---

Back bigger and better than ever to kick off 2009, Puerto Rock n' Blues will be on every week of January and Febuary! This year's lineup includes 12 new acts!!!

It looks like the year of international guitar greats with renowned players from Brazil, Canada, Italy, UK and USA in the lineup.

Week 1 Belmar Beach Club: Jessica Carroll, South Saturn Delta, David Rotundo, Enrico Crivellaro

Wednesday January 7th, Sunday January 11th

South Saturn Delta - Coalescing into swampy funk jams,
sometimes getting down and dirty, sometimes swinging in the breeze,
sometimes cascading over rock... or a deluge of soul,
rippling into R & B, but always flowing south to its blues source...
often by way of Saturn...

Harmonica man David Rotunto lights up the blues with licks so hot they're spooky. Rotundo and band lay it down and stomp on it. There's nothing forced - just good sounds and such fine performances. Rotundo has been called one of the top 10 Blues performers in Canada, winner of the prestigious CBC/GALAXIE RISING STAR award and multiple MapleBlues Harmonica Player of the Year nominations.

---

Week 2 Split Coconut: Mike Branton, David Rotundo, Enrico Crivellaro

Wednesday January 14th

Mike Branton comes to Puerto for the first time from Toronto. A dynamic guitar player and singer who has played with the likes of Dr. John. Rockin' Blues you can dance and groove to. We welcome Mike to the Puerto Blues!

Born in Padova, Italy, a former student of Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard and Kenny Burrell, Enrico Crivellaro has developed a refined yet explosive guitar style, becoming a favorite guitarist for several historic blues, swing, jazz and rock groups. He tours extensively all over the world playing with all the greats! Enrico graces the stage in Puerto for the third consecutive year.

---

Week 3 Belmar Beach Club: Alexandro Delgado, Igor Prado do Brazil, David Rotundo, Enrico Crivellaro

Wednesday January 21st, Saturday January 24th

Alexandro Delgado visits from Mexico City and a regular performer in Puerto Escondido. Alex founded the Timmy Tools Band and his prolific vocals and soulful voice adds another dimension to Puerto Blues.

From Brazil, Igor Prado fell in love with the guitar at age 11. He is self-taught AND left-handed. He plays the guitar upside down, backwards, every which way. Currently he plays with the Prado Blues Band dedicated to West Coast Swing/Jump Rhythm and Blues and is frequently seen performing with international artists in Brazil.

---

Week 4 Split Coconut: Danny Marks of Canada, David Rotundo, Enrico Crivellaro

Saturday January 31st

Toronto's own, Danny Marks has been a force on the scene since he started out as a kid. He hosted nation wide TV for the blues. Currently hosting JAZZ.FM91 radio and Healey's Roadhouse LIVE! Danny won the Maple Blues "Blues with a Feeling" Award for lifetime achievement in music and broadcast. This iconic rocker's roots go back to the '60s.

---

Week 5 Belmar Beach Club: Dave Murphy, Rick Richards, David Rotundo, Enrico Crivellaro

Wednesday February 4th, Saturday February 7th

Dave Murphy is renowned for his versatility and enormous repertoire of over 700 songs. For many years, Dave was the keyboard player and vocalist for the Jeff Healey Band. His musicianship and energetic performances have made him one of the most popular acts on the Toronto club circuit over the last decade. Dave has opened for a number of great acts, including the Godfather of Soul, James Brown.

From Atlanta, Georgia, Rick Richards is our first platinum award-winning recording artist to play the Puerto Blues with a string of hits stretching back to the '80s. Founding member of the Georgia Satellites, Richards also plays with former Guns N' Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin in his band, The Ju Ju Hounds. Rick Richards Rocks!

---

Week 6 Split Coconut: Johnny Max, Chris Cotton, David Rotundo, Enrico Crivellaro

Wednesday February 11th

You are guaranteed a good time with Johnny Max. With his mixture of Muscle Shoals/Stax Soul, traditional Chicago style Blues. a bit of old fashioned country and, as always, a dopple of R & B, Johnny is a crowd pleasing, hand clapping, get yer feet movin', get up outta yer chair, kind of guy.

From Oakville, Ontario, Chris Cotton is a 15 year-old guitar prodigy who has played the W.C. Handy awards and can be seen all over You Tube with his band, The Bluesers. With his unique style of rock and funky blues, he will amaze you with his musical maturity.

---

Week 7 Belmar Beach Club: The Flyin' A's, Matt Schofield, David Rotundo, Enrico Crivellaro

Wednesday February 18th, Saturday February 21st

The Flyin' A's come from Austin - both Hillary and Stuart Adamson were raised in Central Texas. This husband and wife duo serve up a cool blend of rockin' country, heart breaking ballards, southern blues and "texified" jazz, a spirited blend of original music. Puerto Blues is ready for the Flyin' A's - "A" as in awesome!

From the UK, Matt Schofield was inspired by the Blues, infused with the funk rhythms of New Orleans and topped-off by virtuoso musicianship, Matt Schofield is being talked of as the finest Blues guitarist to have emerged in Europe in generations. He started playing guitar seriously at 12, after seeing a video of BB King, Albert Collins and Stevie Ray Vaughan playing together. Britain's Guitarist magazine describes Schofield's guitar playing as "Dynamite"!

---

Week 8 Split Coconut: The wrap party with David Rotundo, Enrico Crivellaro plus guests

Wednesday February 25th

The House Band - Blessed with the greatest house band, what would we do without Paul and Mike, the Puerto rhythm section; Enrico's eclectic guitar playing; Dave's soul-felt harp and vocals and the many guests. We are so grateful for their musical and technical assistance, the long hours and their commitment to the Puerto Rock n' Blues Festival.

This final week promises to be an awesome wrap party at the Split Coconut, putting a cherry on the cake that is Puerto Rock & Blues Fest '09. It's a chance to thank Billy, Melly, Brad and everyone for making it happen. Roll on Puerto Rock & Blues Fest 2010!