I’ve blogged about this before, and I’ll re-blog when events like this kick ass as they usually do. Doheny Blues Festival 2009. Dad and I started going about 4 years ago and got hooked, now going every year. T joined up with us last year and has become a regular as well. This year my bro and his wife joined us. Its usually in May and it’s a 2 day event of killer blues music. We usually just attend 1 of the 2 days, this year being yesterday with BB King as the headliner.
We got there earlier then usual, hoping to get a closer parking spot and a closer spot in line. We did. Killer spot, and not far in line at all. Not many people are as insane as we are and got up at the butt crack of dawn to get down there. We sat our chairs down in line, drank our coffee, read the paper/books/magazines and chatted the 2-3 hours away. When the gates opened we headed for the mainstage to grab a prime spot. People did seem a little more psycho this year in the mad entrance rush – I almost lost my elbow to a very determined old fart. Anywhoo – we got a good spot – very close to our spot last year – in fact recognized 2 groups of people from last year (The crazy mom with zillions of kids, and the flag chair boys). Our neighbors seemed very cool and the day began.
First out was Porterhouse Bob and Down to the Bone. The singer wore a top hat, had a pimp cane with a skull on top and donned a shiny trench. Fab. They were fantastic. We were all thrilled to see the very 1st band kill it. Dad and I wandered down to the merchandise booth and had Mr. Bob himself sign a CD that dad decided to purchase he dug them so much. About this time T and I headed over and got ourselves some Italian sausage…yummmmmy, and a giant bag of kettle korn. Of course we have already begun our drinking as well. I’m stickin to the red wine booths. We stopped by the small stage to catch Keb Mo up close and personal. As we mowed down our snacks, chatted and laughed we listened to Coco Montoya in the background. Next up on the mainstage was Tommy Castro Band featuring Kenny Neal, Janiva Magness, Magic Dick and Ruthie Foster. Amazing. Tommy Castro can shred a guitar like no other. During Buckwheat Zydeco, T and I wandered the booths, purchasing some small goodies and then of course stocking up on more food (Did I mention I love festivals for the food too?). Next up was The Derek Trucks Band. Again – SICK guitarist. Derek Trucks is phenomenal. After this, T dad and I headed over to watch Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Dad had never heard of them, and was blown away. T and I didn’t stop dancing for one second. The photos I’ve included are from the promo guy who shot us at one point – my other photos will come later. After shakin it, we headed back for the master – BB King. In between this dad bought me a 2nd cowboy hat so I’m now set for more festivals and river trips! BB of course was outstanding. He chatted up the audience as much as he played. Watching the King of Blues is always amazing. His smile, his laugh, his skills – I love him. 83 and still a fucking master.
After the show as the MC was thanking everyone and the crowd was packing up their stuff, I had a battle with my chair – I handed it off to D to try to close it and as she slammed it onto the ground the ground shook. Shane and I looked at each other – yup earthquake. That’s right – this festival was so amazing it shook the earth! Ha ha ha ha!
The fun didn’t stop there – on our way home tipsy, sun kissed and happy Dad blasted oldies on the radio and when “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” we all broke out into song. Yup – it was hysterical – Dad, Shane and I were the “Weem Aways” D singing the main and of course Miss T had the opera parts. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. I do believe my bro and sis-in-law are now hooked and will join us for future years.
This is one of my favorite events of the year. T went as far as to say best day of 09 yet. It was amazing. Great food, great company, ocean breezes, lots of booze and out-fucking-standing blues music! A huge thank you to my dad for always making this possible.
We got there earlier then usual, hoping to get a closer parking spot and a closer spot in line. We did. Killer spot, and not far in line at all. Not many people are as insane as we are and got up at the butt crack of dawn to get down there. We sat our chairs down in line, drank our coffee, read the paper/books/magazines and chatted the 2-3 hours away. When the gates opened we headed for the mainstage to grab a prime spot. People did seem a little more psycho this year in the mad entrance rush – I almost lost my elbow to a very determined old fart. Anywhoo – we got a good spot – very close to our spot last year – in fact recognized 2 groups of people from last year (The crazy mom with zillions of kids, and the flag chair boys). Our neighbors seemed very cool and the day began.
First out was Porterhouse Bob and Down to the Bone. The singer wore a top hat, had a pimp cane with a skull on top and donned a shiny trench. Fab. They were fantastic. We were all thrilled to see the very 1st band kill it. Dad and I wandered down to the merchandise booth and had Mr. Bob himself sign a CD that dad decided to purchase he dug them so much. About this time T and I headed over and got ourselves some Italian sausage…yummmmmy, and a giant bag of kettle korn. Of course we have already begun our drinking as well. I’m stickin to the red wine booths. We stopped by the small stage to catch Keb Mo up close and personal. As we mowed down our snacks, chatted and laughed we listened to Coco Montoya in the background. Next up on the mainstage was Tommy Castro Band featuring Kenny Neal, Janiva Magness, Magic Dick and Ruthie Foster. Amazing. Tommy Castro can shred a guitar like no other. During Buckwheat Zydeco, T and I wandered the booths, purchasing some small goodies and then of course stocking up on more food (Did I mention I love festivals for the food too?). Next up was The Derek Trucks Band. Again – SICK guitarist. Derek Trucks is phenomenal. After this, T dad and I headed over to watch Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Dad had never heard of them, and was blown away. T and I didn’t stop dancing for one second. The photos I’ve included are from the promo guy who shot us at one point – my other photos will come later. After shakin it, we headed back for the master – BB King. In between this dad bought me a 2nd cowboy hat so I’m now set for more festivals and river trips! BB of course was outstanding. He chatted up the audience as much as he played. Watching the King of Blues is always amazing. His smile, his laugh, his skills – I love him. 83 and still a fucking master.
After the show as the MC was thanking everyone and the crowd was packing up their stuff, I had a battle with my chair – I handed it off to D to try to close it and as she slammed it onto the ground the ground shook. Shane and I looked at each other – yup earthquake. That’s right – this festival was so amazing it shook the earth! Ha ha ha ha!
The fun didn’t stop there – on our way home tipsy, sun kissed and happy Dad blasted oldies on the radio and when “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” we all broke out into song. Yup – it was hysterical – Dad, Shane and I were the “Weem Aways” D singing the main and of course Miss T had the opera parts. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. I do believe my bro and sis-in-law are now hooked and will join us for future years.
This is one of my favorite events of the year. T went as far as to say best day of 09 yet. It was amazing. Great food, great company, ocean breezes, lots of booze and out-fucking-standing blues music! A huge thank you to my dad for always making this possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment