The latest iteration of Mark Hummel’s touring show involves a partnership with grand guitar hipster Anson Funderburgh.  They’ve worked together many times, and some of their recorded work is on the albums Golden State Blues and Golden State Lone Star Blues Revue.

Mavis Staples came into this evening as a bearer of Good News, and a voice of joy.  For her, this has been a lifetime calling, starting with her family band, the Staple Singers.  Fremont Theater was transformed into a living room as she made you feel as if you were there for an intimate house concert. 

Sugaray Rayford is a mastermind when it comes to connecting a packed audience on a rainy evening.  Wearing a black cowboy hat and a crispy red plaid sports coat, this urban cowboy welcomed us NOLA style!  The fans felt welcomed from the first song as he threw bead necklaces to them.  His hands moved up and down to direct the band while dancing, especially with his two horn players. 

Taj Mahal is a world bluesman.  As is well known, roots of the blues come from Africa, and the blues originated here in America.  From there, the influence of blues has permeated around the world, returning back to Africa.  On this tour, Latin America influence came in the form of marimba and steel drummer Robert Greenridge from Trinidad.

For over 30 years, Mark Hummel entertains and educates with his annual Blues Harmonica Blowout.  Harmonica’s role in the blues goes way back, and is a vital core of the genre.  Here, Hummel showcases veterans and upcoming harmonicists.  The backing musicians Bob Welsh, Chris Cain, June Core, and Randy Bermudes too, move the music seamlessly with encouragement and support.