Tommy Castro will be in the house next week, when the 21st annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival once again brings a world of music to the Shuswap.
Castro has been playing his trademark sound of rocking rhythm and blues professionally for years, exhilarating fans around the world with his incredible live performances and talent.
Born in San Jose, California, Tommy first picked up a guitar at the age of 10.
He was inspired by legendary musicians like Eric Clapton, Elvin Bishop and Mike Bloomfield. As he got older, Castro became mesmerized with the blues guitar work of Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Elmore James and the vocal talents of singers like Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett and James Brown.
In his late 20’s he was playing with various bands, touring around the U.S., practising his sound and honing his chops.
However, after years of playing with different bands, Castro decided to embark on a new adventure. In 1991, he formed The Tommy Castro Band – and just a few years later, Castro and the band won the Bay Area Music Award for Best Club Band and Outstanding Blues Album.
During the ’90s, The Tommy Castro Band was the house band for three seasons of NBC’s Comedy Showcase. Into the 2000s, Castro and the band continued to release multiple albums to critical acclaim.
This drew the attention of the legendary B.B King, who asked Castro to join him on stage as his opening act for his summer tour.
In 2010, Castro won four blues music awards, one of them for his second time, the coveted B.B King Entertainer of the Year Award.
Two years later, Castro took home the award for first place in the blues category at the International Songwriting Competition for his song, Hard Believer.
The Tommy Castro band continues to tour around the globe, playing close to 150 shows a year and bringing their dynamic and original sound to fans of all ages.
Check out Castro in a live performance of Right as Rain at www.youtube.com.
Today is the final day for advance ticket prices. Visit www.rootsandblues.ca, or call 250-833-4096 before prices go up.
And, while on the website, festival-goers can check out all other festival information including this year’s hot, eclectic slate of performers, dining opportunities, vendors and campsite availability. Mobility assistance, first aid and many helpful tips are available on the program, which is available on-site.
The gates to the 21st Roots and Blues Festival open at 5 p.m.
