In January I always look forward to receiving the email from Omega Events telling me that the early bird tickets for the Doheny Blues festival are on sale. This is an amazing event held for 2 days every May at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point California (Usually the 3rd week). The first time I attended this event was in 2005. I've been hooked ever since. There have been some amazing performances on each of the 3 stages in this incredible beach from setting. Performers such as B.B. King, John Fogerty, Jonny Lang, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Black Crowes, well, you get the idea.I would recommend making plans to attend this event. Nothing better than great music in a great setting. This year was no exception with headliners Greg Allman on Saturday and Steve Miller on Sunday, about 21 bands over the 2 day period. A few others on the bill this year were Johnny Winter, Los Lonely Boys, Joan Osborne, Otis Taylor and Buddy Guy.
Those that got there in time to catch the opening set for 12 year old Ray Goren were in for one of the biggest treats from the weekend. I've seen Ray on 2 previous occasions at The Coach House when he sat in with Coco Montoya (click here for a sample) and I was fortunate to have been there when he played 2 songs at a sound check prior to Leon Russell's last visit. I was blown away both times so you can imagine how excited I was to see that Ray was on the bill for Doheny. He played an amazing 1 hour set and totally blew away those that gathered around the stage to see this amazing young talent. I can safely say that the future of blues guitar is in good hands.
This year I was able to cover the festival as part of the Orange County Register team featuring writer Robert Kinsler and fellow photographer Drew Kelly. Please check out Robert's review of the weekend and also the photo slide shows featuring our photographic work.
It seems like it takes forever form the time that the event is announced till it arrives. Then the day arrives and in a blurr it's over. The good news is that Omega brought back Doheny Days in the fall last year. It's a bit different event from the Blues Festival but it is held in the same location. A nice shot of fun that holds me over until May rolls around again! Check more photos from this years Doheny Blues festival at the links below and please "Like" the Bob By Request Facebook page! Until next month.... Keep on Rockin'
