| July 13, 2008 Schedule |
Zac Harmon was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Harmon is a disciple of the
Farish Street blues sound. (Farish Street is universally recognized as the home of
many great blues legends including the late, great Elmore James.). During the 50’s
and 60’s Harmon hung out at his father’s pharmacy on Farish (first African-
American pharmacy in Jackson), soaking up the aura and sounds of the musician
customers while developing his skills as a guitarist, organist and vocalist. Like many
he honed those skills while at church. Harmon’s early years included stints as
guitarist for Z.Z Hill, Dorothy Moore, McKinley Mitchell and Sam Myers. Sam along
with Jesse Robinson and Mel Brown played a significant role in Harmon’s
development Moving to Los Angeles in 1980 to pursue a career in music, Harmon
worked as a studio musician and began to make a name for himself as a
writer/producer, crafting songs for such varied notables as Karyn White, Freddie
Jackson, Evelyn “Champagne” King, The Whispers, Cherrelle, K.C. & Jo Jo, The
Mississippi Mass Choir and Children’s Choir, Alexander O’Neal and the O’Jays. He
produced songs on the Mystical Truth album for Black Uhuru that received a
Grammy nomination in 1994.
Farish Street blues sound. (Farish Street is universally recognized as the home of
many great blues legends including the late, great Elmore James.). During the 50’s
and 60’s Harmon hung out at his father’s pharmacy on Farish (first African-
American pharmacy in Jackson), soaking up the aura and sounds of the musician
customers while developing his skills as a guitarist, organist and vocalist. Like many
he honed those skills while at church. Harmon’s early years included stints as
guitarist for Z.Z Hill, Dorothy Moore, McKinley Mitchell and Sam Myers. Sam along
with Jesse Robinson and Mel Brown played a significant role in Harmon’s
development Moving to Los Angeles in 1980 to pursue a career in music, Harmon
worked as a studio musician and began to make a name for himself as a
writer/producer, crafting songs for such varied notables as Karyn White, Freddie
Jackson, Evelyn “Champagne” King, The Whispers, Cherrelle, K.C. & Jo Jo, The
Mississippi Mass Choir and Children’s Choir, Alexander O’Neal and the O’Jays. He
produced songs on the Mystical Truth album for Black Uhuru that received a
Grammy nomination in 1994.
Vasti Jackson is a soulful world renown guitar player and vocalist, whose presence
captures an audience the moment he takes the stage, he commands the house while
deftly leading his band. Grammy-nominee Vasti (pronounced Vast-Eye) Jackson is a
consummate performer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer.
From his early beginnings playing in juke joints in McComb, Mississippi, to his most
recent release, "Live In Nashville" is a no holds barred, walking the razors edge,
funky blues celebration that puts you slap dab in the middle of the juke joint. Rooted
in the Blues, Vasti Jackson recorded on B.B. King's Grammy award winning Blues
Summit in 1994. In the 1980s and early 1990s Vasti was musical director, and
guitarist ZZ Hill, Johnnie Taylor, and blues 'n' boogie queen Katie Webster, and has
opened for the blues great on many occasions. He also worked with gospel greats -
including the Williams Brothers, the Jackson Southernaires, and Daryl Coley; with
soul and blues artists Bobby "Blue" Bland, Little Milton, Percy Sledge and Sam Myers;
and with jazz artists Harry Connick, Jr., Wynton Marsalis, and Cassandra Wilson,
just as well. Vasti has also played guitar on Malaco Records for Latimore, Denise
LaSalle, Bobby Rush, and Johnnie Taylor.
captures an audience the moment he takes the stage, he commands the house while
deftly leading his band. Grammy-nominee Vasti (pronounced Vast-Eye) Jackson is a
consummate performer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer.
From his early beginnings playing in juke joints in McComb, Mississippi, to his most
recent release, "Live In Nashville" is a no holds barred, walking the razors edge,
funky blues celebration that puts you slap dab in the middle of the juke joint. Rooted
in the Blues, Vasti Jackson recorded on B.B. King's Grammy award winning Blues
Summit in 1994. In the 1980s and early 1990s Vasti was musical director, and
guitarist ZZ Hill, Johnnie Taylor, and blues 'n' boogie queen Katie Webster, and has
opened for the blues great on many occasions. He also worked with gospel greats -
including the Williams Brothers, the Jackson Southernaires, and Daryl Coley; with
soul and blues artists Bobby "Blue" Bland, Little Milton, Percy Sledge and Sam Myers;
and with jazz artists Harry Connick, Jr., Wynton Marsalis, and Cassandra Wilson,
just as well. Vasti has also played guitar on Malaco Records for Latimore, Denise
LaSalle, Bobby Rush, and Johnnie Taylor.
Harmonica Blues Explosion
Oakland based blues harmonica player, Birdlegg has gained a loyal following for his
down home blues playing. His recent CD features some songs, such as Meet Me on the
Corner and Peachtree Blues, from his collaboration with important blues figure, Carroll
Perry. Recently returned from a date at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, headlining
with Mz. Dee, Birdlegg wowed the crowd with his energetic and uninhibited playing.
Birdlegg has become a national treasure in his own right.
Wingnut Adams never loses sight of it's #1 objective... To play great Roots music!
Serving up emotionally raw vocals and a healthy dose of harmonica with a simplistic
funky groove. Wingnut Adams has performed with artists such as Robben Ford, Tommy
Castro, Leon Russell, Janiva Magness, Canned Heat, Corby Yates, Ron Thompson,
Coco Montoya & Mark Hummel just to name a few.
Zollie Polk is the latest delta blues harp slinger to land on the Los Angeles blues scene.
Polk grew up in the Natchez, Mississippi juke joints. He started as a trumpet player and
at the age of fifteen toured the Chitlin' Circuit, backing Ike and Tina, The Impressions, the
Four Tops, the Rocking Royals and many others. The early 1970's saw Zollie become
increasingly interested in the sounds of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and Frank
Frost. Zollie began racking up a serious blues pedigree; opening for blues artists such
as BB King, Frankie Lee and Paul deLay.
Oakland based blues harmonica player, Birdlegg has gained a loyal following for his
down home blues playing. His recent CD features some songs, such as Meet Me on the
Corner and Peachtree Blues, from his collaboration with important blues figure, Carroll
Perry. Recently returned from a date at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, headlining
with Mz. Dee, Birdlegg wowed the crowd with his energetic and uninhibited playing.
Birdlegg has become a national treasure in his own right.
Wingnut Adams never loses sight of it's #1 objective... To play great Roots music!
Serving up emotionally raw vocals and a healthy dose of harmonica with a simplistic
funky groove. Wingnut Adams has performed with artists such as Robben Ford, Tommy
Castro, Leon Russell, Janiva Magness, Canned Heat, Corby Yates, Ron Thompson,
Coco Montoya & Mark Hummel just to name a few.
Zollie Polk is the latest delta blues harp slinger to land on the Los Angeles blues scene.
Polk grew up in the Natchez, Mississippi juke joints. He started as a trumpet player and
at the age of fifteen toured the Chitlin' Circuit, backing Ike and Tina, The Impressions, the
Four Tops, the Rocking Royals and many others. The early 1970's saw Zollie become
increasingly interested in the sounds of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and Frank
Frost. Zollie began racking up a serious blues pedigree; opening for blues artists such
as BB King, Frankie Lee and Paul deLay.
Mississippi Bo was born in the same hometown as blues titans Robert Johnson,
Hound Dog Taylor, Hubert Sumlin, Guitar Slim and Furry Lewis. Curtis Wilson aka
Mississippi Bo was born and bred into blues music. His older brother ran a juke joint
in the deep backwoods. It is in this environment that young Bo hung out and
eventually learned to accompany Guitar Slim's brother. Bo began playing guitar, but
later went on to sing a lowdown simmering style. After a brief stint in New York in
1969, Bo eventually wound up in Los Angeles. For the past forty years, Bo has been
singing and playing his deep, searing gutbucket style. His singing and picking style
have been likened to Jimmy Reed meets Guitar Slim. Bo will be accompanied by his
longtime friend and manager, Cadillac Zack.
Hound Dog Taylor, Hubert Sumlin, Guitar Slim and Furry Lewis. Curtis Wilson aka
Mississippi Bo was born and bred into blues music. His older brother ran a juke joint
in the deep backwoods. It is in this environment that young Bo hung out and
eventually learned to accompany Guitar Slim's brother. Bo began playing guitar, but
later went on to sing a lowdown simmering style. After a brief stint in New York in
1969, Bo eventually wound up in Los Angeles. For the past forty years, Bo has been
singing and playing his deep, searing gutbucket style. His singing and picking style
have been likened to Jimmy Reed meets Guitar Slim. Bo will be accompanied by his
longtime friend and manager, Cadillac Zack.
Russell City Memorial Blues Band
West Coast Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Jasper Evans and Bobby Webb took a
young Fillmore Slim with them to Russell City as their vocalist to perform at Miss
Al’s Place and the Country Club. Fillmore was recently inducted into the West Coast
Blues Hall of Fame. Jimmy Mamou brought a young 17 year old, Billy Dunn, to
meet the late great Big Mama Thorton. Big Mama hired Billy to play keyboard in her
band, which was his first paid gig. Billy currently performs with his own band,
Bluesway. Born in Russell City, Big Cat Tolefree says, “When I was a little kid I
would sneak out of my house and go down to the blues clubs to listen to Billy Dunn
and L.C. Good Rockin’ Robinson”. Big Cat currently tours with his own band The
Hypnotics. Curtis Lawson performed at Miss Al’s Place and the Country Club in
Russell City with Johnny Fuller. Curtis & Johnny were some of the early blues
artists who honed their skills in Russell City.
Big Bob Deance, whose first paid gig was in Russell City, will perform as lead guitar
for the Russell City Memorial Blues Band. Big Bob performed with Little Stanley &
the Five Brooks, the first R&B band to play in the clubs of Russell City. As a
teenager, Henry Oden played bass with L.C. Good Rockin’ Robinson, who helped to
start many music careers in the Russell City Clubs. Henry went on to play with the
many top blues artists in the country and is currently performing with Craig Horton
and Joe Lewis Walker. Carl Green played saxophone as a member of Little Stanley
& the Five Brooks, the first R&B band to perform in the clubs of Russell City. Carl
is currently the music director for the Caravan of Allstars and tours with the Jackie
Payne Band. Gino Landers played saxophone with L.C. Good Rockin’ Robinson and
Johnny Hartsman in Russell City. Gino currently performs with the Brummels and in
his church. David “Stix” Boyette will play the drums to complete this band and
was trained by L.C. Good Rockin’ Robinson when he was just a youngster in Russell
City. Stix is an internationally renowned drummer who has played with Marvin Gaye
and Patty LaBelle to name a few. Enjoy your Russell City experience.
West Coast Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Jasper Evans and Bobby Webb took a
young Fillmore Slim with them to Russell City as their vocalist to perform at Miss
Al’s Place and the Country Club. Fillmore was recently inducted into the West Coast
Blues Hall of Fame. Jimmy Mamou brought a young 17 year old, Billy Dunn, to
meet the late great Big Mama Thorton. Big Mama hired Billy to play keyboard in her
band, which was his first paid gig. Billy currently performs with his own band,
Bluesway. Born in Russell City, Big Cat Tolefree says, “When I was a little kid I
would sneak out of my house and go down to the blues clubs to listen to Billy Dunn
and L.C. Good Rockin’ Robinson”. Big Cat currently tours with his own band The
Hypnotics. Curtis Lawson performed at Miss Al’s Place and the Country Club in
Russell City with Johnny Fuller. Curtis & Johnny were some of the early blues
artists who honed their skills in Russell City.
Big Bob Deance, whose first paid gig was in Russell City, will perform as lead guitar
for the Russell City Memorial Blues Band. Big Bob performed with Little Stanley &
the Five Brooks, the first R&B band to play in the clubs of Russell City. As a
teenager, Henry Oden played bass with L.C. Good Rockin’ Robinson, who helped to
start many music careers in the Russell City Clubs. Henry went on to play with the
many top blues artists in the country and is currently performing with Craig Horton
and Joe Lewis Walker. Carl Green played saxophone as a member of Little Stanley
& the Five Brooks, the first R&B band to perform in the clubs of Russell City. Carl
is currently the music director for the Caravan of Allstars and tours with the Jackie
Payne Band. Gino Landers played saxophone with L.C. Good Rockin’ Robinson and
Johnny Hartsman in Russell City. Gino currently performs with the Brummels and in
his church. David “Stix” Boyette will play the drums to complete this band and
was trained by L.C. Good Rockin’ Robinson when he was just a youngster in Russell
City. Stix is an internationally renowned drummer who has played with Marvin Gaye
and Patty LaBelle to name a few. Enjoy your Russell City experience.
Stars of Glory have performed at numerous festivals and fairs throughout most of
California. This female gospel group is a big hit and they will take you back to the day
when the Holy Ghost hit the group! Their energy level goes so high that the audience
is put in a divine trance. The Stars of Glory recently received the West Coast Blues
Hall of Fame Gospel Group of the Year. They have just released their first CD. As
always the Hayward-Russell City Blues Festival welcomes back the Stars of Glory.
California. This female gospel group is a big hit and they will take you back to the day
when the Holy Ghost hit the group! Their energy level goes so high that the audience
is put in a divine trance. The Stars of Glory recently received the West Coast Blues
Hall of Fame Gospel Group of the Year. They have just released their first CD. As
always the Hayward-Russell City Blues Festival welcomes back the Stars of Glory.
Johnny Rawls is a long way from rural Mississippi in international blues recognition,
but he has never yet found a road he was afraid to travel. Between touring with such
legends as Z.Z. Hill, O.V. Wright, and Little Johnny Taylor and forging a career of his
own on the rough-and-ready southern blues circuit known affectionately in the
African-American blues community as the "chitlin’ circuit", Rawls spent the better
part of twenty years on the road before most people outside a devoted core of
admirers ever heard of him. Johnny Rawls was born in Purvis, Mississippi, eight
miles from Hattiesburg, in 1951. His grandfather played the blues guitar and this is
where he learned to love music. In the mid-70s, Rawls saw a childhood dream come
true… He went to work for his old idol, O.V. Wright, as Wright’s band director.
After Wright died in 1980, Rawls joined Little Johnny Taylor and led his band for
several years before venturing out on his own solo career.
but he has never yet found a road he was afraid to travel. Between touring with such
legends as Z.Z. Hill, O.V. Wright, and Little Johnny Taylor and forging a career of his
own on the rough-and-ready southern blues circuit known affectionately in the
African-American blues community as the "chitlin’ circuit", Rawls spent the better
part of twenty years on the road before most people outside a devoted core of
admirers ever heard of him. Johnny Rawls was born in Purvis, Mississippi, eight
miles from Hattiesburg, in 1951. His grandfather played the blues guitar and this is
where he learned to love music. In the mid-70s, Rawls saw a childhood dream come
true… He went to work for his old idol, O.V. Wright, as Wright’s band director.
After Wright died in 1980, Rawls joined Little Johnny Taylor and led his band for
several years before venturing out on his own solo career.
| 6:15 - 7:00 pm |
| 5:15 - 6:00 pm |
| 4:15 - 5:00 pm |
| 3:15 - 4:00 pm |
| 1:15 - 3:00 pm |
| 12:00 - 1:00 pm |
| 11:00 - 11:45 pm |
| LINE UP SUBJECT TO CHANGE |