First Show: 6:30pm | Doors @ 5:15pm
Second Show: 9:00pm
$35 Presale | $40 Day of Show
The iconic harmonica maestro, James Cotton, passed away in 2017 at the age of 81. Considered by many as the last great harp titan of the generation that included legendary figures like Little Walter (whom James replaced in Muddy Waters Band), Sonny Boy Williamson 2 (who mentored Cotton from the age of 12), Jr. Wells, Big Walter, and numerous others. James' remarkable career spanned over six decades, firmly establishing him among the pantheon of all-time blues greats.
The James Cotton Blues Band comprises notable members: Steve Freund (known for collaborations with Boz Scaggs, Sunnyland Slim, Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, Otis Rush, Bo Diddley, and a 12-year stint alongside Cotton), Randy Bermudes, bass for Fabulous Thunderbirds, Little Charlie & Nightcats( currently for Musselwhite), June Core (drums for Musselwhite, James Cotton, Robert Lockwood), and Mark Hummel, who takes on the role of both playing and singing in James's stead. Hummel is renowned for producing The Blues Harmonica Blowouts (featuring luminaries like Mayall, Musselwhite, Huey Lewis, Lee Oskar, and Magic Dick) for 30 years, which included Cotton in seven national tours as part of that event. Cotton once remarked, 'Mark is All About The Music.' Mark holds a Grammy nomination from 2013, two Blues Music Awards, and boasts an impressive repertoire of 30 albums.
GRAMMY NOMINATED HARMONICA MAN/SINGER/ SONGWRITER/ BANDLEADER/ AUTHOR AND IMPRESARIO
MARK HUMMEL
Developed a strong interest in blues harp and rock-blues during high school, immersing himself in the works of blues legends. His pivotal encounters at LA's Ash Grove club led to collaborations with blues icons like Charlie Musselwhite, Brownie McGhee (with Sonny Terry), and James Cotton. In 1985, his band, Mark Hummel's Blues Survivors, began a full-time touring journey, detailed in his memoir. With a musical career boasting over thirty recordings, including 'Remembering Little Walter' (2014) earning two Blues Music Awards, and his latest release 'Harpbreaker' (2018), he continues to redefine the harmonica's potential.