with Tommy Shaw & TY Taylor

AXS TV has acquired 10 additional episodes of Live From Daryl's House, including two never-before-seen entries featuring STYX's Tommy Shaw (Oct. 1) and Vintage Trouble's Ty Taylor (Oct. 8.)

The series returns to the network on a new day and time, joining AXS TV's Thursday night line-up starting Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. ET, with guests including Joe Walsh, Cheap Trick, Smokey Robinson, Billy Gibbons, Johnny Rzeznik, The O’Jays, Ben Folds & Kandace Springs.

The full schedule is in the release below, along with a first-look clip of Tommy Shaw performing Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) with Daryl Hall.

AXS TV ACQUIRES 10 ADDITIONAL EPISODES OF LIVE FROM DARYL’S HOUSE, INCLUDING TWO NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN ENTRIES FEATURING STYX’S TOMMY SHAW & VINTAGE TROUBLE’S TY TAYLOR

The Series Returns to the Network with a New Day and Time, Joining AXS TV’s Thursday Night Lineup Starting October 1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Other Highlights Include Performances by Joe Walsh, Cheap Trick, Smokey Robinson, Billy Gibbons, Johnny Rzeznik, The O’Jays, Ben Folds & Kandace Springs

Watch & Share a First-Look Performance Clip HERE

Daryl Hall & Tommy Shaw  
Photo courtesy of Wolfson Entertainment

Los Angeles (September 15, 2020) – AXS TV and Good Cop/Bad Cop Productions—the company behind Live From Daryl’s House—continue their strong partnership, bringing 10 additional episodes of the acclaimed music series to the Network’s lineup this fall. In addition to eight fan-favorite episodes, viewers will be able to enjoy two never-before-seen entries when the series returns to AXS TV with a new day and time, airing Thursday, October 1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Ty Taylor and Daryl Hall
Photo courtesy of Wolfson Entertainment

The series kicks off with a pair of star-studded sets broadcast for the first time worldwide, starting with Hall’s jam session with STYX front man Tommy Shaw on October 1, featuring intimate performances of STYX signatures “Blue Collar Man,” “Too Much Time On My Hands,” and “Renegade,” as well as Daryl Hall and John Oates’ hits “Delayed Reaction” and “It’s A Laugh.” Then, on October 8, Hall joins Ty Taylor, lead singer of L.A.-based R&B quartet Vintage Trouble, for a night of music featuring Vintage Trouble originals “Another Man’s Words,” “Nobody Told Me” and “Can’t Stop Rollin’”. They also perform The Spinners’ “I’ll Be Around,” which was covered on the Daryl Hall and John Oates album “Our Kind of Soul.”

Live From Daryl’s House was created in 2007 by Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer Daryl Hall, who wanted a creative refuge from the grind of touring where he and his talented friends could hangout and rock out in a relaxed atmosphere. The Webby Award-winning program quickly took the music world and the internet by storm with its unique format, as Hall welcomed a new artist into his domain each week to enjoy some local cuisine and conversation, before hitting the studio for an unforgettable jam session. Since that time, Live From Daryl’s House has transformed into a nationally syndicated television series, attracting some of the biggest names in the industry and amassing a loyal cult following of fans eagerly anticipating the next new episode.

Other highlights include appearances and performances by guitar mastermind Joe Walsh (Oct. 15), chart-topping Goo Goo Dolls frontman Johnny Rzeznik (Oct. 22), jazz and soul songstress Kandace Springs (Oct. 29), Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick (Nov. 5), R&B trailblazer Smokey Robinson (Nov. 12), alt-rock mainstay Ben Folds (Nov. 19), legendary ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons (Dec. 3), and iconic soul outfit The O’Jays (Dec. 10).

In regard to the upcoming season’s lineup, Daryl Hall said, “There are so many great moments.  The O’Jays one gets to the core of what I’m really all about.”

“I’m excited that AXS TV is debuting the Tommy Shaw and Ty Taylor episodes, as the fans have been asking for new episodes.  Our partnership with the team at AXS TV keeps getting stronger, so I’m proud that we’re able to deliver new content, especially during these challenging times,” said Executive Producer Jonathan Wolfson.

“Live From Daryl’s House really resonated with our viewers when it debuted on our Network last April,” said Lucia McCalmont, Vice President of Programming and Scheduling, AXS TV. “We strive to give our audience the best seat in the house to unforgettable performances and unprecedented access to their favorite entertainers, and this series is a perfect reflection of that. We are proud to have the opportunity to feature it in our programming lineup once again, and we are pleased to be able to extend and build upon this successful partnership with Good Cop/Bad Cop Productions.”

Live From Daryl’s House Schedule Fall Schedule:

• October 1 - Tommy Shaw 
• October 8 - Ty Taylor 
• October 15 - Joe Walsh
• October 22- Johnny Rzeznik
• October 29 - Kandace Springs
• November 5 - Cheap Trick
• November 12 - Smokey Robinson
• November 19 - Ben Folds
• December 3 - Billy Gibbons
• December 10 - The O’Jays

Follow the social media conversation on Twitter @axstv as well as #LFDH.

About AXS TV

AXS TV is a leading music, entertainment, and lifestyle television network and digital media company controlled by Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. AXS TV’s programming broadly appeals to a diverse and impassioned fanbase, offering eclectic content that includes concerts and music performances, celebrity interviews, documentaries, special events, and pop culture series. The Network’s signature programs include Dan Rather’s “The Big Interview,” “Rock & Roll Trip With Sammy Hagar,” and “Live From Daryl’s House,” and concert events such as CMA Fest and Farm Aid. The channel is also the home of IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s largest entertainment properties. The Network is available nationally in the United States and parts of Canada and the Caribbean. A full list of providers and territories can be found on axs.tv/subscribe. For more information, visit www.axs.tv and its social media channels YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Press information is available at axstvmediacenter.com.

2019 Doheny Blues Festival recap

Marcus King displaying his otherworldly talents
at 2019 Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Lovers of blues, soul, blues-rock and roots music all found something to celebrate at the Doheny Blues Festival held at Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point, May 18-19.

The annual blues bash presented by Omega Events lived up its legacy over two wonderful days, with discerning fans of all ages rewarded with memorable performances. Here is a recap of this writer's favorite performances that played out in Dana Point over the weekend.

May 18, 2019

From left, Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan performing in
Dana Point on May 18, 2019.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Singer-harmonica player Tom Ball and guitar master Kenny Sultan performed a breakfast set for fans lined up to get into the festival, offering up authentic acoustic stylings with warmth and early-hour firepower. 

GA-20 performing at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

GA-20 is a rising talent forged in Boston, Massachusetts last year. Recalling the fiery approach of new generation blues heroes Moreland & Arbuckle and The Record Company, singer-guitarist Pat Faherty and guitarist Matthews Stubbs fired up the crowd with a number of hard-hitting tracks. "One Night Man," "By My Lonesome" and a cover of Clifton Chenier's "My Soul" were among the memorable cuts that lit up the Backporch Stage.

Joey "D" Delgado at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Opening up the action on the Dana Point Stage was East Los Angeles' the Delgado Brothers, a quintet that shined with a mix of well-crafted blues and roots rock tracks. Drummer-lead singer Steve Delgado, bassist Bob Delgado, lead guitarist Joey "D" Delgado and keyboardist David B. Kelley led the group through a powerful batch of originals including the winning title track off their latest album Two Trains. Another solid original was the tuneful "Live For Today," bolstered by great vocal harmonies and impressive fretwork courtesy of Joey Delgado.

Sue Foley in action at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

To say singer-songwriter-guitar great Sue Foley and her two-man band brought down the house was to state the obvious. Performing a 45-minute set of material weighted in favor of her latest album, the terrific The Ice Queen, the Canadian star is a masterful artist who was able to further inspire via a strong performance on the Backporch Stage. The smooth "Gaslight," joyful "The Lucky Ones" and a short mini-set of flamenco blues (including the beautiful "The Dance") showcasing Foley's shining guitar work made for one of the weekend's standout sets. Foley closed out her set with the hard-charging "Run" that had everyone moving to the wild and infectious rhythm, and also participating in a fun clap-along section.

Luther Dickinson tearing it up with the must-see
North Mississippi Allstars on the Backporch Stage.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The North Mississippi Allstars brought their signature brand of Southern rock, blues rock and jam band tradition to the Backporch, with singer-guitarist Luther Dickinson and drummer-guitarist Cody Dickinson impressing with their virtuoso chops and authentic approach. Highlights of the hour-long outing including an extended electric washboard solo from Cody, and 16-year-old guitar prodigy Brandon "Taz" Niederauer and lead guitarist Duane Betts (the son of Allman Brothers Band legend Dickey Betts) joining the band later in the set.

From left, Berry Oakley Jr., Devon Allman and Duane Betts of the Allman Betts Band.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The Allman Betts Band's turn on the Backporch Stage recalled the musical magic and sonic stylings of The Allman Brothers Band in spades, no wonder since the seven-member group includes Devon Allman (the son of the late Gregg Allman), Berry Oakley Jr. (the son of Raymond Berry Oakley, the founding bassist of the Allman Brothers Band) and previously-noted Duane Betts. In addition to some solid originals, faithful takes on The Allman Brothers' "Blue Sky," "Ain't Wastin' Time No More" and instrumental classic "Jessica" were performed with precision and craft. I was especially impressed by the title track off the band's forthcoming debut album (Down To The River set for release on June 28, 2019), an arresting song blending classic Southern rock with soul.

Ben Harper thrilling blues aficionados to cap
day 1 at the 2019 Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals used their 90-minute set to deliver a searing lesson in why blues and roots music still matter. Performing on the Dana Point Stage, Harper and his outfit performed both full-band blues blasters and sparse acoustic tracks. All featured Harper's distinctive vocals and lyrical stories that resonate with real life power. The potent "Burn One Down," the trance blues of "Whipping Boy" and stirring "There Will be a Light" were among the wonderful selections that showered the night with magic.

May 19, 2019

The Reverend Peyton of Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band at
Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point, CA on May 19.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band opened up the Doheny Point Stage on Sunday and their was an explosion of joyful noise as the high octane trio mixed up country and blues in all the right ways. Lead singer-guitarist Reverend Peyton is a force to be reckoned with and led the band through 35 minutes of bewitching music making including the delightful "You Can't Steal My Shine." In addition to Peyton, the Brown County, Indiana-spawned group includes drummer Max Senteney and "Washboard" Breezy Peyton, the latter who lit her Cajun instrument on fire during the closing number! 

Tierinii Jackson
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Southern Avenue may not be Memphis' best-kept secret much longer. The high-energy young group brought a mix of Southern soul, blues, funk and R&B to the Backporch Stage on Sunday afternoon. Kicking things off with "Whiskey Love" off their new sophomore album Keep On, the mix of styles, infectious energy and palpable chemistry between the band members and virtuoso chops kept the set racing for the next 45 minutes. 

Singer Tierinii Jackson and her sister Tikyra Jackson showed off their great harmonies, while top-tier guitarist Ori Naftly were especially locked in as they commanded the front of the stage. Keyboardist Jeremy Powell got to shine on "It's Gonna Be Alright," a great original off the group's self-titled 2017 full-length effort. Southern Avenue closed things out with the uplifting "Don't Give Up."

John Mayall enjoying the moment.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

At 85, John Mayall remains a passionate and heartfelt champion of the blues – and so-called "British blues" in particular. In addition to his strong baritone vocals, Mayall shared his talents on keyboards, guitar and blues harmonica while also showcasing his latest lead guitarist (and sometimes lead vocalist) Carolyn Wonderland. I especially loved the performance of a loose and buoyant take on the great Curtis Salgado song "The Sum Of Something."

Nick Moss Band with harmonica great Dennis Gruneling at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Nick Moss Band with Dennis Gruneling offered up a tradition-laced take on the Chicago blues. Joined by blues harp master Grueling, singer-guitarist Moss and his band brought down the house with a forceful and energetic set. They upped the ante when they brought up area harmonica legend Rod Piazza for a full-on jam.

"Artist-At-Large" Brandon "Taz" Niederauer
performing with the Marcus King Band.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Marcus King, left, with Brandon "Taz" Niederauer.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The Marcus King Band delivered a jaw-dropping and blistering hour-long set on the Dana Point Stage. Led by super-talented lead guitarist/singer-songwriter Marcus King, the Greenville, South Carolina band draws comparisons with modern-day artists such as Southern Avenue and Vintage Trouble in terms of mixing up its influences and creating something that is the group's own. King was flat-out amazing on stage, with his dramatic and impressive fretwork conjuring up sonic fireworks aplenty. What wasn't to love, including the explosive "Where I'm Headed," more introspective "Mourning Light" and Southern rock power ballad "Goodbye Carolina." What's more, the collective were even joined by Niederauer to cap this incredible set.

Vintage Trouble tearing it up at the Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Vintage Trouble has proven to be one of modern music's all-time great concert acts, so it's little surprise the Los Angeles-based quartet killed it on the Backporch Stage on Sunday. While the weekend may have been winding down, Vintage Trouble had little interest in helping blues fans relax. Rather the group kept the party rolling with an intoxicating mix of rock 'n' soul. The soulful "Nobody Told Me," rocking "Blues Hand Me Down" and tender "My Whole World Stopped Without You" were early favorites. 

Vintage Trouble's Ty Taylor riding high at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The band (backed on this date by a female vocalist) continued to mix things up and keep things inspired and interesting, complete with an acapella vocal opening to open the timely "Everyone Is Everyone," slide guitar-anchored "Run Like The River" and an inventive cover of Elton John's "Rocketman." Lead singer Ty Taylor ventured out into the enthusiastic crowd several times, including when he was carried above the audience. The over-so-fast set ended with a mighty "Knock Me Out."   

Jonny Lang at Doheny Blues
Festival in Dana Point, CA.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Jonny Lang closed out the weekend with a 75-minute set of well-known tracks, sticking closely to his long-standing set list featuring "Signs," "A Quitter Never Wins," a cover of Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City," "Lie to Me" and other faves. 

Omega Events added a special Music Preserves Stage at this year's event where artists were interviewed and concertgoers were treated to insider experiences from musicians. I caught Niederauer who talked about his passion for the blues and his excitement at performing with many of the artists at this year's Doheny Blues Fest. The aforementioned Foley, harmonica legend Rod Piazza and Southern Avenue were among other artists who spoke on the stage.




Review by Robert Kinsler

A special "Thank You" to Bob Steshetz for his wonderful photos!

2019 Doheny Blues Festival preview

Brandon "Taz" Niederauer performing with the Otis Taylor Band
at Doheny Blues Festival in 2015. Now 16, the young artist
is one of the most exciting talents on the international stage.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

If you are in Southern California, make plans to attend the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19). The diverse line-up of bona fide legends (Taj Mahal, Robert Cray Band, John Mayall Band), pioneering modern-day heroes (Jonny Lang, Vintage Trouble, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, North Mississippi Allstars, Sue Foley) and emerging greats (Southern Avenue,  Brandon "Taz" Niederauer) promise to make the two day event a great one.

Ben Harper performing at Doheny Blues Fest in May 2013.
The famed artist returns to the event with the Innocent Criminals
this year. Photo: Bob Steshetz

This year's event is bringing back several festival favorites including Ben Harper, who last performed in Dana Point on the 2013 bill with blues harmonica great Charlie Musselwhite. 

This year Harper (a native of Pomona, CA) will be appearing with the Innocent Criminals. Harper is a three-time Grammy winner and has blended blues, rock, folk, reggae, soul and other styles into a unique and fiery musical brand that is his alone. He will come to Dana Point armed with his top-tier talents as both lead singer and guitar virtuoso. You can read my review of Harper's memorable 2013 performance here. Harper will perform on the Dana Point Stage at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Brandon "Taz" Niederauer performing at NAMM Show in
Anaheim, CA in January 2019. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Regular readers of my writings will know how blown away I was when I caught then 12-year-old Brandon "Taz" Niederauer perform with the Otis Taylor Band back in 2015, and his burgeoning talent as a now 16-year-old who headlined at the D'Angelico Guitars booth at the NAMM Show in Anaheim in January 2019. Make no mistake; Niederauer is simply amazing. His guitar playing is off the charts, and his considerable talents as a band leader, singer and songwriter astound. Among the awesome songs he performed in Anaheim were the souful "My Revival" and "Dare," as well as the funk-tinged blues rocker "Paralyzed." Don't miss this year's "Artist-At-Large" when he comes to town; Niederauer will perform with several artists across the weekend, and will headline his own set on the Music Preserves Stage at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Among the other great artists set to perform on Saturday are the Robert Cray Band, Taj Mahal Quartet, Sue Foley and North Mississippi Allstars. 

Jonny Lang performing at the NAMM Show on January  23, 2013.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Sunday also promises to provide a full day of great music in Dana Point. Another much-anticipated artist coming to Doheny Blues Fest this weekend is singer-guitarist Jonny Lang. Armed with his distinctive baritone vocals and passionate guitar work, Lang always puts on a terrific show. I've seen him a numbers of times over the past 20+ years and this always-solid performer will headline the fest on Sunday night.

Vintage Trouble singer Ty Taylor is an
absolute force of nature in concert.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Performing immediately before Lang and closing out the action on the Backporch Stage is one of my all-time favorite live acts. Vintage Trouble comes to the festival on the heels of a terrific new release, Chapter II - EP II, (read my review of the 10-track release here). When the Los Angeles-based quartet performed at the Doheny Blues Fest in 2014 they tore the roof off the place (no easy feat since the festival is held outdoors!). I've seen Vintage Trouble impress at Coachella, Doheny Blues, the House of Blues and even during a flight from Los Angeles to Denver (no kidding! Watch my documentary about the 2013 high-flying event here)

John Mayall performing at the
Coach House in San Juan
Capistrano in January 2018.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Often referred to as the "Godfather of British Blues," it is a real treat that John Mayall will be appearing at the festival on Sunday afternoon, appearing on the Dana Point Stage. Mayall, now 85, has had a long tradition of introducing the world to a string of guitar greats (Eric Clapton, Walter Trout, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, Coco Montoya and more), but Carolyn Wonderland is the first female to ever be featured as lead guitarist in any of Mayall's groups. Mayall is a true treasure and his set is one that shouldn't be missed by any concertgoers this weekend...

Other must-see artists set to perform on Sunday include the aforementioned Southern Avenue, the Marcus King Band, Roy Gaines and European outfit B.B. & the Blues Shacks.

Check out DohenyBluesFestival.com for more details. The event's official poster and schedule is below...






Robert Kinsler