FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 28,2006
Blues Guitar Extravaganza - 2006 Series
As creator and producer of the Blues Guitar Extravaganza, René Solis
once again brings together the best blues guitarists in the Bay Area for a series of amazing shows throughout Northern California.
Now in its fifth year, this event has impressed audiences and garnered accolades from media insiders and blues aficionados
alike. From its modest beginnings at JJs Blues Club in San Jose, this exciting show now commands standing-room only status
and usually sells out tickets far in advance.
René is a gifted guitar player and constantly reaches new heights of showmanship and finesse. As bandleader
of the highly popular band NiteCry, René’s career has come full circle—
in addition to being an exceptional guitarist, he has also become a well-respected vocalist and songwriter. Over the years,
René has been a featured artist at countless festivals and nightclubs, often sharing the stage with such industry giants as
Albert King, Luther Tucker, Joe Louis Walker, Davey Pattison, and former NiteCry member Tommy Castro.
Saturday April 29– The Little Fox Redwood City, CA
Johnny Nitro– The dean of the North Beach blues scene, Johnny has played with
Albert King, Albert Collins and Sonny Rhodes.
Al Von Johnson– Winner of the 2005 Guitar Player of the Year Award and a former
member of the Rock and Roll Hall of fame vocal group The Coasters.
Bobby Webb– Performed with B.B King, Bobby Bland, Etta James, Percy Mayfield,
T-Bone Walker, and Charlie Musselwhite and recorded albums with Percy Mayfield, Al Rapone, Maxine Howard, and others
.
Tuesday May 9– JJs Blues San Jose, CA
Laura Chavez– Guitarist for the Lara Price Band and famously known as ''The
girl who plays the Hendrix classic 'Little Wing','' she plays with both emotion and technical ability beyond her years.
Max Cabello Jr.– Guitarist, soulful vocalist, and prolific songwriter from the
San Francisco Bay area, has played with John Lee Hooker, Otis Rush, Guitar Shorty, Chris Cain, and more.
Friday June 30– Moe’s Alley Santa Cruz, CA
Mississippi Lucille– Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer, tours as
guitarist for Little Milton and has performed with Memphis Slim, Dr. John, Gary US Bonds, and many others.
Mighty Mike Schermer– Contemporary electric guitarists with an exciting approach
to blues and American roots music. Currently touring behind his second release "Next Set."
Laura Chavez– Guitarist for the Lara Price Band and famously known as ''The
girl who plays the Hendrix classic 'Little Wing','' she plays with both emotion and technical ability beyond her years.
Monday July 17– Yoshi’s Oakland,
CA
JC Smith– Guitarist from the San Francisco Bay Area, an outstanding performer
noted for his energy and charisma. Winner of Bay Area Blues Society’s West Coast Hall of Fame 2006 Band of the Year
Award.
Laura Chavez– Guitarist for the Lara Price Band and famously known as ''The
girl who plays the Hendrix classic 'Little Wing','' she plays with both emotion and technical ability beyond her years.
Saturday September 9– Modesto Blues Festival Modesto,
CA
Paul Wood– The only surviving member of John Lee Hooker’s original Coast
To Coast Blues Band, Paul has recorded with such artists as Van Morrison, Charlie Musselwhite, and toured as a solo artist.
AC Myles– This accomplished young guitarist has been to Europe with rock n'
roll legend Joe Houston and has released two albums of entirely original material.
Laura Chavez– Guitarist for the Lara Price Band and famously known as ''The
girl who plays the Hendrix classic 'Little Wing','' she plays with both emotion and technical ability beyond her years.
Jimmy Hartley– Guitarist and vocalist for The Studebaker Blues Band, Jimmy’s
solos can go seamlessly from country twang to blues and funk to classic rock.
The Studebaker Blues Band – This popular Central Valley blues band is widely
known for their rousing live sets of both blues standards and original material.
Friday October 27– Villa Montalvo Saratoga, CA
Sammy Varela – Smooth and soulful guitarist with the Sista
Monica Band, Gary Smith and many others.
Mighty Mike Schermer- Contemporary electric guitarists with an exciting
approach to blues and American roots music. Currently touring behind his second release "Next Set."
Gary Smith- An influential figure in the San Francisco
Bay Area Blues scene, his was the first band to grace the stage at the inaugural San Francisco Blues Festival in 1973. Regarded
as the Godfather of San Jose Blues Harmonica, his harp playing prowess really shows off his Little Walter-influenced tone.
