Corky Siegel with Ernie Watts

Corky Siegel: Singer-Songwriter, blues harmonica/piano

Ernie Watts: Jazz Saxophone and Native American flute

Corky Siegel is known as one of the world’s great blues harmonica and keyboard players. He has an impressive catalogue of recordings on RCA, Vanguard, Alligator, and million-selling blues/classical recordings on the iconic classical label Deutsche Grammophon.

With his close associations with the blues masters in the earlier days of Chicago blues, his essential part in the blues rock revolution, and his surprising success in bringing together blues and classical audiences, Corky emerged as a pivotal influence in modern music recognized by DownBeat Magazine as a “… national treasure.”

Saxophonist Ernie Watts is a two-time Grammy winner who performed for 20 years on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, in the band led by Doc Severinsen. He toured with many notable musicians, including the Rolling Stones, Charlie Haden, Buddy Rich and Pat Metheny, to name a few. He has recorded with everyone from Marvin Gaye to Dizzy Gillespie to Paul McCartney to Aretha Franklin and Steely Dan. He is a most versatile and prolific musician.

Watts has been featured on over 1500 classic recordings by artists ranging from Cannonball Adderley to Frank Zappa, always exhibiting his unforgettable gift for passionate, exciting and wild improvisations that lift audiences to the stratosphere.

The evening promises to be a fireworks display of virtuosity, clever lyrics, and good humor one might expect from two good friends with a lifetime of experiences shared across a musical divide of jazz and blues.
Tickets are $40 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Host or Publisher Sam Rudin