37. YES. 37 years!
That’s how many times the best blues harp artists in the world have gathered for our annual Battle of the Blues Harps spectacular in Long Beach.
This year, in addition to our rock-solid run of sold-out Battles with Rod Piazza headlining, we are proud to present to you one of the most distinguished and long-running blues bands out there - the legendary CANNED HEAT!
Canned Heat rose to fame in 1966, taking the name from a 1928 recording by Tommy Johnson about a hobo drinking Sterno.
The original band attained three worldwide hits: “On The Road Again” in 1968, “Let’s Work Together” in 1970 and “Going Up The Country” in 1969.
They secured their niche in the annals of rock ‘n roll history with their performances at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival (along with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and The Who) and the headlining slot at the original Woodstock Festival in 1969. Now, more than 50 years later and with 40 albums to their credit, Canned Heat is still going strong.
Long-time Battle of the Blues Harp ambassador Rod Piazza has set a standard for harmonica virtuosity that has established him as one of the preeminent blues harp players in the world.
As the New York Times said, "Rod Piazza has perfected the rough drive and edgy tone that characterized the classic Chicago blues sound of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson and others in the 50s.” Piazza is also a master of West Coast jump blues, incorporating elements of Los Angeles' postwar jazz, swing, and R&B combos.
For 21 years, The Forty-Fours have led the blues scene in Southern California, playing their brand of blues-roots-rock music. The hard-charging lineup now features Kid Ramos and Johnny Main on guitar, Mike Turturro bass, Brian Fahey drums and harpist Chef Denis. Together, they are a force of nature that will rock the gaslamps right off the walls.
The Silver Kings are a classic 1940s to early 50s blues combo consisting of harmonica, guitar, and upright bass, reminiscent of the Early Electric Blues styles of Chicago, Memphis and Arkansas. Silver Kings open the show at 7 pm, and it will be in your own best interest NOT to miss them!
The immortal Sonny Boy Williamson was recognized as a giant throughout the blues world as a harmonica player, vocalist, songwriter, prolific recording artist, live performer - and wildly colorful personality.
For our tribute to Sonny Boy, we have enlisted three harmonica greats - Al Blake, Troy Sandow and Mark Bukich - to join the Memphis Kings as they highlight his impressive career.
Emcee Shy But Flyy is the owner of an old soul—she’s a lover of Muddy Waters and Billie Holiday - who likes to sing blues and listen to jazz all hours of the day. As one of the current blues worlds’ younger personalities, Shy has been growing in fame in recent years, touring internationally, and making waves here in her hometown of Long Beach.
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