Ruf Records 30th Anniversary Tour - Featuring Samantha Fish, Canned Heat, Mitch Ryder, Bernard Allison & Ghalia Volt

 

Samantha Fish performing at the Flagstaff Blues
and Brews Festival on June 9, 2023.
Photo credit: Daryl Weisser

RUF RECORDS 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR CELEBRATING THREE DECADES OF BLUES EXCELLENCE SAMANTHA FISH W/ SPECIAL GUEST MITCH RYDER CANNED HEAT W/ SPECIAL GUEST BERNARD ALLISON GHALIA VOLT’S ONE WOMAN BAND BROOKLYN NY - In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Ruf Records is proud to announce a monumental tour that will showcase the legacy of one of the most influential labels in modern blues history. Since its founding in 1994 by Thomas Ruf, Ruf Records has been a cornerstone of the blues genre, nurturing some of the most renowned and respected artists in the world. The 30th Anniversary Tour is not just a celebration of the label's past but a testament to its ongoing commitment to preserving and advancing the blues tradition. This tour will be headlined by Samantha Fish, with Canned Heat, special guests Mitch Ryder and Bernard Allison, and a special performance by Ghalia Volt’s One Woman Band.   Ruf Records: A Legacy of Blues Innovation   Founded by Thomas Ruf in Germany, Ruf Records has always been more than just a label—it’s been a movement. With a mission to bring blues music to the forefront of the global stage, Ruf Records has been home to an array of legendary artists, including Luther Allison, Devon Allman, Ana Popovic, and Walter Trout. The label’s impact on the blues genre is undeniable, having introduced a new generation of listeners to the raw power and emotional depth of blues music. Ruf Records has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre, with artists whose music resonates with both purists and newcomers alike.   As Ruf Records celebrates its 30th anniversary, this tour serves as a tribute to both the artists who have shaped its legacy and to the future of the blues, which the label continues to champion. The tour brings together a diverse lineup of performers, each of whom represents a different facet of the blues spectrum, ensuring that the genre’s rich history is honored while also paving the way for its future.   Samantha Fish: A Year of Unstoppable Momentum   Headlining the Ruf Records 30th Anniversary Tour is Samantha Fish, one of the most dynamic and electrifying performers in the modern blues scene. 2024 has been a landmark year for Fish, who has continued to captivate audiences with her powerful guitar work, soulful vocals, and genre-defying style.   Fish’s live performances are nothing short of spectacular, blending raw blues with rock, country, and even punk influences. For this special anniversary tour, Fish will be joined by none other than Mitch Ryder, a rock ‘n’ roll icon whose career spans over five decades. Known for his high-energy performances and hits like "Devil with a Blue Dress On," Ryder will bring an added layer of intensity to Fish’s already explosive set. Together, they are sure to deliver a performance that will be a highlight of the tour and a fitting tribute to Ruf Records' legacy.   Canned Heat: Reverence for a Legendary Career   Another highlight of the Ruf Records 30th Anniversary Tour is the inclusion of Canned Heat, a band whose name is synonymous with the blues-rock revolution of the 1960s. With a career spanning nearly six decades, Canned Heat's line-up features original member Adolfo "Fito" de la Parra, as well as Dale Spalding, Rick Reed and Jimmy Vivino.   Known for their hits "On the Road Again" and "Going Up the Country," Canned Heat has performed at legendary festivals such as Woodstock and remains one of the most influential bands in the history of blues and rock music.   Canned Heat will be supporting their aptly titled album, Finyl Vinyl. To make their set even more special, they will be joined by Bernard Allison, the son of blues legend Luther Allison, the first Ruf Records artist. Bernard has carved out his own path in the blues world, known for his fiery guitar skills and emotive performances. His presence will not only honor his father’s legacy but also add a unique and powerful dynamic to Canned Heat’s performances.   Ghalia Volt: A Rising Star with a One-Woman Band   Adding a fresh and modern twist to the tour is Ghalia Volt, whose One Woman Band has been turning heads since its inception during the pandemic. Born in Belgium, Volt has always been a restless spirit, and when the world shut down in 2020, she found a unique way to keep her music alive. Armed with just her guitar, foot-drums, and a suitcase of bluesy tunes, Volt embarked on a month-long Amtrak journey across America, writing songs and performing solo shows from the train.   This journey not only solidified Volt’s reputation as a fearless and innovative artist but also laid the groundwork for her critically acclaimed One Woman Band project. Volt’s performances are a whirlwind of raw energy, with a sound that fuses the traditional blues of her European roots with the gritty, road-worn vibes of American rock and roll. Her rise to prominence even caught the attention of 60 Minutes, where she was featured in their expansive November 2023 "State of the Blues" story. Her set on the Ruf Records 30th Anniversary Tour is not to be missed, as she represents the future of the genre while paying homage to its storied past.   A Tour for the Ages   The Ruf Records 30th Anniversary Tour is more than just a series of concerts; it’s a celebration of the blues—a genre that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. With a lineup that includes some of the most influential and exciting artists in the blues world today, this tour is a must-see for any music lover. As Ruf Records enters its fourth decade, this tour stands as a testament to the label's enduring legacy and its unwavering commitment to the blues.

TOUR DATES 11.7     Pittsburgh, PA             Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead  11.8     Warren, OH                 Robins Theatre  11.9     Cincinnati, OH              Ludlow Garage  11.10   St. Charles, IL              Arcada Theatre  11.11   Columbus, OH             Bluestone  11.15   Virginia Beach, VA       Elevation 27  11.16   Hopewell, VA               Beacon Theatre  11.20   Washington, DC          Warner Theatre  11.21   Glenside, PA                Keswick  11.22   Jim Thorpe, PA            Penn’s Peak  11.23   New York, NY              Sony Hall  11.24   Beverly, MA                 Cabot Theatre

Yardbirds, Mitch Ryder, Lazy Lester, Joe-El Sonnier, Robby Krieger headline Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival, May 27-28

The Yardbirds are set to play at the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival
on May 27, 2017. Photo: Arnie Goodman

May of 2017 is shaping up to be a great month for blues fans in Southern California. A week after the Doheny Blues Festival plays out in Dana Point, the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival is set to host a number of established and up-and-coming artists over the Memorial Day weekend in Simi Valley, CA. Here is the media release...

Surviving Doors members drummer John Densmore and Robby Krieger performing at "Celebration for Ray Manzarek" event in Los Angeles in 2016. Robby Krieger will be among the headliners at the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival in May 2017. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

THE YARDBIRDS, MITCH RYDER, ROBBY KREIGER, 
JO-EL SONNIER, BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY, LAZY LESTER, 
DWAYNE DOPSIE,BIG CHIEF MONK BOUDREAUX & THE GOLDEN EAGLESDOUG KERSHAW AND MICHAEL DOUCET,
HEADLINE 28th ANNUAL 
SIMI VALLEY CAJUN & BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL, 
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 27-28

Los Angeles area’s largest Cajun, Zydeco, Blues and Roots music festival, featuring two stages, a Mardi Gras parade, crafts and dozens offood booths, takes place Memorial Day weekend.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — The 28th annual Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival will once again enliven Memorial Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 27 and 28, at Rancho Santa Susanna Community Park, 5005 Los Angeles Ave., in Simi Valley. The event features a full stage for each of its musical genres. The spirited music will go non-stop each day from 12 noon until 7:30 p.m. (or 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.).

Single Day tickets are $25 for adults (13 and over); $45 for a 2-day pass; children 12 and younger are free. New this year will be a limited number of SuperTicket passes. For $124 for a single day or $199 for both days, SuperTickets holders get a reserved seat, in the shade, directly in the front of the blues stage as well as private bar access (and two complimentary drinks) and other exclusive “backstage experiences.” Tickets are available on the festival’s website: http://www.simicajun.org/. (Note: the only tickets available at the gate are single-day, $30)

Headlining the blues stage this year will be the pioneering blues-rock band the Yardbirds, theRobby Krieger Band (celebrating 50 years of the Doors' music), Mitch Ryder, Lazy Lester and the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy; as well as L.A.-based roots-rockers the 44’s, soulful SoCal songstress Alex Nester and festival returnees Kelly’s Lot. Another festival favorite, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, returns for the fourth straight year and will be performing at both stages. 

On the Cajun and Zydeco stage will be the “original ragin’ Cajun” fiddler Doug Kershaw; Grammy-winning accordionist Jo-El Sonnier and the Cajun Trio featuring Michael Doucet, David Doucetand Mitch Reed. Performing on this stage too are Crawdaddio and the Bayou Brothers, who also will back Lazy Lester on the blues stage, while Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagleswill play on both the Cajun/Zydeco and Blues stages.

The annual Mardi Gras Parade will take place both days, and everyone is invited to join in with the marching bands, stilt walkers and other costumed characters. Also, during the breaks at the Cajun/Zydeco stage, dance instructor AJ Gibbs will lead the crowd in free dance lessons.

About the headliners:

The Yardbirds: In the mid-’60s, the Yardbirds revolutionized music as they pushed British blues rock into psychedelia and heavy metal. Godhead guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page all spent time in the band, playing alongside core members Jim McCarty (drums), Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar/bass) and the late Keith Relf (vocals/harmonica). McCarty recently assembled a new touring line-up that includes guitarist Johnny A (Peter Wolf), bassist Kenny Aaronson (Joan Jett, Hall & Oates), veteran harpist Myke Scavone and vocalist/guitarist John Idan, who has been a Yardbird since the Nineties. The group performs at the festival on Saturday, May 27.

The Robby Krieger Band: Regularly cited as one of rock’s all-time top guitarists, Krieger shot to fame in the Doors. The Los Angeles native wrote or co-wrote some of the band’s signature tunes, like “Light My Fire,” “Love Me Two Times,” “Touch Me” and “Love Her Madly.” The Robby Krieger Band will celebrate 50 years of the Doors’ music when then make their Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival debut on May 27.

Mitch Ryder: If you have ever heard Bruce Springsteen perform his “Detroit Medley,” you know Mitch Ryder’s impact on rock history. The medley’s main songs — “Devil With a Blue Dress,” “Jenny Take a Ride,” “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “C.C. Rider” — are all tunes Ryder popularized while fronting the Detroit Wheels in the mid-’60s. The powerhouse vocalist has remained a popular performer, especially in Europe. This year finds Ryder readying a new album and working on a stage musical based on his novel Hide Your Love Away. Experience Ryder’s dynamic rock & soul sound on the blues stage Sunday.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: For nearly a quarter century, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has been combining the old with the new. Folks can’t help but to dance to the band’s exhilarating blend of jazz, swing and Dixieland with rock ’n’ roll energy. Formed in Ventura, California, the band has recorded 10 albums and played over 2700 live shows, including playing for three U.S. presidents. Rather remarkably, the group remains composed of its core members: Scotty Morris (lead vocals and guitar), Kurt Sodergren (drums), Dirk Shumaker (bass), Andy Rowley (baritone saxophone), Glen "The Kid" Marhevka (trumpet), Karl Hunter (saxophones and clarinet) and Joshua Levy (piano). They’ll make their second Cajun & Blues Festival appearance when they hit the blues stage on Sunday.

Doug Kershaw: Known as the “original ragin’ Cajun,” Kershaw found crossover success during the late ’60s when his fierce fiddle playing and hippie-style appearance won favor with young rock audiences. His career started in the mid-’50s when he teamed with his brother Rusty to become a popular country duo, scoring hits with “Diggy Diggy Lo” and the autobiographical “Louisiana Man.” Kershaw, who was inducted in the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2009, will perform on the Cajun/Zydeco stage on May 27.

Lazy Lester: The story goes that, in the mid-’50s, Lazy Lester met Lightin’ Slim by chance on a bus. Slim needed a harmonica player for a recording and Lester could play the harp. He wound up playing on many of Slim’s Excello albums before making his own Excello debut in 1957. The Blues Hall of Famer’s best known tunes include “I’m a Lover Not a Fighter,” “I Hear You Knockin’,” and “I’m Gonna Leave You Baby.” After taking a hiatus, Lester returned to music in the late ’80s and he has made several albums since. Now in his 80s, Lester still blows a mean, swamp-bluesy harp. He’ll take the blues stage on May 27, backed by the Bayou Brothers.

Jo-El Sonnier: Hailed as the “King of Cajun Music” for the past 25 years, Sonnier is a wizard of the accordion. The much-in-demand musician has recorded with such stars as Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Robert Cray, Neil Diamond, Mark Knopfler, Elvis Costello, Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton. A multi-Grammy nominee himself, Sonnier won a Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album in 2015. He returns to Simi Valley for the second time, performing on the Cajun stage Saturday and Sunday.

The Cajun Trio: Michael Doucet, David Doucet & Mitch Reed: These three musicians were all founding members of BeauSoliel, the internationally renowned, multi-Grammy winning group that Garrison Keillor hailed as the "best Cajun band in the world." This trio, with Michael Doucet on fiddle, his brother David on guitar and Mitch Reed on various string instruments, showcases its virtuosity by slipping effortlessly among musical genres. They will play, along with a special surprise guest, both days of the festival.

Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles: A true ambassador of New Orleans, Joseph Pierre “Big Chief Monk” Boudreaux is the leader of the Golden Eagles, a New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian tribe. They are known for their elaborate attire, which includes handmade suits adorned with brightly colored feathers, intricate beadwork, rhinestones and ruffles, as well as their music, which combines folk traditions with funk and R&B. Boudreaux, a 2016 recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Award, brings his Golden Eagles to the Cajun/Zydeco stage on Saturday and the blues stage on Sunday.

Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers: A Cajun & Blues Festival favorite, Dwayne “Dopsie” Rubin returns to Simi Valley for the fourth straight year. He also will be hard to miss since he will be performing on both the blues and Cajun/Zydeco stages on Saturday and back on the Cajun/Zydeco stage on Sunday. The son of Zydeco legend Rockin’ Dopsie Sr., Dwayne has carved out his own successful career. His highly energetic Zydeco style has earned him a Grammy nomination and the title of “America’s Hottest Accordion” player.

The blues stage once again was booked by Martin Fleischmann and his company, Rum & Humble. For more than 20 years Rum & Humble has played a key role in presenting some of the world’s great musical talent (Radiohead, King Sunny Ade, and the Rolling Stones, to name a few) to Los Angeles audiences, in venues like the Hollywood Bowl, the Orpheum Theatre and the Santa Monica Pier. They also have been a pioneer promoters in the field of Latin alternative music; Fleischmann is one of the co-founders of L.A.’s Congo Room. Additionally, Rum & Humble has collaborated closely with artists such as Jackson Browne and Paul Oakenfold as well as with a varied roster of corporate and non-profit clients, such as KJAZZ Radio and the National Geographic Society.

The Cajun & Blues Festival has received national press accolades: “Everywhere you turned, there was something exciting happening,” wrote Blue Revue editor Art Tipaldi, who travelled to L.A. from New England. After attending last year’s concert, Jazz Weekly’s George W. Harris proclaimed: “Forget the Playboy Jazz Festival, the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues fest beats the older and richer sister. This is coming from a jazzer, yet still, pound for pound and dollar for dollar, I have more fun here than in Hollywood … it “delivered music made to last … can’t wait until next year.”

Besides the great music, festival-goers can enjoy great food too. Southern BBQ and authentic Cajun-Creole cuisine, such as jambalaya and crawfish, are available at dozens of food booths, which will also feature a variety of other dining options. There will be rows of craft booths and retailers to check out as well.

To get to the Rancho Santa Susanna Community Park, take California Hwy. 118 (Ronald Reagan Freeway) north from L.A. Exit at Stearns Street and go a couple blocks south. Ample free parking is available, with the main lot at the Simi Valley High School; a free shuttle takes to you to the park. This year, the festival has added thousands of square feet of additional tenting for shade at no additional charge. Low back chairs are recommended; however, pop-ups will no longer be allowed in the festival grounds.

100% of the festival’s profits are donated to charitable, educational and humanitarian causes on a local, national and international level. A list of these organizations may be found at <http://www.simicajun.org/who-benefits/>.  

The Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival is a presentation of the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise.

Schedule — subject to change:

SATURDAY MAY 27th

BLUES STAGE

Kelly’s Lot

Lazy Lester

The Yardbirds

The Robby Krieger Band

Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers

CAJUN/ZYDECO STAGE

Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers

Cajun Trio featuring Michael Doucet, David Doucet and Mitch Reed

Mardi Gras Parade

Jo-El Sonnier

Doug Kershaw  

SUNDAY MAY 28th

BLUES STAGE

Alex Nester

The 44’s

Mitch Ryder

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles

CAUN/ZYDECO STAGE

Bayou Brothers

Crawdaddio

Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers

Mardi Gras Parade

Cajun Trio featuring Michael Doucet, David Doucet and Mitch Reed

Jo-El Sonnier