Catalina Island News

Catalina Island Blues Festival with Spencer Davis - A tribute to one of Catalina's own

2006-09-01
Catalina Island Blues Festival

Music enthusiasts can expect winning performances at the Catalina Island Blues Festival, September 29 - October 1. The 2006 Festival is a tribute to veteran Blues/rocker Spencer Davis, a resident of Avalon who still tours the world performing with the Spencer Davis Group (SDG). Spencer has been visiting the island since the 1970s and has been a resident for over six years. He serves as a worldwide Ambassador to Catalina Island and this is our chance to pay him back!

(Read about the 2008 Blues Festival)

Spencer Davis, who created the famed Spencer Davis Group in 1963, has close to twenty top 10 hit songs, including "Gimme Some Lovin", "Somebody Help Me", "I'm A Man", and "Keep On Runnin", helping to bring British rock 'n roll to the rest of the world.

After a brief tour with the Rock and Roll Army, consisting of Felix Cavaliere, Mitch Ryder, and Rick Derringer, he then went on to Australia in July 2005.  October and November rounded out with tours in Germany.

This year 2006 kicked off with a special guest appearance at David Fishof's "Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp" at SIR in Hollywood, followed by a Battle of the Bands at the HOB (House Of Blues) and concert with Roger Daltry, Neal Schon, Jack Blades, among others.

Spencer has just completed twelve tracks, all original, for a new CD/DVD, titled SO FAR for a summer, 2006 release.  SDG has already made a quick foray into The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Scandinavia.  This August he is a counselor at the "Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp" in New York, followed by a three-week tour of the U.K. He will wrap up this year with three appearances in California in September, return to Germany in October, followed by an extensive tour of Australia in November.

Catalina Island Blues Festival performances will take place at several venues on Catalina Island, including the legendary Casino Ballroom and Descanso Beach Club, promising a weekend of sun, fun, and excellent blues entertainment.

The Festival kicks off Friday night with the Avalon Blues Walk, featuring a variety of Blues Bands playing at several different establishments in Avalon.  A blues band will also be playing on Saturday afternoon on Wrigley Stage in Avalon.

On Saturday night, the festival will move to the ballroom of the world-famous Casino Building, located on the top floor of Avalon's historic art-deco landmark.  Spencer Davis will headline this event with special guests. Chicago-based Roger Connelly & The Blues Merchants will open the night.  

On Sunday afternoon, performances will be held outdoors at the Descanso Beach Club.  The club's terraced lawn overlooking the ocean is the perfect site for an exciting day of blues music.

Food and beverages will be available to purchase at all venues. 

Friday September 29
AVALON BLUES WALK The hottest clubs in Avalon will host a variety of live bands for a Blues Night in town.  Luau Larry's, Chi-Chi Club, Flips featuring The Shelle Blue Band, Len Rainey & Friends.  NO COVER
 
Saturday September 30
Afternoon - Blues Performances at the Wrigley Stage.  NO COVER
Evening - Doors open at 7PM at the Casino Ballroom featuring Roger Connelly & the Blues Merchants to open the show and The Spencer Davis Group with special guests Bobby Kimbal from TOTO, Denny Laine from the Moody Blues 7 Wings, Gregg Wright from the Spencer Davis Group & the Michael Jackson Victory Tour.
 
Sunday, October 1
Blues on the Beach at Descanso Beach Club. Main stage on the lawm with V.I.P seating. Full bar and Restaurant with ocean view. Bob Malone, Len Rainey & Firends, Michael John & the Bottom Line.

Price and admission:  $35.00 includes Saturday night Show at the Casino Ballroom + pass for Sunday at Descanso Beach Club. Contact: (310) 510-1520