Mick Martin’s Big Blues Band

When Mick Martin hits the stage May 24 at The Sofia, it’ll be his 76th birthday celebration. And, for this show, Martin is bringing back veteran Sacramento blues rocker Tim Barnes, who is also turning 76. Quipped Barnes: "We're calling it 152 years of the blues."

Most people in Northern California know Martin as the host/producer of The Blues Party on Sacramento’s KZAP Radio, Capital Public Radio, and as the leader of Mick Martin's Big Blues Band/Blues Rockers for more than 40 years. An award-winning harmonica player and singer-songwriter, his accomplishments include more than 20 CDs (four in Europe) and recording the CD "Sum Serious Blues" with jazz organist Jimmy Smith, not to mention that he appeared with him at Carnegie Hall's Blues in Jazz event.

Martin has achieved master status for his knowledge of the blues. His 15-year association with guitar innovator Harvey Mandel (Canned Heat, the Chicago Blues Reunion) led to them playing at the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. Martin’s concert CV reads like a history of iconic blues musicians: Mick Taylor, Freddie King, Bo Diddley, Tommy Castro, Peter Green. John Mayall, Elvin Bishop, Ronnie Montrose, Jimmy Rogers, Cafe R&B, Rick Estrin and Jackie Greene.

For the Sofia show, Martin has assembled some of the area’s best musicians for the Big Band: Danny Sandoval (saxophone), Andrew Little (guitar), Steve Utstein (organ/piano), Aj Joyce (bass), David D. Johnson (trumpet/trombone) and Jim Caselli (drums). All have played and recorded with a list of world-famous artists that can be considered the Who's Who of the music business. According to Martin, "This is my dream band; a group of gifted musicians I have long admired and never thought I would be able to assemble into a band. And, man, do we have a great time when we play."

In addition to Barnes, vocalists Annie Sampson and Marcel Smith will be joining the band for this special 76th birthday concert. Forever the gentleman, Martin won’t divulge their ages. Doesn’t matter. 152 years of the blues will be more than enough to blow the roof off The Sofia.

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