Bernie Pearl performances and workshops

Summer is here, and I'm looking at several exciting events I'll be doing in the coming weeks.

Coming right up is our return to the Arcadia Blues Club this coming Friday, July 2. Our first appearance at the ABC, last December in the midst of an incredible downpour, was very well attended - almost a full house. Next appearance, earlier this year in absolutely perfect May weather, we had no where near as many people. Go figure. So, if you possibly can, come on out to Arcadia (see details below) and have a ball with us and the Bobby Bluehouse Band.

You know, we guitarists are not known for great charity of thought regarding other pickers, but I must tell you that one of my very favorite players, Dave Melton, holds the guitar seat with Bluehouse's fine group, and I try to get there early just to enjoy his peerless technique and boundless imagination in playing the blues. I kid you not. See you Friday, I hope.

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The Bernie Pearl Blues Band.Friday, July 2, the Arcadia Blues Club will rock to the music of blues guitarist Bernie Pearl and his band. Bernie has played with a virtual who's who of the Blues: Lightnin' Hopkins, Otis Rush, Freddie King, Big Mama Thornton, Big Joe Turner, Willie Dixon, B.B. King with Stevie Ray Vaughan, and numerous others. He has taken the roots of the blues as his own and has come up with an unique and appealing sound. His band, with top veterans Mike Barry, bass, Albert Trepagnier, Jr., drums, and Dwayne Smith, piano, has been together for over 25 years, and they know how to groove the blues.

The great Bobby Bluehouse Band Opens at 8:00. Bernie plays 10:15 -1:30

Pearl will offer his latest CD, "Old School Blues", on a "pay what you can " basis Tickets $10 at door, $5 in advance.

Doors open 7:30, over 21, dancing, menu

16 E. Huntington Dr.
Arcadia 91006.
(626) 447-9349
www.arcadiabluesclub.com
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Next is my return to Iva Lee's in an acoustic setting. Mike Barry and I will play Thursday, July 8 (and August 12 & September 9) 7:00-10:30 at our favorite Southern-style eatery and bar. Iva Lee's, 555 El Camino Real, San Clemente 92672. No cover, all ages. (949) 361-2855

My good friends at the L.A. Blues Society have invited me to lead a guitar workshop before their Sunday, July 11 jam at Zendejas Restaurant, San Dimas. The 11:30-1:30 "Hands-On Blues Guitar Workshop is free and open to players of all levels. While it is geared toward the amplified guitar, acoustic instruments are welcome. My objective is that each person attending the session learn at least one new idea and/or get an answer to a playing or performing question.

I'll discuss jamming etiquette and survival, soloing techniques and orientation, picking and strumming, and any other topic of interest. Guitarists are requested to be on time and in tune, and stay for the whole session. Recording the session is welcome, but emphasis is on playing and listening.

Open jam starts at 2:00. Start Time: Sunday, July 11 at 11:30am End Time: Sunday, July 11 at 1:30pm Where: Zendejas Restaurant, 665 W Arrow Highway, San Dimas, CA (909) 592-6762

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=133142503374616&mid=29329d2G56484f39G1dd1f66G7&n_m=berniepearl%40hotmail.com

Sunday, July 18 I'll be participating in the free annual Boulevard Music Summer Festival at Veteran's Park, Culver City. Staff and friends play music at the annual free picnic. Weather is usually glorious. Spread a blanket, bring a picnic basket, kick back and enjoy everything from Bluegrass to the Blues. Call for information (310) 398-2583.

On Friday and Saturday, August 27-28 Mike Barry and I will be performing and teaching at the 4th Annual Mendocino Acoustic Blues Workshop (concert Friday night, workshops Saturday) at the Mendocino Recreation Center. Fee is $100 for the weekend, $15 for the concert alone. Call (707) 895-3738, or e-mail rick@mendocinoguitars.com

Last item: October 8 Mike and I are going to the Delta area to play the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival (formerly King Biscuit), one of the premier events in the blues world. We will stay in the area to perform at various locations, including Huey's in Memphis, U. Mississippi, Oxford, Madidi Bar, Clarksdale, B.B. King Museum, Indianola (and others TBA), and we'll wrap up the tour with a guitar workshop and performance at the Bukka White Festival in Aberdeen, MS on October 16.

Bukka was considered among the last of the classic Delta Bluesmen who, after his re-discovery in Memphis in the early 1960's, began performing nationally. Naturally, one of his first, and most frequent stops, was at the Ash Grove here in L.A. where he became a friend and mentor. I am deeply honored to play in his home town and in his memory.