37th Annual Battle of the Blues Harps

Schedule

Wed, 26 Nov, 2025 at 06:00 pm

UTC-08:00

Location

Gaslamp Long Beach | Seal Beach, CA

Advertisement
37. YES. 37 years!
That’s how many times the best blues harp artists in the world have gathered for our annual Battle of the Blues Harps spectacular in Long Beach.
This year, in addition to our rock-solid run of sold-out Battles with Rod Piazza headlining, we are proud to present to you one of the most distinguished and long-running blues bands out there - the legendary CANNED HEAT!
Canned Heat rose to fame in 1966, taking the name from a 1928 recording by Tommy Johnson about a hobo drinking Sterno.
The original band attained three worldwide hits: “On The Road Again” in 1968, “Let’s Work Together” in 1970 and “Going Up The Country” in 1969.
They secured their niche in the annals of rock ‘n roll history with their performances at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival (along with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and The Who) and the headlining slot at the original Woodstock Festival in 1969. Now, more than 50 years later and with 40 albums to their credit, Canned Heat is still going strong.
Long-time Battle of the Blues Harp ambassador Rod Piazza has set a standard for harmonica virtuosity that has established him as one of the preeminent blues harp players in the world.
As the New York Times said, "Rod Piazza has perfected the rough drive and edgy tone that characterized the classic Chicago blues sound of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson and others in the 50s.” Piazza is also a master of West Coast jump blues, incorporating elements of Los Angeles' postwar jazz, swing, and R&B combos.
For 21 years, The Forty-Fours have led the blues scene in Southern California, playing their brand of blues-roots-rock music. The hard-charging lineup now features Kid Ramos and Johnny Main on guitar, Mike Turturro bass, Brian Fahey drums and harpist Chef Denis. Together, they are a force of nature that will rock the gaslamps right off the walls.
The Silver Kings are a classic 1940s to early 50s blues combo consisting of harmonica, guitar, and upright bass, reminiscent of the Early Electric Blues styles of Chicago, Memphis and Arkansas. Silver Kings open the show at 7 pm, and it will be in your own best interest NOT to miss them!
The immortal Sonny Boy Williamson was recognized as a giant throughout the blues world as a harmonica player, vocalist, songwriter, prolific recording artist, live performer - and wildly colorful personality.
For our tribute to Sonny Boy, we have enlisted three harmonica greats - Al Blake, Troy Sandow and Mark Bukich - to join the Memphis Kings as they highlight his impressive career.
Emcee Shy But Flyy is the owner of an old soul—she’s a lover of Muddy Waters and Billie Holiday - who likes to sing blues and listen to jazz all hours of the day. As one of the current blues worlds’ younger personalities, Shy has been growing in fame in recent years, touring internationally, and making waves here in her hometown of Long Beach.
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

Gaslamp Long Beach, Gaslamp Restaurant, 6251 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90803, United States, Seal Beach

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Stellar Shows and Concerts

Host or Publisher Stellar Shows and Concerts

It's more fun with friends. Share with friends

Discover More Events in Seal Beach

BRUNO MARS Tribute 24K MAGIC
Sat, 29 Nov at 08:00 pm BRUNO MARS Tribute 24K MAGIC

6251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA, United States, California 90803

MUSIC LIVE-MUSIC
Jade- Long Beach, Ca.
Sun, 30 Nov at 05:00 pm Jade- Long Beach, Ca.

JADE Restaurant Long Beach

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
SELENA Tribute DREAMING OF YOU
Sat, 06 Dec at 08:00 pm SELENA Tribute DREAMING OF YOU

6251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA, United States, California 90803

MUSIC LIVE-MUSIC
THE WINEHOUSE EXPERIENCE - Tribute to AMY WINEHOUSE
Sat, 13 Dec at 08:00 pm THE WINEHOUSE EXPERIENCE - Tribute to AMY WINEHOUSE

6251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA, United States, California 90803

Sunday Night Karaoke & Music Videos @ Hennessey's Seal Beach 8-11pm.
Sun, 21 Sep at 08:00 pm Sunday Night Karaoke & Music Videos @ Hennessey's Seal Beach 8-11pm.

Hennessey's Grill

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Sat, 11 Oct at 07:00 pm Marion Meadows in Seal Beach

Spaghettini

CONCERTS MUSIC
SUBLIME Tribute DON'T PUSH with Special Guest RED HOT CHOLO PEPPERS
Sat, 11 Oct at 08:00 pm SUBLIME Tribute DON'T PUSH with Special Guest RED HOT CHOLO PEPPERS

6251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA, United States, California 90803

Sunday Brunch featuring DW3
Sun, 12 Oct at 11:00 am Sunday Brunch featuring DW3

Spaghettini

BRUNCH
Poncho Sanchez & His Latin Jazz Band
Mon, 13 Oct at 06:30 pm Poncho Sanchez & His Latin Jazz Band

Spaghettini

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Sat, 18 Oct at 07:00 pm Chris Standring in Seal Beach

Spaghettini

CONCERTS MUSIC
PRINCE Tribute RED CORVETTE, with Special Guest SO MADONNA
Sat, 18 Oct at 08:00 pm PRINCE Tribute RED CORVETTE, with Special Guest SO MADONNA

6251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA, United States, California 90803

The Wailers- Grammy Nominated Reggae Pioneers!
Sun, 19 Oct at 03:30 pm The Wailers- Grammy Nominated Reggae Pioneers!

Golden Sails Resort Hotel

ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC
Eagles Ronstadt Experience
Mon, 20 Oct at 06:30 pm Eagles Ronstadt Experience

Spaghettini

RockStallion at Marni\u2019s, Seal Beach
Fri, 24 Oct at 07:00 pm RockStallion at Marni’s, Seal Beach

Marni's

OKTOBERFEST
The Sunglasses At Night Band Plays Malainey's in Long Beach Fri, 7pm to 11pm
Fri, 24 Oct at 07:00 pm The Sunglasses At Night Band Plays Malainey's in Long Beach Fri, 7pm to 11pm

Malainey's Grill and One Hell of an Irish Bar

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
J-Rod Sullivan & The 4 Korners
Sat, 25 Oct at 07:00 pm J-Rod Sullivan & The 4 Korners

Spaghettini

DEAD MAN'S PARTY - HALLOWEEN SHOW - OINGO BOINGO TRIBUTE
Sat, 25 Oct at 08:00 pm DEAD MAN'S PARTY - HALLOWEEN SHOW - OINGO BOINGO TRIBUTE

6251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA, United States, California 90803

HALLOWEEN PARTIES
KOBE'S- SEAL BEACH
Sat, 25 Oct at 08:00 pm KOBE'S- SEAL BEACH

Kobe Steak House & Lounge

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Patrick Bradley Featuring Evan Taylor
Sun, 26 Oct at 06:30 pm Patrick Bradley Featuring Evan Taylor

Spaghettini

Eric Marienthal & Lee Ritenour
Mon, 27 Oct at 06:30 pm Eric Marienthal & Lee Ritenour

Spaghettini

What's Happening Next in Seal Beach?

Discover Seal Beach Events