Mindi Abair ushers in 25th Anniversary of the Newport Beach Jazz Festival

Who: Mindi Abair

Where: Newport Beach Jazz Festival at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

When: Friday, Oct. 8, 2021

Learn more: MindiAbair.com

Mindi Abair playing her saxophone at the
Newport Beach Jazz Festival on Oct. 8, 2021.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Famed singer-songwriter/composer/saxophone great Mindi Abair ushered in the three-day Newport Beach Jazz Festival with an energetic and diverse two-hour set in front of a sold-out crowd at the Back Bay Amphitheater at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach on Friday night, Oct. 8.  

Featuring material from her outstanding 21-year discography, Abair and her top-tier quartet effortlessly fused contemporary jazz, rock, soul and pop during the fast-moving show. Renowned for her prominent role as a guest player for a myriad of talents via studio recordings, television specials and high profile tours, Abair shines even brighter when leading her own band as evidenced by the terrific concert on Friday night.

She opened with the funk-meets-soul instrumental "Wild Heart" (the title cut on her 2014 release), with the Mindi Abair Band (guitarist-vocalist Randy Jacobs, keyboardist-vocalist Rodney Lee, bassist-vocalist Ben White and drummer-vocalist Third Richardson) dialed into the dynamics of the winning introduction.

Mindi Abair, left, with Randy Jacobs
at the Newport Beach Jazz Festival.

Guitarist Randy Jacobs.

The genre-blending instrumental "Haute Sauce" blended an up-tempo blues groove with Abair's virtuoso lead saxophone playing. Jacobs also was featured adding some flashy fretwork during the ambitious selection.

Keyboardist Rodney Lee.

On the eve of what would have been John Lennon's 81st birthday, Abair and company performed an artful and jazz-styled reworking of "Imagine." That emotive cover was followed by a poignant version of her own lavish "True Blue."

Third Richardson performing in
Newport Beach on Oct. 8, 2021.

Early in the show Abair noted how "We are so happy to be back," acknowledging how difficult the pandemic has been for performers and audiences to be apart. There was a power to the show that served as a reminder how good it is to celebrate the union of artists and crowds again.

From left, Mindi Abair, Rodney Lee, Randy Jacobs and Third Richardson.

The rest of the first set included a tender take on the acoustic blues ballad "I'll Be Your Home," "Be Beautiful" (bolstered by some terrific vocal harmonies from her band members) and a nice clap- and sing-along from the crowd; the recent composition "April" (featured on her 2021 The Best of Mindi Abair release) was at once beautiful and a perfect showcase for Abair's artistic range on the saxophone.

Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers in Newport Beach.

Bassist Ben White.

Abair and her backing outfit continued to deliver terrific cuts in the second half of the show. Abair's "Pretty Good For A Girl" was a rollicking blues track where she used her powerful vocals and masterful sax work to fire back at the old adage not fully acknowledging the talents of a female musician — even one as clearly great as Abair. There were moments where band members Lee, Jacobs and White were all featured in track-driving solos. Abair even went out into the crowd at one point, with excited audience members getting up to dance with her while she soloed on her sax. The event ended with the energetic encore "Baby Get It On," with Abair sharing lead vocals with Richardson.

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

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

Dana Point's Doheny Blues Festival returns to Sea Terrace Park May 18 & 19, 2019

Can't wait for May 18 and 19, 2019!

Dana Point's Doheny Blues Festival Returns to Sea Terrace Park May 18 & 19, 2019!

Early Bird Weekend Passes Are On Sale Now! SAVE with Discounted Prices & No Fees!

Larkin Poe rocking at Doheny Blues Festival in May 2018.

Early Bird Pricing Now Available...

SAVE $52 - $87 per pass - while supplies last!

Eric Gales performing at Doheny
Blues Festival in May 2018.

Get more information at the Doheny Blues Festival website:

https://dohenybluesfestival.com/

2018 Doheny Blues Festival Preview

Buddy Guy "killing it" at Doheny Blues Festival in 2018.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Editor's note: Robert Kinsler recently was able to chat with Rich Sherman, president of festival organizer Omega Events, about the upcoming Doheny Blues Festival, coming to Sea Terrace Park in beautiful Dana Point, CA the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20, 2018.

Jimmie Vaughan performing in
Dana Point in 2013.

Robert: "Doheny Blues Festival arrives in about a month. How is the planning coming along?"

Rich: "It's coming along great. Moving venues is not what we anticipated (the festival is coming from Doheny State Beach to nearby Sea Terrace Park). When we learned we couldn't hold it at our previous location, we met with the city right away. The city of Dana Point, area hotels and business leaders in town all wanted to keep the festival in the city.

"As it turns out, the venues (Doheny State Beach and Sea Terrace Park) are both about the same size. The layout will feel very similar. We'll have three stages with music, and all the craft beer locations and food booths that fans enjoy. Overall, the festival will feel very similar."

Robert: "I know the mix of artists has always been important. Talk a bit about this year's line-up of artists."

Rich: "When you start in January for a May festival, it's not ideal. We feel really great about the line-up given we got that late start. It's important to get great blues artists such as Buddy Guy and Jimmie Vaughan; we just felt to close the weekend with Buddy Guy was super important to us. We feel there is a great mix of artists. 

George Thorogood rocking at
Doheny Blues Festival in 2013.

"Even George Thorogood (whose blues album Party Of One was released in August 2017) extended his tour to perform at Doheny. 

Robert: "I'm a big fan of Larkin Poe (sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell); tell me a little about how you came to bring them to the festival?

Rich: "Larkin Poe has been around for a couple of years, but in the last year kept doing tributes and making viral videos; they have covered Buddy Guy and all kinds of classic (blues) songs. They have just released a new album (titled Peach, released via Tricki-Woo Records on April 20). The album is similar to their videos, with a mix of blues covers and original material. Their story kind of reminds me of The Record Company (who thrilled the Doheny faithful on the Backporch Stage in May 2016)."

The California Honeydrops performing in Dana
Point in 2014.

Robert: "Another great young group is the California Honeydrops. Talk a little about what they bring to Dana Point?"

Rich: "They're just a party. Have to break up all the guitar players with some funk. They're great; they make you want to dance and smile.

"Anders Osborne is making his first-ever appearance at Doheny; and with Kim Wilson's Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1 and John Németh's Feelin' Freaky (produced by Luther Dickinson), we are featuring two artists who released two of the best blues albums of the year." 

Nikki Hill in 2014.

Robert: "I know it's a big deal for people who have been long-time concertgoers to think about going to a new site. What would you like to tell fans of your event, which has been in Dana Point since 1998?"

Rich: "It would be for folks to trust us. For those who think 'My festival is gone,' it's not. It has just moved up the street, and we are designing and re-imagining the festival. We are rebuilding the festival for another 20 years. It's a challenge. But those are the challenges we take on with every festival we produce.

"Our goal is to produce the best festival for all the people who will be there."






Here is the line-up for the upcoming Doheny Blues Festival:

Nathan James in 2010.

Saturday, May 19, 2018
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Blues Traveler
Jimmie Vaughan
Anders Osborne
Eric Gales
Larkin Poe
Knock-Out Greg
Chris Cain and the All-Stars
Mitch Woods
Nathan James
Dany Franchi
Artur Menezes
The Silver Kings

Buddy Guy at Doheny Blues Fest
in May 2013.

Sunday, May 20, 2018
Buddy Guy
Eric Burdon and The Animals
Beth Hart
The California Honeydrops
John Németh Love Light Orechestra
Nikki Hill
Kim Wilson Blues All-Stars
Curtis Salgado / Alan Hager
Quinn Sullivan
Santos Y Sinners
Mercedes Moore




For more information on the Doheny Blues Festival, including how to get tickets, visit the official website here.

A special thank you to Bob Steshetz for all his wonderful photography!

Doheny Blues Festival 2017 preview

Dustin & Arbuckle will perform at the 2017 Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

20th Anniversary Doheny Blues Festival

Who: Joe Walsh, Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience, Robin Trower, Canned Heat and more (May 20); Melissa Etheridge, Chris Isaak, Mavis Staples, Bobby Rush, JJ Grey & Mofro, Moreland & Arbuckle and more (May 21)

When: May 20-21, 2017

Where: Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA

Tickets: As of May 8, 2017, 1-day ($75) or 2-day ($140) general admission tickets are available, and VIP & Gold passes are available for Sun. May 21 ($150 and $250, respectively, with various amenities).

Online: DohenyBluesFestival.com

Before Coachella, Stagecoach and KAABOO festivals made their mark on the Southern California landscape, there was Orange County's own Doheny Blues Festival.

Samantha Fish is among the young up-and-coming
artists coming to the annual blues festival.

That celebrated two-day music event celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2017 and returns to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point May 20-21. Boasting three stages and a wide range of blues, roots, classic rock and Americana artists, the lineup includes Joe Walsh, Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience and Robin Trower on Saturday, and Melissa Etheridge, Chris Isaak, Mavis Staples, Samantha Fish and Moreland & Arbuckle on Sunday.

"Music festivals are very important for a lot of people and this is a completely new way to experience live music," said Rich Sherman, president of Omega Events. "Has it become harder (to produce our event)? Indeed, there is more competition than there was 20 years ago. What we found is that the competition isn’t necessarily what is happening in California, but every weekend on the calendar there is going to be a festival somewhere in North America, even the world. The real issue isn't Coachella or Arroyo Seco (the latter a new festival coming to the Rose Bowl June 24-25), it might just be a great festival in North Carolina or Florida or Texas. And so the advent of music festivals as a whole has made it tough on scheduling."

Junior Brown will perform at the 2017 festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

In addition, while an artist such as Staples has been a featured performer at Coachella, the majority of artists on the bill at Doheny are not necessarily being targeted to play at the other large festivals in Southern California.

What stands out about the 20th anniversary celebration is how many names are appearing for the first time on the bill.

"We've tried to secure Joe Walsh several times in the past to play the festival, but that's a complicated puzzle given (his role in) the Eagles. Joe was one of our early targets (for 2017). It's an incredible opportunity to have him coming to Doheny State Beach for sure. And Melissa, she has had this new Stax Records tribute she was working on ("MEmphis Rock and Soul," released in October 2016), and she is very serious about the live show, adding horns and backup singers to her set at Doheny (May 21) to fully represent the Stax sound from Memphis."

Chris Issak will make his first-ever
appearance at Doheny Blues Fest.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

"Chris Isaak, we've never had him play the festival, so that's exciting. He fits right in with all of the roots and rockabilly acts that have played in the past. It goes all the way through the list; Robin Trower has never played the festival before either," said Sherman, noting the legendary Trower was seminal in the development of merging blues with rock as a member of Procol Harum in the 1960s and during his subsequent solo career.

Fans can expect unique sets from headliners such as Walsh and Etheridge, as well as exciting acts extending across the bill both days. For example, famed Americana country singer-guitar virtuoso Junior Brown will be the first act to appear on the intimate Backporch Stage on Sunday morning. 

Another must-see act on Sunday is Wichita, Kansas-based Moreland & Arbuckle, whose line-up features members Dustin Arbuckle (lead vocals, harmonica), Aaron Moreland (guitar) and Kendall Newby (drums). The trio's material is a perfect amalgam of Delta blues, Southern rock, country folk and Chicago sizzle. The Record Company is among the high-profile artists whose sound recalls the style that Moreland & Arbuckle's created on their 2005 debut "Caney Valley Blues" and have continued to develop through to their celebrated 2016 album "Promised Land Or Bust" issued by Alligator Records.

""For me, I felt like everything we did musically happened organically. We didn't set out to create this style of music that melds Mississippi country blues and 'stoner' rock. We knew we had something special but we never really thought about it being influential on anyone else," Arbuckle said in a recent phone interview.

The appearance is bittersweet, since Moreland & Arbuckle are performing their last-ever California date in Dana Point on their recently-announced farewell tour.

"We want to enjoy these last handful of shows. We've had a good run," said Arbuckle, who plans to continue to write, record and perform original music. "I want to say 'thank you' to all the people who have supported us for the past 15 years."

Mavis Staples performing at the
Doheny Blues Festival in 2011.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Staples is another key performer on Sunday. Sherman noted that while the 77-year-old Staples is a legacy artist with a career stretching back to the 1950s, her approach is also contemporary. Indeed, Staples is featured on the Arcade Fire single "I Give You Power" released in January 2017, and the more recent Gorillaz single "Let Me Out" issued last month. 

"We're proud to be a partner with Doheny State Beach and the California State Parks system to produce this event in such a spectacular setting," Sherman said. "You can't beat enjoying great live music on the beach, and the fans have always told us ‘please, keep the festival at Doheny State Beach’ like we would ever consider leaving. Behind the scenes, we are proud to have invested in the infrastructure of the venue, having rebuilt many of the lighting structures inside the venue, so that locals can benefit from the event all through the year. Plus, we help to raise funds for the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, which operates the on-site visitors center, so this is truly a wonderful, long-term partnership."


Robert Kinsler

Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite coming to Doheny Blues Festival

Ben Harper, left, with Charlie Musselwhite will be performing at the 16th Annual Doheny Blues Festival

Although the 16th annual Doheny Blues Festival doesn't arrive for another four months, there is plenty of excitement building for Orange County, California's greatest annual multi-day concert event.

"Get Up!" is set for release on Jan. 29, 2013

In addition to a potent previously-announced lineup of Joe Bonamassa, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Shemekia Copeland, Marcia Ball, Sonny Landreth, James Hunter and many more, now comes word that Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite will perform together in Dana Point this May.

For the past week I've been listening to Get Up!, a new concept album featuring the duo and it's fantastic (my detailed review of the album will be published in Desert Star Weekly later this week). Get Up! is a song-cycle set for release by Stax Records on January 29 and is one of the first epic albums of 2013. Produced by Harper, it is his 12th studio album and marks a decade-long dream by Harper and Musselwhite to work on a full-length project together.

"Charlie and I have been looking to make this record for over ten years and now that we've gotten to it," stated Harper in a press release, "I can't wait to play it live."

Added Musselwhite: "Ben and I really locked in, personally and musically, when we recorded with John Lee Hooker. Ever since then we wanted to record together and being in the studio together is just a natural. You can hear it and feel it in the music on Get Up!"

The 16th Annual Doheny Blues Festival will be held on May 18 and 19, 2013 at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.

For more information, visit: http://www.dohenybluesfestival.com.

Big fun at day one of Doheny Blues Festival 15

My review originally ran in The Orange County Register's Soundcheck blog on Sunday, May 20, 2012.

A special thanks to photographer Bob Steshetz for the use of his wonderful images with this post. You can visit his Bob By Request site here.

Robust sets from Gregg Allman, Joan Osborne, Tab Benoit (seen on right) and more kept the first day of the weekend bash in Dana Point livelier than ever.

There was all kinds of talk and music-making related to braving tough times on the first day of the 15th annual Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point -- but everybody seemed to be having far too much fun to get the blues Saturday (May 19, 2012).


With sunshine spanning from morning until late afternoon and temperatures never rising above the low 70s, many of the greatest performers who set foot on stage were all smiles. In fact, I can hardly remember another festival where the talent seemed to have as much fun as the crowd.

Singer Joan Osborne (seen on the right), for one, couldn't stop grinning and laughing and thanking her backing band, the Holmes Brothers. At one point she declared: "I think I'm the luckiest girl in the U.S.A. right now." Earlier in the day, Louisiana singer-songwriter Tab Benoit also noted: "Thanks for having me -- this is an awesome party."


Officials with organizer Omega Events announced near the start of the festivities that for the first time in the history of the event both dates were sold out prior to the weekend kicking off. Further proof of the rampant good mood that washed over everyone came from a nice couple who approached me simply to say thank you for covering the festival.

How well did these good times and blues mix? Mostly fine, as evidenced by the majority of artists I caught over the course of 12-plus hours. Beginning with a breakfast set courtesy of San Diego's Red Lotus Revue and ending with simultaneously scheduled turns from Gregg Allman on the main stage and Big Pete on the Backporch stage (I caught some of each), the day overall was a blast.

And like any good party, there were some surprises.

There's an old adage that says musicians don't get out of bed before noon. How then to explain the fantastic set from Red Lotus Revue, a trio that performed a relatively early-morning set outside the front gates of the fest. Taking the stage (or should I say "asphalt") at 8:41 a.m., the group's original blues and covers of Sonny Boy Williamson were well suited for singer-harmonica master Karl Cabbage and guitarists Jimmy Zollo and Pete Fazzini. All three offered up outstanding musicianship that attracted a large crowd and plenty of cheers.

Lil' A & the Allnighters may have gotten a bit more sleep than that Revue, but the quintet launched the official opening at noon with a superb 45-minute performance on the Doheny Stage. The group's blend of Texas-style roots and Chicago blues was winning from start to finish. Highlights included a rousing instrumental take on Little Walter's "Off the Wall" and an equally reworked home run with another Sonny Boy Williamson classic, "Nine Below Zero."


One of the great things about this festival is that with three stages, it isn't difficult to seek out good sounds. So when I quickly tired of Johnny Winter on the main stage -- his fretwork was still sharp, but his vocals and his band's energy were less than ideal -- I headed over to the Backporch to catch Swedish outfit Trick Bag. Not only was the group in fine form, they had Southern California blues harp master Lynwood Slim sitting in.

And so the day went, with one great turn after another playing out on various stages. Cajun singer-songwriter and guitar great Benoit was absolutely stunning on the Sailor Jerry Stage, highlighting several songs from his excellent new album, Medicine. Whether dredging up soul-drenched Delta-style blues ballads (including a beautiful "Sunrise," his vocals front and center) or guitar-anchored blues or even funky stuff (like "Mudboat Melissa"), Benoit made plenty of new fans with his dynamic 75-minute Doheny appearance.

Los Lonely Boys (whose guitarist Henry Garza and bassist Jojo Garza are seen on right) likely impressed much of the crowd during its midday main-stage set. Sure, plenty of casual fans only went crazy when the trio performed their hit "Heaven" toward the end of an 80-minute outing, but hardcore blues fans loved "Señorita" with its multiple sections, including one in which guitarist Henry Garza combined flamenco and Stevie Ray Vaughan in the same solo.

But I missed the last part of their set so I could sprint over to the Backporch and catch the last song from Cash Box Kings. It was worth the effort, as the group offered up its authentic Chicago blues with authority while maintaining the day's spirited fun.

Rounding out Saturday's best performances was the teaming of Osborne and the Holmes Brothers, who together featured songs from the singer's recent tribute to blues and soul, Bring It on Home. The ensemble blasted through playful romps ("I Don't Need No Doctor," "Shake Your Hips"), nuanced R&B ("Roll Like a Big Wheel," "I'm Qualified") and a completely rearranged version of her mid-'90s staple "One of Us" that silenced the standing throngs pressed near the stage with its emotional power.

Allman, the still-recuperating 64-year-old Hall of Famer, here making a rare solo appearance in O.C., was the highly-anticipated closer, yet the power of his set seemed to rise and fall depending on the strength of each cut. He opened with with the wonderful "I'm No Angel," but much of the rest of his performance lacked that initial forcefulness, despite an excellent six-member band he brought along to Dana Point. Other high points included a jazz-rock version of the Allman Brothers Band's classic "Dreams" and the layered gem "Melissa."

Before calling it a night, I checked in once more at the Backporch, where singer and harmonica virtuoso Big Pete and a bunch of his talented friends (including guitarist Kirk Fletcher) had transformed the area into a hopping blues club. People were dancing on the picnic tables and weren't about to let the party end quietly.

Wonder how much more things will pick up Sunday at Doheny Blues 15, bolstered by Buddy Guy in the afternoon, new sensation Trombone Shorty in the evening and Steve Miller Band to cap off the fest.