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THE 2025 LINE UP
Headliner Performer: JOANNA CONNOR
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“Music chose me. I vividly recall trying to sing like Louis Armstrong’s ‘Hello Dolly’ in our Brooklyn apartment. It came on the radio often. I knew I was small, but when I researched what year this version was on the charts, I was floored with the realization that I was two years old!”
And so, Joanna Connor’s musical odyssey began. The soundtrack of her childhood in her adopted hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts, was diverse and bounteous. The Blues was part of the lexicon. Joanna’s favorite record as a child was Taj Mahal’s “Take A Giant Step/ The Old Folks At Home”.
Seeing Buddy Guy perform at a local university at the age of 10 left a paramount impression. Playing saxophone, guitar and singing through her school years were her passions, and they eventually led to her performing professionally at age 17.
But her hunger to become a guitarist first and foremost and her desire to immerse herself in the Blues, propelled her to move to Chicago in 1984.
Joanna has a new album that has recently been released, "Best of Me."
Feature Performer: AUSTIN THOMASON BAND
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It was when he first heard B.B. King’s Live at the Regal album that Austin found his musical inspiration. Since then, he has rooted himself in music from Delta greats like Son House, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters.
Beginning his performing career at 12 years of age, Austin first learned the art of the jam at the Baked Potato Jazz Club in Studio City, playing at the feet of modern day legends such as Artur Menezes, Josh Smith and Philip Sayce. Since then, he has been performing professionally with his own band, the Austin Thomason Trio, at the Baked Potato and other iconic clubs like the Maui Sugarmill Saloon in Tarzana.
At 16 years of age, Austin is joined by his talented sister Addie, age 14, on bass, and the incredible Logan Ellis Sheppard, age 21, on drums.
Drawing inspiration from modern blues greats, like Gary Clark Jr., and Austin’s early Delta heroes, the trio’s high energy, hard-hitting set has been stunning crowds at home and on the road.
Follow Austin on Instragram at @austinonguitar or Facebook for information on his upcoming shows and his exciting adventures in music.
Visit him on the web at AustinThomas.com
Back by popular demand: ROBERT GATES
Back by popular demand: ROBERT GATES
Welcome back to the Blues & Arts Fiesta, Robert Gates!
The hardest working drummer in the business. Robert is a passionate supporter of the Lions Blues & Arts Fiesta and loves our San Felipe community.
Watching Robert Gates play drums is a study in passionate musicianship. He puts his all into every piece - body, mind, and soul. Ranging from blues to rock, funk to gospel, Robert finds the heart in each and every song he plays.
"Brother Robert is one of the hardest working drummers in the business!" - Gregg Wright
Learn more about Robert by visiting him on the web at RobertGatesDrummer.com
Feature Performer: RICARDO RIVERA
Featured Performer: HURRICANE HOOVER
Back by popular demand: ROBERT GATES
Born in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Ricardo Rivera has been active in the music scene since he was 18 years old.
He has had the opportunity to participate in events like “El Rincon del Jazz” in Hermosillo, Sonora, supporting Saxophone Maestro Armando “Kennedy” Noriega, even playing in the United States, as well as lending his talents to several recordings. His influences lay in blues and rock from artists like Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, El Tri, Javier Batiz, among others. He has now recorded his very first album “El Ruido de Afuera”, which touches on topics of a social and spiritual nature.
Currently he is collaborating with Armando Noriega Johnson (drums + musical director) and Marco Lopez (bass) and they are working on his second album, which is expected to hit platforms sometime in 2024.
Keep up with Ricardo on Instagram.
Featured Performer: HURRICANE HOOVER
Featured Performer: HURRICANE HOOVER
Featured Performer: HURRICANE HOOVER
Mike "Hurricane" Hoover was born in Charleston, South Carolina and after bouncing around with his family from New York, Chicago, and San Francisco they eventually settled in the Los Angeles area.
"Hurricane" started playing Harmonica seriously in high school after seeing John Mayall in concert. He has played all four corners of our Nation, several Oceans as well as Europe and Asia.
For more information about Mike, visit him at HurricaneHoover.com.
Back by popular demand: ROCK CATS
Featured Performer: HURRICANE HOOVER
Featured Performer: HURRICANE HOOVER
Rock Cats is a San Felipe band that is enjoyed by everyone. The group is composed of master guitarist Arturo Esquivias Yee, Cesar Octavio Garcia on drums, Bass master Jose Cruz Castaneda and Mike Sisco on keyboard. Rounding out the group is Ian Thompson with his powerhouse vocals.
Baja Bart Band
Baja Bart Band
Baja Bart Band
From Rosarito/Ensenada:
Retired Expats are living their rock and roll fantasy. Bart Berry rhythm and vocals, Michael Miller lead guitar, David Banta Bass and Guitar, Mary Lyons Percussion and vocals - Folk, Blues, Rock and Funk.
You know all these songs.
You can contact Bart directly through his Facebook page.