This show is SOLD OUT! If you would like to be put on the waitlist, please call the Annex at 310-833-4813, placement on the waitlist does not guarantee a ticket.
LA-based blues legend Bernie Pearl and his guests: Dave Melton, RJ Mischo, Lester Lands, Jeffrey Paul Ross and Shy but Flyy, perform with an all-star backing band featuring Ray Bailey on guitar, Mo Beeks on piano, Elizabeth Hangan on bass, Albert Trepagnier on drums, and dancing master Chester Whitmore will also be joining the show.
Join the post-concert reception across from the Annex at PM Sounds Record Shop where Bernie will be signing copies of his new book, “Sittin’ on the Right Side of the Blues.” Books will be available for sale.
Bernie Pearl is a foundational figure in the SoCal blues scene, launching his career during the Folk Music revival of the 1950s. His deep connection to the blues was forged at his brother’s legendary LA music-coffee house, The Ash Grove (opened in 1958), where he learned from and performed with masters like Lightnin’ Hopkins, Big Mama Thornton and Freddie King. In the late ’60s, Pearl started and hosted the LA’s first all-blues radio show “Nothin’ but the Blues” and founded the Long Beach Blues Festival.
SPECIAL GUEST DANCER:
Chester Whitmore, a protege of Fayard Nicholas (Nicholas Brothers), has danced his way around the world. His choreography can be seen in music videos for Boys II Men, Sugar Ray, Teena Marie and he has worked with MC Hammer and Prince. He has performed with his dance company Black Ballet Jazz, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the great Miles Davis.
GUEST MUSICIANS:
Dave Melton is an absolutely stellar player of the blues on slide guitar. He was greatly influenced by Bernie Pearl’s radio show when he was starting out in the East LA Blues scene in the 80s. Melton’s slide guitar can be heard on the albums of Robert Lucas, the Delgado Brothers and Johnny Mastro.
RJ Mischo earned his chops with legends Percy Strother, Mojo Buford and Lazy Bill Lucas. RJ’s discography features chart-topping “King of a Mighty Good Time” and “Two Hours From Tulsa” and his albums Knowledge You Can’t Get in College and Make It Good, made the Top 50 in Living Blues albums of the year listings.
Lester Lands, a maestro of the blues, who grew up in the Mississippi Delta, has graced the stages across the globe. From high-energy performances with his band, The Delta Revelators, to a discography that boasts critically acclaimed albums, Lester’s dynamic presence leaves a lasting impression.
Jeffrey Paul Ross is an extraordinary, inventive, and astounding guitar player. He has recorded with the Hellecasters and the Asylum Street Spankers, as well as working with Candye Kane, Rosie Flores and Kelly Willis. He is also know for his work with Rank and File, James Harman and William Clarke.
Shy But Flyy is a rising blues, jazz, and spoken-word artist. Shy started out releasing mixtapes and writing hooks for artists. After an internship at a major record label and hosting “Flyy Radio,” she found the blues scene. Shy has headlined The Uptown Jazz festival, The New Blues Festival and Temecula So Cal Blues Fest.
THE ALL-STAR BAND
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.
Mo Beeks is one of LA’s favorite pianists, singers, songwriters and musical directors. A Grammy nominee, 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 a singer, songwriter, bassist and educator. She fronts The Elizabeth Hangan Band, performs with Marguaret Love’s Lovettes and toured with Bobby Warren, Mickey Champion, and Deacon Jones. She performed in the Women in Blues ’21 showcase and was presented with a Living Legend Award in 2018.
Albert Trepagnier, Jr., AKA “the Beat-Man,” is a New Orleans-born drummer and vocalist. He’s 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.
SPECIAL BOOK SIGNING:
After the concert, head over to PM Sounds (across the street from the Annex at 421 W 6th Street) for a special book signing event with Bernie Pearl. Bernie Pearl will be signing copies of his autobiography Sittin’ on the Right Side of the Blues. In this biography, Bernie describes his experiences working to promote the Blues in Los Angeles. His anecdotes provide insight into the personal side of the Blues musicians involved in his story. This book includes mini-biographies of important blues figures, photographs and other historical documents, many of which have never been previously published.
