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Louis Armstrong was once asked what his favorite kind of music was, and his response was simple: “Good music.”

Petunia & the Vipers’ sound may not sit comfortably in one certain genre, but “Good Music” describes it well. Together with his band the Vipers they play original music combining elements of classic 1920’s thru 70’s country, country blues, western swing, alt country rock, Mexicana, French cabaret, Romanian, ragtime, jazz, punk and folk music.

A new music that springboards off of music of the past and jumps into the present day, left with only echoes of the past… Something in between 1920’s and steam punk.

Petunia is no stranger to being a “road dog”. He’s spent most of the last 23 years crisscrossing sections of Europe, North and South America, playing his old hobo haunts, hitch-hiking junctions, street corners, dive bars, churches and run down theaters. He’s more than just an entertainer, he’s a modern musical enigma. Imagine that David Lynch and Nick Cave had a hillbilly baby, that yodeled… or Tom Waits meets Elvis at Woody Guthrie’s hobo junction. This is just one way of describing the man known simply as Petunia. He’s an adventure seeker, a poker player, and a mysterious stranger.

A restless wanderer, a musical historian, and a quirky yet amazing talent, Petunia joins the greats from north of the 49th for his classic style and raucous performances. He is simply a Canadian treasure.

He makes a RARE appearance in Orange County Oct. 17 - and only Stellar Shows has him.

Make plans now to see this wünderkind - and his extremely talented band.

With a show this special, we have a special guest to match:

Don't miss the opening set by Abby Girl & The Real Deal at 7 pm!

Abby Girl (a.k.a. Abby Maharaj) has thrilled listeners, landed an Ameripolitan nomination for Rockabilly Female 2019, and earned followers in the U.S. and overseas. She’s at ease singing with blues greats and belting out her original songs and rockabilly tunes.

People most often comment on the rich, warm tone of her voice. SDnews.com recently wrote that Abby Girl “is blessed with an impressive voice, which echoes Patsy Cline...a vintage sound that will also appeal to fans of early country music or rock’n’roll.

Reservations: www.STELLARSHOWS.net • 714-809-6146 ORIGINAL MIKE’s is located at 100 S. Main St. Santa Ana Free parking • all ages • full menu • 7 pm start

The Hacienda Brothers have recently released "Western Soul" as a tribute to their late leader, Chris Gaffney. This may be the final Hacienda Brothers record and it's certainly the first since 2008. Its 16 songs were either unreleased, or are versions that have never been heard before.

Western Soul will be on sale at the concert on Oct. 18, or order both CD and Vinyl online at https://luxrecordsusa.com/store.

Here is the history of the Hacienda Brothers:

The Hacienda Brothers originated in 2002 when friends Chris Gaffney and Dave Gonzalez played together during a planned jam session at the 40th birthday party of their mutual friend, Jeb Schoonover. Gaffney was a successful singer and songwriter who had released several albums with his band The Cold Hard Facts and had toured with Dave Alvin. Gonzalez is a singer, songwriter, and guitar player, then mainly active with The Paladins. After playing on stage together, and at the urging of Schoonover (who would become their business partner and manager), they soon joined in Tucson, Ariz., to write and record their first album. Calling themselves the Hacienda Brothers, they were joined by Dave Berzansky (pedal steel), Hank Maninger (bass, also with the Aqua Velvets), and Dale Daniel (drums). Their self-titled debut in 2005 was produced by the legendary Dan Penn, who also wrote two tracks. The album was praised widely; Vintage Guitar magazine called it "a great CD.” What's Wrong with Right, also produced by Penn, was released the following year and garnered critical accolades. Bob Mehr, writing for Mojo Magazine, praised its "authentic sawdust-floor shuffles" and "cinematic Morricone twang." Their self-titled debut album appeared in 2005, and quickly the band received critical recognition for their eclectic music. Their second album, What's Wrong With Right, was chosen by the alternative country magazine No Depression as one of the top 60 albums for 2006 and by R&R as one of the top 100 Albums of 2006. Band leaders Gaffney and Gonzalez were interviewed by Terry Gross on NPR's Fresh Air, and Gonzalez was voted one of the "Top 101 All-time Unsung Guitar Heroes" by Guitar Player Magazine. In 2007, they were nominated for "Group of the Year" by the American Music Association. In August 2007, they released a live album Music for Ranch & Town. Chris Gaffney died of liver cancer on April 17, 2008, while the band was wrapping up the recording of their third studio album, Arizona Motel. That album received great critical acclaim and was called "forceful and timeless." A positive review accompanied an "in memoriam" article for Gaffney in Vintage Guitar; a later review in the same magazine said the album "kicked butt.” "This album delivers more moments of greatness, more consistently, than any of their previous releases and is a fully realized work of music-craft." The band planned on touring in support of a tribute album for Gaffney and did so in 2008; on at least one occasion they were joined by Dave Alvin as a special guest. In 2009, a tribute album to Gaffney was released, A Man of Somebody's Dreams: A Tribute to the Songs of Chris Gaffney, which included songs played by fellow Hacienda Brothers as well as many other luminaries.

On the occasion of the 10th year of his passing, Schoonover and Christopher Burkhardt of Stellar Shows organized a Chris Gaffney Reunion Party in Long Beach with 400 guests, family members and fans. Performers included Los Fabulocos, James Intveld, Rick Shea, The Cold Hard Facts with Dave Alvin and the reunited Hacienda Brothers.

Playing together again, the quartet were reminded of the immense popularity of the Hacienda Brothers - and became determined to resurrect their success.

RICK SHEA

"An incredible and intelligent musician and songwriter with an angelic voice that I'd kill for" - Dave Alvin

Longtime Southern California singer-songwriter Rick Shea got his early musical education in the bars and honky-tonks of San Bernardino. While you may often see him live with his worn old Telecaster, backing up the likes of Dave Alvin and Wanda Jackson or burning through a set of his own songs and a few honky-tonk standards, he's also built a solid career for himself as a solo artist, singer, guitarist and songwriter. With nine critically acclaimed albums, he’s performed all over Southern California, the West Coast and across the country and in Europe.

Shea's songs reflect the folk, country, rock and Mexican influences he grew up with. "Songs tell our stories and our history and songs were how those stories were shared in the past, I'd like to continue that tradition."

"Shea is to interior California what Joe Ely is to west Texas: his music evokes deep Kern, San Bernardino and Riverside counties the way Ely nailed down Laredo - two pinches of old Mexico, a blast of exhaust from the bossman's new Suburban and a baseline of working-stiff desperation."

**** four stars - Jackson Griffith

“Like all outstanding folk writers, Shea knows the land and its human inhabitants are inseparable, and the former is predictable only in doing unpredictable things to the latter.“ David McGee - Deep Roots

"Shea’s storytelling, songwriting and performing skills place him in the tradition alongside the finest California roots singer-songwriters of the last 40 years including Dave Alvin, Tom Russell and John Stewart." - No Depression

"a hauntingly nostalgic vocalist, imperative guitarist and literate, detail rich songwriter, do yourself a favor" - Sing Out

"Superb!.. Shea’s songs are second to none."
- Jonny Whiteside LAWeekly

On Fri. Aug. 18, experience the Hacienda Brothers along with Rick Shea & The Losin' End at the Golden Sails Hotel, 6285 E. Pac Coast Hwy.

See StellarShows.net for seats.

All ages, Free parking, Full Menu and VIP seating avail.

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band has built its reputation the long, slow, hard way. After 12 years of playing as many as 300 shows each year, Rev. Peyton, the world’s foremost country blues finger-style picker, along with the biggest little band in the country has pieced together one of the most dedicated followings out there. This following is sure to eat up the band’s latest offering, Poor Until Payday, (the second on their own Family Owned Records label through hip Nashville indie Thirty Tigers) out October 5th, a country blues record that was made the right way — two feet on the ground and both hands getting dirty.

With all the power of a freight train, the Big Damn Band is known for its live shows. Rev. Peyton delivers guitar pyrotechnics the old fashioned way — ten fingers, a 6 string and an amp cranked at full tilt. In the country blues style, he plays the bass with his thumb, while picking the lead with his fingers at the same time. When he lifts the guitar behind his head to play there’s nothing but skill and 16 gauge nickel strings to make the sounds coming out of the speakers.

Beside him on stage are just two other people. His wife, “Washboard” Breezy Peyton playing with all the nuance and percussive power of a New Orleans drum line, and keeping the train moving is Max Senteney on a lean drum kit including a 5 gallon maple syrup bucket. Together they play Peyton’s wildman country blues that’s as much ZZ Top as it is Bukka White.

On Poor Until Payday Peyton wanted a sound as live and electric as the records made in the heyday of 45 rpm blues classics from Chess, Stax and Sun Records. Playing his beloved custom-made National steel resonator, a 1949 Harmony Archtop, a 1954 Supro Dual Tone and a 1955 Kay Speed Demon through a 1949 Supro amp, Rev wanted to restore the “warmth, pops and hisses” mostly eliminated by modern-day compression. The band played in a room together with minimal micing (using only the best classic pieces they could get) with the main effect being tape saturation.

That’s it.

The result is an album that is direct, soulful and demands to be played loud.

The themes of songs like the title track, “You Can’t Steal My Shine” and “I Suffer I Get Tougher” offer the antidote to today’s hard times by touting “perseverance, inspiration and hope… being your authentic self despite everything lined against you, a light at the end of the tunnel.” With a vocal style reflecting both the soulfulness and bite of his idols, Rev has added world-class singer to his already-renowned skills as a finger-pickin’ guitar phenom. Breezy and Max also contribute background vocals to most of the songs, with “The Miss Elizabeth of Country Blues” actually taking the spotlight with a sultry call-and-response showcase on “Dirty Swerve,” in which she also contributed to the writing.

Peyton’s blues pedigree is well established. Woodshedding since he was 12, Peyton has kept alive a tradition of finger picking pioneered by the likes of Mississippi John Hurt. However, Peyton plays with the energy and attitude of a Howlin’ Wolf. Indeed if it has strings he can play it whether that’s a custom-built National, a cigarbox, an axe or even a shotgun (seriously, Google it.).

He’s done his homework and been given the blessing of the gatekeepers of the tradition — even befriending and touring with some of the last of the great Delta Blues and Hill Country blues legends like David “Honeyboy” Edwards, T-Model Ford (whose grandson calls him Unk), and Robert Belfour.

Rev and Breezy make their home in rural southern Indiana near the adopted home of bluegrass legend Bill Monroe, among national parks and forests in what began as an artist’s colony. “Most of the people here can both paint a picture and skin a deer,” laughs Breezy.

There’s nothing dusty or sentimental about Peyton’s music, though. There’s no songs about picking cotton. They aren’t a museum piece. The Big Damn Band have taken nearly a century of blues songsmanship and crafted a thing all their own. There is not a single act out there that sounds like this.

The Big Damn Band make friends and fans every place they go — and there are few places they haven’t been, having performed in 37 countries. After Poor Until Payday, the only people who won’t be on the big damn bandwagon will be people who haven’t heard or aren’t paying attention.

This is real, from the heart, handmade music made by people, for people, who don’t have time for BS.

Since his stunning debut, Thunderstorms and Neon Signs in 1995, Wayne “The Train” Hancock has been the undisputed king of Juke Joint Swing - that alchemist’s dream of honky-tonk, western swing, blues, Texas rockabilly and big band.

Always an anomaly among his country music peers, Wayne’s uncompromising interpretation of the music he loves is in fact what defines him: steeped in traditional but never "retro;" bare bones but bone shaking; hardcore but with a swing.

Like the comfortable crackle of a Wurlitzer 45 jukebox, Wayne is the embodiment of genuine, house rocking, hillbilly boogie. Wayne makes music fit for any roadhouse anywhere. With his unmistakable voice, The Train’s reckless honky-tonk can move the dead.

If you see him live (and he is ALWAYS touring), you’ll surely work up some sweat stains on that snazzy Rayon shirt you’re wearing. If you buy his records, you’ll be rolling up your carpets, spreading sawdust on the hardwood floor, and dancing until the downstairs neighbors are banging their brooms on the ceiling.

Call him a throwback if you want, but all Wayne Hancock wants to do, is simply ENTERTAIN you, and what's wrong with that?

Join us at the PCH Club in Long Beach for this special showcase.

Recipe for Haunted Hootenanny Love Potion:

Take one part Rockabilly, mix in 2 parts roots R&B and add a dash of Western Swing.

Mix them all together with a hardwood dance floor, fire it up until they're hotter than Hell and everything's really cookin'.

Place the groups on a lighted stage, add a blast of sweet sound - and let it rip.

That's the kind of Halloween you will enjoy on Sat. Oct. 26 at the PCH Club Long Beach (next to Gaslamp).

There will be costume prizes, special food and drink deals - and all your friends will be there.

How do we know that? Look at this lineup:

Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys return to SoCal for the first time in a month before leaving on tour yet again.

This award-winning rockabilly / western swing band has won accolades and awards all over the world as they maintain a frenetic pace as evangelists for the genre. If there is one constant among the long-time members of the band it is their consistent quality of vocals and musicianship.

Russell Scott & His Red Hots are rockabilly roots to the 10th power. They have built up a devoted following to their delightful and unpretentious blend of rockabilly, swing, jump, blues and rock & roll.

Lil Sue & The Cow Tippers play Western swing, country boogie and classic honky tonk. Between their originals and a rockin' song list, the selections are exceptional - and as a dance band they are tops.

Altogether, these three bands are the perfect Halloween party mix as they will keep you on your feet all night long. Whether you wear a costume or not, you will be thrilled and chilled by the talent and energy this show provides.

Doors open at 7, full menu, free parking, all ages.

Harp man Denis "Chef Denis" Depoitre brings his stellar band, The Healers, to the PCH Blues Club. A night of full-on, straight-ahead blues by some of Southern California's top players. The band includes guitarist Johnny Main, guitarist Henry Carvajal, bassman Hank Van Sickle and Ed Mann on drums.

Johnny Ramos, offspring of Kid Ramos, and Steven Taylor, scion of Kim Wilson, have their own blues band and it is making waves all over the West Coast.

The contrast between youth and experience will be on full display during this awesome lineup at the PCH Club in Long beach.

All ages, free parking, dance floor and full menu.

Reserve a seat today!

See one of the top Americana bands in the world in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere at the coolest place for an intimate concert experience:

Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Jax features a 4-star menu, free parking and it's all ages with cabaret seating and great sound.

It's across from OC Airport near the 73 Fwy at 3950 Campus Drive near John Wayne Airport.

RECKLESS KELLY, named after iconic Australian highwayman Ned Kelly, is a country-rock outfit led by brothers Willy and Cody Braun.

Beginning with Millican in 1998, RK has blazed a trail and created a trademark brand of road-screaming country-rock music that's big on loud guitars, clean popping drums, and tremendously hooky songs. Released in 2008, Bulletproof was Reckless Kelly's standout album - All killer, no filler.

In 2019, Reckless Kelly’s new live recording Bulletproof Live is a presentation that all of the band’s fans will appreciate. The set list features all 14 songs from Bulletproof in the exact same sequence as they are presented on said record. Audiences get Bulletproof in its entirety in the same sequence as its original studio presentation, but better, because it is presented in a live setting. Some of the versions are close to the original studio takes, while others, such as ‘American Blood’ and ‘Passing Through’ give audiences a slightly different, take on those classics.

PATROLLED BY RADAR

You can trace an almost linear route from the unfiltered moments of Dylan and The Hawks through Gram Parsons, to Tom Petty (with a slight detour along the way for chunks of the Rolling Stones circa 1969-72 and a speed-bump called Tom Waits in the '90s).

The latest extension of this musical highway is paved by Patrolled By Radar. On their new album, Cool Your Jets, the Los Angeles-based band fuses the finer elements of the past four decades to craft rock songs whose appeal defies genre or classification.

Peter Curry of Los Straitjackets, who produced their albums, says, "Jay Souza has more in common with The Kinks than any of the current crop of 'Americana.' His songs tell stories that are simultaneously funny, sad and ironic, and the music rocks. He's one of those rare songwriters who crafts melodies as strong as his lyrics."

The sizzling series we call Hillbilly jazz continues with three bands that each have a unique musical style and offer the best in dance music - and listening bliss.

It's the debut of Lil' Mo & the Lonesome Crows as they make their first appearance anywhere!

The newly formed quintet plays vintage honky tonk and acoustic country with a hillbilly flair.

The Moontones are LA's hottest dance band - it's a big band with a big following, and yes - they have horns!

Lil' Sue & the Cowtippers are making a name for themselves all over the country, bringing their boot-scootin' brand of honky tonk to a world that's thirsty for more.

That's Hillbilly Jazz - a mash-up of compatible musical styles - and you won't want to miss a minute!

Free parking, all ages, full dinner menu and large dance floor.

CROWN CITY BOMBERS

For 10 years, CCB has been playing classic rockabilly, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll of the 50's and early 60's - as well as rockin' originals with a vintage feel.

CCB has built a dedicated legion of fans in the Southern California roots and rockabilly scene. On any given weekend you can find them playing at local car shows, clubs, casinos, festivals, corporate events, private parties or weddings.

They are also a regular presence at the annual Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Festival, the Bo Huff & Cruisin' National Car shows, Joe’s American Bar and Grill and Downtown Disney. CCB’s fan base has grown nationally and internationally.

They recently performed at the iconic Wiltern theatre in Los Angeles, Kustom Kulture Festival in Seattle Washington, & the Bethune Retro Festival in France!

With their new album recently released, this is a prime time to see the jumpin' and jivin' CCB band at their BEST!

If you know lead singer Lilla, you will want to be here to celebrate her BIRTHDAY as well!

The RATTLE ROLLERS

The Rattle Rollers are a 1950s style Rock n Roll / Rhythm n Blues band!

They do tributes to Ritchie Valens and Chuck Berry as well as some rockin' original material...

Great for Jiving, Bopping, Strolling, Swinging and Lindy Hopping!!
Enjoy the Rattle Rollers!

Free parking, all ages, full dinner menu, reserved seating and dance floor

When an artist of Kim Wilson's stature throws a Blue Christmas Party, you don't want to miss it!

And to make it even more special, his son Steven Taylor - a blues guitarist with a sharp band of young bluesicians - will be opening the show for his dad.

As this show is on a Wed. night, it will be a bit more family-oriented, kick off at 7:30, and end at a reasonable hour.

In between though, you can expect some of the finest music by Kim Wilson's Blues Revue, with special guests. Kim will play both Christmas songs and blues numbers while you enjoy an optional dinner - and perhaps an adult beverage.

This show has free parking, is all ages, and takes place in the comfortable PCH Blues Club with cabaret seating and reserved seats.

Here is some background:

Kim Wilson's musical journey started in Goleta, California. At 17 he began playing the harmonica. His influences included Little Walter, George “Harmonica” Smith, Lazy Lester and James Cotton. At the same time, Wilson began singing and was deeply impacted by Bobby “Blue” Bland, B.B. King, Otis Rush, Jimmy Rodgers and Muddy Waters.

In search of other musicians who shared his love of the blues, Wilson headed to Minneapolis. He stayed there for a year and a half, playing locally, before moving to the burgeoning music scene of Austin, Texas. It was there that he met Jimmie Vaughan and they founded the T-Birds in 1974. The band developed a reputation as a compelling live act and subsequently signed a record deal with CBS/Epic Records.

In 1979, The Fabulous Thunderbirds released their first self-titled album. Primarily blues influenced, it became a cult classic.

The album “T-Bird Rhythm” marked a creative turning point for the group as it collaborated with noted producer Nick Lowe. In 1986, The Fabulous Thunderbirds reached a commercial peak with the album, “Tuff Enuff”. The single of the same title as well as the singles “Wrap It Up” and “Look At That”, all went top 40. The song, “Tuff Enuff” was featured in the film “Gung Ho” starring Michael Keaton.

As a side project Wilson formed Kim Wilson’s Blues Revue, a traditional blues band.

Steven Taylor

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to the sensational Steven Taylor, 21, whose dad is Kim Wilson from the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Totally fabulous on his own, Taylor’s new record Moving On is available on iTunes and he may have a few CD’s with him to personally autograph.

See him with his full band prior to Kim Wilson's show.