A good time was had by all who came out to hear the bands at The Temecula Blues Festival.  The mood was festive, peaceful and friendly.  Perfect weather included sunshine and a nice breeze, food trucks, beer and venders with merch all in attendance.  Concert goers will allowed to bring fold up chairs to sit in and enjoy the bands.  Others attendees were dancing and moving to the music.  All and all good energy and a great way to spend the day.  Top shelf performances by all the bands!

The Honey Lickers

The Honeylickers

The Temecula Blues Festival got off to a rousing start with a local blues band, The Honeylickers.  The festival was held at the Temecula Civic Center, and hosted by the Old Town Blues Club. The Honeylickers,, fronted by the very talented Andrew Gonzalez, have been on the San Diego music scene for years. Their electric delivery is highlighted by Gonzalez’ harp playing.  They played many classic songs, and even included their own original tunes.  This band takes no prisoners! Intense and moving, they got the crowd going. In case you missed this performance, check out the lineup at Old Town Temecula Blues Club, where the Honeylickers often perform.

Lil’ A and the Allnighters

Lil’ A and the Allnighters, a West Coast band established in 2006, were up next. This band’s music is sharp, intense and energetic. Their covers of classic blues tunes and originals had the crowd dancing and singing along.  Three guitars, a harp, drums and a stand up bass all came together to create their flawless sound.

The festival had everything: good food, drink, sunshine and great music! In my opinion, there’s no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Bonita & The Blues Shacks

Bonita & the Blues Shacks

What do you get when you team up The Blues Shacks who happen to be of Europe’s most respected Blues bands with Bonita Niessen, an amazing soul singer from South Africa?  Bonita & The Blues Shacks a classy band with a whole lot of soul.  They merge the two styles of blues and soul in a way that takes you back to the sounds of the 50’s and 60’s.  Offering both originals and covers done in their own unique style, this is a band that offers a great live sound that is full of nostalgia, feelings and fun.  This is an incredibly classy and talented collaboration that people of all generations can appreciate.

The Disciplez @ The Temecula Blues Fest

The Disciplez

A blues power trio who put on one hell of a show. Front man guitarist, Andrew Alvarez captivates the audience with his boundless energy & outrageous guitar performance! Mas Takeuchi handles the bass duties and Eddie “Heart Breaker” Rodriguez drums and sings.  The band originated in East Los Angeles and calls their music Chicano/Texas/Southern/Soul Style Blues.

The Fabulous  Thunderbirds

Chances are you are familiar with The Fabulous Thunderbirds, an American Band that has been around for over 30 years and no sign of stopping as they take on a world tour with plenty of dates booked here in the US.  Co-founder Kim Wilson is the sole original member heading up the vocals and the longest and raddest harmonica solo ever.  The group’s powerful sound is influenced by many musical styles and is going strong.  Chances are they are coming to your town, be sure to check the show schedule and their current lineup.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

The lineup:

Kim Wilson – lead vocals, harmonica

Dean Shot – guitar

Bob Welsh – piano / guitar

Rudy Albin – drums

Steve Kirsty – bass

Len Rainey & The Midnight Players

Len Rainey and the Midnight Player’s original sound has been going on for three decades.  The band started in Chicago and you can hear the Chicago Blues sound in their music along with jazz and some rock rolled into a soulful sound.  Now based in Southern California with a list of upcoming shows, you can find the schedule on the band’s Facebook page.  Don’t miss out!

Susan Santos

Susan Santos

A powerful voice to accompany power guitar is always a great combination.  Hailing out of Madrid, this is the true definition of a “Blues Power Trio”. Having played on stage with Billy Gibbons, Susan has created a self-imposed style that holds its own with any Blues band around. As a songwriter she has recorded 5 albums and we’re hoping that several more on on the horizon.

Chris Thayer & The TCB

The bands high energy style of blues should be mandatory at any blues festival. The band has released 6 LP’s and their material has appeared in film and TV. The band consists of CHRIS THAYER – Vocals and guitar, Steve Brown – Bass. Maurice Oliva &  Jeff Waldon – Saxophones, Hebie Castro – Drums and Caleb Roseberry on guitar.

Chris Thayer & The TCB

Backstage360.com would like to thank the Old Town Blues Club for hosting this engaging event.  We’re all looking forward to next year’s Temecula Blues Festival!

Article by Brenda Starr & Cammazz / BackStage360.com

MORE IMAGES FROM THE TEMECULA BLUES FESTIVAL