Santa Barbara Blues Society Turns 30!

The Santa Barbara Blues Society, founded in 1977, will celebrate its 30^th Anniversary with an exclusive West Coast engagement of Lonnie Brooks at 8:30 PM, Saturday, March 3, 2007, at Warren Hall, Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real in Santa Barbara.

A Louisiana native, Brooks didn’t play the guitar seriously until his early 20’s. He was spotted by Zydeco king Clifton Chenier and quickly became part of Chenier’s Red Hot Louisiana Band. Detouring into rock&roll, he had a string of hits as “Guitar Junior.” Upon moving to Chicago he adopted the name Lonnie Brooks, backed up Jimmy Reed on the classic “Big Boss Man,” and soon was leading his own band.

Since attaining fame in the late 1970s, he has been acclaimed universally as one of the finest representatives of Chicago blues. He is known for his high energy, dynamic live shows and the raw sound of his urban blues, flavored with a touch of Louisiana gumbo. After 5 decades of playing the blues, Brooks has lost none of his musical prowess or on-stage charisma. This will be his first Santa Barbara appearance since he played for the blues society in 1984.

Tickets will be on sale at the door for $30 GA and $40 VIP. Members and a guest receive a $5 discount; entry for college students with ID is $15, and for high school students $10. Advance tickets are available at Folk Mote Music and Jensen Guitar & Music.

The event is co-sponsored by radio stations KTYD, KCSB, and KCBX, as well as Firestone beer, Longoria Wines, Buttonwood Farm Winery, The Big Easy Catering Company, State & A Bar & Grill, Southland Blues Magazine, and The Franciscan Inn.

For more information log on to www.sbblues.org or call 897-0060.