Published in the Sept. 16-29, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Morgan Hill Life file photo
The Bay Area All Stars Band rocks the house at the Mushroom Mardi Gras this year. They will perform at 5:30 p.m., Sept. 26 at the Downtown Amphitheater.
This year’s Taste of Morgan Hill promises to be a fun-filled weekend for the entire family packed with lots of music Sept. 26 and 27. The music cranks up on two acoustic stages on First and Second streets at 10 a.m. both days.
Kicking off the First Street stage Saturday, it’s Lori Ludy with her blend of comical songs and old time blues and folk music. Following at 11:45, it’s local favorite Jeff Smith with his powerful Gordon Lightfoot-style voice and intricate picking style on his mandolin, guitar, ukulele and banjo. At 1:30 p.m. the duo Free Spirit steps up to play their music from the ‘60s with inspiring Simon and Garfunkle harmonies. Mike Tatarakis and Rey Trevino are true musical veterans and offer the perfect blend in both their guitar playing and harmonies.
The afternoon closer on this stage is singer-songwriter Michael Gaither from Wat, whose songs are reminiscent of early Bob Dylan.
Saturday’s Second Street Stage line-up begins at 10 a.m. with Ken Masuda (aka LuckyDog) and his musical friends including percussionist Little John on hand drums, shakers, foot tambourines and whatever else he can bang on. Singer-songwriter from Hollister, Jillian Shaw, follows at 11:45 a.m.
At 1:30 p.m. singer-guitarist Steve Barbour performs a mix of classic rock tunes from Pink Floyd to The Byrds. The next act will be me with Lambert Malloy. I will offer up a set of all kinds of music. Expect a good mix of blues, classic country, roots, Americana and folk, plus a variety of originals. We will be playing from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m.
Following my set, the music moves to the Downtown Amphitheater. The special Saturday Night Concert begins at 5:30 p.m. with The Bay Area All Stars Band. This group of well-seasoned performers mixing it up with music will make you want to dance. At 8 p.m., Entourage, one of the most popular bands of the Friday Night Music Series, plays under the beautiful new lights.
On Sunday the First Street stage kicks off at 10 a.m. with New Jersey-born singer-songwriter Aly Kahn and likely some very special guests. At 11:45 a.m., The DT’s will make a special Morgan Hill appearance. Following the DT’s at 1:30 p.m. will be Janet Thompson on vocals and finger-style guitar with her husband Mike on bass. Janet’s style covers the music of classic female blues belters from the ‘20s and ‘30s as well as her original pieces that have the front-porch quality you would expect to hear in the Deep South. Local R&B crooner David Johnson follows from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m.
I will offer up a one-hour harmonica/guitar/vocal solo set to close out the First Street stage from 5 to 6 p.m. Watch for a few surprise guests. The Second Street stage on Sunday opens at 10 a.m with The Worley’s featuring the husband and wife duo of the 1960s-style Kevin and Ann Worley.
At 11:45 a.m., young troubadour Patrick T. McCauley will serve up a mix of original songs and some you will recognize but done in his very own style.
On the Second Street stage at 1:30 p.m. it’s the harmonica and guitar duo of Mike and Chuck. These guys just love to play and you can see the music comes from their hearts. At 3:15 p.m. local blues and jazzy guitarist Pat Curtis takes the stage with his wife Patty on vocals. Pat has a true command of his instrument that is apparent when you see him play. The closing act on this stage from 5 to 6 p.m. is Chris O’Connor who runs the acoustic open mic Chris and Friends every Wednesday night at the GVA Cafe. His vocals and original songs will remind you of Neil Young and he will bring his band mates from Wishful Thinkin’.
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On another note…
The Granada Theater’s final two shows are Sept. 17 with Graham Parker and Brinsley Schwarz and Sept. 18 featuring drummer Wally Schnalle’s “IF3.” Tickets are available online at morganhillgranada.com.
Got a music tip? E-mail Mark Fenichel at [email protected].
