Rhythm and Roots Concert Series, Live Americana Music in Downtown TucsonRhythm and Roots Concert Series, Live Americana Music in Downtown Tucson
$15 adv – members of KXCI & SABHF
$20 advance general, $25 door
PURCHASE HERE
On Friday Aug 2nd the 8th Annual KXCI House Rockin’ Blues Review returns to El Casino Ballroom with the “West Coast Blues Explosion” featuring three terrific headliners in Junior Watson, Billy Watson, Taryn Donath and backed by the all-star rhythm section of Troy Sandow and Marty Dodson. Opening the show will be the Bryan Dean Trio.
Southern California’s king of the blues guitarist Junior Watson has gained a near cult status. He was a founding member of the Mighty Flyers, then left to join Canned Heat, and after that formed a partnership with the late great Lynwood Slim. He has gone on to record on more than 50 albums by a variety of artists such as Charlie Musselwhite, Snooky Pryor, Kim Wilson, James Harman, Jimmy Rogers, Hollywood Fats, and Candye Kane. Junior Watson is one of the most original guitar voices to come along in years. Besides his mastery of the blues and swing he also likes to add a unique twist to everything he plays, with unbridled energy, and a sense of reckless abandonment. Junior’s latest release and third solo record is titled “Jumpin’ wit Junior.”
Sharing the bill with Junior is another Watson, but this one is a harmonica playing hotshot and charismatic singer Billy Watson. Also, from Southern California, Billy has released
ten albums since 1988 and is a mainstay of the San Diego Blues scene. Also known for his artwork, Billy’s show focuses on creating a humorous and entertaining experience for the audience while also paying tribute to the legends. Crowds are drawn to his magnetic stage personality and he curates a sound that ranges from grinding blues shuffles, fast boogies, and swinging grooves. Billy’s shows remind modern audiences that blues music can be lowdown but that in the end it’s all about having fun, dancing and forgetting about your worries.
Rounding out the House Rockin’ Blues Review will be the stunning virtuosity of pianist 
Taryn Donath. With 25 years or experience, and hailing from the state of California, Donath has become a headliner on several major Blues Festivals such as Doheny, Gator by the Bay, Santa Monica, San Diego and Kansas City to name a few. Taryn Donath is not your typical piano player, she puts everything into her playing, assaulting the piano with her fingers, elbows and anything else all while still belting out her beguiling smile. Her repertoire ranges from 60’s soul, swing, funk, and straight up boogie-woogie. Her piano playing is tenacious while her voice is smooth and sultry, lighting up the stage every time she performs. The rhythm section backing up “The West Coast Blues Explosion” is one of the hottest duos in the country. Bassist Troy Sandow, who can also double on harmonica, is joined by drummer Marty Dodson. Both currently back up Kim Wilson and have worked with several other west coast bands such as James Harman and Big Jon Atkinson.
Opening the show will be Tucson’s own Bryan Dean Trio. The band features two Arizona Blues Hall of Famers in guitarist Dean plus bassist Koko Matsumoto. They have become one of Tucson’s most sought-after blues party bands. Known for getting the crowd up and dancing they have become fan favorites.
Doors open at 6:30pm, the show starts at 7:30. Advance general admission tickets will be $15 for KXCI and So. Arizona Blues & Heritage Foundation Members and will be $20 advance for the general public. Tickets can be purchased at all Bookmans locations, www.KXCI.org and at the door. All tickets at door- $25. The Parrish Restaurant will be on site with delicious food available for purchase.
All proceeds support KXCI’s mission to connect the communities of Tucson and Southern Arizona to each other and to the world with informative, engaging and creative community-based programming. KXCI’s own Master of the Blues, Marty Kool will emcee the show.