Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza set to return Aug. 4-7: Trombone Shorty, Taj Mahal, Allen Stone, Eric Gales, Donavon Frankenreiter & more!

Summer is just around the corner. The lineup and related details for the forthcoming Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza have just been released. This sounds like an amazing event and Mammoth is one of the most beautiful places on the planet...Robert Kinsler

Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza set to return, August 4-7, 2022

Eric Gales performing at Doheny Blues
Festival in May 2018.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Line-up includes Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Taj Mahal Quartet, Allen Stone, Eric Gales, Donavon Frankenreiter and many more!

Donavon Frankenreiter performing at The Coach House
in May 2021. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

The Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza, the largest and longest-running music festival in Mammoth Lakes, CA, is proud to announce its line-up for the 26th Annual Event, set to take place Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 4-7, 2022.

In addition to the great and wide-ranging lineup, there will be multiple choices of craft beer available from more than 80 craft breweries including Mammoth Brewing Company. Cocktails will also be sold on all four days of the event.

Carolyn Wonderland at The Coach
House in March 2022.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Festival tickets are now available in multiple price levels that include beer tasting and festival ticket combinations, early entry to the festival grounds on all four days, and grand beer tasting on Saturday and Sunday. All ticket types are available for purchase online at www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com.

Tommy Castro will perform at the festival on Aug. 6, 2022.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

August 4 —     Donavon Frankenreiter, Ana Popovic, Jelly Bread, Brother Yusef

August 5 —     The Taj Mahal Quartet, Eric Gales, Sugaray Rayford, Beaux Gris                             Gris & The Apocalypse, Dirty Cello, Brother Yusef

August 6 —   Allen Stone, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers featuring Deanna                                Bogart, Ron Artis II & The Truth, Carolyn Wonderland, Chris Cain,                             The Atomic 44s, Sixty Grit Band, Dano Forte's Juke Joint Freak                               Show, more

August 7 —    Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Main Squeeze, Jackie                               Venson, Deanna Bogart, Chris Cain, Sixty Grit Band, more    

Tickets and more information: www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com.

New music: William Shatner, Bill Lloyd, Clifford / Wright, Ringo Starr

A field of legendary artists return via outstanding new releases.

Artist: William Shatner

Titles: Bill (Lets Get It Records / Republic Records)

You might like if you enjoy: William Shatner, Leonard Cohen, Brad Paisley, Joe Walsh, Robert Randolph

Tell me more: William Shatner has released a number of celebrated albums dating back to 1968's The Transformed Man. What's so impressive is that how at the age of 90 the famed actor/director/author has released what is likely his most impressive effort. The autobiographical Bill features 14 tracks that collectively chronicle events and challenges of a singular life with compelling candor. The music making equals the cultural icon's ambitious efforts to try and understand the forces at work in his journey; a slew of celebrated artists join in on select tracks recorded during the global pandemic. On the propulsive album opener "I Ride" he taps into the thrill of racing down the road and the freedom that comes with that experience we mostly take for granted. The blues rocker "Made in the Shade" features guitar great Joe Walsh (James Gang, The Eagles) in an enticing effort where Shatner raps with buoyant fervor; in "Masks" Shatner explores the enigma of acting and the "masks" that actors assume in their various roles. The chamber pop flavored "Black Horse" chronicles how a champion horse Shatner had was wrongly transformed into a slave — the artist's obvious guilt about the relationship and how it subsequently led to a deep love of horses and their care comes alive in the song. Other gripping tracks include "Monday Night in London" where Shatner revisits the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic amidst a prog rock soundscape, the gospel flavored "Just Forgive" (with pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph), mortality-focused "What Do We Know" and inspirational "The Bridge." My favorite original of the album is the country-flavored "So Far From the Moon," where Shatner looks back at 1969 when he was hit with the cancellation of "Star Trek," a divorce and was sleeping in the back of his pickup truck in a sleeping bag while doing a tour of dinner theater venues. Nevertheless, he finds strength in the memory knowing that he had met the Apollo 11 astronauts about a year before they successfully landed on the lunar surface. Brad Paisley's flashy lead guitar work and emotive vocals bolster Shatner's reflective reflections on the terrific track. Information: BillTheAlbum.com. 

Artist: Bill Lloyd

Title: Working The Long Game (Big Stir Records / SpyderPop Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Big Star, Tal Bachman

Tell me more: Bill Lloyd's ninth solo album "Working The Long Game" is loaded with songs that feature plenty of hooks, top-tier musicianship, stellar vocals and magic to spare; it's no wonder that the 2018 album release has just been reissued by Big Stir Records and SpyderPop Records so a wider audience can discover this terrific album. Standouts on the first half of the fantastic reissue include the melodic opener "Satellite" (co-written with Freedy Johnston), luxurious "Working The Long Game," wistful folk rocker "What Time Won't Heal" (co-written by Graham Gouldman of 10cc fame) and baroque pop gem "Wake Up Call." The tuneful "Go-To-Girl," cascading "Yesterday" (co-written by Cheap Trick's Tom Petersson, who also plays bass on the track) and glorious "Merch Table" shine on the latter half of "Working The Long Game." "Working The Long Game" is available on vinyl LP, audio CD and streaming on all digital platforms. Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Artist: Clifford / Wright

Title: For All The Money In The World (Cliffsong Records/BFD)

You might like if you enjoy: Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Greg Kihn Band

Tell me more: This year has seen the release of a diverse parade of special reissues and hidden treasures. Add to that list the Clifford / Wright 11-track album For All The Money In The World. Doug "Cosmo" Clifford, the founding drummer of Creedence Clearwater Revival, has dipped into his so-called "Cosmo's Vault" to release a collection of cuts he recorded during the 1980s with bassist Steve Wright (a member of the Greg Kihn Band). With the rhythm section complete, a number of top guests were brought in to complete the recording. Indeed, the list includes guitarists Greg Douglass (of the Steve Miller Band), Jimmy Lyon (Eddie Money) and Joe Satriani along with keyboard players Tim Gorman (The Who) and Pat Mosca (Greg Kihn Band). Keith England sings lead vocals on the project. The previously-unheard material spans from the infectious title track and heartland rocker "I Need Your Love" to the soaring rocker "Lost Pride Fever," mid tempo nugget "I See Your Silhouette" and driving "Lonesome Boy." Listening to the strong tracks across "For All The Money In The World" it's easy to believe a number of these cuts would have graced commercial radio in the 1980s. Information: DougCosmoClifford.com.

Artist: Ringo Starr

Title: Change The World (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Ringo Starr, The Beatles, classic rock

Tell me more: Ringo Starr has released his latest EP, the wonderful Change The World, a four-song disc filled with the beloved artist's hopes for a better world. The spirited opener "Let's Change The World" (penned by Toto's Joseph Williams and Steve Lukather) is melodic to be sure, with Starr's signature baritone perfectly in sync with the song's positive flow. The reggae track "Just That Way" (co-written by Starr with Bruce Sugar) is fantastic, bolstered by a deep groove, lush backing female vocals and the addition of horns to enhance the soundscape. Starr's first-ever collaboration with famed singer-songwriter/producer Linda Perry, the countrified "Coming Undone," soars and is bolstered by some sweet licks and a memorable solo from Trombone Shorty. The EP also features a rollicking cover of the 1954 Bill Haley & His Comets classic "Rock Around The Clock," a swinging version of the groundbreaking single that catapulted rock music into the mainstream; that closing track also features guest Joe Walsh. Information: RingoStarr.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Ringo Starr releases 'Change The World' 4-song EP available to order today

 This exciting news just landed in my inbox...Robert Kinsler

Thursday August 12, 2021 – Today, UMe announces Ringo Starr Change The World, a new EP to be released on September 24, 2021. Available to preorder now here,  these 4 tracks were all recorded at Starr’s Roccabella West studio just as he did for his Zoom In EP released in March 2021, and features frequent and new collaborators, creating songs that span the spectrum of pop, country, reggae and rock and roll.

 

Ringo comments, “I’ve been saying I only want to release EPs at this point and this is the next one. What a blessing it’s been during this year to have a studio here at home and be able to collaborate with so many great musicians, some I’ve worked with before and some new friends.”  

 

Starr first shared the news on Thursday, August 12 on talkshoplive®, when he appeared on their Rock 'N' Roll Channel to give fans the first opportunity to pre-order the new EP. 

 

The lead single “Let’s Change The World” delivers a welcome dose of hope and Starr’s trademark optimism. The song was written by Joseph Williams and Steve Lukather both of whom also played on the track with backing vocals by Amy Keys, Zelma Davis, Billy Valentine and Darryl Phinnessee.

 

“Just That Way” was written and performed by Ringo and his longtime engineer Bruce Sugar, and it carries on the reggae vibe from Zoom In’s “Waiting for the Tides to Turn” with Tony Chen returning on guitar, joined by Fully Fullwood on Bass and Ed Roth on Hammond B3 with Zelma and Zho Davis on backing vocals.

 

 “Coming Undone” is Starr’s first collaboration with Linda Perry, who wrote and plays on the track also featuring Trombone Shorty. Everyone can relate to having had moments of coming undone, and the tender, melodic country sounds coupled with Ringo’s warm voice offer a welcome reprieve.

 

For the final number, Ringo rocks his own version of “Rock Around The Clock” revved up by the unmistakable licks of Joe Walsh on guitar.  They are joined by Nathan East on Upright Bass, Bruce Sugar on Piano and Amy Keys and Windy Wagner on Backing Vocals.

 

Change The World will be available digitally and on CD and cassette September 24; the 10” vinyl releases November 19. Pre-order it here.

 

For fans who would like to check out Ringo’s appearance on talkshoplive®:  https://talkshop.live/watch/jcYlJRHICg7T

 

 

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New 2017 Christmas Titles Bring Holiday Cheer

A number of artists have released Christmas-minded collections this holiday season, including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Cheap Trick, Renaissance revivalist rockers Blackmore's Night, violinist Lindsey Stirling, singer Charles Billingsley and Los Angeles-based Us The Duo.

Artist: Cheap Trick
Title: Christmas Christmas (Big Machine Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, The Beatles' holiday recordings
Tell me more: A holiday spirit pervades Cheap Trick's Christmas Christmas, but the bottom line is the 12-song disc still rocks with the exuberance of any album from the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. The material here is a mix of original and covers, all branded with Cheap Trick's signature blend of power pop and rock 'n' roll crunch. There are highlights aplenty, including a Sex Pistols-flavored "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)," a flat-out rocking cover of "Run Rudolph Run" (think ELO on steroids) and shimmering choral-styled "Our Father Of Life." Over the years there have been many covers of the Kinks' 1977 gem "Father Christmas," but Cheap Trick's 2017 version is the only memorable version this writer has heard since the Ray Davies-penned original was released 40 years ago. Information: CheapTrick.com.

Artist: Blackmore's Night
Title: Winter Carols (Minstrel Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Renaissance music, Ritchie Blackmore, the Corrs
Tell me more: While the music of Blackmore's Night is generations removed from the groundbreaking hard rock Ritchie Blackmore helped craft with Deep Purple and Rainbow, discerning music fans of all tastes will likely appreciate the Renaissance-styled sounds on Winter Carols. The two-disc set (the expanded 2017 title features three bonus tracks and is available on audio CD and digital formats) is simply outstanding, with singer Candice Night (whose wonderful vocals draw strong comparisons with Corrs singer Andrea Corr) using her winning soprano on moving versions of seasonal favorites including "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/Come All Ye Faithful," "I Saw Three Ships" and others. Information: blackmoresnight.com.

Artist: Lindsey Stirling
Title: Warmer In The Winter (Lindseystomp Music / Concord Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Lindsey Stirling, Pentatonix
Tell me more: The first-ever holiday album from Lindsey Stirling (Warmer in the Winter) is everything fans of the virtuoso violinist have dreamed of, with the 13-track set featuring a mix of instrumentals as well as selections where she is joined by guests for strong collaborations. Among the stellar instrumentals are Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," a swirling "Carol of the Bells" and Celtic-styled "I Saw Three Ships." There are several strong originals on the collection, including the title track "Warmer in the Winter" featuring Trombone Shorty and the tuneful pop song "Time to Fall in Love" bolstered by guest vocalist Alex Gaskarth (of All Time Low). Information: LindseyStirling.com.

Artist: Charles Billingsley
Title: It's Christmas Time Again (Crest Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Michael Bublé
Tell me more: Charles Billingsley's delightful It's Christmas Time Again is a bona fide trip down Memory Lane. Tapping into the traditional jazz and American Songbook approach spanning early icons such as Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby to modern-day singers Harry Connick Jr. and Michael Bublé, Billingsley has the shining voice and artistic touch to blend artful music making with nostalgic yuletide cheer. The disc soars and inspires with an artful mix of buoyant material ("The Man With The Bag," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"), powerful spiritual classics (a particularly stirring "O Holy Night," "Panis Angelicus") and more nuanced ballads ("It's Christmas Time Again," "December"). Billingsley closes out the set with an excellent version of the Beatles' tender "Goodnight." Information: charlesbillingsley.com.

Artist: Us The Duo
Title: Our Favorite Time Of Year (Alvarado Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Pentatonix
Tell me more: Fans of contemporary pop will want to hear the first Christmas album from Us The Duo (the moniker for husband-and-wife Michael and Carissa Alvarado). The aptly-titled Our Favorite Time Of Year features plenty of infectious tracks, including a breezy take on Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime," a ukulele-anchored "Jingle Bell Rock" (that showcases the couple's potent vocal harmony sound), a playful "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and a jazzy, reworked take on "Silent Night." Us The Duo will perform a mix of holiday classics and originals in Los Angeles at the Theater at the Ace Hotel on Dec. 9. Editor's note: Amazon Original albums and playlists are exclusively available to download on Amazon Music and stream on Prime Music and Amazon Music Unlimited. Information: Amazon.com/ustheduo.


The 2017 holiday season has also seen the release of new Christmas music titles featuring Frank Sinatra, Herb Alpert, Sia, Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton and Fantasia.

Robert Kinsler

NAMM Roundup: Live concerts announced; Glenn Hughes to appear at Orange Amplification

While NAMM doesn't officially arrive until January 22nd, there is plenty of news coming out in connection with the annual event. Here is a roundup of news that arrived in my inbox overnight and this morning...

Live Music Sets Soundtrack for 2015 NAMM Show

Trombone Shorty, George Clinton, Stanley Randolph headline musical performances and entertainment at annual music industry trade event

Carlsbad, Calif. (January 6, 2015) – Hundreds of artists from nearly every imaginable musical genre prepare to perform on five NAMM Show stages, as the 2015 NAMM Show returns to Anaheim January 22-25. Live music will set the soundtrack for product debuts from more than 5,000 music brands throughout the four-day music industry trade event. Star-studded awards shows, music-making opportunities, and live performances set the stage for a NAMM Show the industry will be talking about for years to come.

“NAMM is a great show to conduct business, but perhaps the soul of NAMM, and what makes it different from its competitors is the music,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. "Seeing musical performances from some of the best artists in the world and having our musical heroes checking out the latest gear next to us in an exhibitor’s booth are the experiences that we’ll be telling everyone all about when we get home.”

Productive days on the show floor flow into evenings spent networking with friends, set to a musical soundtrack playing on the Hilton Lobby Stage, the Marriott Lobby Stage, CenterStage between convention center halls B and C, The Venue Stage presented by Pioneer DJ, and the NAMM GoPro Stage on the Grand Plaza.

Live Music

Each night of the show, check out high-energy headliners from 6-7:30 p.m. on the NAMM GoPro Stage on the Grand Plaza. Immediately following the Industry Tribute on opening night, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue take the stage with their brand of hard-edged funk employing hip-hop beats, rock dynamics and improvisation in a jazz tradition. On Friday night, The Imagine Party hosted by the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus and The NAMM Foundation features the legendary George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Celebrate Saturday night with “Stanley Randolph and No Wonder” featuring the Stevie Wonder Band and special guests on vocals.

DJs spin EDM and house music at Monster Cable After Dark from 7-9 p.m. at The Venue Stage Presented by Pioneer DJ. Performances from DJ Ecto1, Crisco Kidd, Brandi Garcia, DJ Splyce, and more will fill the plaza with beats as a Stone Brewing Co. beer garden and some of L.A.’s most popular food trucks refuel industry guests.

Check out the full line up of performances on the NAMM Show stages, including GRAMMY winner Daniel Ho, former New York Yankee Bernie Williams, KUSI-TV’s Brad Perry, alumni of NBC’s “The Voice,” and festival favorites.

She Rocks Awards

Friday from 6-8:30 p.m., the She Rocks Awards presented by the Women’s International Music Network pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry. Held in the Hilton Anaheim Pacific Ballroom, the event honors performers Colbie Caillat, The Bangles, Mindi Abair, and female industry leaders. Purchase tickets for the show at sherocksawards.com.

NAMM TEC Awards

Hosted by comedian Sinbad on Saturday, January 24, the 30^th Annual NAMM TEC Awards honor excellence in sound technology and creativity. Legendary guitarist Slash will receive the prestigious Les Paul Award, and bassist Nathan East and Ed Cherney will be inducted into the TEC Hall of Fame. VIP reception starts at 6 p.m. and the awards show begins at 7 p.m. For a list of all the NAMM TEC award nominees and to purchase tickets, visit tecawards.org.

Industry Icons

Be inspired as renowned musician, DJ and composer Moby* opens the show’s Generation Next events Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the Hilton’s NAMM Foundation Lounge. Apple co-founder Steve “Woz” Wozniak opens Saturday morning’s NAMM U breakfast session, chatting music and technology with NAMM’s Joe Lamond at 8:30 a.m. in the Hilton Pacific Ballroom.

Make Music!

Everyone’s welcome at Friday’s All-Industry Drum Circle presented in collaboration with Remo Inc. from 5:45 – 7 p.m. at the Palm Terrace between the convention center and Hilton. Sunday, join a trombone circle at 11:30 a.m., a trumpet circle at 1 p.m. or a uke circle at 2:30 in the NAMM Member Center (convention center lobby), presented in collaboration with Conn-Selmer, Warwick Music Ltd., and Kala Brand Music Co.

Register today for access to more than 5,000 music product, instrument and technology brands, educational opportunities and live entertainment at the 2015 NAMM Show. Limited exhibit space is still available.

*Moby’s participation is in collaboration with the Los Angeles College of Music.

Meet Glenn Hughes exclusively at the Orange Amplification Boot at Winter NAMM on Jan. 24, 2015

Orange Amplification Ambassador and legendary bass player Glenn Hughes will be appearing exclusively on their booth at the 2015 Winter NAMM on Saturday Jan. 24, 2015 at 2 p.m., where he will meet, greet and sign autographs.

For over forty years Glenn Hughes has been a bass player, vocalist and songwriter with some of the world’s greatest Rock acts, as well as having carved out a hugely successful solo career. His long list of credits include the likes of Deep Purple, Black Country Communion, supergroup Kings of Chaos and Tony Iommi.. He is currently lead vocalist and bass player with California Breed whose self-titled album was one of the most critically acclaimed releases of 2014.

Glenn recently produced a video about why he uses Orange Bass Amps where he said, ‘When you plug into this, (Orange AD200B Mk3) prepare to meet thy match! If you are a Rock bass player and you want to tear the roof and the heads off your audience, may I suggest this amp.’ You can see the full video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2k3q6Ts8qI

To meet Glenn and see all the new Orange Amplification products, go to the Orange Music Booth 4890 Hall C on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 at 2 p.m. or visit https://www.orangeamps.com

About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $16.7 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,200 member companies located in 99 countries. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Day 2 at Doheny Blues Festival 15: Otis Taylor, Steve Miller Band and Buddy Guy among standouts

My review originally ran on The Orange County Register site on Monday, May 21. A special thanks to photographer Bob Steshetz for the use of his great pics! You can visit his Bob By Request site here.

Steve Miller at 2012 Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Live review: Steve Miller, Buddy Guy, Otis Taylor keep Doheny Blues smokin’ through Day 2


The second half of the 15th annual Doheny Blues weekend (May 19-20, 2012) in Dana Point played out with a strength that gripped the first day.

The festivities began with an impressive set from singer-guitarist Ray Goren (seen on right), who at the mere age of 12 already plays his Fender like a master, and the event didn’t end until Steve Miller Band proved that the troupe’s recent creative revival continues to make its recent blues-centered shows more than a nostalgic romp. In between came plenty of other highlights, notably how Otis Taylor, at 63, brings to blues what bands like Radiohead and Arcade Fire do for rock.

It’s amazing to think how much better Steve Miller and his outstanding five-man band were in their headlining appearance Sunday night than the last time the veteran rocker performed at the Doheny Days fest on this same site in September 2000, on a bill with the late John Lee Hooker.


But it wasn’t just his FM radio staples that sounded better almost a dozen years later. Since the release of two notable blues discs (2010′s Bingo! and last year’s Let Your Hair Down Down) and the death of longtime friend and harmonica great Norton Buffalo in 2009, Miller exhibits an obvious appreciation for where he’s been. He recalled playing rhythm guitar for Buddy Guy when he started out, for instance, and thanked him and all the other artists who shared the bill Sunday.


He also knows what is at stake in making the most of here and now, and has been a champion of getting young people into the blues and American music. It was great to see several teens positioned close to the stage singing along with Miller’s songs as if he was the next big thing.

His set was carefully structured to kick off with some of his biggest hits (“Jet Airliner,” “Take the Money and Run,” “Abracadabra”) and then go into an extended set of blues, during which he had lead guitarist Doug Hamblin on hand. That early Chicago feel that influenced Miller (seen on right) was highlighted in spirited renditions of obscurities and old standbys where he shared lead vocals with Sonny Charles.


“Ooh Poo Pah Doo” and “Tramp” were standouts amid that segment, the rich music ideally suited for a blues fest. Miller’s singing was fine and his guitar playing flawless whether indulging his well-known smashes or gems of old across a wonderful 100-minute set.


Other veterans in the mix Sunday also proved they remain at the top of their game.

Guy, the 75-year-old legend (seen on the left), brought his high-powered approach to the Doheny Stage a bit earlier in the day, blending dazzling technique, comedic storytelling and his booming voice — all more impressive here than at City National Grove of Anaheim last September. His version of Hooker’s “Hoochie Coochie Man” was a highlight, as he playfully turned his guitar around and scratched it against his chest, creating unique sounds and proving that his still-speedy leads aren’t the only sparks he can bring to the stage.



Taylor may have been a bit under the weather (he apologized several times for hoarseness), but that didn’t stop him and his mighty backing band from bringing their scorched-earth sound to the Backporch Stage. That area is normally a quiet place for people to relax and kick back while taking in acoustic performances, but Taylor would have none of that.

In songs that blended his intoxicating, open-to-interpretation stories with driving rhythms, Taylor (seen on left) had fans cheering and moving. His self-penned “Rain So Hard,” “Blind Piano Teacher” and a version of the rock standard “Hey Joe” (best known by Hendrix) were all potent this afternoon. Amazing fiddler Anne Harris (who plays violin like Guy wields his guitar) and the rest of Taylor’s band — an ensemble diverse and strong enough to stand out at Coachella — seemed to bring their A-game to this gig.


Other noteworthy performances included a pleasing breakfast set from singer and harmonica player San Pedro Slim; a wow-factor outing from Irvine’s own Goren, who at only 12 showed he not only plays like Jonny Lang but sings with convincing emotion while improvising on artful arrangements of the Beatles’ “Let It Be” and Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine.”


Two other sets also really smoked: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue offered up a heavy dose of funk, blues and horn-anchored soul on the Sailor Jerry Stage early in the evening, while rockabilly and American roots were celebrated during the Paladins‘ 75-minute stint on the Backporch.