THE 2025 LINE UP
Headliner Performer: JOANNA CONNOR
Back by popular demand: ROBERT GATES
Feature Performer: THE ALVAREZ BAND
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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 were 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: THE ALVAREZ BAND
Back by popular demand: ROBERT GATES
Feature Performer: THE ALVAREZ BAND
"Split Tricks, Blues Licks"
Introducing The Alvarez Band, a Los Angeles-based power trio led by the charismatic Andrew Alvarez, whose commanding stage presence and extraordinary guitar skills pay homage to blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Johnny Winter.
Specializing in BLUESROCK and original compositions, this talented group delivers performances that captivate audiences, backed by a gutsy rhythm section that adds depth and power to their sound. With a track record of gracing prestigious venues & festivals, including The Coach House Concert Hall and opening for renowned acts such as Coco Montoya, Albert Cummings, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Dennis Jones Band, and the gifted Samantha Fish.
The Alvarez Band embodies the enduring spirit of classic Blues Rock.
Back by popular demand: ROBERT GATES
Back by popular demand: ROBERT GATES
Back by popular demand: ROBERT GATES
"Music is the variation of sound and silence. I believe silence has as much value as sound...because the meter keeps going.”
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
Feature Performer: RICARDO RIVERA
Back by popular demand: ROBERT GATES
" The Blues Must Go On."
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.
Featured Performer: OLA AZUL
Featured Performer: OLA AZUL
Meet OLA AZUL Blues Band
The San Felipe music scene lucked out when five professional musicians joined forces to create the OLA AZUL blues band. They perform an eclectic mix of rockin’ blues, funk, West Coast swing, and even some classic rock and oldies. This five-piece band (all ex-pats except for guitarist “Kid Dynamite”) is a collaborative effort of Rick Rudd (bass guitar and vocals) and Michael “Machine Gun” Thompson (harp guitar and vocals), longtime friends with very similar musical influences. Both had long, successful musical careers in and around Reno, Nevada. (Rick was with Fat Chance, and Michael was with Blue Haven – well-known Northern Nevada bands).
Rick is hailed as the “Godfather” of the San Felipe Blues scene. His goal was to bring the blues to Baja, and he has done so in a big way! He, along with his wife, Heather Penrod-Rudd, co-created the inaugural San Felipe Blues Festival.
Rick also formed and fronted San Felipe's own highly successful band, Vatos Locos. He and Ron Rando also played in the outstanding country band Hired Guns.
OLA AZUL was formed in San Felipe, Baja, California, in the spring of 2024 to bring fun, obscure, and danceable blues to Baja. They perform regularly at Jollymon and at San Felipe Brewery… and the crowds go wild!
Rounding out this high-energy band is “Rockin” Ron Rando on drums and vocals, Rubén “Kid Dynamite” Duran Romo on guitar, and Russell VanNorman on keyboards and vocals.
Their performances receive rave reviews because they fill the dance floor and pack the venues.
It's All In The Details
Join us for the 19th annual San Felipe Blues & Arts Fiesta. We are proud to say that our annual Fiesta has raised over $300k for San Felipe.
Friday, October 24th, 2024
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Evening of Blues
Jam session with musicians
Saturday, October 25th, 2024
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Blues & Arts Fiesta on the Pavilion Lawn