"That art depicts life. And sometimes. Art. Dip it. Art. Stimulates life. And sometimes. Art is life. It's like the relationship between lakes and the ocean. And the moon in the sky."

Marlon Hoffman: Rootsy-Rock Americana

Marlon Hoffman is a multi-faceted, Southern California-based, singer/songwriter keeping the music alive with his…

"As much as I’m enjoying the current state of music, I do miss a few things. I miss vocal performances without pitch correction, timeless melodies, and clear enunciation like you hear from singers such as Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald. I would like to mix traditional jazz with the current trends in music, like artists such as Robert Glasper and Chris Dave. Sometimes I fear that I’ll sound a bit similar to those early singers, but I try to incorporate…

"Music should be a healing escape that has no boundaries.  When a crowd of 10,000 people are singing a line to a song together, that's pretty special. If you feel like shedding some tears with some pizza and wine, music will help with that. If you need a mood lift, the right song will do the trick. We are in an age where all kinds of artistic inspiration can be available to us, and it's exciting."…

"The blues are under represented by the bloodline they came from and that makes the blues misunderstood and not viewed as a powerful tool to promote change. We have work to do to if we want to be seen as movers and shakers in the music industry. Movers and shakers have resources to get things done outside of the music industry."

Tia Carroll: You Gotta Have It!…

"Music unites people of all races, genders, religions… and I want my music to give people whatever they need when they put on my record, If they want to dance, I want them to dance, If they want to cry and let their feelings out I want them to do that. I want it to be whatever they need it to be for them at that moment."

Casey Hensley: Speaks to People's Soul…

"Music, especially if we are to consider music without lyrics, does not have a political agenda, does not speak to race or class nor is restricted by language.  In that sense it communicates the human experience in the most profound way, connects us together as one species, and in that commonality, proves that we all want the same basic things for ourselves. We need to operate from that sensibility."…

"I tell this to young bands often that come to me for advice. Copyrighting your song is the most important thing to do first. Don't be anxious to sign a contract until someone like a music lawyer reads the document."

Merrell Fankhauser: Music Of Intelligence

Merrell Fankhauser has led one of the most diverse and interesting careers in…

"Music has a huge impact on everyone’s lives. A song can ease a tear down your cheek as well as bring a smile at the same time. It can take you to a time and place long ago and far away. It can remind you of the calm you desire. Imagine a romantic movie without music to inspire the emotion ahead or a scary movie with dissonant chords that don’t resolve."

Brad Jenkins: Peace, Love &…

"Blues music is my therapy. Writing songs has a way of helping me understand, and deal with, life, love, and loss."

Dennis Jones: Soft Hard & Loud Blues

Sizzling hot guitar solos. Smooth and soulful vocals. High-energy stage performance. Backed by a rhythm section that is second to none, this IS Dennis Jones. Jones was born in Baltimore,…

"I think perseverance is the greatest tool we have to becoming successful in any endeavor. The music business is a cold and hard place and the reason we have become successful in our 50s is from my persistence and drive to make it happen. It is one thing to be talented at something, it is entirely another becoming successful using your talent. You must find the desire to push and continue to push everyday… Merely showing up will not make you a…

"Blues started through the hardships of black people in this country, and it spread to the wider audience of a multicultural nation and world. Blues speaks to the human experience because it comes from a place of deep feeling. Most people when they hear the blues, they recognize something in it because they feel the power of it."

Daniel Castro: Deep Strong Blues Love …

"Music and all art reflect the culture. It is my hope that our music makes people feel like they are not alone, that others have experienced the same challenges that they have faced and are facing and overcame them. We want to be encouraging and provide some hope for people and at the least provide a distraction from life's struggles for a couple hours."

Jim Gustin & Truth Jones: Heart and…

"Blues Music spreads the message of Unity, Love and a knowing that we are all in this thing called life, struggling, doing the best we can and ultimately we have each other. No matter what age, color or size, you are accepted in the Blues World. When you listen to the Blues it lifts your spirit."

Diana Rein: Queen of Blues Rock Castle

There’s…

"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…

"Music has always influenced the world. Blues certainly has."

Jimmy Smith: A Life of Music

Jimmy Smith is a veteran keyboard player based in San Francisco Bay area. Shortly after…

“Put Your Good Where It will do the Most”

Milton Rosenberg: The Oce…

"I think the impact of Blues and Rock n’ Roll on society is a complicated and multi-faceted topic with numerous and varied areas to discuss. One thing for certain, rock n’ roll offers youth and others an outlet to constructively direct rebellion and negative energy in a useful, healing and positive way."…

"The music reached across racial boundaries and connected with young white people. This could not have been done by other means. Music is a force for change and the blues has had a huge role in the process here in the US."

Crooked Eye Tommy: Big Blues Men…

"Blues is more about expressing emotion through a singer note than any other genera I have played."

Chase Walker: The Rising Age of Blues

This is a story about what a kid and a guitar can accomplish in a few…