San Pedro Bluesman Dave Widow Headlines Fundraiser

Photo by Steve Jost

By Andrea Serna, Arts and Culture Writer

Popular San Pedro musician Dave Widow will be headlining a fundraiser for radio station KKJZ April 19 at St. Rocke in Hermosa Beach. A regular at such venues as B.B. King’s Blues Club, the House of Blues, the Mint and the Lighthouse, Widow and his Line up delivers a hot night of rhythm and blues.

The concert is the first in a series of three organized by DJ Gary “the Wagman” Wagner, in support of the nonprofit radio station. Wagner, a recent recipient of the “Keeping the Blues Alive Award” from the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tenn., is host of Nothin’ But the Blues. The show broadcasts from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturdays and from 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays on 88.1 KKJZ.

Widow, raised in Cincinnati, has spent practically his entire life immersed in music. He came to California and plugged into the local blues rock scene. His musical style is influenced by musicians with whom he had longstanding relationships, such as Buddy Miles, Bill Champlin of the band Chicago, and his mentor and collaborator, the late Roger “Jelly Roll” Troy from the Mike Bloomfield Band. Widow credits legendary guitar player Lonnie Mack with inspiring him to turn professional.

In February Dave had a packed house in a sold-out show at the Grand Annex in San Pedro. The intimate theater provided the crowd with a wild night of R&B music.

Widow’s music was eventually noticed by Wagner, and he has been a regular on the radio ever since. Old Dogs Records, a blues label out of Georgia, also took note of Widow’s distinctive style and signed him to their label.

“I really appreciate Gary Wagner for inviting me to perform” Widow said. “[He] and K-JAZZ have been very supportive of my music for several years, and I am in their debt.”

The plush environment at St. Rocke provides a high-energy venue for music fans to enjoy a full evening of rock and blues.

“I personally selected each of the indie bands being featured during this series of three shows,” Wagner said. “If you listen to my radio show and you like what I play, come to these shows. You will not be disappointed.”

Also in the lineup is South Side Slim, originally from Oakland and a recent recipient of L.A. Weekly’s award for best contemporary blues and R&B artist.

Rounding out the bill will be Jumpin’ Jack Benny, one of the most entertaining acts in music. Upcoming fundraising concerts are scheduled for May 3 with Barry Levenson and June 7 with the Other Mules. More information is available at jazzandblues.org.

Tickets for two are available for a pledge of $60 at the website and include annual membership to KKJZ. A $165 donation gets you a pair of tickets to all three shows.

Tickets are also available by phone during regular business hours. Call (310) 478-5540, press 0 for the operator and ask for the membership department.
Details: (310) 478-5540
Venue: St. Rocke
Location: 142 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach
photo credit: Steve Jost