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As creator/ producer of the Blues Guitar Extravaganza, René Solis once again brings together the biggest and best blues guitarists in existence for a showcase of amazing proportions. The lineup features the powerful guitar and vocals of Solis, the amazing guitar works of Garth Webber, and the original blues survivor Joe Louis Walker. 

Now in its sixth impressive year, this event has thrilled audiences throughout Northern California and attained accolades from industry giants and blues guitar fans alike. From its modest beginnings at JJs Blues in San Jose, this exciting show now commands standing-room only status and often the shows sell out months in advance.

René Solis will host this great night of guitar fireworks. René’s playing style has often been described as powerful, raw, and emotional, as he pours his heart and soul into each and every note. As the bandleader of the highly popular band NiteCry and fronting his own combo “Lucky 13”, René’s career has come full circle. In addition to being dynamite guitarist, he has also become a well-respected vocalist and songwriter. Over the years René has been a featured artist at countless festivals and nightclubs often sharing the stage with such giants as Albert King, Luther Tucker, John Lee Hooker, as well as contemporary blues artists such as Kenny Neal, Chris Cain and many others.

 

Joining the Guitar Extravaganza is the dynamic guitarist and vocalist Garth Webber. Long recognized by his peers for his dynamic style and technical dexterity, Garth is perhaps most highly regarded for this signature guitar tone. A first call player in the blues-jazz arena, this Berkeley-based musician/producer is always in demand. Equally comfortable sharing the stage with Miles Davis as he is with John Lee Hooker, Webber has the unusual distinction of playing with people who are renown for one specific style.
Garth has played with Miles Davis, Gregg Allman, Bill Champlin, Mose Alison, Lydia Pense and Cold Blood, Merl Saunders, Kingfish (w/Bob Weir), Robben Ford, Mark Ford and Patrick Ford, as well as a host of bay area artists.

Former San Francisco-based bluesman Joe Louis Walker was just a teenager when he burst upon the scene and set off on a course that would put him in the company of legendary guitarist Mike Bloomfield. And that wasn't all. During his formative years, he shared stages with John Lee Hooker, Thelonius Monk, The Soul Stirrers, Steve Miller and Jimi Hendrix.

Joe Louis Walker is a true blues virtuoso whose skills as a singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer have earned him a dedicated legion of fans around the world. He's recorded with B.B. King, James Cotton, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Steve Cropper, Ike Turner and Branford Marsalis, among many others in a storied career that covers 18 solo albums, two live DVDs and a number of compilations and guest appearances. He's played on two Grammy Award-winning albums and won three Blues Music Awards (formerly known as W.C. Handy Awards). In addition to his hot-ticket shows in the U.S., Walker has become an international ambassador for the blues overseas, having played at countless festivals throughout Europe, South America, Australia, the Middle East and Asia.

 The featured house band for this event will consist of rock solid drummer Michael L Jiggetts, the fine keyboardist Richard Palmer, superb bassist Paul Logan, and the soulful saxophonist Danny Sandoval. . And as always the grand finale will feature all of these great talents on stage together for an explosive "All Star" jam session.

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