Hallogras Cruise 2023 Aboard the William D. Evans

This year’s Hallogras Cruise, aboard the William D. Evans Steamboat, went out on a high note. Hosted by Six String Society, it was an event that embraced the Halloween spirit. Attendees were attired in festive costumes, and a competition that appreciated all of them. With three stories for folks to explore, entertainment could always be found around the corner. Against the setting sun, the boat glided smoothly about Mission Bay, with an eclectic group of eight bands appearing. Each of the musicians had a story, and infinitely greater music, to share.

The Musicians Behind 2023’s Hallogras Cruise

The Farmers originally formed in 1983 as the Beat Farmers, going strong for up to 13 years, until the passing of their guitarist Country Dick Montana. As the years rolled by, the original band members toured, participating in other groups, when Jerry Raney got everyone back together. But the musicians have since rotated. The Farmers obtained their name, following the suggestion of the gentleman who booked them for the Belly Up Tavern. The Farmers have been performing what Raney describes as crunchy rock for 20 years now.

Robin Henkel is a long time professional blues artist, who has been playing since he was 8 years old. He grew up playing in soul, rock n’ roll, jazz, country, and jazz-fusion bands. Henkel credits Josh White as a big influence on his lifetime musicality, and now focuses on two different things. Performing Mississippi roots blues as a soloist, and playing with a band of his own making. Their band includes three horns, a trumpet, and two saxophones, as well as the guitar, bass, and drums. He expresses how proud he is to have composed nearly 80% of the music they write, as well as each of the horns parts.

The Sleepwalkers have been performing since 1992, often singing their original work. They do perform rockabilly, bluesy, Americana and Cumbia styled-pieces. For the band, it’s entirely about having a good time. If their audience is grooving on the dance floor, that elicits the best feeling within them, and it’s what they love.

Anthony Cullins is a 22 year old musician from Fallbrook, CA. He’s been playing guitar since he was 10 years old, writing a variety of R&B and Soul inspired rock songs. He mainly plays throughout San Diego, but has been making strides in performing all over the states. With a new full album on the horizon, his work can be found on Spotify and Apple Music, including an EP titled, “Ain’t What Like It Used To Be.”

Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas

Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas consists of eight musicians, each playing acoustic instruments. They perform a mixture of Irish, Cajun, Americana songs, and pride themselves on their original work, which they won “Best Local Recording” for at the San Diego music awards. What they have discovered through gigs is that they have fun. It’s not about becoming superstars, but rather having fun alongside fellow fans.

Attired as iconic slasher villains of the 80s era, A Nightmare on 80’s Street is a band that was conjured up a few Halloweens ago, to play some of the biggest venues, and for as many people as the musicians could reach. They aim to mix 80s pop culture and horror, with a little Sriracha, and keep time signatures intact. Typically, they accompany their shows with multi-media visuals, a wall of projections to add dimension. While they are a gimmick, they take pride in their musicianship, remain authentic, and play a good show.

Nathan James, also from Fallbrook CA, plays roots and blues-based music, traditional style. He considers himself a singer-songwriter, one heavily influenced by the old-timey music from before his parents were born. James mixes it up, playing music in his way with homemade instruments, including his washboard guitar, as well as his suitcase stomp-box. He expresses how happy he is that he gets to play music for a living, and is set on continuing to write songs, while also getting to travel the world from time to time.

Originated in San Diego, the band Safety Orange was created by Harry Elmore and Sol Turpin. Turpin has been performing for 20 years, essentially his whole life. He currently performs alongside a crew of musicians, creating music he describes as sublime, beach rock. They’ve played the cruise four times now.