"Samoa and Hawaii both have an open tuning style of guitar picking that translates perfectly into the blues. Each has different tunings depending on what region they are from, not unlike the blues. But I feel that the biggest similarities are the stories we tell."

John Akapo: Aloha! Paradise Blues

Taumei “Big John” Akapo is a presence in Hawaii,…

"That music, the arts in any form, are not a platform for political rants...we all know what’s going on in the world around us...fans go to be entertained, not to be reminded of what we already know..."

Ralph Molina: Crazy Horse's Beat

Ralph Molina is an American musician, best known as the drummer for Neil Young's backing band Crazy Horse. Born…

"You can’t play Jazz, Rock, R&B, Country, or Folk without being able to play the blues."

Scott Sharrard: Interpreter of the Blues

Scott Sharrard is best known as lead guitarist and bandleader for the late Gregg Allman. But his personal artistic journey – which includes singing, songwriting, producing and arranging – began long before he first teamed up…

"Blues has informed and influenced jazz, rock and roll, soul and pop music. It is in the fabric of almost all musical culture in one way or another."

Colin James: (Blues) Miles To Go

Canadian, Juno award-winning singer-songwriter and renowned blues guitarist Colin James will release his 19th album, Miles to Go, releasing…

"The freedom of playing without rules…No fears for the future, only hopes: that music can be considered more than a mainstream business but and art like painting, poetry, and dancing."

Lino Muoio: Mandolin Blues of Med Sea

Guitarist, mandolinist and songwriter Lino Muoio has been a part of the Italian Blues music scene for over 25 years, playing…

"I think blues will always be there because it’s about LIFE! Blues talks about all aspects of life.Blues is about love, hate, anger, sex, frustration, joy, fun, hard times, good times! The whole spectrum!"

Raphael Wressnig: The Soul of Groove

Throughout the years Raphael Wressnig has created a unique organ style that is both elegant and explosive.…

"I believe that good music is always an expression of the times, and that it is a great catalyst to help bring the world together."

Blue Largo: Let The Good Times Roll

Blue Largo was formed by guitarist Eric Lieberman and vocalist Alicia Aragon in 1999. Eric recruited his old music partner, saxophonist Jonny Viau from as far back as…

"Music is perhaps the best example that we should point to in proving that we can all get along."

Andy Doty: Under The SoCal Sun

Announcing the SoCal Divas of Blues Festival, taking place outdoors at Civic Center Plaza, 41000 Main St., in Old Town Temecula, Saturday, October 27, 2018, from 12 noon till 8pm (gates…

"It seems, I could be wrong, but that the Blues are better appreciated outside of America. If that’s true, I’d like to see that turn around."

Lawrence Lebo: Old School Girl

Daughter of a Sears & Roebuck shoe salesman, Lawrence grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles, far away from the entertainment industry. She worked into the business the hard…

"I think that poetry is great training for a songwriter. You learn to use the right word not just for what you are trying to say, but also for the emotion of the song, and for the meter of the song. The lyrics are definitely an important part of my songs. As a child, I loved the lyrics of so many songs I heard, and today I still appreciate a well-written lyric."

Michele D'Amour: The (Music) Love…