Sedona News – On Friday, May 24, Sedona is turning Blue once again for the “Blues in the Red Rocks” at the Mary Fisher Theater at 7 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the Northern Arizona Blues Alliance (NAZBA).
The intimate Friday night concert features two premier blues acts: Kyle Rowland and Big Daddy D and the Dynamites.
Kyle Rowland
“Blues harmonica player of the year” and “Blues New Artist of The Year” in 2009 from the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame, Kyle Rowland, has been dominating the stage since the tender age of 10 years old. Beginning his career, sitting in and receiving lessons from the hit Sacramento band, Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers. For 7 years, Kyle quickly and naturally developed his own sound. With help from a few of his heroes such as James Cotton, Hubert Sumlin, Matt “Guitar” Murphy and many others, Kyle learned specific techniques of stage presence, the music business, and several highly revered harmonica secrets. In August of 2022, Rowland signed an endorsement deal with harmonica company, Hohner, which he has proudly used for his entire career.
At 16 years old Kyle formed his own band, keeping the tradition alive and sticking with the roots. In May of 2012 he recorded his first CD titled, “High Rollin with Kyle Rowland”, produced by world renown harmonica extraordinaire Rick Estrin and recorded live By Kid Andersen at Greaseland studios in San Jose, CA. It has been featured on radio shows throughout countries such as Germany, England, and Australia and receiving high ranking reviews. Kyle released a two-volume record beginning with Volume 1 in Spring of 2019, recorded and engineered by Todd Morgan live at the Torch Club in Sacramento, CA, featuring the likes of Rusty Zinn and Johnny “Cat” Soubrand on guitars, Danny Sandoval and the one and only Terry Hanck on the Tenor Saxophones. Slapping the rhythm is the great Andrew Guterman from Washington, DC on the drums and the incomparable Greg Roberts on the bass.
Kyle Rowland dishes out a sauté of boisterous Chicago and swampy Texas blues with a pinch of West Coast swing. leaving you wanting more with your toes tapping into the next morning. Be sure to check out this musically pure and energetically entertaining show. You will not be disappointed!
Big Daddy D and the Dynamites
Big Daddy D and Dynamites with Betty Jo Vachon features 2022 Memphis IBC Runner Up Finalist Darryl Porras on guitar and vocals. Big Daddy’s D’s stylistic guitar work is a combination of old school and modern style blues which is guaranteed to grab your attention. Big Daddy D and the Dynamites celebrates 25 years as a band this year and has featured some of the best blues players in Arizona over the years.
Betty Jo Vachon delivers Blues vocals to the audience with power and finesse like no other. She is hailed by fans as a “Passionate…Powerful… and Soulful vocalist that connects with people”, previously appearing in OTCA’s 2023 presentation of “Ladies Sing the Blues”. On keys, from Flagstaff is AZ Blues Hall of Famer Steve Willis, who also was with the Elvin Bishop Band for many years. On bass, from Phoenix is Marie Zee from the Cadillac Assembly Line Band, and on drums is 2019 Heritage Blues Hall of Fame Inductee and 2017 Memphis IBC Semifinalist Dr. Bob Sellani.
“Blues in the Red Rocks” takes the stage on Friday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased in advance at www.sedonafilmfestival.org or at the Sedona Film Festival office or Mary D. Fisher Theatre box office. For further information, call the film festival office at 928-282-1177.