Eric Bibb to spill his soul at two shows on May 9

Photo credit: Michel Verlinden

Who: Eric Bibb
Where: San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
When: 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on May 9
How much: $10 for adults; $5 for children under age 12
Contact: Call 949-493-1752
Online: www.MusicattheLibrary.com

Eric Bibb has been performing and impressing audiences for most of his life. The New York native is the son of singer Leon Bibb and the nephew of jazz pianist-composer John Lewis of the Modern Jazz Quartet.

Not many youngsters grow up in a household where regular visitors include the likes of Pete Seeger, Odetta and Paul Robeson.

Bibb’s childhood captivation with music has continued to pay creative dividends in his adult career. Since the release of his 1997 album “Good Stuff,” Bibb has found a growing audience for his blend of blues, gospel and soul music. He has completed studio recordings with some of his heroes (Taj Mahal, Mavis Staples, Charlie Musselwhite) and toured with Robert Cray and Robben Ford. Bibb even opened for Ray Charles at a concert in summer 2002.
Local audiences have two chances to catch Bibb when he performs as part of the Music at the Library concert series in San Juan Capistrano, playing shows at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on May 9.

Bibb will likely be featuring original material from his excellent 2006 release “Diamond Days,” as well as his most recent album, 2008’s “Get Onboard.”
Recorded in Nashville and Stockholm, Sweden, “Get Onboard” features both Raitt and Ruthie Foster as well as a talented band including keyboardist Glen Scott, guitarist-bassist Tommy Sims and drummer Lemar Carter.

Bibb was recently nominated as International Artist of the Year as part of the Maple Blues Awards, with Bibb named in the top-notch company of James Hunter, Staples, Taj Mahal and Watermelon Slim and the Workers.
For those planning on attending the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point on May 16 and 17, the upcoming Bibb concerts should definitely set the right tone.