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The day started off warm and only got hotter, but the glaring sun and the warm air couldn't even begin to compare with the smokin' guitars on stage.
From the opening notes of Blackthorne Murray (led by Robb Bower, our host for the day), to the last note of Alan Iglesias and Crossfire, we were treated to fine performances by all.
Gun Metal Blues and Taryn Donath with Mojo Risin' each had a turn on stage. Both bands were great fun and everyone looked like they were having a wonderful time. Dancing, beer, wine, sodas, water, burgers, dogs, and bratwurst were everywhere. And, so was apple pie. It simply wouldn't be a Julian event without the pie.
Before Billy Thompson and his band took the stage, Harmonica John gave us a rousing version of "Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash." Robb helped him with the chorus and it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Then Billy began to play. I was having trouble sitting still. I was back in the BLUSD tent and I wanted so much to join the dancers or at least sneak up a bit to take photos. Relief came in the form of Ken and Vera, so off I went. I snapped a couple pictures, grabbed some grub, and prayed my feet didn't take over. I managed to get back to the tent without any major dancing outbreaks, but it was difficult. I have to admit that I envied those out boogying in front of the stage. Although I hadn't had the opportunity to see Billy play before, I had gotten to know him a bit through numerous email exchanges. His warmth and humor are as obvious on stage as they are via email. Add his musical talent to the mix and you have an extremely likable artist. It was a pleasure being able to hear him play.
Besides Robb (who really put on a terrific event), the star of the show was Ben Robinson. I say that without the least bit of hesitation. Ben has the composure and phrasing of a seasoned professional, the exuberance of youth, and a passion for music that's apparent in every bright, shiny note. Ben is well on his way to becoming the new great blues rocker of tomorrow. You can count on it.
Apart from the music, the day is etched in my memory because of the people. Blues fans from as far north as Santa Barbara and as far east as North Carolina joined together for a day of fun in the sun. They came expecting a good music and they got it! Young and old alike were present for the occasion. I don't think anyone went away unhappy. How could they?
The Menghini Winery is nestled amongst rolling hills that surround the historic mountain town of Julian. It seems impossible that the modest winery could hold hundreds of concert-goers and the bands they came to see, but it did.
Robb Bower and his crew deserve a big round of applause for putting on a fabulous concert. I hope they all had a chance to see the smiles and hear the applause of the audience. I'd also like to thank Harmonica John, Ken and Vera, Michael Kinsman, my tent neighbors from Cookie Lee, Hairy Larry, and everyone who took the time to come check out BLUSD.
I can't wait until next year.
- Joanie
We had a steller line up of artists from many genre's but Ben Robinson just blew everyone away!
How many artists can captivate a crowd with an acoustic guitar and a ballad then scorch them with massive guitar work that quite frankly was some of the best any of us had ever seen. Truly a very special artist! - Longshot Days Hot Springs Arkansas
MEDIA ADVISORY
Guitar Player’s Guitar Superstar Competition 2008 to take place in San Francisco on September 13
Andy Summers of The Police to Emcee; Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Elliot Easton of the Cars among judges to select winner
Guitar Player’s Guitar Superstar Competition 2008, the premier international guitar playing contest for players of all ages and styles features ten finalists who will face-off in front of a panel of celebrity judges and a live audience in an event sponsored by Mesa/Boogie, MOOG, Epiphone, ZZYZX Snapjack Cables, and Sonicbids.
Date: Saturday, September 13, Doors Open 7:00pm
Venue: Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA
Tickets: Available on www.gamh.com; $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Finalists
Los Angeles, CA ▪ Mark Christian (Rockabilly/Roots)
Staten Island, NY ▪ Mike Orlando (Metal/Shred)
Fairview, NJ ▪ Vicki Genfan (Solo acoustic)
Norwalk, CT ▪ the guy (Fusion)
Honolulu, HI ▪ Makana (Solo acoustic)
Chicago, IL ▪ Daddo Oreskovich (Metal/Shred)
Sonoma, CA ▪ Eric Barnett (Rock/Jazz)
Fairview, PA ▪ Eric Brewer (Rock)
Temecula Ca. ▪ Ben Robinson (Blues)
Morton Grove, IL ▪ Dan Peters (Rockabilly/Roots)
Judges
Joe Satriani
Steve Vai
George Lynch
Elliot Easton of The Cars
Brendon Small of Dethklok and Adult Swim’s hugely successful Metalocalyse animated series.
Host: Andy Summers of The Police
Website: For more information, go to www.GuitarPlayer.com
You can read more about Ben Robinson here: www.sonicbids.com/benrobinson
Nina Lesowitz :: Spinergy Group :: nina@spinergygroup.com :: 510.547.8632 :: http://www.spinergygroup.com
P please consider the environment before printing this email
- Guitar Player Magazine
By ROGER BULL,
Ben Robinson had his brush with stardom when he was only 12. He was on national TV just about every week as part of the Nickelodeon network’s house band. He was playing in concerts as hotshot young guitar player, another blues prodigy.
Look on YouTube, and you can see him playing the Apollo Theatre when he was 16.Eventually, that came to an end, and he took a break from it all.
Now he’s getting close again, and he’s still only 22.He’s one of 10 finalists for Guitar Player magazine’s Guitar Superstar contest. Next week, he will fly to San Francisco to perform in front of the crowd and judges Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Elliot Easton, pretty decent players in their own rights.
Andy Summers of The Police is the host.
Robinson spent much of childhood in Jacksonville before moving to California and doing the whole Nickelodeon thing. He’s back living here now but has only played out a few times.Instead, he’s been recording a CD, his third but the first for Jacksonville’s 633 Records.
The CD will be out Monday, Oct. 6, and will debut on ourstage.com.
- Florida Times Union!
Discography
Ben has been writing with Bruce McCabe the master writer behind, the hits of Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne(Lie to Me, Wander This World). The album will be completed soon.
We have received multiple requests from radio stations through out the world for advance copies of the CD. The first single Heart of Stone will be released to radio June 20 2008. The song is already getting rave reviews.
Photos
Bio
At 9 years of age California guitar slinger Ben Robinson locked him self in his room with a guitar his father had given him, and soon taught himself how to play. "I copied Stevie Ray's every lick then worked hard to create my own style".
Soon thereafter he was playing with adult bands throughout the south. Relocating to Southern California Ben quickly became an in demand side man for such notables as, Warrant, Gilby Clark, B.B. Chungking and the BuddaHeads. He had been touring with Warrant for quite some time when he was signed by 633 Music Group.
"It was a great experience playing with all those guys, they really gave me a lot of tips on how to entertain and connect with an audience. Being on the road with Warrant also gave me the time to write and find my direction, I am really very proud of what we have accomplished so far".
Ben's career as an artist almost ended in 2006. While performing, he noticed a woman being threatened by a man, and jumped in to help her, the man broke a beer bottle and attacked Ben, cutting his left wrist, narrowly missing the ligaments, although injured quite badly, he was soon able to play again, most importantly, the woman was not injured.
At almost 6'6 Ben has a bigger than life presence and many add that he has tremendous star power yet still is very approachable and personable. Most say he has wisdom, discerment and a God given abilty that belies the fact that he is only 22 years old.
Ben captivates crowds young and old alike with his style, stunning vertuoso guitar playing , and his intimate acoustic moments that offer a wonderful balance to the pyrotechnics of his show.
Ben has been featured as a solo artist on both regional and national stages including:
The Late Show with David Letterman,
Nickelodeon House Band,
B.B. Kings
Nick Nation commercial,
The Big Help-A-Thon With P. Diddy, and Justin Timberlake,
The Irvine Blues Fest,
The Coach House,
Rip's B.A.D. Ride,
The President's Ball for Harley Davidson,
Oceanside Long Board Surf Contest,
Rob Machado Surf Contest,
Temecula Rod Run,
The Apollo Theatre,
CA Center for the Arts, Escondido, CA.,
Rip's B.A.D. Ride - Irvine Lake, CA.,
Julian Blues Bash - Julian, CA.
On a recent performance, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top says, "I have seen a lot of guitar players in my day, but I have never seen anyone play blues like Ben Robinson."
“Ben Robinson is a soulful guitar player – one of the best – at any age.”
- Paul Shaffer
"The Ben Robinson Band takes the glory days of Van Morrison and infuses it with an energetic dose of the grit of Lenny Kravitz at his best. John Mayer watch your back. Man, "Heart of Stone" is hit. And "Blue Sky Sanity is killer, too."
Hector Saldana, senior music critic, San Antonio Express-News (Hearst Corp.)"
"Ben steals the show EVERY time, no matter who is on the bill". Karen Davidson Creative Director Harley Davidson
"I have worked with everyone from Eric Clapton, to Jeff Beck, and I put Ben right up there with them"! James Helman(Sheryl Crow, Grammy's)
"Ben is the real deal". Scotty Moore Guitar Pioneer
"Ben is a living legend in the making"! Monte Willis 633 Music Group
What is most important is Ben's impact on the audience, here are a few reactions from FIRST time listeners:
The Armageddon tune totally rocks! Its going on the air!
Jeff
BellyUp4Blues Radio
The Only Ass Kicking Blues Rocker
http://www.bellyup4blues.com
I am listening to Heart Of Stone... Man this is some serious stuff !!!!! I LOVE IT, this is great!! Keep on sending the good stuff !! I am really impressed, it's been a while since I've heard something like this. Triple R Blues Radio, Ton Wanten, The Netherlands triplerblues.com
Can't stop listening to " Heart of stone" song..it's greatttt! Sweden
"While I write this message for you I'm listening to your intense: Heart of Stone....wow, shivers on my skin.....thnks for such beautiful emotions....". Italy
"Someone told me about "Heart of Stone" and I rushed to your myspace to hear it...It is Great, I love it. I can't wait to get my hands on your cd". United States
"Heart of stone is one of the most beautiful things I've heard in a while. I can't put it in words - I'm just happy music like this still exists. All the best". Greece
"Awesome music and sounds, I truly enjoyed your latest song "Heart Of Stone". Keep up the great work". Greece
"Ben you steal the show no matter where you play, keep rockin"!! United States
"Your music is great, love your style. Would love to hear your sounds playing on the St Maarten radio stations!!!" Saint Maartin
"I listen to heart of stone like 10 times a day AT LEAST!!!" United States
"Moi! You good you rrroooccckkk!" Finland
"Ciao...è sempre un piacere ascoltare musica e soprattutto..ascoltare artisti!!" Peace !! Italy
"Melancolie, douce brutalité, douceur violnte, melange explosif..bravo!!"
merci pour li
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