The 2nd Annual SoCal Blues and Jazz Fest was held May 16 – 18, at Murrieta Amphitheater. BackStage360 was fortunate to cover the Saturday line-up which included Cassius King and the Downtown Rulers, The Kodi Lee Band, Orianthi, and Los Lobos. Each artist delivered spectacular performances. From the time I walked in, I just wanted to do a “happy dance”.
This picturesque venue nestled in the heart of Murrieta, California, The Murrieta Amphitheater provided an ideal setting for the festival, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. It is an outstanding venue with a beautiful state-of-the-art stage. The grounds were very clean and staffed with generous hosts, bartenders, and security. The vibe was friendly on all fronts. It welcomed all ages, but I’d say we were a crowd of mid-agers who really appreciate good music and knows talent when they see/hear it.
Gourmet food trucks and vendors circled the grounds making it fun and interesting to walk around to browse booths featuring local art, crafts, and merchandise, adding to the festival vibe.
Everyone was so nice and the food I sampled was a step up from what you imagine in a fairground type setting. There was a large grassy area where people set up their chairs to enjoy a day of extraordinary music. The front of the stage was splashed with white tables and chairs for VIP’s and plenty of room to dance.
The festival featured an impressive array of artists, each bringing their unique style and energy to the stage. On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the lineup included:
Cassius King
Cassius King and The Downtown Rulers
They got the party started with “Let the Good Times Roll” and continued to play hit after hit warming up the crowd. They were the perfect compliment for a blues festival. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Cassius King, also has expertise as an audio engineer and production manager. This tells you everything you need to know about this band because each musician was outstanding in their own right– Chalo Ortiz Guitar, Chris White Bass, and J.R. Lozano on Drums completes this band of brothers.
Kodi Lee
Kodi Lee Band
I am a little embarrassed I didn’t put the name with the face until he walked onto the stage. I quickly realized who this guy is because I watched him win America’s Got Talent (Golden Buzzer) back in 2019. Kodi Lee captivated the audience with his singing and piano playing that is second to none. He is a blind, autistic, savant who, at 26 years old, is a true inspiration to the world. He proves to everyone how his disability doesn’t hold him back from achieving his dreams. I spoke briefly with his guitarist/vocalist, Sal Spinelli, who said Kobi brings out the best in everyone. They played original songs such as “Hello World”, as well as some great hits. My favorite was when they played Teddy Swims, “I Lose Control”, which had people up dancing, myself included.
Orianthi
Orianthi
Australian guitarist, singer and song writer Orianthi hit the stage BLAZING! There aren’t many rocker chicks that can pull off such bad ass guitar playing and powerful vocals. She not only looks the part, but she killed it. When she was only 16 years old, she played with Stevie Vai, and ZZ Top, and was endorsed by Carlos Santana, if that tells you anything! She covered BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Hendrix (of course), as well as some great originals—First Time Blues, Dark Days are Gone, According to You, How Do You Sleep. Her new LP, Some Kind of Feeling will be out June 27, but pre-order now here.
Los Lobos
Los Lobos
Los Lobos, the legendary band known for their fusion of rock, blues, and traditional Mexican music, took the stage with their electrifying performance. They are known for their hits like “La Bamba” and “Will the Wolf Survive” but are greatly revered especially in Southern California. I met a cowboy who said he went to high school in East Los Angeles with some of the band members. He was excited to hear them play (as was the rest of the crowd) who couldn’t wait for them to take the stage. They always draw a fun and lively crowd and today was no exception. Los Lobos embody the Latino culture with stellar musicianship and groovy vibes. I especially enjoyed watching the women dance the night away.
The 2025 SoCal Blues and Jazz Fest was not just about music; it was a celebration of community and culture reminding everyone of the power of music to inspire, connect, and uplift. It was truly a memorable weekend for all who were fortunate enough to attend. I look forward to next year’s festivities!