If you are making that California trip, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check out the Route 66 Roadhouse in Duarte, CA. It is west of Kingman, Barstow and San Bernardino. The Route 66
Roadhouse, like the famous highway on which it sits, is in some ways a relic from another era. On Sunday February 27, 2011, the joint hosted a benefit concert. The great tradition of musicians and fans coming together for one of their own was in full effect on this bright, crisp, winter day at the foot of the snow draped San Gabriel Mountains.

Gino Matteo, a Southern California based singer and guitarist, was the benefactor of the blues community’s generosity. The fans had the favor returned by Matteo and a large
assemblage of musicians who got their kicks by doing the right thing. Matteo’s mother is recovering from a stroke and an extended hospital stay. It is the latter which inspired this event. All the bands donated proceeds from their CD and merch sales to go towards this worthy cause.

Art Martel’s Straight Up Blues Productions was at the helm. The event appeared to be a financial success, as well as a good time with some great music. Martel an old school, street D.J. and host of The
Straight up Blues Show on KSPC 88.7FM out of Claremont, CA from 11:00am to 1:00pm PST Saturdays, spun tunes on the breaks as emcee Barry G held court from behind the mic during the set changes.

Songwriter, harp player, singer, producer and raconteur James Harman was the special guest this day as he sat in with Mike “Pink” Arguello’s 2000 Lbs of Blues. The band featured multiple W.C. Handy award winning bassist, Bill Stuve. Stuve, who is nominated for a Blues music award for best bassist in 2011, anchored the rhythm section which included drummer Max Bangwell. Mama's Boys led by the high octane front man Johnny Maestro and his high decibel harp got the dance floor revved up proceeding 2000 Lbs set. They were joined on stage by the legendary blues impresario and harmonica player Chef Denis.

The band that kicked off the entire affair at noon was Lil A and the Allnighters. This exiting ensemble is fronted by first rate harmonica player and vocalist Alex “Lil A” Woodson. Their debut album was co-produced by Woodson and is featured on this month’s Jukebox at the Junction on this site. The albums other co-producer Art Martel told me recently they were shooting for a 1980’s
 Black Top Records “house sound”. Believe me when I tell you, that this is a worthwhile goal. Alex, Art and company hit their mark. Alex shared the stage with another young harmonica player Ricky Estrada. They closed their set with a medley of Red Devil tunes as an homage to the late Lester Butler, who fronted the legendary L.A. based band.

The real star of the day was Gino Matteo who sat in with several of the bands including Lil A and the Allnighters. His guitar exchanges with original Allnighters guitarist Eddie Ventura set the bar pretty high for an afternoon and evening of great blues. He played with his own band the Family Phunk as well.

BLUES JUNCTION Productions caught up with Gino in the green room/auxiliary, skylight
smoking lounge…the parking lot. "My mom has had a harder life than she deserved," he said. "I asked everyone to play and no one said 'no'."

- David Mac