Chuck Berry & Sly Stone Headline Long Beach Blues Festival

Posted: Jun 17, 2008

Chuck Berry, Sly Stone, Booker T. Jones, Charlie Musselwhite and others Perform 29th Annual Long Beach Blues Festival
6/17/08

In Long Beach, California, on August 30 & 31, the stars align for the 29th Annual Long Beach Blues Festival. Two elusive legends--Chuck Berry and Sly Stone--will headline the prestgious gig.

Other artists scheduled to perform include John Mayall, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Pinetop Perkins, Joe Louis Walker, Charlie Musselwhite (who I'll interview Thursday June 19), Booker T. Jones (of Booker T & The MGs whose guitarist Steve Cropper I'll interview July1) and various other talents...

Both Berry and Stone have made a couple appearances in the last few years, but this high-profile, live concert, setting should prove quite interesting. Before the end of his life, there should be a huge tribute to Chuck Berry for his undeniable influence on rock and roll. Look for a review of his latest Chess Records release here soon.

For the last thirty years, musicians, fans, family and critics have wondered if Sylvester "Sly Stone" Stewart will ever flash his divine spark for the public again...this performance should provide a vital piece to this legendary puzzle. Regardless, of thier setlists for these shows, it will be a fine opportunity to see two music legends play their timeless songs in the same year we're all living in. Hail, Hail Rock And Roll...

James Calemine