Author Archives: Ed Simon

About Ed Simon

Ed is a native of Los Angeles who loves food and food cultures. Whether he's looking for the best ceviche in Colombia, the best poke in Hawaii, the best tequila in Jalisco, the best Bun bo Hue in Vietnam or the best Taiwanese Beef Roll in Los Angeles, it's all good food! He also loves a good drink. He's had Mai Tais in Hawaii, Bourbon in Kentucky, Tequila in Mexico and Rum in Jamaica. His wine escapades have taken him to Napa, Sonoma, the Willamette Valley and the Santa Ynez Valley. And he's had beer all over the world! Music is another of Ed's passion, writing and interviewing many classic rock, rock and blues musicians. Getting the great stories of road experiences from them is a particular delight. Traveling also fits in with Ed's writing, exploring all over to find the most interesting places to visit, even in out of the way areas.

Vanessa Collier’s “Keep It Saxy” Spring Tour Starts SoCal Swing at Coach House in SJC—Blues, Memphis Soul, and More Interview

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Ed Simon

Vanessa Collier is no stranger to the SoCal blues audiences. The soulful blues saxophonist and vocalist is again touring the country, highlighting her latest album release, Do It My Own Way. Her sixth album has become both a crowd-pleaser as … Continue reading →

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Michael Campagna Starts New Music Residency At Visionarium In S. Pasadena

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Ed Simon

Michael Campagna started his career in Buffalo, NY in the 1970s. His first performance credit came as bassist for the great blues guitarist Freddie King. He had an incredible early music career in Buffalo, culminating in him being inducted into … Continue reading →

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Tab Benoit Brings ‘I Hear Thunder Tour’ Bayou And Wetlands Blues To Hermosa Beach’s Saint Rocke

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Ed Simon

Tab Benoit plays Hermosa Beach as part of his I Hear Thunder Tour, spotlighting Tab’s first studio album in 13 years. In the South Bay, he plays at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach on Monday, September 1. Tab Benoit has … Continue reading →

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New Blues Festival IX Headlines Ana Popovic At Long Beach’s Shoreline Aquatic Park

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Ed Simon

New Blues Festival IX, certainly one of the most popular events on the Southern California music scene, returns to Long Beach’s Shoreline Aquatic Park on Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24 with superstar guitarist Ana Popovic returning to the … Continue reading →

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Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel Bring Classic and New Rock, Blues and Country to Southern CA with Their Upcoming Spring Vacancy Tour

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Ed Simon

Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel will be visiting Southern California, when they play several tour dates as part of their Spring Vacancy Tour. Duane brings a mix of music that he has written and performed on his own solo albums, … Continue reading →

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The Canyon Club welcomes Sandy Haley For A Killer Night Of Blues In Agoura Hills

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Ed Simon

The Canyon Club welcomes Sandy Haley for her first gig in 2023 to the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. Sandy, profiled before here in The Los Angeles Beat, shares the bill with Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, the premier West … Continue reading →

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Jon Geiger Brings His Unique Blues Style to SoCal Clubs To Fire Up The Winter

Posted on December 26, 2022 by Ed Simon

Jon Geiger is certainly one of the most talented guitarists, writers and composers to come along in recent memory. Part of it comes from the mix of music genres in his background—he can incorporate jazz, classical, funk, rock and soul … Continue reading →

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Melody Trucks Helps Keep The Spirit Of Allman Brothers Music Alive–And is Also Charting Her Way Through Her Own New Music

Posted on September 7, 2022 by Ed Simon

Melody Trucks was born into one of the “first families” of blues and Southern Rock. Her father was Butch Trucks, one of the two drummers for the Allman Brothers Band. Her cousin is Derek Trucks, of the Tedeschi-Trucks Band. Melody, … Continue reading →

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Sandy Haley Brings Her Mix Of Blues, Gospel and Motown To The Ojai Blues Fest This Coming Weekend

Posted on May 30, 2022 by Ed Simon

Sandy Haley brings her mix of Motown and blues to scenic Ojai on Saturday, June 4. Her performance, part of the Ojai Blues Fest, brings a return of the Blues Fest to the stage which was on hiatus since 2019. … Continue reading →

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Marlon Hoffman Interview: Le Happy, La Paix And LA, Rock N Roll Stories Won’t Fade Away

Posted on February 24, 2022 by Ed Simon

Marlon Hoffman has led a very interesting life, both in the music business as an artist and also as a fan. He’s presently recording a new album, with many friends of his that others would love to have on an … Continue reading →

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