On April 10^th, at a VFW hall in the San Gabriel Valley, Straight Up Blues Productions put on an eclectic afternoon of entertainment featuring three distinct genres of the roots music scene. When presented this way, the lines virtually disappeared between rockabilly, blues and western swing. The mini-festival was called the Pre–Viva Extravaganza. This Sunday afternoon show proceeded the enormous Viva Las Vegas rockabilly convention, barn burner, hoedown, symposium and fandango taking place in Sin City later in the week.

An exciting band out of Long Beach, California the Crown City Bombers representing the rockabilly side of things kicked off the entire affair. This versatile ensemble is fronted by guitarist/singer Dave Bertiz whose coiffure threatens the ozone layer and extends boldly in that direction. Rod Del Campos played tight crisp lead guitar lines right out of Scotty Moore’s bag. What, in my view, makes this band special is their other principal, vocalist Mandy McMillian. Her tough, yet at times almost ethereal, singing is a welcome departure from the run of the mill. She is heads and tails above the pack.

Lil “A” & the Allnighters followed the Bombers to the stage. They were the blues meat in this roots sandwich. They are a band whose stock is on the rise. They are fronted by Alex “Lil A” Woodson who has emerged as a formidable harp player and vocalist. This band also features the twin guitar attack of Joe Conde and Anthony Contreras. Drummer A.J. Martell is a young cat who plays with maturity and confidence. On this afternoon the great Kenny Huff sat in on bass for the band's regular, Norm Gonzales, who was on the road with Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers. The Allnighters, who I have seen several times over the past few months, always bring a lot of energy to the stage. They are players to be reckoned with.

The afternoon’s headliner was Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys. Big Sandy is a first rate entertainer, raconteur and vocalist. He is also the master of ceremonies when those proceedings call for fun. His three piece band takes western swing and hurls it in several directions. The band features the absolutely stunning guitar work of Great Britain’s native son Ashley Kingman.

Art Martel, the founder and president of Straight Up Blues Productions, always puts together a first rate show with an impressive sound system which also features what he calls his 'Wheels of Steel'. Between sets at one of his gigs patrons are treated to his skills as a D.J. This means more spin and less chin. Martell plays vintage and current CDs from his extensive library. This old fashioned street D.J has hosted his own radio show (check out the Monthly Artist Spotlight on this site) for 15 years. He is a pro’s pro.

Here are some photos of the show…

Crown City Bombers

Lil "A" & the Allnighters

Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys