Artists: Robin Henkel, Joey Harris, Tomcat Courtney, Little Pink Anderson, and Honeyboy Edwards
Venue: Adams Avenue Roots Festival - San Diego, California
Date: April 30, 2005 (Day 1)

The Adams Avenue Roots Festival has been a San Diego institution for over thirty years. Every year, Lou Curtiss brings together an amazing group of musicians to celebrate the roots of American music. Traditional folk, bluegrass, country, blues, a little spice from south of the Border, and some regular old time music, it's music that's stripped of all studio frills and played the old-fashioned way by artists from all over, including some of San Diego's finest.

The mix of artists is the perfect blend for a day out with the family, or even if you head out by yourself. There's a little something for everyone, including a variety of food, craft, and music vendors.

After a week of strange weather, Saturday turned out to be a brilliant day. Blue skies, lots of sunshine, and good music. What more could you ask for?

First stop, the Joey Harris Rock Trio (Paul Kamanski, Caren Campbell, Joey Harris.) Joey, former Beat Farmer (see link above), and his friends entertained a diverse crowd. From folksy tunes to the slightly more rocking fare, their harmonies were tight and the guitar playing was as solid as ever.

I took a moment to say hello after the set. In between talking with old friends, packing up gear, and watching over his son, he was greeting fans, both new and old. He plays all around San Diego, sometimes as part of the Rock Trio, sometimes in other incarnations. Check the Beat Farmers Playground for upcoming gigs.

Next up, the beer garden for some Robin Henkel. Energetic, funny, entertaining...and serious as hell about the Blues, Robin doesn't so much play a set as he holds court. He played two sets in a row when the next group failed to show. Very few people got up to leave. The man is riveting - you never know what he's going to do next. I couldn't quite tell if Robin played the music or if it played him. Regardless, he's a fantastic performer. Definitely worth seeing!

Tomcat Courtney (no website available) was sitting off to the side, watching Robin and waiting to begin his own set. I recognized him and went over to introduce myself. He tried to pull the old "I'm not Tomcat" routine on me, instead pointing to one of his friends. I played along until he laughed and fessed up. He said he hoped I could stick around and have a listen. I fully intended to do just that.