LA-based Blues legend returns with his signature picking style learned from masters like Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mance Lipscomb. Joined by an array of Blues artists including Sonny Green and Mo Beeks.
“We Blues performers most often do ‘our thing’ for audiences who are in the house to party and socialize, leaving little room for heartfelt stories from the stage. This evening we leave some room for people who are interested in the music to know more about the people who produce it. Each artist has had a unique path towards the music they love to play and each will take a couple of minutes to share their story before playing that music, be it song, instrumental, or both.” – Bernie Pearl
Born in East LA, Bernie Pearl became involved in the early days of the Folk Music revival through the music of Pete Seeger, the Weavers, Woody Guthrie, and Leadbelly. In 1958 Bernie’s brother Ed opened his music-coffee house, the Ash Grove. There Bernie performed with Lightnin’ Hopkins, Fred McDowell, Big Mama Thornton, and Freddie King. In 1968 Bernie began hosting “Nothin’ but the Blues” LA’s first all-blues radio show. He is also the founder the Long Beach Blues Festival.
Bernie Pearl will be joined by:
LA native, Ray Bailey was taught by the groundbreaking reed player John Carter. Under his tutelage, Bailey learned Charles Mingus, Don Cherry, Stravinsky, and Mozart. He was inspired by the (then) youngster Jimi Hendrix, Larry Davis, and Chaka Khan. He regularly performed at the famous LA blues club Babe’s & Ricky’s Inn.
Sonny Green has been singing R&B, blues and soul music since the 1950s, performing for over 40 years to devoted LA crowds. He’s been called “criminally underappreciated” and earned praise from KCRW, Living Blues and Blues Junction.
Grammy-nominated Mo Beeks is one of LA’s favorite pianists, singers, songwriters and musical directors. He plays a variety of styles and is a carrier of the blues tradition. He has performed with Leroy Hudson, Chaka Khan, Tyrone Davis, Otis Clay, Mahalia Jackson and more.
Elizabeth Hangan is an LA-based blues singer, songwriter, bass player and music educator. She fronts The Elizabeth Hangan Band, performs as one of Marguaret Love’s Lovettes and toured with Bobby Warren, Mickey Champion, and Deacon Jones. She performed in the Women in Blues 2021 showcase and was presented with a Living Legend Award in 2018.
Dena Michals is a singer, songwriter, poet, and writer known for her unique blend of West Coast blues and soul. Dena is applauded as a phenomenal and unique song stylist and a skilled performer of blues, jazz and gospel.
New Orleans-born drummer and vocalist Albert Trepagnier, Jr., AKA “the Beat-Man,” has played with Bernie Pearl for over 40 years. He has also played for Eric Clapton, BB King, John Mayall and Stevie Ray Vaughn. He is a recipient of the Living Legend Blues Award.
Kee-Eso Pitchford is a recognized performing artist and master of several instruments in addition to his formidable guitar skills, outstanding voice and undeniable stage presence. Kee-Eso is equally comfortable and engaging with both blues and gospel material.
Job Striles is a first-rate LA blues guitarist whose “rough and rowdy” playing earned him praise from Blues Access, Blues Revue, Southland Blues and Living Blues. He has worked with boogie-woogie pianist Rob Rio, and opened for the J. Giels Band, R.L. Burnside, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, Robert Lockwood Jr. and many others.
Latin Grammy-nominated George Dez is a blues vocalist and guitarist who has shared the stage with Poncho Sanchez, Mickey Champion, Finis Tasby, Brenton Wood, John Pisano, Lonnie Jordan, and many others. His record Crosstown Blues is a tribute to his mentor Laura Gross of Babe n Ricky’s Inn.
