Topic: Joe with Los Lobos in Santa Barbara
Atteneded the Los Lobos w/Joe Bonamassa show in Santa Barbara at the Los Lobero Theatre. It was for a great charity called Notes-for-Notes. The show opened with some local kids (14-17 ages) that have developed their skills via Notes-for-Notes doing a few songs, 2 groups & a rap performance, some shared performances and very good for so young, certainly enjoyable.
Then Joe came out and did an acoustic set and just ripped. It was really cool to hear some songs done acoustically, Dust Bowl, Sloe Gin. At the end of his set there was a rousing standing ovation and we got him out for an encore (Sloe Gin).
Then Los Lobos came out and we're doing songs from Kiko (I think). The band was good but the sound was kind of muddy, they we're working with the sound guy to get it better. They then brought Joe out. Joe came out with a red 335 (not the Freddie King 345) and plugged into a Vicotria amp and just ripped. He really brought the energy level up and did many incredible solos. He played on La Bamba that went into Good Love (rascals), Crossroads, Then a couple blues, Marcela (MJ of S Duncan) called me out for a minute so i don't remember the tunes but hey all cooked. Overall an absolutely great show and it was for a great cause.
Notes-for-Notes sets up studios with all kinds of music equipment and lets kids come in and play/lear/record on it for free; after school program. And from what I heard last night the kids are doing very well. I donated 4 guitar/amp kits (chud sticks, nothing special) and I'm planning on giving more equipment I have lying around. It seems to be a real genuine charity and the donations go directly to the kids.
They had a silent auction and I bid on a few things and got a signed JB Fuzz Face; I have 2 all ready but not signed. Met a bunch of great people there, lots of guitar geeks. My wife has become a Joe Bonamassa super fan and she met him for the first time last night, it was very special for her. I've briefly met Joe Bonamassa before and all ways found him to be friendly and genuine, I showed him the Fuzz Face and he said "OK, All knobs to the Left on this one", great show great guy.
Glad your wife enjoyed hearing Joe, too! Your mentioning that Joe brings a show to life got me to thinking about Joe's natural energizing appeal to people. Reminded me of how he brought life to the crowd at Crossroads. Joe is a very special soul, there is no denying it, it is a fact. I think he energizes anybody and everybody he plays with. I still tell people that they will never meet another person like Joe......
