Published September 29, 2005

On the weekend of September 24th and 25th KSVY’s own “Guys at 5”, Smokin’ Joe Herrschaft and Hound Doug Thompson left Sonoma and its traditional Vintage Festival for “bluer” pastures in San Francisco at the 33rd annual San Francisco Blues Festival. Founded and produced by Blues lover Tom Mazzolini, the event was opened up to the local radio hosts through the generosity of Tom as well as Jenny Randall of Glodow Nead Communications, the firm who handled the festival’s P.R.

The guys were granted back stage access, allowing Thompson, a professional photographer, and Herrschaft, a blues musician, the proverbial “key” to the blues extravaganza! Once inside, the wacky duo was exposed to the sounds of legendary and modern blues greats. Mavis Staples did her thang; the Thunderbirds proved they were Fabulous; and the legends of Chicago Blues were, well… Legendary.

The festival, held on the San Francisco Bay at Fort Mason could not have asked for finer weather. The temperature was warm, and the sky, appropriately, blue. As the sun went down, Herrschaft, Thompson, and the happy crowd of thousands were treated to a blues jambalaya exploding with the flavors of James Cotton and Willie ‘Big Eyes” Smith, both of the Muddy Waters Band. Hubert Sumlin, THE quintessential guitarist for Howlin’ Wolf did not disappoint. Neither did Bob Stroger, the bassist for both Otis Rush and Snooky Pryor. These blues greats were joined by a host of contemporary legends as well, with the likes of Kim Wilson, Charlie Musselwhite, Ron Thompson, and Elvin Bishop filling the stage. Also in attendance was Hall of Fame Blues Drummer, Francis Clay of The Muddy Waters Band.

After a star studded jam session finale, Herrschaft and Thompson left with the blues still ringing in their ears, a whole mess of photographs to share, and the possibility of some interesting guests for their upcoming shows. For a taste of what the festival was like keep it tuned to KSVY 91.3 FM every Monday from 5-7pm for Smokin’ Joe and Hound Doug as part of The Guys at 5!

Hurbert Sumlin