I attended Santa Cruz Blues Festival yesterday (Saturday, May 23) and had a great time. Misha and I got there at 9:30 am and by 10:30 am we had secured our second row seats in the “Gold Circle” and a beer each. Happy Happy Joy Joy. And we did not have to get up for beer, it was brought to us by a lovely giver of nectar. Happy Happy Joy Joy
The claim by this year’s SC Blue Fest organizers that this year’s set of artist were “all killers, no fillers.” and the were right about Saturday’s lineup. The day started off with an amazing talent, the one and only Carolyn Wonderland who amazed the crowd not only with her sultry slide guitar work and raucous voice, but also with her trumpet playing and whistling. Now realize, this was 11 am in the morning and she had just finished a playing the night before at Moe’s Alley, yet she was all out performing.
Carolyn Wonderland
The second act was Ruthie Foster and her band. The first thing that came to me as I listened to her was TRUTH. This talented lady can sing and play.
Ruthie Foster (L) with Robben Ford
Then local boy (born in Salinas, CA) made good, now dubbed the “Prince of Americana” (1) Jackie Greene hit the stage for a powerful set. While not as emotional as the first two artist, his technical talent can not be doubted and I enjoyed his set.
Jackie Greene (in hat)
The fourth act was one that I had been wanting to see for some time, and I was not disappointed. He actually got the “gold circle” crowd off their butts! Now the “he” that I am talking about is Kenny Wayne Shepherd who I have now dubbed my favorite guitar player in the world (since Jeff Healey passed away I had none – before Jeff was the one and only Stevie Ray Vaughan). All I am going to say is get his music now!
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Holy Shit - people get up!
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
By now it was late in the day and despite the fact the sun only had peaked out for about a 1/2 hour all day, the crowd remain to see the one and only, Mr. B.B. King. This was the third time I had seen him and I can state as fact, he still puts on a great show. Check out the pictures of his expression! The man is still into putting on a great show. And what made it all the better for me was that my better half finally arrived to the show. She walked up right after Mr. B.B. King had entered.
B.B. King enters
B.B. King
B.B. King
Same pic - check out the emotion
Crowd enjoying B.B. King
Overall another great day of music at the Santa Cruz Blues Festival.
Happy (and drunk) fan got B.B. King autograph
(1) Dubbed this by the New York Times.
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