Happy Birthday OCBS: Orange County Blues Society First Anniversary Party & Blues Jam This Sunday

   

                                Happy Birthday OCBS!

 Orange County Blues Society First Anniversary Party/Blues Jam  

      Sunday, May 19 At Main Street Restaurant In Yorba Linda

   (Yorba Linda, Calif.) - Hard to believe it's been one year since Papa J (Jeff Hudson) created the Orange County Blues Society (OCBS), in large part to fill a void in the Blues scene in the area known here in Southern California as the "Orange Curtain" (Orange County).
    To celebrate the occasion, OCBS is throwing a One-Year Anniversary Party and Blues Jam this Sunday, May 19 at Main Street Restaurant, 4902 Main St., Yorba Linda. 2-6 p.m. Free to the public. Info: (714) 328-9375 or https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyBluesSociety?fref=ts.
    The OCBS has grown steadily since its debut last year, with growing recognition from some of the finest blues musicians in Southern California  - including an interview with harp great Rod Piazza in the most recent OCBS newsletter.


       OCBS founder Papa J (center) leading a spirited recent Blues jam session.

  "First Friday of the Month - Best Of Orange County Blues" Concert Series continues at the House of Blues, 1530 Disneyland Dr. Friday, June 7 and every first Friday of the month. 10 pm. No cover unless otherwise noted. 21 and over. Info: (714) 328-9375 or log onto www.orangecountybluessociety.com.     

  
   Real Blues Festival Of Orange County 4 takes place Sunday, September 8 at Malone's in Santa Ana. Lineup still being booked at the time of this press release.

  Additional Orange County Blues Society-sponsored events: Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim/New York Yankees baseball game for all OCBS members, Sunday,  June 16 (details to be announced); Papa J and Friends at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, July 5; and the 16th Annual Irvine Lakes Blues Festival in Silverado on Saturday, August 24 (Papa J and Friends perform).  

                        

 Blues harpist-vocalist Papa J (a/k/a/ Jeffrey Hudson) has been one of the hardest-working and most influential people on the Orange County blues scene for the better part of the last two decades, performing first with Blues Gone South and most recently, with Papa J and Friends - the latter who released 2011's well-received album, The Big Show (Houndog Records).  Last August Papa J and the Orange County Blues Society - of which he is president and founder - produced several successful multi-band events including The Muck Roots Blues Revue at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton; and the Real Blues Festival of Orange County 3.   

    

   Watch a recent live performance by Papa J at the House of Blues in Anaheim:  

  

                     

                                       

Papa J - Orange County Breeze  

The Big Show CD Review - L.A. Examiner  

Papa J - Live Show Review (Encino Patch)
Orange County Register - Papa J Interview

First Friday Blues: Orange County Blues Society Concert Series at House of Blues /Anaheim

   

Orange County Blues Society Presents.

     "Best Of Orange County Blues" -

First Friday of the Month at House of Blues/Anaheim Starting Friday, May 3

   (Anaheim, Calif.) - The Orange County Blues Society is proud to announce its

"First Friday of the Month - Best Of Orange County Blues" Concert Series at the House of Blues, 1530 Disneyland Dr. starting Friday, May 3 and every first Friday of the month thereafter. 10 pm. No cover unless otherwise noted. 21 and over. Info: (714) 328-9375 or log onto www.orangecountybluessociety.com.

  Host Papa J promises an eclectic lineup of talented blues acts from all over Orange County as well as bands and solo artists from throughout Southern Calif. This all leads up to Real Blues Festival Of Orange County 4, taking place Sunday, September 8 at Malone's in Santa Ana.

    Additional Orange County Blues Society-sponsored events include the monthly Blues Jam at Main Street Restaurant in Yorba Linda on Sunday, April 21 and Sunday, May 19. Catch Papa J and Friends live at The Opus Dinner and Cocktails in Orange on Saturday, April 27; House of Blues/Anaheim on Thursday, April 25 and Thursday, June 6; The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, July 5; and the 16th Annual Irvine Lakes Blues Festival in Silverado on Saturday, August 24.  

                        

 Blues harpist-vocalist Papa J (a/k/a/ Jeffrey Hudson) has been one of the hardest-working and most influential people on the Orange County blues scene for the better part of the last two decades, performing first with Blues Gone South and most recently, with Papa J and Friends - the latter who released 2011's well-received album, The Big Show (Houndog Records).  Last August Papa J and the Orange County Blues Society - of which he is president and founder - produced several successful multi-band events including The Muck Roots Blues Revue at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton; and the Real Blues Festival of Orange County 3.   

    

  Watch a recent live performance by Papa J at the House of Blues in Anaheim below. 

                       

                                       

Papa J - Orange County Breeze  

The Big Show CD Review - L.A. Examiner  

Papa J - Live Show Review (Encino Patch)
Orange County Register - Papa J Interview 

Orange County Blues Alert: Papa J & Friends in Concert at HOB/Anaheim, Olde Ship This Week

   

Real Blues Festival/Orange County Blues Society founder Papa J (pictured above) & Friends perform at the House of Blues/Anaheim this Thursday, March 21 and at the Olde Ship's 20th Anniversary Gala in Santa Ana on Friday, March 22. This year's Real Blues Festival 4 is scheduled to take place Sunday, September 8. Bands to be announced soon. 

   (Anaheim, Calif.) -  Real Blues Festival of Orange County/ Orange County Blues Society founder Papa J is performing a few special concerts this week: House of Blues/Anaheim (Voodoo Lounge) on Thursday, March 21 (8-11 p.m., no cover); and also at The Olde Ship's 20th Anniversary Gala, Friday, March 22 (9 pm- till?, free). HOB/Anaheim is at 1530 Disneyland Drive; (714) 778-2583; the Olde Ship is at 1120 W. 17th St. (714) 550-6700.
   Watch for a special announcement about the music lineup for Real Blues Festival Of Orange County 4  - happening on Sunday, September 8, venue tba - coming soon.

 Blues harpist-vocalist Papa J (a/k/a/ Jeffrey Hudson) has been one of the hardest-working and most influential people on the Orange County blues scene for the better part of the last two decades. Last August alone, Papa J organized and executed successful multi-band events: The Muck Roots Blues Revue at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton; and the Real Blues Festival of Orange County 3 at Malone's in Santa Ana. 

    
    Papa J was again honored this past year with  a "Best Americana, Blues, or Roots Artist" nomination for the 2012 Los Angeles Music Awards. Last Fall saw the release of "The Big Show" (Houndog Records) by Papa J and Friends to great reviews:

"Great CD chock full of Blues standards performed with energy and enthusiasm!"    - Barrelhouse Blues

"The Big Show'' is absolutely first-rate with great performances by all involved including Papa J...a big winner that I have no problem highly recommending to Blues enthusiasts."  - Blues Underground

"On 'The Big Show' Papa J and Friends are winning over music aficionados with mental images of smoke-filled, Old-School Blues where people celebrate in sharing this fine music genre."    

L.A. Examiner

  Watch a recent live performance by Papa J at the House of Blues in Anaheim below.   

   

                                       

Papa J - ORANGE COUNTY BREEZE 

The Big Show CD Review - L.A. EXAMINER 

Papa J - Live Show Review ENCINO PATCH 

Orange County Blues Society Holiday Food Drive at House of Blues/Anaheim

  

Real Blues Festival/Orange County Blues Society founder Papa J (pictured below) hosts a Holiday Food Drive at the House of Blues Anaheim next Thursday, December 27. Proceeds benefit the Orange County Food Bank. https://www.facebook.com/events/311340218970429/

"Bring a can or box of food and help those that cannot help themselves during the holidays" - Papa J

  (Anaheim, Calif.) -  The holiday season is a great time for giving, and that's precisely what the Orange County Blues Society has in mind with their Holiday Food Dive taking place at House of Blues/Anaheim, Voodoo Lounge, Thursday, December 27.  Doors 8 p.m. Showtime 10 p.m. HOB is located at 1530 S. Disneyland Ave. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/311340218970429/. Blues harpist/vocalist Papa J and Delta Blues guitarist K.K. Martin are among the scheduled performers that evening.

    Harpist, vocalist, founder/creator of both the Real Blues Festival of Orange County and the Orange County Blues Society - Papa J (Jeffrey Hudson) has been one of the hardest-working and most influential people on the Orange County blues scene for the better part of the last two decades. This past August alone, Papa J presided over two successful multi-band events: The Muck Roots Blues Revue at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton; and the Real Blues Festival of Orange County 3 at Malone's in Santa Ana. 

    
    Papa J was again honored this year with  a "Best Americana, Blues, or Roots Artist" nomination for the 2012 Los Angeles Music Awards. Last Fall saw the release of "The Big Show" (Houndog Records) by Papa J and Friends to great reviews:

"Great CD chock full of Blues standards performed with energy and enthusiasm!"    - Barrelhouse Blues

"The Big Show'' is absolutely first-rate with great performances by all involved including Papa J...a big winner that I have no problem highly recommending to Blues enthusiasts."  - Blues Underground

"On 'The Big Show' Papa J and Friends are winning over music aficionados with mental images of smoke-filled, Old-School Blues where people celebrate in sharing this fine music genre."    

L.A. Examiner

                                        

www.papajandfriends.com 

  

Papa J - ORANGE COUNTY BREEZE 

The Big Show CD Review - L.A. EXAMINER 

Papa J - Live Show Review ENCINO PATCH 

 

"Dynamic Duo," Papa J and K.K. Martin, Play The Pyrenees This Saturday

Blues harpist-vocalist and music impresario Papa J (right) makes his Bakersfield
performing debut this Saturday in a daytime show at The Pyrenees accompanied by
special guest, Delta Blues guitar ace K.K. Martin. Pictured is Papa J performing at
the recent Muck Roots Blues Revue presented by the Orange County Blues Society.

Blues Performer/Music Impresario Papa J Makes His Bakersfield

Performing Debut At The Pyrenees - This Saturday, September 15

(BAKERSFIELD, Calif.) - One of the more dynamic duos in today's contemporary blues scene consist of harpist-vocalist Papa J (Jeffrey Hudson) and Delta blues guitarist-vocalist, K.K. Martin. Catch them together in concert at the Pyrenees Cafe and Saloon this Saturday, September 15. 2-6 p.m. No cover. Info: (661) 323-0053 or log onto https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pyrenees-Cafe-Saloon/115491998479925. This marks Papa J's Bakersfield performing debut; K.K. Martin is no stranger to B-Field music fans, with the latter also performing later this month at the Kern River Rock & Blues Fest.

When the subject is the blues in Orange County, a handful of names come to mind - Walter Trout, James Harman, and Eric Sardinas to be sure. One would be hard-pressed not to add Papa J to that short list. Harpist, vocalist, founder/creator of both the Real Blues Festival of Orange County and the Orange County Blues Society - Papa J has been one of the hardest-working and most influential people on the Orange County blues scene for the better part of the last two decades. This past August alone, Papa J presided over two successful multi-band events: The Muck Roots Blues Revue at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton; and the Real Blues Festival of Orange County 3 at Malone's in Santa Ana

Papa J was again honored this year with a "Best Americana, Blues, or Roots Artist" nomination for the 2012 Los Angeles Music Awards. Last Fall saw the release of "The Big Show" (Houndog Records) by Papa J and Friends to great reviews:

"Great CD chock full of Blues standards performed with energy and enthusiasm!" - Barrelhouse Blues

"The Big Show'' is absolutely first-rate with great performances by all involved including Papa J...a big winner that I have no problem highly recommending to Blues enthusiasts." - Blues Underground

"On 'The Big Show' Papa J and Friends are winning over music aficionados with mental images of smoke-filled, Old-School Blues where people celebrate in sharing this fine music genre."

L.A. Examiner

www.papajandfriends.com

Papa J - ORANGE COUNTY BREEZE

The Big Show CD Review - L.A. EXAMINER

Papa J - Live Show Review ENCINO PATCH

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Bman's Exclusive Interview: Papa J

Bman: Thanks Papa J for taking the time from your busy schedule to talk with me for a few minutes. I had the chance to review your recent release "The Big Show" and I really liked it. How is it being received?

Papa J: It’s just getting started, but almost everyone that has had a chance to listen to it has had good things to say.

Bman: So in the past you were performing under the name of "Blues Gone South". Whats the distinction?

Papa J: The Blues Gone South thing started as a band , 10yrs or so ago with the same five guys but it fizzled out and I found I was using different players all the time, so I found that The Papa J & Friends worked well and really helped get me as a singer out front and promote myself a little more.

Bman: I like your selection of tunes on this new release.... older John Lee Hooker, Albert King, SB Williamson, Jr. Wells, Willie Dixon... blending very well with your own compositions. Who were your own musical influences as a kid?

Papa J: I grew up in South LA and was the only white boy on my block. So I listened to Aretha, Ray Charles, and Sam Cook, A lot of the real Old-School blues guys.

Bman: Yes. I can hear that in your playing. I see that you had Ginger Baker's son Kofi playing drums with you too. Now that's "Stud" stock. How did you guys get together?

Papa J: I meet Kofi through a friend of a friend. I think that he had only been in the United States a short time then. We still get together and play a little and I consider him a close friend. Although Kofi is great player he is not really a blues guy so to speak.

Bman: I can imagine with Ginger living all that time in Africa and really since Cream being more of a fusion or playing more jazz himself.
You formed the "Real Blues Festival of Orange County". How did that come about? I also saw that 25% of the proceeds of the bash goes to St. Josephs Hospital of Orange County Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center. That's really great!

Papa J: I looked at the lineup for the Doheny Blues Festival and I saw acts like Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Black Crowes etc. and I realized that this not a Blues Festival. It’s a music festival which is cool but not Blues. While we may not have huge names on the bill, we nonetheless keep it real Blues. From the turnout and the response people seem to connect with that.

Bman: Yeah, I can see where you're coming from. Been to a lot of "Blues" festivals which ended up being a lot more homogenized than I'd prefer. It's great that you could put it together. I've reviewed a number of artists that you have featured there (Oozie Blues Band, Alastair Greene, K.K. Martin, and Shari Puorto to name a few). Do you see a parallel of where experienced artists are going or is some of "Blues" music just becoming the repository for older genre rockers who's genre has died?

Papa J: Yes and Yes. I see a lot of artists getting back to the blues but I still don’t see a lot of new artist starting out with the Blues. I am trying in my own small way to get America back to the basics, where a little less is best.

Bman: I personally really like the basis of blues music and it's simplicity... not that I don't like the explosive guitar and harp solo's... if fact I love them. But it can really be done so well...just a man and his guitar...Son House sitting in a chair... getting his groove on!

Papa J: You are so right. I am working a few tunes that will be just piano and vocals and harp. Like sitting in my living room with a few friends. It brings it home to be so real.

Bman: I can imagine that putting on an event like "RBFOC" can be a real headache having to not only arrange for the acts and coordinate schedules but also arrange for the venue, food, drinks, vendors, cleanup...and the weather?

Papa J: Well it ain’t easy. But at the end of the day it’s all about the Blues.

Bman: Orange County seems a strange place for people to get back to their roots. Just outside of LA. Now I know that the Blues movement is everywhere. Do you find a new younger fan base adopting the blues in such a urban environment?

Papa J: That’s the hard part about doing what I am doing in Orange County. Until just recently there have been no Blues Clubs to spread the word in. I play a lot at the House of Blues in Anaheim/ Corp. work, and if you look at the schedule there may be one Blues act every six months. I do have a show on Febuary 23rd, at HOB in Anaheim in the Voodoo Lounge. Getting there.

Bman: Tell me a little about Ray Goren. Is he one of your finds? I really can't say that I've heard him step out. Is he a future Joe Bonamassa? I've been following a young man named Matthew Curry who I think has tremendous talent and opportunity.

Papa J: Being that he is only 12 I would not say he's my friend but a kid with a bright future.

Bman: It seems to me globally that a lot more young people are being influenced by blues music because of the musicality... that is as opposed to pop music which most of them are inundated with. Blues is filling the void where there is feel and opportunity to express themselves with an instrument.

Papa J: The blues leaves a lot of room for your soul to breathe. That’s why there are so many styles of blues.

Bman: I know what you're saying. Blues music to one person is totally different to someone else. That's what makes the world go round.
I appreciate your time. Is there anything else that you would like to share with your fans?

Papa J: Please look out for The Real Blues Festival of Orange County III. It will be in early August 2012. God Bless the Blues.
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Host with the Most at the Yost: Blues Showman Papa J In Concert at Yost Theater

Blues showman extraordinaire Papa J gives a very special performance at iconic Orange County the Yost Theater, 307 N. Spurgeon St., Friday, October 14. 9-10 p.m. Info: (888) 862-9573 or www.yosttheater.com. This is an OC Weekly event.

Watch a photo montage of Papa J's recent CD Release Party for "The Big Show" at House of Blues in Anaheim here:

http://www.ocweekly.com/slideshow/papa-j-and-friends-cd-release-party-1140586/

"Papa J teams up with Blues Gone South, The Flames, and special guest Lance Dieckmann on this program of 10 pure blues tunes that echo the contributions of legendary blues folk such as Albert King, Junior Wells, John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Sippie Wallace, and Willie Dixon. Papa J sings ‘em with authority..." SOUTHLAND BLUES

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