SOCAL Diva’s of the Blues Festival

Where can you go and see not one, not two but eight great Blues band for the cost of a burger and soda each? Well, you could head out to just about any event hosted by the Old Town Blues Club.  “This blues festival is unique in that we are solely promoting the dynamic influence of women in blues music today,” explains Andy Doty, Festival Promoter and owner of Old Town Blues Club, the latter who are presenting the SoCal Divas of Blues Festival. And if there’s thing promoter Andy Doty knows, it’s the Blues. Partnering with the National Breast Cancer Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the SOCAL Diva’s of the Blues Festival should be on your list of Must See events in 2019.

Having had a highly successful and sold out event earlier in the year, (http://www.backstage360.com/1st-annual-temecula-blues-festival-sells-out/) this was a slightly different approach featuring some of the finest Diva’s around. All of them came prepared to deliver their style of the Blues straight to the music nerves that permeates through all of us. It takes a constant pilgrimage to music festivals in order to strengthen those nerves least they become useless.

LIST OF PERFORMERS

Lowdown Andy Lewis

Ok, so Andy doesn’t actually qualify as a diva but opening the day’s festivities still requires someone that can grab the attention of the crowd. Andy’s Country style Blues did just that and was a great way to be welcomed into the event.

Jade Bennett

Jade Bennett

When not playing in Vegas, it’s a short drive south from Riverside to Temecula. Having previously played with Sugaray Rayford and as the opening band, her gutsy vocals jump-started the festival.

Mercedes Moore

Mercedes Moore

The band describes their music as Vintage Blues, Soul and Rhythm & Roll. After listening to the band for about twenty minutes you will agree that the description is accurate. It’s the ingredients of a great style.

Give Me Back My Wig

Give Me Back My Wig

Having competed in the Regional International Blues Competition, I knew what to expect. They exceeded the expectation and had the audience take notice of their talent. This is a true Roadhouse Blues Band.

Brigitte Rios Purdy

Brigitte Rios Purdy

Having recently received a Grammy nomination, Brigitte brings a power and swagger to the stage. She has honed her skills as a session singer for The Who and back-up vocalist for Paul Rodgers.

Diana Rein

It’s always a treat when you hear someone for the 1^st time and put them on your “Must See” again list. This is an amazing young artist that is going places. Make sure you catch her while you can. The future of the Blues is in good hands.

Shy But Flyy

Shy But Flyy

This band is just plain fun! They engage you with not only their take on the Blues but with their stage performance. Based out of Orange County, they have headlined at the Uptown Jazz Festival and the New Blues Festival.  Their sound is a mix of a Blues style influenced by Jazz, Hip-Hop and R & B.

Casey Hensley

Perhaps one of the hardest working artists around, her name just invokes Blues music.  2018 alone found her picking up Best Independent Blues Live CD and winner of Artist of the Year at the SDMA’s. You can catch up with her at several Six String Society events and at numerous clubs near you.

Shari Puorto

When you run any type of music festival, you always need to have a headliner that is going to leave them wanting more and Shari always does exactly that. Having spent most of the year on the road, the band found just enough time to produce an indomitable new LP. (Live at Boogies)

We will hopefully be able to cover all of these bands in depth within the coming New Year. All of the bands that appeared on the bill for the SOCAL Diva’s of the Blues Festival are worth supporting in their own right but, having them all appear for one event is a great way to spend an afternoon. One can only hope that this festival gets added to Old Town Blues Club’s annual events!

BackStage360