Doheny Blues Festival 2015...

I didn't bring my fancy camera this year so the pictures below are off the interwebs except the ones of ourselves :)

This will be dad and my 9th year attending The Doheny Blues Festival!  I can't believe it's been that long!

This year it was just Dad, Lori and myself.  Dad bought us VIP tickets and we arrived at our usual early time and parked it in line, drinking our coffee, reading the paper and visiting with the surrounding Blues fans.

This year was a bit chilly than previous years, but I still opted for my usual attire of a sundress over jeans layered with a coat.  Hat for day then beanie for night.  This worked out beautifully as the sun did peek out for a bit and although there was a cold breeze all day the sun did warm us up a bit.

We herded in and got our spot.

First up was Candye Kayne.

Now, I hate to say it - but for the 1st time EVER - we saw a performance we didn't like.  I mean at all.  The band was great but this chick was so off key it pained me.  A few songs in I was out.  Lori and I scattered, just not able to stand the woman anymore.  Since we had just got settled, Dad opted to stay.  So - Lori and I moseyed over to Shari Puorto who was performing on the Backporch Stage.  She was a cross between Janis Joplin and Melissa Ethridge.  Raspy rad bluesy voice.  She killed it.  Her band wasn't as up to par as the band for Candye but she was fantastic.  Lori and I watched a good portion of her set then headed back. 

Candye was still performing and had apparently stopped to deliver a speech.  She was rambling on about survival and inspiration and we all can have what we want and blah blah fucking blah.  I guess she had cancer.  I'm sorry for that, but the way she talked about it made me want to smack her.  I felt like I was at one of those revival tent things.  Shut the fuck up.

Got a cute Dad and Lori shot:

Food time.  I was already starving so dad and I went and got some grub.  I opted for the Tri Tip sandwich, garlic fries and some lemonade.  All decent but got cold so fast because it was so damn cold out still that it turned into cold food mush.  This was a bummer.  You know how much I love my food.  But we also got our big ol bag of Kettle Corn.  Yummy!

The second stage band had started and Lori and I wandered over to check out the vendors and the band.  Now - we thought this was Eric Lidell.  The line up was a bit messed up because Taj Mahal Trio pulled out last minute (SO BUMMED!) and they had a replacement band but the line ups all shifted so the program we usually go by was wrong.  So as we're wandering the vendors and Lori is making some purchases, I keep getting drawn back out to watch the band.  We find out later it's Trickbag.  These were the fellows that replaced Taj Mahal.  These cats are from Europe and hailed as a top act out in their blues scene.

They were fucking awesome!  Lori and watched a good portion of their set.  They had you bouncing and hopping the whole time. Very swingy.  Very fun!

After this Lori wanted an "Adult Beverage" so the alcohol consumption began.  I had my 1st Pinot Noir.  Not bad!  Also the sun came out!  Yay!

Oh, and of course my new profile pic was taken:

Next up on the mainstage was Mud Morganfield and Kim Wilson.  I've seen Kim Wilson perform before.  He's an outstanding harmonica player and did not disappoint.  Mud Morganfield is actually the son of Muddy Waters and he sounded just like him!!!  It was such a trip.  If you closed your eyes you would swear Muddy Waters was on that stage. 

This was probably my 2nd favorite of the day.  Fantastic band and a great set!  Mud came out in a fabulous purple suit!  Very bluesy set which I loved.

After this Lori and I wandered around checking out more of the scene and listening to North Mississippi Allstars in the background.  Lori bought me an adorable new tank and we were again drawn to the band.  We heard this odd sound.  It was a crazy rad beat...but what the hell was it?

That's right - it was this dude - shredding on a friggin washboard!!!!!  It was awesome!  Here's a photo of the entire band:

They were super fun.  We watched a few of their songs and the musicians were spot on.  A WASHBOARD! So rad.

Next up on the mainstage was Los Lobos.  I've been dying to see these guys live!

They're so fucking rad.  They're set was more rock and roll I'd say than blues, but still awesome.  Lori opted out to go watch Eric Lidell on the Backporch Stage who was much more bluesy and I really did want to go check him out, but Los Lobos was putting on such an awesome set that dad and I just couldn't tear away.  They were so rad.  We grooved and clapped along with them rocking out to mostly unfamiliar songs actually.  The band was tight!  They were also having an absolute ball up there.  Lori said Eric Lidell rocked and I would love to check him out sometime but super glad I watched the entire set of Los Lobos!  They did not disappoint!

Believe it or not I switched over to a Rosé since this was the 1st year they offered it and I wanted to try it.  Um - delicious!  It was more like a pink champagne and better suited for the warm afternoon.  Lori and dad got some awesome BBQ pork they raved about as well.  

Another side note I'd like to mention here - so dad totally helped out during a medical situation when Lori and I were off listening to the washboard guy.  Apparently our neighbor lady passed out.  Dad of course stepped in and shouted orders to her hubs and the surrounding folks.  Feet up on a chair, brought her back to conscious and started asking questions.  I got the whole story when I returned to find my chair and blanket all askew.  Apparently she had a few beers with a new blood pressure medication and hadn't eaten!  Whoops!  The on staff medical dude was chatting with her when Lori and I returned.  Funniest part is she didn't realize dad was right next to her.  She was telling the story to a friend saying "This fireman helped me and was so nice..." and she turned around and saw dad.  "Oh my gosh you're right there!!!"  I was dying laughing.  Luckily the woman was ok and even had another beer later on.  Party on lady!  Good ol dad saving the day!

About now is when Lori headed out.  She wanted to get home to her ailing doggie.  So hugs and thanks yous and she was off. 

I'd also like to add at this point that this year seemed super chill.  Everyone was so nice, there weren't any drunken assholes, it seemed the consideration level was high this year.  Super rad and super chill!

Next up on the 2nd stage was The Mavericks.  We were kind of relaxing at this point so didn't wander over but heard the whole set and they sounded awesome. 

Next up on the main stage was the headliner Paul Rodgers.  Remember him?  From Bad Company?

I watched his first couple of songs, but here was my dilemma.  As much as he would have been cool to watch - my non negotiable was Igor Prado who for some reason was playing on the Backporch Stage.  When I saw that it threw me, but it's not his whole band so maybe he preferred the little stage because of the intimacy level.  It was him and "Friends" but I still really wanted to watch him because he's fucking amazing.  So - I told dad I was heading over.  He really wanted to come but really wanted to watch Paul, so I told him I'd head over - see what it was about  - and report back.

Off I went.  So glad I did because Holy Shit!!!  This was the best set of the whole day.  Igor is fucking amazing.  He can play that guitar like magic!

That night was no different.  It was so cool seeing him up close and personal on the Backporch stage too!!!  He brought out Kim Wilson (yup who played with Mud earlier) and he started tearing it up.

I watched a few songs then ran to get dad.  I leaned down and said "No offense to Paul Rodgers, but if you want to hear the FUCKING BLUES that's happening right now over at Backporch."  He was in.  We hurried back over there in time to see Kim Wilson's last number.  Dad's eyes lit up and I knew we made the right choice.  Next up of Igor's friends was Mitch Kashmar.

Holy shit!!!  This guy shredded the harmonica!  He was ridiculous!!!  Then of course Igor joins in with some guitar magic and I was in heaven.  Those two playing together was epic.

Next friend up was Jai Malano from Texas.

This woman stepped onto the stage and I knew we were in for a treat.  She has the raddest presence and just took command.  Soon as she belted out the tunes I was in love.  Very low soulful voice.  Fucking awesome.  This set was FUCKING AWESOME.  My highlight of the day for sure.

We headed back as Paul Rodgers was about to return for an encore and I was ready to see the last few songs, but dad said "No, let's just go." I was surprised.  "Are you sure?" I asked.  "Yes.  I want to end on the blues, and that was some fucking blues.".  Ah yes.  Dad had been affected.  How could you not be with that performance.

We packed up our stuff and headed out.  I was on such a high when I got home it took forever for me to fall asleep, but amazing harmonica sounds and magical guitar riffs were still buzzing in my ears when I finally did drift off.

Another awesome year listening to awesome music with my awesome family!