Aki Kumar left his native home in Mumbai, India for the United States with the intention of working as a software engineer. Then he discovered the sounds of the blues, and his life changed dramatically.
One of the hardest working artists on the music scene today, this San Jose-based musician has successfully blended elements of Indian music into his musical and visual presentation, making for a multi-cultural mash-up that sounds like no one else, yet never loses touch with the inspiration it draws from the blues. He has made multiple appearances at The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival, has been featured on PRI “The World,” and has toured in Russia, Scandinavia and South America.
Kumar’s Little Village Foundation releases Aki Goes To Bollywood (2016) and Hindi Man Blues (2018) are considered ground-breaking albums that have garnered international critical acclaim. In 2020, Kumar made major news with the world-wide launch of his album Dilruba on Sony Music India. Kumar kicked off 2021 with the release of an uplifting reggae-infused single “Zindagi” (Life).
Gary Vogensen
The 60s were exciting times musically in the San Francisco Bay Area and as a teenager in Marin County—a hop over the Golden Gate Bridge from the celebrated Fillmore Auditorium, Avalon Ballroom, Keystone Corner and other venues—Gary Vogensen had front row access to it all. He learned to play guitar and began hanging out at rehearsal halls where he rubbed shoulders with the musicians of the time. “There was so much excitement around live music at that time… and so many talented musicians around the Bay Area… it was infectious. I learned a lot just hanging out watching people play.” Gary formed several bands and began jamming when and wherever he could.
In the early 70s Vogensen’s career moved forward after a chance meeting and jam session with legendary guitarist Mike Bloomfield. Bloomfield remained Gary’s advocate and mentor. He hired Gary for gigs and recording sessions and introduced him to many important musicians including Frank Zappa, Mark Naftalin, Nick Gravenitas, Norton Buffalo, and Maria Muldaur.
Gary has been playing and singing professionally now for over 40 years, living and working in the North Bay Area and touring throughout the United States, Europe and the Far East with local and national acts including The Elvin Bishop Band, Angela Strehli, Maria Muldaur, Norton Buffalo, Michael Bloomfield, Commander Cody and the Airmen, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Boz Skaggs, Steve Miller, Etta James, Tracy Nelson, Louann Barton, Rosie Flores, Rick Danko, Lloyd Price, Carlene Carter and many others.
https://www.garyvogensenmusic.com/
Recommended if you like: B.B.King, Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Muddy Waters, Kishore Kumar
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The Lost Church Santa Rosa
576 Ross Street
- Santa Rosa
Price: $20.00