Wow, it has been over 2 weeks and I just now found some time to post my review about the Irvine Lake Blues Festival. This was my first time at this festival, and to be truthful, I had never heard of it before. I can say I really like this venue. Not only is it in a beautiful setting, but the size of the venue is small. Small venues are great. They have easy access to almost everthing, and they just feel more quaint and relaxed. My friends and I did go VIP on this one, and I give it 2 thumbs. 1thumb's up, but one thumb's down. First major thumb's up, for the fact that you have access to the VIP tent, which is shaded, has a VIP bar that serves drinks at a dollar discount, and even serves free food. The other reason I give it a major thumb's up, is because of the VIP bathrooms. They are cleaner, shorter lines and closer. To me, that pays for VIP, and then some. Now the thumbs down comes from the fact that the VIP section is to the side, so you're not really centered, and the worst part is there is no access to front stage from that section, for my favorite dance area. You have to walk further around than you would generally...Oh well, I guess you can't have everything, but it sure is fun when you do.
Ok, so for the music. I'm going to make this short and sweet. The 1st 3 bands are not worthy of my review, so I will just list their names... Little Barry G, The Blue Note, and Shari Puerto.
There was a 2nd stage that featured Johnny Mastro and Mama's boys.
This band played in between the main stage bands, while the next band sets up. They were what my girlfriend accuratly pegged as, "Biker blues". I loved them! Very entertaining. I would definitely go see them play at some local biker's bar, which is probably where you would find them. (Check out the pic of the drummer. It kind of says it all)
Now the last 4 bands on the main stage were great. 1st we had Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers. The 1st time I ever saw this husband/wife duo and their band, was at a small club in LA about 14 years ago. They blew me away. This time I can't say that it was as dynamic as the 1st time, but they do definitely know how to keep it fun.
Rod, a California-based blues bandleader, harmonica player, and singer and his wife have been in the blues scene since 1967. In the early 80's, Rod and his wife Honey Alexander, my favorite of the 2, formed the Mighty Flyers.
Honey Alexander plays the keyboard. Wait, let me take that back, she is the piano pounding diva of blues, and without her, I don't think this band would survive. I think they need to re-name the band, "Rod & Honey's Mighty Flyers".
Next on the roster was The 44"s, featuring Kid Ramos. I knew who Kid Ramos was, guitarist for the Fabulous Thinderbirds from 1993 to 1995, Oingo Boingo for a spell, and the Blasters, just for starters. Ramos was born in Fullerton, Ca. Yeah a local boy! Kid Ramos can jam on that guitar creating pure excitement and great energy. He always has me up and dancing.
Now the 44's, I can't remember seeing before this day. What a shame, because, "Oh my God" Good-Good-Good. I looked up the 44's, and this is what I found: "
The 44’s are a Los Angeles-based band who play blues-roots-rock music. They first made their mark on the Los Angeles blues scene in 07’ when they were tapped to compete and Finished 4th in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. The band members include, harmonica player Tex Nakamura (Formerly of war), Singer- guitarist Johnny Main, upright bassist Mike Turturro (Formerly Lynwood Slim/Candye Kane), and drummer J.R. Lozano. This band rocked. They were my favorite surprise act of the night. For those of you who actualy read this blog, you know the "surprise band" of the day is ALWAYS my favorite. Their Bass player Mike Turturro, was one of the best I have ever seen, and I am not kidding..
When Johhny Mann and Kid Ramos rocked out together, it almost gave me an .....#^*&%$!.....oh never mind, (giggle giggle), I've got to keep this rated PG.
So I have already downloaded their new CD
Boogie Disease on
CDbaby.com to add to my collection.
Next two headliners were the most experienced, and it showed.
Coco Montoyo, one of those blues artists, that whenever he pops up on my IPOD, or on "Time for the Blues" on KJZZ, I always double check who I am listening to because it is so damn hot! This is the 1st time I have really heard him all the way through live. HOLLY *^%!!
