Jimi Hendrix’s music became symbolic of the rock ‘n’ roll genre around the world in the late ’60s. More than 50 years later, his music will live on in a celebration on the Central Coast.
The electrical twang of this rock legend can be relived at the 18th Annual Avila Beach Blues Festival, featuring bassist Billy Cox of two of Hendrix’s most popular groups: Band of Gypsys and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Hendrix’s music was a symbol in the ’60s, even following his death on Sept. 18, 1970, and songs such as “Voodoo Child” and “The Wind Cries Mary” will be played. The event will be held outdoors at the Avila Beach Golf Resort on May 29.
Cox will be a part of Experience Hendrix, a tribute band that features former Hendrix collaborators.
Katie Manley, director of events at the Avila Beach Golf Resort, said the event is a national touring blues festival and probably one of the biggest events the resort hosts every year. The show will also include Steve Vai, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne, Brad Whitford from Aerosmith, David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas from Los Lobos and Café R&B.
“As far as blues artists go, this is probably the biggest draw,” Manley said.
Hendrix was an electric guitarist and singer-songwriter who blossomed into fame in 1967 after performing at the Monterey Pop Festival and later headlined the 1969 Woodstock Festival. In 2003, Rolling Stones magazine named Hendrix the greatest guitarist in rock ‘n’ roll history.
Otter Productions, Inc. representative Bruce Howard, who has set up the Blues Festival for the past 17 years, said Hendrix had a huge effect on the rock ‘n’ roll genre as well as guitarists.
“Jimi Hendrix changed the world as far as guitar players are concerned,” Howard said. “No one knew those sounds could come out of a guitar.”
And his sound is set to attract everyone — whether in their teen years or in adulthood — to the family event.
“I think it’s going to be hard to find a kid that doesn’t know Hendrix,” Howard said. “If you’re anywhere between 20 to 70 years old, you’re going to know who he is.”
With tickets close to selling out the 3,000-person capacity at the Avila Beach Golf Resort, it appears as if Hendrix’s music still draws a huge crowd.
“Personally, I just love this music,” Howard said. “It’s the roots of rock ‘n’ roll. He’s iconic, just like The Beatles.”
Bob Merlis, publicist of the Experience Hendrix Tour, said he agrees that Hendrix’s reputation will live on.
“The music of Jimi Hendrix will come alive again,” Merlis said. “It’s never really gone away. The purpose of Experience Hendrix is to keep that legacy going through the generations.”
And generation to generation, Hendrix’s music has played an influence. Software engineering sophomore Justin Penalosa is a fan of Hendrix and the music he created in the ’60s.
“Hendrix shaped rock ‘n’ roll music to what it is today,” Penalosa said. “He’s a symbol of American music and a legend.”
Howard said he agrees that Hendrix will continue to inspire future generations and live up to his title as the greatest guitar player.
“His music lives on,” Howard said. “We’re trying to bring (together) a fun show, and it’s a great time to kick off the summer.”
Blues band Café R&B will be there to show audiences “a really good time.
“Audiences can expect very high energy and a soulful, rockin’ performance,” Café R&B singer Roach said. “We put it all out on the stage when we perform.”
Roach said being a part of the lineup has made her proud to be a part of the operation.
“We’re excited because we know it’s a great gathering of great members,” Roach said. “It’s really cool to be playing, and it’s going to be a great lineup. I’m really excited, and the band is really excited.”
Gates for the show open at noon, and the show begins at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at all Vallitix outlets including Boo Boo Records in San Luis Obispo and the Mid-State Fairgrounds Box Office in Paso Robles. Tickets can also be purchased online or by phone and range from $40 to $85 for adults.