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Blue Bear Live III
A Youth Music Education Benefit
Featuring Musical Performances by These Top-Notch Artists
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A 2008 Blue Bear Celebrity Sponsor and our wonderful bandleader for Blue Bear Live III, Elvin Bishop is one of the most respected guitarists to emerge from the '60s blues-rock explosion. He got his start in Chicago playing with such artists as J.T. Brown, Hound Dog Taylor and Junior Wells, before making his name as a founding member of seminal electric blues group Paul Butterfield Blues Band (which included Howlin' Wolf's former rhythm section). An integrated band playing blues music in 1965 was unheard of, and this, together with the band's powerful rock 'n' roll infused sound, helped introduce the blues to a whole new audience. Elvin eventually relocated to San Francisco, where he launched a solo career that has spanned four decades. He played in the epic Allman Brothers Band's Fillmore East concerts, recorded and toured with such blues luminaries as John Lee Hooker and B.B. King, and hit the charts with several solo tracks, all while clocking in many hours on the road and onstage entertaining and delighting crowds. Elvin has released two well-received solo albums on renowned blues and roots label Blind Pig Records, including his latest release Booty Bumpin'. The album captures the blues legend at home in front of a live audience, doing what he does best: stirring up a party with a bluesy stew of slide guitar and groovin' rhythms. The Elvin Bishop Band also features Mighty Mike Schermer on guitar and vocals, Ed Earley on trombone and percussion, Timm Walker on bass, S.E. Willis on keys and accordion, and Bobby Cochran on drums and vocals. |
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[photo by: Debra Regur] |
During his 17 year career, Tommy Castro has established himself as one of the most popular artists in the blues arena, with a unique brand of rock 'n' soul music and consistently tight, crowd-pleasing performances. This engaging guitarist, vocalist and songwriter from San Jose first learned to play guitar at age 10, and was initially inspired by the likes of Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop (whom he'll join onstage at Blue Bear Live III). In 1991 he formed the Tommy Castro Band, and in a remarkably short time went from performing at a tiny San Francisco saloon to opening for B.B. King's national tours to making high-profile appearances on network television. His 2007 Blind Pig release Painkiller garnered praise as one of the best albums in Tommy's distinguished career, receiving positive reviews from The Washington Post, Billboard and many more, winning BluesWax's 2008 Album of the Year, and earning a 2008 Blues Music Awards "Contemporary Blues Album of the Year" nomination – with Tommy himself nominated for Blues Music Awards "B.B. King Entertainer of the Year." As Vintage Guitar says, "Tommy Castro's pure Fender tone… and knack for writing a great tune are as good as it gets." The Tommy Castro Band also features Scot Sutherland on bass, Tom Poole on trumpet, Chris Sandoval on drums, and Keith Crossan on saxophone.
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A former Blue Bear student and current faculty and board member, Bonnie Hayes is an acclaimed music educator who leads popular Blue Bear songwriting classes, and who designed and directs our innovative Blue Bear Music for Youth Summer Camps program for teens. She has also forged a highly successful career as a songwriter, producer and performer, famed for her kick-out-the-jams style – which she's exhibited at every Blue Bear Live show since 2006. Bonnie's songs have been recorded by such diverse artists as Bonnie Raitt ("Have A Heart" and "Love Letter" helped restore Raitt to superstardom), Bette Midler, Robert Cray, Adam Ant, David Crosby, Booker T and the MGs and Cher, and she has toured as a keyboard player/vocalist with Huey Lewis, Billy Idol and Belinda Carlisle. Her own recordings have also put her on the map, from her pop/punk debut Good Clean Fun that earned critical raves and national college airplay, to her current release Love in the Ruins which affirms her reputation as "one of the Bay Area's best voices " (SF Chronicle) and an artist who is "smarter, surer and more sisterly than any [other] rock and roll woman" (The Village Voice).
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This rising young blues star is a singer steeped in the tradition of B.B. King, Ray Charles and Junior Parker, and is a harmonica player of riveting intensity and virtuosity. A native of Boise, Idaho, John Németh grew up singing in a Catholic church and started playing in local bands as a teenager, then in 2002 became a featured artist with influential blues guitarist and singer Junior Watson (who called John's voice "a national treasure"). Soon the Cascade Blues Association was selecting John as a crowd favorite, the Washington Blues Society praising him as a show stealer, and Charlie Musselwhite exclaiming "John Németh can really belt it out!" He opened for Robert Cray, Keb Mo' and Earl Thomas and earned international acclaim for performances at major music festivals in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Asia. Blues Notes called him "definitely one of the finest new artists performing blues today" with a "soon-to-be giant career." Signed to Blind Pig in 2006, John released his label debut, Magic Touch, in 2007, featuring Junior Watson on guitar. The album lived up to its high expectations, and is a "Best New Artist Debut" nominee in this year's Blues Music Awards. |
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[photo by: Lynnly Labovitz] |
San Francisco native Vicki Randle has also graced the stage at every Blue Bear Live show since 2006. This talented vocalist, percussionist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter is a sought-after talent in the music industry and one of the most visible musicians in America. Vicki is the lead vocalist and percussionist of the acclaimed Tonight Show Band, a group she's been with for 14 years from its founding under Branford Marsalis to its current director Kevin Eubanks. Her skill and musical flexibility keep her in demand by guests as diverse as Phil Collins, Al Green, Elton John, kd lang, Vince Gill, Tori Amos, Albert Collins, Robert Palmer, David Sanborn, Al Jarreau and Garth Brooks. Chances are you own or have heard an album that features Vicki, or perhaps you've seen her perform onstage: she has toured and recorded with Pharaoh Sanders, Babatunde Lea, Pete Escovedo, Romeo Void, Doobie Brothers, Wayne Shorter, Kenny Loggins, Lionel Richie, George Benson, Aretha Franklin, Dr. John, Herbie Hancock, Laura Nyro, Mickey Hart and many, many more. Vicki recently released her first solo album, Sleep City, produced by friend and musical collaborator Bonnie Hayes. |
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[photo by: Terry Way] |
A fixture on the Bay Area Blues scene for more than 20 years, Mighty Mike Schermer is the "go to" sideman for such heavyweights as Elvin Bishop, Bonnie Raitt, Charlie Musselwhite, Maria Muldaur, Howard Tate, fellow Blue Bear Live special guest artist Tommy Castro, and many, many more. He's also enjoyed a solid solo career with two acclaimed CDs, an award winning single and critical praise in his own right. The Marin Independent Journal called him "one of the most extraordinary guitarists of the new generation," and said his "joyful spirit and love of the blues shines through in every note he plays." His current release, the compilation CD Right Hand Man Vol. 1, chronicles Mighty Mike's career alongside many top artists, and captures the cutting tone and emotional style that have made him a favorite of music fans, media and industry greats. His musical journey began at age 10 with the guitar, trumpet and clarinet. A 1984 Albert Collins concert was a pivotal moment that turned his passion toward the blues. Since then the blues has brought him to sessions, festivals and clubs in all 50 U.S. states and 19 countries around the world. |
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Born and raised in the East Bay, André Thierry has roots in rich southern Creole traditions, and a childhood deeply influenced by his Louisiana-bred parents and grandparents. The latter hosted French Creole (La-La) dances at their Bay Area church parish, where Zydeco-Cajun musicians from Louisiana would visit and play. One such artist was "The King of Zydeco," Clifton Chenier, who deemed three year-old André a future accordion player. Captivated by Chenier's music, André began teaching himself music with an accordion given to him by local musician Billy Wilson of MotorDude Zydeco, then one given to him by his mother. This sealed his love for traditional southern French Creole music. By age 12 he had formed his own band, Zydeco Magic, and also sat in with touring musicians such as John Delafose and son Geno Delafose, and local bands and artists Danny Poullard, MotorDude Zydeco and Zydeco Flames. An exceptional, multidimensional, self-taught musician who has embraced his ability to merge traditional zydeco and Cajun music with hip-hop, blues, jazz and rock, André has been called the "Jimi Hendrix of Zydeco Music." |
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R.C. Carriere
A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, singer and rubboard player R.C. Carriere performs with high-energy Bay Are Cajun and zydeco band MotorDude Zydeco, among others. At Blue Bear Live III, he'll bring the lively sounds of his Southern Louisiana homeland as a special guest artist with the Elvin Bishop Band. |
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The International Playboys
Don't miss the Blue Bear Live funky New Orleans style after-show dance party with The International Playboys, featuring Blue Bear teacher Chris Haugen, former Blue Bear teachers and staff Alan Williams and Glenn Hartman, and the ace rhythm section of Tarik Ragab on bass and Hud Bixler on drums. A New Orleans resident for 20 years, Glenn Hartman appeared at 13 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festivals and toured and recorded internationally playing Hammond B-3, piano and accordion, most notably with The New Orleans Klezmer Allstars. Alan "Trombon" Williams is a trombonist and arranger whose versatile skills make him a highly in-demand performer with countless San Francisco bands, including Manicato, a funky salsa, reggae and rock ensemble that lights up the dance floor wherever they play – from the West Coast to Miami. Guitarist Chris Haugen was a founding member of critically acclaimed touring band Jambay, and his remarkable chops have earned him invitations to perform with such legends as JJ Cale, Taj Mahal and Melvin Seals, as well as on the musical score for Sean Penn's award-winning film Into the Wild. The Playboys will bring down the house with special guest artist appearances by Blue Bear faculty and staff.
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James Lick Middle School
STAR (Schools That Aspire to Rock) Bands
Proceeds from Blue Bear Live I led directly to the partnership between Blue Bear School of Music and James Lick Middle School. What began as a modest guitar instruction program has evolved into an innovative public school music program that meets daily and serves more than 100 students at this diverse multi-lingual middle school in San Francisco's Noe Valley. Under the direction of Blue Bear instructor Richard Storbeck, students learn the technical aspects of music as well as the history and cultural relevance of contemporary music. At Blue Bear Live II, STAR students wowed the sold-out crowd at the Great American Music Hall – an amazing performance opportunity for these aspiring young musicians. This year, James Lick students will once again demonstrate that the future of live music performance is in good hands. STAR bands performing at Blue Bear Live III include:
The Fizz – featuring Emma Lannier on guitar, Cecillia Sweet-coll on guitar, Shayla Orrick on guitar, Ocean O'Guinn on bass, Andres Hernandez on drums, Sarah Mattioli on vocals, and Will Lannier on vocals
Tiny Teeth Invaders – featuring Julian Stickley on guitar, Will Simons on guitar, Avery Nicastro on bass, Andres Hernandez on drums, and Sam Robbins on vocals
Ungreatful Living – featuring Kristen Guarini on guitar and bass, Evan Anderson on guitar and bass, Akheel Mestayer on drums, Will Lannier on vocals, and Richard Storbeck on guitar
Blue Horizon – featuring Simone Bradley on vocals, Jake Stockley on drums, Jesse Cobb on guitar, Jordan SF on guitar, and Joe Stockley on bass
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