We’re Celebrating The Music Of Women In Rock And Blues In 2025…January 2025 Mexico When It’s Cold Everywhere Else Plus Some Other Ideas And What Ifs We’re Working On To Share With Our Present and Future Fans.
Tell Us If You Like The Idea Please. Your Feedback is Very Important To Us!
Are You Ready To Celebrate The Music Of The Women In Rock ‘n Blues? Their Music, Their Performances. Not Only Women On Stage Performing, But It’s The Theme We Propose To You Our Fans. It Will Guide Us As We Put Our Talent And Lineup Together For A Great 2025 Fest.
We Invite You To Join Us Again In 2025 As We Build On Our Successful Niche Uptempo and Fun Rock ‘n Blues Events We Hold In Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo and Region Annually In late January. Main Rock ‘n Blues Fest January 17-19, 2025. Dates Set. You Can Book Your Trip Now! (Smiley emoticon here)
Possible Second Weekend And Midweek Events. To Be Announced Before or Just After Long Weekend In September.
Ready To Jump On Board Like Many Of Our Fans Have Already…It Gives You First Choice Of Seating In Our Usually Full Rooms…In Order Of Purchase. Tickets for the first weekend now on Sale at 2024 prices. Yes, unfortunately, there will have to be a price increase for the 5-hour plus live music show each night. It’s the economic world we’re all living in. Go here (shortened link to our site) now to purchase at the best prices you will receive for 2025. Buy Tickets At 2024 Prices Before June 30, 2024
And just to give you a little more to get possibly excited about, we’ll share a few What’s If’s that we’re working on hoping we might implement if all the stars and resources align.
#1: A Tie Dye Official Fest Shirt for 2025
#2 A 3 on 3 Basketball Side Event
3 on 3 Basketball Games from Teams That Entered…Different Age Categories…And Mixed …Maybe A Foul Shooting Contest PLUS
LIVE MUSIC FEST EVENTS right there as well, plus maybe some Pickleball, and of course Great Food And Drink on site from selected Local Restaurants and Bar Partners.
#3 A Guitar Lollapalooza Playing Hotel California Setting A Guinness Record
This may be a bit ambitious, but we’ve never set our sights low ever, so here goes. Artist depictions below.
Why Don’t We Invite Everyone Who Can Play Guitar To Join Us In Setting A Guinness World Record…The Largest Group of Performers Together At One Time Playing That Great Iconic Classic Rock Song
HOTEL CALIFORNIA by The Eagles….famous guitar leads by Don Felder and Joe Walsh on this song.
#4 What If We Became The Tequila, Tacos y Cerveza Rock ‘n Blues Explosions Fest in name (The TTC) or just in actions with no name change, adding a Taco Eating Contest, Taco Sampling Of Course, Plus Always The Coldest Cervezas in Town…and the Kicker…Every Year We Bring In The Tequila Voted Best Brand At The London Spirits Competition To Let You Sample The World’s Best Tequila for Fundraising and For Rewards. The 2024 winner is in the image. Plus of course, continuing with other Tequila and Mezcal sampling as always.
What Won’t Change We Promise is Great Uptempo Music You Can (Almost) Always Dance To, Great Warm Weather, Great Fun And “Amazing Nights Out” For Couples And Singles
Did We Mention We’ve Got Some Single Matchmaking In Mind Too…Think Speed Dating…Rapido Speed Dating At The Event. Working On It With A Smile. Singles Deserve Their Rock And Blues Too And A Chance To Meet Mr. or Ms. Great Night Together Right Now!
WE HEARD YOU! Our Great Fans. Buying 2025 Tickets In March (2024 at our last event of the year)
Telling Us You Love Our Rock ‘n Blues Mix… DON’T STOP THE MUSIC! You Said.
Mexico 2025, the best-kept secret to rockin’ ‘n bluesin ‘n causin’ in January anywhere when it’s cold everywhere else. January 17-19, 2025. SAVE THE DATES!
Watch for more announcements about our 2025 event soon after July 4, 2024, plus advance tickets with reserved seating privileges and choice of seating in order of purchase, going on sale…at 2025 prices. Sorry, folks. All our costs are going up. We all know the economic world we live in currently, unfortunately.
We’re happy to tell you we’re well on our way to a great year in 2025 again…we remind you, however, that we rely solely on cash flow from ticket sales…your support and the support of the big-hearted Performers we feature, allows us to present the best possible Fest we can.
Plus raise funds for our specific goals for our 2024-2026 period that would benefit street animal rescue and medical treatments with a focus on senior animals, and help local kids with barriers overcome them to be great rock ‘n blues ‘n jazz musicians and performers themselves.
Please also hold the dates of January 24-26, 2024. We’re working on a plan to present a beachside all Beatles, all Doors all weekend Fest, with a sprinkling of other Rock ‘n Blues Rock Legends in as well. Different music, different set lists each day. With your interest and support through advance ticket sales, this will also become part of our 2025 schedule
See What Our Great Fans Are Saying About Upcoming Events.
Our Next Events: March 15 & 16, 2024. Final for 2024. Then We’re Back Rockin’ ‘n Bluesin’ ‘n Festing January 17-19, 2025 in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, MEXICO. Our Winter Rock ‘n Blues Paradise!
For All Of Us Who Believe and Know: “Life Is Better When You’re Rockin'” Our Winter Rock ‘n Blues Paradise!
Announcements For 2025 Plus Reserved Seating Sales In Order Of Purchase Start Early July 2024.
March 15 & 16 Event Tickets Here: https://tequilabluesrock.com/events/ See detail. All purchases of March 15 or 16 Events Get A 250 peso value Gift Card for use at 2025 Fest (Tickets or Merch) January 17-19, 2025. So its VIrtually FREE for you! What’s not to like?
And the Great Offers Contiue.
Buy 2025 Fest Tickets At 2024 Prices (Until June 30, 2024): Buy 2025 Fest Tickets Now Until March 16, 7:30 pm and get your choice of March 15 or 16 Event FREE https://tinyurl.com/buy2025 (shortened link to our website page)
Follow This Link To Our Events Page To Purchase Your March 15 & 16 Reserved Seats. Check Out Our “Virtually Free” Gift Card Offer. Rock Now, Rock in 2025!
Yes, we’re still focused on our big Cause: Street Animals, Kids And Music And A Community Centre For Performances, Films Viewing And Other Activities. Here’s an easy way to send us a Donation and get your name or your “in memory of” name on the Supporters Wall of Honor.
Click the link paypal.me/tequilabluesrock and send us a 2,500 peso donation. For every 2,500 peso donation you get two tickets to the 2025 Event of your choice. Seating of your choice. The Donation Fund gets 1500 pesos from you. So 5000 pesos would get your 4 tickets. You get the idea. Plus you are recognized on our Founding Supporters, Wall of Honor. See below for a couple of screen shots of what you will see. Easy Peasy, we promise
Buy Your 2025 Tickets Now, Only Until June 30, 2024, At 2024 Prices. And Get First In Line For Reserved Seating And More. 2025 Prices Will Be Somewhat Higher, We Regrettably Have To Tell You. Costs Are Only Going In One Direction.
We’ve Got Great Plans for 2025 Already. A rockin’ Boogie Woogie Piano concept show within a Fest (Great Balls of Fire style) is already in the works. More International (outside Canada, USA and Mexico) Performers Like Bex Marshall was in 2024.. At Least Similar In Talent And Big Heart Status As Our 2023 & 2024 Performers. But As Always Now With The Fest, We Are Aiming For “Better & Better”. You won’t be disappointed.
For our Make A Donation To The Fundraising Cause Paypal linked: https://paypal.me/tequilabluesrock/ here are two screenshots of what you should be seeing. Click the Link. Then Click Send. Then Enter The Amount In Multiples of ,2500 pesos. Easy. You Become Both An Important Donor To The Fundraising, Plus You Have 2 Tickets In Hand For The Event Of Your Choice In 2025.
Bex Marshall. BexMarshall.com Our first United Kingdom/European headliner for the Tequila Rock ‘n Blues Explosions Festival. We’re very pleased to feature her and we know she’ll be making many new fans in Canada, USA and Mexico through her appearance at our melting pot of Fans from all over enjoying fun in the sun. From her hit single “House of Mercy” (view the video HERE) to her special Tina Turner Tribute on January 21 Oceanside at Playa Linda’s Coco Ixtapa Beach Klub, to material from her new album Fortuna, she will bring us great music at every event, January 19-27.
“Bex Marshall is a heart-wrenching singer, a dazzling guitarist, and a charismatic stage presence.” – Charles Shaar Murray
“Bex Marshall commands recognition with her spit and sawdust vocals and fluid resonator guitar licks.” – Classic Rock Magazine
Fortuna is the brand-new album from blues roots rock guitarist Bex Marshall. The album is released on CD and digital by Dixiefrog Records on Friday 1 March 2024. Pre-order the CD HERE. Pre-save digital HERE.
The first single “5am” is released on Friday5 January 2024 and is available to stream and buy HERE
“5am” has a melancholy feel, a bluesy ballad starting with soft electric spreads. Bex’s vocal is late-night and resigned. The track is full of charismatic regret and her guitar playing is prominent, poignant, and emotive throughout. The song tells the story of a drunken late-night fight with a lover, culminating in a drunken white flag of emotional guitar peaks. It’s slightly influenced by Gary Moore hat doffing, to finish, no rock n roll endings akin to a melodic 5am pass-out. It makes for addictive listening.”
Bex Marshall has a superabundance of smarts and edgy spirit to go along with her surety of purpose. She conjures a vocal melting pot of old black woman’s heartache and powerful gritty soul and unique guitar skills which have been labeled by other guitarists as “the goal.”
The long-awaited studio album Fortuna is a ten-track blues tapestry that bulges to the edges with addictive hooks and storylines. Bex is a writer of notability, she pushes the boundaries of blues and weaves the genre in and out of blues, funk, rock, and Americana.
Bex steps forward with this record as a leading female guitarist, producing her powerful, self-penned album with soaring lead lines, technical ragtime, and ballsy slide-playing.
It’s been ten years since Bex Marshall’s last release. During this time, Bex has experienced a busy touring schedule, independently breaking into several international markets. Fortuna is an intense culmination of focus and personal release over the last few years.
Bex was able to stand still for a moment and draw in local London talented friends including Richie Stevens on drums (Tina Turner, Simply Red, George Clinton), Toby Baker on keyboards (BB King, Eric Clapton, Alexander O’Neil, Sinead O Connor), B.J Cole on Dobro (Elton John, Coldplay, Sting, Shania Twain, Robbie Williams), New York’s Robert EugeneDaniels on bass (RIP “Red Bass”) Aurora Mannola on bass, London’s gospel Queen Shola Adegoroye, and legendary Danny Bryan on percussion (Taj Mahal).
After a week-long intense recording session at Snakepit Studios in North London, Fortuna was created. It’s an album of soulful rock blues, with funky undertones with touches of gospel and roots. The album was engineered, co-produced and mastered by Nick Hunt (Dave Stewart, Boy George, Placebo, George Clinton) who Bex has worked with on her previous album House of Mercy.
“I have been influenced by multiple artists,” says Bex. “For me it never stops. Songwriters, vocalists, and guitarists – you name it!
“I grew up listening to Tina Turner. Vocally, she was my heroine. Her tone, soul, and vocal range was so versatile. Other influences include Eric Clapton’s cool guitar style, John Lee Hooker’s back porch flavour, Freddie King’s sting, Hose Feliciano’s flair, Janis Joplin’s ragtime, and Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s songwriting. I was lucky as my uncle had a stunning vinyl collection, and I was able to absorb all these relevant box ticking blues rock greats.”
“She’s mastered the art of making new material sound like it’s been found in long forgotten vaults,” says Net Rhythms. Bex holds a songwriting retreat twice a year in Cyprus and believes that “bad songwriting is affecting the quality of our suffering.”
The album’s lyrical content touches on the all too familiar addictions of life, from love to liquor, changes in society and bitter regret. The album features nine original tracks, one being an instrumental and one cover.
“The album is where I am today musically and philosophically and reflective of the performer I am now,” says Bex. “I wanted to take the hard lumps out of life, and present them back in a different light, sometimes with humor, sarcasm, or resilience but always with a shed load of tenacity. I wanted to make a record with iconic guitar sounds, heavenly funky keyboards, roots infected vocal lines with the funk in the trunk. The album is the most upbeat offering from me to date and I want to produce a show of high energy blues rock euphoria to reignite people’s mojos.”
During lockdown Bex’s good friend and bass player “Red Bass” (aka Robert Eugene Daniels) was living in London with us and after a few months sadly passed away. She was lucky enough to capture some of his bass lines in Snakepit Studios. Bex recorded demos for the album and finally used them in five of the 10 album tracks. “Red was a unique musician,” reflects Bex. “I was honoured to play music with him for over 20 years. We even shared the same birthday.”
The final track of the record is called “When It’s Gone” it’s a poignant song although written several years earlier, BJ Cole (Tiny Dancer, Coldplay) plays dobro on this track as a tribute to “Red.”
1. Preaching to the Choir (3.40) 2. Dirty Water (5.26) 3. I Can’t Look You In The Eye (3.21) 4. 5am (4.26) 5.Jungle (3.25) 6.Table for One (4.53) 7.Fortuna (3.08) 8.Lay Down and Die (3.53) 9. Scrapyard Dog (4.45) 10. When Its Gone (4.00)
Production Credits
Bex Marshall – Lead and Backing Vocals, Rhythm, Acoustic, Slide and Lead guitar Toby Baker – Keyboards, Hammond, Rhodes, Wurlitzer Bass Guitar – Robert Eugene Daniels (Tracks – I Can’t Look You In The Eye, Table for One, Fortuna, When Its Gone, and Aurora Mannola Drums – Richie Stevens Dobro – BJ Cole Shola Adegoroye – Gospel BVs Danny Bryan – Congas, Darbuka, Percussion Produced and arranged by Bex Marshall and Nick Hunt Engineered – Nick Hunt Mastering Engineer – Nick Hunt Second recording engineer – Mike Haslam Photography and Album artwork – Barry Warren Recorded and Engineered at House Of Mercy Studios London Catering Johnathon Lolley Scott Coopwood – Guitarist – I Can’t Look You In The Eye Barry Bays – Rhythm Guitar – I Can’t Look You In The Eye Mike Capperelli – Engineer – I Can’t Look You In The Eye Photography and album artwork – Barry Warren Video production – Andrew Radford and Ben Radford
Supported by HELP MUSICIANS Distributed by Dixie Frog Records Sponsored by Teye Guitars, Ozark Resonators, Blackstar Amps, DR Strings
In Memory to my father Coleridge William Marshall 1948-2023 RIP Robert Eugene Daniels (aka “Red Bass”) Copyright Bex Marshall. All rights reserved 2023
All tracks written by Bex Marshall except track 2. Dirty Water (Buddy and Julie Miller BUG MUSIC INC) track 3. I Can’t Look You In The Eye – Bex Marshall /Scott Coopwood
PREACHING TO THE CHOIR– This is a no-nonsense guitar track and firmly sets the pace of the album. It’s a blues rock ignition to the album engine and the third single to be released March 1st. Anthemic, skyscraper guitar licks kickstart the track and launch into driving funk groove train. This song gets straight to the nitty gritty, with lofty gospel vocals from Shola Adegoroye. Bex’s drawl shoots the accusation to the guilty party… preaching to the choir. Political? Personal? Judge for yourself.
DIRTY WATER– This is the second track from the album, and it’s originally penned by Buddy and Julie Miller. It’s the only cover on the album. “I’ve been playing the song for a few years, but my interpretation is a lot grittier,” says Bex. “The original was so laid back, and a great song, but I wanted to ramp it up and make it howl with pain.” The track starts with an acapella vocal reminiscent of a back porch lament, gathering momentum into a tribal hambone, all heading towards a danceable rocker and crescendo of guitar licks and promises of abstaining once again.
I CAN’T LOOK YOU IN THE EYE– This track features powerhouse slide guitar performed by Bex. The track was co-written by Scott Coopwood (Clarksdale, Mississippi) who’s guitar playing features as the solo (playing a custom Les Paul). Other musicians featured include Barry Barnes and recorded in Clarksdale, Mississippi. This four-to-the-floor number bombards the blues crossroads with harmonious heavy blues guitars and lyrically temps fate, while coyly celebrating the human consciousness of lust.
5AM– The change of tempo is stark and the pining and longing of the electric guitar spreads that repeat through the song, hypnotizing and encapsulating the regret which continually wheels around her head. Toby Baker’s Rhodes playing behind the guitar reflects the gentle madness of her frustrating inability to make it all better and harness the mood of the song to late night. Bex’s guitar solo transformers into a dramatic longing of emotion until conceding to the hour of 5am
JUNGLE– Slide guitar comes in like a kid skidding over a shiny polished floor with a big smile on its face and sets the scene for a rockabilly inspired chicken pickin’ slide guitar solo. It’s a jungle out there! Imagine all the people you know are animals or insects, a humorous toe tapper, honky-tonk piano bar room frolics!
TABLE FOR ONE = Mid-tempo bass led groover, with Hammond and piano dominant throughout. The tale-telling vocals depict a lonely meal. The song features funky rhythmic stabs echo a Bo Diddley feel and keep the roots firmly while the jazzy lead break encourages a sarcastic look at the stigma attached to woman who like to eat alone, culminating in lead guitar outro.
FORTUNA= Boom and we’re off! The title track of the album, shooting out of the stalls in a Steve McQueen Bullet-style car chase. The resonator dominates with heavy funk driving drums from Richie Stevens and sensational bass harmonizing bass playing from RED BASS smothered in piano drama. This is the kind of energetic lunacy to let your imagination run wild.
LAY DOWN AND DIE– As you fly off the edge of the cliff of Fortuna at 100 miles an hour, the intro riff catches you and takes you on a ZZ Top reminiscent chugger, a good old-fashioned blues riffs but with quirks, slightly different Texas inspired blues rock. Lay Down and Die – “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.”
SCRAPYARD DOG– The intro conjures up images of a slightly limp character walking slowly up to no good. The clavinet gives a vintage circus-feel to this track and Richie’s drums throw in a loose roots-reggae feel every now and again, playing late in the beat while the walking bass plows on, Bex plays her Ozark resonator back porch ragtime rock solo.
WHEN IT’S GONE –The “Maggie Mae” vibe of this song mixes into the sweeping chorus of BJ Cole’s guest Dobro playing, banks of layered harmonies reminding us that “When its gone, it’s gone.” Bex’s acoustic ‘63 Gibson hummingbird guitar harmonizes with BJ. The sweet harmonies of strings take over this end of the album track. The song embodies reflective sentiments, educational and a warning to all.
January 19-27-Tequila Rock ‘n Blues Explosions Festival, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Mon 26 Feb – Midnight Special Blues Club, Camberley UK BAND Sat 9 March – St Marys Sessions, Dorking UK BAND Wed 13 March – Clutha, Glasgow BAND Friday 15 March – Howlin Wolf, Glasgow BAND Mon 18 March – Plaquemine Lock SOLO Tues 19 March – The Wrotham Arms, Broadstairs Kent UK BAND Sat 23 March – Tenne Oederan, Germany BAND Sun 24 March – Bílina, Czech, SOLO Mon 25 March – Černošice, Czech SOLO Tue 26 March – Bruntál, Czech SOLO Wed 27 March – Rožnov, Czech SOLO Thu 28 March – Brno-SP, Czech SOLO Wed 17 April – Hotel La Campagnola – DUO CH Fri 18 April – Nidaba Theatre Milan Italy DUO Sat 19 April – Hollywood Bar Lugano CH DUO Sun 20 April – Strampalato Brescia – Italy DUO Thurs 5 Sept – Spirit of 66, Belgium BAND Sun 8 Sept – Darlington R n B Festival BAND Sat 13 Sept – Blues at the Bay Stockton on Tees UK BAND Fri 25 Oct – Blues Route Helmond Netherlands BAND
Weekend 1 Just Days Away Now! Opening Night January 19.
The Paraiso Society organizing group presents the Tequila Rock ‘n Blues Explosions Festival and our new Generations Unite theme in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa and Playa Linda and Troncones Mexico on January 19-27, 2024. We Continue To Make Major Positive Changes, For Our Fans, To Our Performer Lineup And Our Schedule…As We Continue To Work To Be “Better and Better 2024-2026” Our Guiding Mission.
View Our January 3/24 Promo Video For The First Weekend January 19-22, 2024 Tequila Rock ‘n Blues Explosions Fest For An Overview of Performers and Special Shows And Tributes: https://youtu.be/X8dVed8zLxw
Brent Parkin Joins The 2024 Festival January 19-22. A Legendary Famed Blues Guitarist and Vocalist From Canada, Equally At Home With Rock & Rockabilly, Country & Jazz, He Joins Us To Be The First Recipient Of Our New Annual Tequila Big Heart Lifetime Achievement Honor From Our Mexico Based Fest…And Performing For Us Daily. For Years Up to 2023.
His Prairie Roots in Manitoba in Canada, His Connection With Mexico rock and blues and Mexican performers for many years from his winter home in Playa del Carmen and large collection of fans from all over Canada, USA and Mexico make him the perfect first recipient of our award, said Bob Rempel, Fest Director.
There are 0 Degrees Of Separation from Brent and the acknowledged Blues King of all time, Mr. B.B. King. Brent opened for BB on a Western Canadian Tour and toured with him in the mid-80s. Truly “Riding With The King”. We’re sure he’ll give us his take on BB when we all get up close and personal with Brent later this month. There’s more…
In the early 70s he co-founded several popular blues bands including the popular band Houndog in 1976. In the last 50 years he has been part of the backup bands for such legends as Bo Diddley, Gatemouth Brown, Otis Rush, Billy Boy Arnold, Johnnie Johnson and Jimmy T99 Nelson and many more. As well as opening shows for such greats as James Cotton, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, John Prine just to name a few. We’re in for some great stories fans and just recently Brent said to us, “Don’t worry Bob, just because folks like the Toronto Blues Society and now your Fest want to give me a Lifetime Achievement Honor….I Can Still Rock That Stage”
-Kristel Rodriguez, bass guitar, and America Hernandez, drums, of Morelia Mexico have already been announced as 2024 performers, but we are pleased to tell you today that they are bringing their other Blues-Rock group “MALE” members with them. Zaira and Alberto. With a wide-ranging song list, (see future F.B Page posts) and great vocals from lead singer, Zaira, they will have everyone clappin’ along and dancing.
Watch For Our Final Announcement At Our Next Public Information Release on January 12. We continue to explore the option of holding a Special Creedence/John Fogerty Themed Music Event and Fundraiser on January 24 in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, afternoon or evening, with the main promotional incentive that everyone who attends our January 21 Special Oceanside Margaritaville Sunday Afternoon With Paid Ticket(s) And Donates At Least 100 Pesos per person to our Special Fundraising.
The 3 For The Show Group Who Will Open The Show on January 21 Have Challenged Us To Achieve 10,000 Pesos In Fundraising On That Afternoon So They Can Present Their Specialty…Creedence and John Fogerty Music. Their in tribute band Mystic Highway plays on big stages across Canada and the USA to a strong fan base. The best advice we can offer…Get Your Tickets Now For January 21…You Get The Possible Free Ticket With the Donation And the Entertainment Value will be top shelf all afternoon guaranteed.
Charles Sanchez aka Charly Blues, harmonica master and drummer of Morelia, Mexico will also be a part of the Festival in a multi-purpose, multi-tasking way, similar to how Charlie Jacobson of Red Deer Alberta Canada is involved. Charlie is the Music Director co-ordinating all backing musicians, plus performing as well. Charly will work closely with the Fest Director in a Performer Liaison role for their on-stage and off-stage needs and will perform at both at the Festival and at our Pre-Event Community Stages for Fest and local performers and free to the public. Musicians taking on a bigger role with us to build the Fest long term. “We love it, said Fest Director Rempel. Charly also said, “I may have a surprise blues rock vocalist joining me”.
“We love surprise guests”, we said.
We want to issue a thumbs-up shout-out to local musician Rene Escobosa of TA Rock Bar and pianist/vocalist who has graciously offered to help us with backing music and support for our Special Guest for Weekend 2: Brandon Isaak, 4 Time Canadian Blues Award Nominee for 2023. We note also that our pre Event Community Stage is open to all local and regional musicians as well, in particular, emerging youth groups.
–Ticket Sales With Cash Payment Go On Sale At Venues on January 6. Advance Online Ticket Purchase with credit or debit card at https://tequilabluesrock.com/festivaltickets/ continues until the end of the Festival. A 3rd Option…take your chances on seats being available at the last minute…Text +52 755 101 5989 (SMS Text or Whatsapp) and tell us how many tickets to put on Door Hold for you and for what date(s).
-Watch For Special Packages Or Incentives To Encourage Donations For Our Special Fundraising Project 2024-2026. For example, one Package For $100 USD Will Get You 1 or 2 Tickets To 2025 Events, Or Merch, Your Choice, Plus Special One of A Kind Photos With Performers Plus A $50 Donation To The Fundraising Goal That Get’s You Recognized On the Wall Of Honor At The Future Facility. “We Did Our Part” public recognition for your support. Casino Style Games & Special Spin The Wheel To Win Tequila or Wine (Mexican of course) Also Planned For.
-We’re Set To Go With Our Beatles At Shea Stadium 1965 Set with the Vudu Chile Band with Norbert Aguilar from Morelia on lead vocals. Starting opening night through to January 22 at least. A Beatles reel with a clip promo re the Set for our 2024 Fest went viral on the Internet over the Christmas season. Nearly 20,000 views to date. There is Beatles Love Still In Mexico, Everywhere In The World!
-Next Public Update Coming January 12. Are You Ready To Rock? Blues Rock?
View Our Previous News Releases And Announcements Since July, 2023 On Our Website At These Shortened Links:
Cliff Stevens is a Montreal-based blues-rock guitarist of British/Scottish descent, raised by his single mother. From a young age, he showed an interest in music and as a teenager, his impressive guitar playing gained him popularity in high school. Stevens writes, sings and produces his own albums, drawing inspiration from guitarists like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter and Rory Gallagher, influences that are reflected in his playing and songwriting. His talent has been praised by many including Blues Blast Magazine (USA) who commented on his release Nobody But You (2019): “Stevens shows us that he can write really good songs and deliver them with passion. The guitar sound and playing is outstanding.”
Like so many blues and rock musicians before him, Stevens spent much of his career in relative obscurity. As a sideman with various travelling groups, he played every type of show imaginable, from bottom of the barrel gigs to 14,000 wildly enthusiastic blues fans at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. When the non-stop grind of the road mixed with alcohol and drugs took its toll, Stevens made the decision to quit touring and make a living as a taxi driver. Ironically, he says he thought he had seen it all as a musician until he started driving a cab. Some of his experiences are described in a book he wrote with his brother called The Stroll about his life as a cabbie in Toronto, published by NC Press in 1986 and re-published by University of Toronto Press in 1995. After much soul-searching and painful life experiences, Stevens finally got sober in 1998 and hasn’t looked back since. In recovery and with a newfound sense of gratitude, he focused on his writing and started a solo career.
In 1997, he was featured on the Preservation Blues Review compilation, then released his first solo album, Cliff Stevens (2009), followed by Grass Won’t Grow (2016), Live in Germany (2017) and Nobody But You (2019) which spent 58 straight weeks on the Roots Music Report (RMR) including 20 straight weeks in the Top 10 on the Blues Rock and Canada Top 50 Album charts.
As a touring musician, Cliff Stevens has performed at numerous festivals including Tremblant International Blues Festival and TBay Blues Fest and played thousands of gigs across Canada, Europe, Mexico and Morocco. He has toured Europe eight times since 2014 when he was the support act for legendary British rockers Wishbone Ash for their entire European tour.
Better Days is the fifth solo release by Cliff Stevens, with eleven new original songs in an array of styles from driving blues-rock, slow classic blues to acoustic country blues. His life journey currently reflects a more personal and introspective style, all the while blending it with a blues rock edge that fans still know and love. In April 2022, Stevens will embark on a 30-day European tour to promote this upcoming release.
Additionally, Cliff deepened his knowledge with a Master’s degree in Music and Education from Concordia University in Montreal. In the same way that a fine wine improves with age, so has Cliff’s guitar playing, singing and songwriting. With his latest late 2022 release, Cliff Stevens promises that Better Days are still ahead.
Cliff Stevens, the talented Canadian guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer based in Montréal, Québec, has released several albums. Here’s a summary of his discography:
Recently, Cliff Stevens also released Better Days, his fifth solo album, which showcases his blues roots, and guitar play in the blues-rock style inspired by guitarists like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter, and Rory Gallagher
More on Cliff Stevens Promo
Are you ready to experience some of the best blues and rock music in the world? Then you won’t want to miss the Tequila Rock ‘n Blues Explosions Festival in Mexico, where Montreal’s own Cliff Stevens will be one of the headliners. Cliff Stevens is a renowned blues-rock guitarist with extensive experience, earning accolades and awards for his soulful and electrifying performances. He has toured across Canada, Europe, and the US, sharing the stage with legends like B.B. King, John Mayall, and Buddy Guy. At the festival, he will be playing songs from his latest album, as well as some classic blues and rock tunes that will get you on your feet. =
Without diminishing all of Cliff’s original material albums and experience, Cliff also brings us a heartfelt uncanny tribute to the living legend Eric Clapton’s music as well. Both from his bands like Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos, Yardbirds, John Mayall, and Eric’s solo career. Cliff will mix Clapton music into his sets of his own music, and provide a Clapton Tribute Set one evening of the Fest. To Be Scheduled.
Eric Clapton is one of the most influential and acclaimed guitarists in rock history. He has written or sung many great songs throughout his career, spanning different genres and styles. Here are some of his most notable songs in chronological order, along with some other songs by him that you might enjoy:
– I Shot the Sheriff (1974): A cover of Bob Marley’s reggae song, which became Clapton’s first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Other songs by Clapton from this year include Let It Grow and Willie and the Hand Jive. – Lay Down Sally (1977): A country-rock song co-written by Clapton, Marcy Levy and George Terry, which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. Other songs by Clapton from this year include Wonderful Tonight and Cocaine. – Tears in Heaven (1992): A heartbreaking song co-written by Clapton and Will Jennings, inspired by the death of Clapton’s four-year-old son Conor, who fell from a 53rd-floor window. The song won three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Other songs by Clapton from this year include Layla (Unplugged) and Old Love (Unplugged). – Change the World (1996): A pop-rock song co-written by Tommy Sims, Gordon Kennedy and Wayne Kirkpatrick, which was featured on the soundtrack of the film Phenomenon. The song won three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Other songs by Clapton from this year include My Father’s Eyes and Sick and Tired. – My Father’s Eyes (1998): A soulful song written by Clapton, which reflects on his relationship with his father, whom he never met, and his son Conor. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Other songs by Clapton from this year include Broken Hearted and Fall Like Rain.
He sounds great…multi multi-instrumentalist, 3 albums to his credit, one more on the way, rock, blues, rockabilly and more, still young, started playing when he was 4, now early 30’s, a long career ahead. He’s back in January 2024 for the Fest taking on an important role. Making sure all the music sounds just right. Plus performing too of course.
It’s PreFest Warmup Time Friday, November 10 And It Is Free For All 2024 Ticket Holders. Plus Sippin’ and Samplin’ for 2024 Ticket Holders As Well. Advance Tickets Are Available Online Now Here
Fan favourite from our previous Fests, Charlie Jacobson is in Mexico now recording some new music and enjoying some sun and downtime. However, he has agreed to help us get “get the party started” on Friday, November 10, with some music and meet and greets at Coco Ixtapa Beach Klub Playa Linda starting 4:00 pm and Zihuatanejo at Madana Bar and Restaurant, starting 9:00 pm, with a feature Dinner Show at Ricardo’s Restaurante (Villas Paraiso Hotel) in Ixtapa at 6:00 pm. (More details in the image below) Just added: 2:00 pm Troncones at La Mexicana Bar and Restaurant. See Promo Video Below
We’ve recently asked Charlie to take on a very important new task within our 2024 Festival, January 19-27, 2024 in Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and Troncones.
That of the role of Music Director. Ensuring we have all the best possible musicians in place to back up all performers, help plan and put together great collaborations for the fans, and perform on stage himself. He’s already agreed to give us a Bob Seeger medley…you know hits like “Old Time Rock and Roll”, “Night Moves”, “Ramblin Gamblin Man” and “Hollywood Nights”. Plus his own music including some of the new music he has been recording.
The Paraiso Society presents the Tequila Rock ‘n Blues Explosions Festival and our new Generations Unite theme in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa and region on January 19-27, 2024.
More Coming Your Way…We Continue To Get “Better and Better”, Our Key Words For 2024-2026.
Announcing More Classic Rock Acoustic Style, In Addition To Our Previous Announcement Of Our 2024 Performers (see below)
and
“The Best Lobster Dinner in Mexico Ever” is what we are pretty certain everyone will be saying on Monday, January 22. January 22 will be a special Big Fun Big Fundraising Day, with a 3 Course Lobster Dinner with Wine at La Mexicana in Troncones, a one-time special 3-hour Concert at Madana Bar in Zihua, and a Magic Bus Fun Experience in the Afternoon heading to Troncones with Fest Performers providing Live Music throughout, including at La Mexicana.
Announcing More Classic Rock Acoustic Style, In Addition To Our Previous Announcement Of Performers
Today We Are Very Pleased To Tell You That We’ve Got Acoustic Classic Rock Soft Rock, Yacht Rock, Feel Good Rock covered with the group, “3 For The Show” from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Larry Melo, on keyboards, cajon and vocals and Paul Ferreira on bass, join Gil Gaidola on guitar and vocals for a completely different take on Rockin’ Your Night Away.
Easy listening rock that you will sing along to. Songs we all love, originally by performers like The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Ricky Nelson, Elvis, Del Shannon, Jim Croce, Michael Pagliaro and many more.
Check out Gil Gaidola solo on Youtube with the Bee Gees “Gotta Get A Message To You”.
The three are also part of the very popular Creedence Clearwater Revival group/John Fogerty solo in tribute Band, Mystic Highway, which plays throughout Canada and the USA.
Gil, Larry and Paul join us on January 20 and they’ll be a bonus part of our 20th and 21st shows with walkons, in addition to all our First Weekend Headliners, as we build them up to their full Headline status on our special Big Fun Big Fundraising Dinner & Concert Monday, January 22.
Presenting a 1.5 hour approximately concert style set that features all the great music from Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty, not just the standard few hits that cover bands perform. Plus of course, the very special one-time-only collaborations by Joanna Connor and Chris Duarte, and with other Fest Performers.
The Lineup:
The strongest Top Through Bottom lineup ever from one through nine, baseball coaches like to talk about, and we feel the same way about our 2024 Performers’ Lineup. No weak spots. Until 2025 that is. ? Performers from Canada, USA, Mexico and the U.K.
World-class performers, big stage experience all over the world, with many albums produced. In fact we have five performers with new albums just in 2023: Mariana Gajma, Mexico City, Steffie Beltt, Mexico City, Joanna Connor, USA, Chris Duarte, USA and Bex Marshall, UK.
The Big Fun Big Fundraising Day & Night January 22, will be a special day for all those who love Animals and want them to have a good life in their senior years too, just like we want for our own parents, and who want to see kids with talent from the local region learn to play rock and blues and jazz and to perform on stage like the pros so they can be future stars on our stages and any stage, and want a community center that can host future Film Festivals and future big or small Events such as our Fest.
Tickets Buyers will see $50.00 USD or $75.00 USD of their ticket, depending on which option they choose, automatically go into our Multipurpose Building Fund until 2026. Following that year’s fest we are planning to begin renovations or construction.
The Fund will remain untouched until fundraising is complete and not be a part of the general Fest revenues and spending. Full disclosure on the Fundraising progress through our website and other means of course.
All Ticket Buyers/Donors in 2024 also automatically go to the head of the line in our public Wall of Honor, recognizing all Donors to the Centre For Senior Animals, Kid & Rockin’ Good Times in the yearly order they are received.
All the details are at the Fundraising Day 2024 Page on our website, including our January 22 Brochure, perfect for sharing. A long list of benefits for all Donors/Ticket Purchasers/Animal & Kids Heroes listed there. They include:
-Get To The Head of the Line: First In Public Recognition on the Wall of Honor
-All Fest New For 2024 Merch 1 Of Each: Shirt, Koozie, plus Mug and Shot Glass
-One Ticket To Any Regular Fest Live Music Event Of Their Choice In 2024, 2025 or 2026. Automatic Upgrades to Best Available Seating At Any Event in 2024-2026. VIP Status From Now Until 2026.
-Complimentary 2024 Festival Audio and Video Recordings That We Are Planning To Prepare And Release After The Fest.
-Your Own 3 Minutes Of Fame If You Want It: Sing A Song or Play A Song (Guitar, Sax, Harmonica, etc.) In Collaboration With Fest Performers. Priceless Video Memory Opportunity For Family *. Limited To The First 10 That Request And Subject To Our Scheduling.
-More Benefits. It’s A Bennies Day!?
New Partnerships:
We have created new partnerships starting in 2024 with strong community-minded businesses with big hearts: Luana Suites of Playa la Ropa Zihuatanejo, La Mexicana Restaurant in Troncones and Coco Ixtapa Beach Klub at Playa Linda and continue for our second year with Victor Manjerrez and Madana Bar and Restaurant in Zihuatanejo, and Ricardo Gomez Jr. and Ricardo’s Restaurant at Villas Paraiso in Ixtapa whom we’ve worked with since we began in 2018. More To Come:
The Events:
In addition, we are pleased to announce that we will have a record number of Events for us in 2024, with 9 events, starting January 19 in the afternoon. We are right at the Beach for the first time on Sunday, January 21, at Coco Ixtapa Beach Klub at Playa Linda with a special Tribute To The Spanish Rock and Blues Music Legacy. 1:00 pm start. We are also holding our first Regional Event (outside Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo) with a Full Fest Show on January 25 at a great new venue for us La Mexicana in Troncones. 5:
Events & Dates & Features:
January 19: Meet And Greet and Live Music, Luanna Suites Playa la Ropa Zihuatanejo 2:00 pm
January 19: Opening Night 6:00 pm, Madonna Restaurant and Bar, Zihuatanejo (Just a few tickets currently remain…Purchase soon)
January 20: It’s Saturday Night Live In Ixtapa At Ricardo’s At Villas Paraiso 6:00 pm
January 21: Toes In The Sand Sunday at the Beach at Coco Ixtapa Beach Klub at Playa Linda, 1:00 pm
January 22: Big Fun, Big Fundraising Day with The Magic Bus Experience-Fest Performers On Board and Evening Concert. At La Mexican Troncones and Madana Bar and Restaurant Zihuatanejo Bus Departs 2:30 pm. Happy Hour Live Music at La Mexicana. Evening Concert in Zihua at 8:00 p.m.
January 24: Meet and Greet The New Second Week Performers, Chat With Some From The First Weekend, and Hear Live Music at Madana Bar, Zihuatanejo. Live ElectroAcoustic Music.
January 25: It’s Troncones Thursday Night, with a Full Fest Show. at La Mexicana Restaurant. 5:00 pm start With a special early Bob Dylan set by Trebor Villa and a special in tribute Jimi Hendrix music set by Chris Duarte supported by Fest Performers plus much more for about 4.5 to 5 hours of live music. (https://www.facebook.com/LaMexicanaTroncones) Website
January 26: Friday Fun Night in Zihuatanejo at Madana Restaurant with our Fest Show starting at 6:00 pm. Special Concept Show By Steffie Beltt, One of Mexico’s Most Popular Rock, Blues & Pop Singers..”Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress, and a lot more. All Fest Performers.
January 27. Final Night for 2024 in Ixtapa, As All Performers Come Together For Rousing Collaborations To End The Evening After A Full Fest Show. Ricardo’s Restaurant at Villas Paraiso Hotel
Community Stage:
We will have a Community Stage in 2024 for the first time. It will be open to local groups and individual performers, in particular talented up-and-coming youth, perhaps future Fest participants. the Community Stage, which we affectionately call the “Show Us What You Got” Stage or “Acoustic Stage” will be located at the front of Madana Bar and Restaurant in Zihuatanejo and open from 4:00 pm-5:30 pm or 11-12 pm on January 19 and 26. Also at Ricardo’s Restaurant in Ixtapa from 4:00 to 5:30 pm on January 20 and 27. Performance Times will be on an advance booking basis. They will receive priority for the stage. Other walk-ins of course if space is available. No cost to perform or enjoy the Community Stage performances, but the evening events that follow soon after will still require ticket purchases.
Rockin’ and Rollin’ Sports Events: More details to come by November 15. For 2024, we will be working on including a special “Dos Equis Tequila Sunrise Beer Mile”, plus a Foul Shot and 3 Point Shooting Contest to help introduce our 3 on-3 Basketball for 2025. Registrations for our Run Through The Jungle Event (Run-Walk-Bike to Playa Linda and back if you do the full course) will begin in mid-November as well. A Pickleball Exhibition Event and Disc Golf exhibitions will be the precursor to possible inclusion in 2025 and the future.
The 2025 Rock ‘n Blues Explosions Festival:
We are very pleased to tell you that we continue to get early commitments for Festival Performers. Today we announce that our current plan is to have a boogie woogie piano rock ‘n blues concept show within a Fest with Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne headlining, plus two more boogie woogie piano players. Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Little Richard and much more similar music.
As well we have early commitments from vocalist and guitarist Steve Marriner of Canada, vocalist Niecie (Blues) of the USA and vocalist and guitarist Brandon Isaak of Canada. Others as well. Details to come, but we are committed to continuing to implement the “Better and Better” Rock ‘n Blues Explosions Fests plan. We will continue to work on ways to develop our Generations Unite sub-theme for our second week and expand the range of music genres offered.
Blues-rocker Bex Marshall of London, England, joins us January 19-27, and she’s bringing her special “House of Mercy” hit song, and House of Mercy solace for anyone who has “too much fun” at one of our events. Please check out the House of Mercy, the song. We love it! Know you will too. Plus Bex has a new album called Fortuna, dropping in late October, this year.
Bex Marshall, London, England
Have you seen our previous Performer Welcomes? Telling old fans to join them in the warmth near the great beaches in January, and looking to meet many new fans and friends. More coming soon as we count down the days to live rockin’ and bluesin’ in January in Mexico.
Summary Overview (And Yes We Do Bury The Lead???? A Mortal Sin)
The Paraiso Society Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo & Region presents the Tequila Rock ‘n Blues Explosions Festival and our new Generations Unite theme in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa and region on January 19-28, 2024.
We Just Got “Better and Better”, Our Key Words For 2024.
Announcing 5 Additional Performers, In Addition To Our July 6 Announcement Of Performers And The First Weekend Dates And Locations. (See Poster Image For First Weekend At End)
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Tourists, Visitors and Local Folks Who Want To Put Some Or A Lot Of Rockin’ and Bluesin Into Their Magical Experiences In Paraiso, Will Benefit Even More.
Today We Announce:
A Full Creedence/CCR/John Fogerty Concert And Full Fest Participation By The Lead Vocalist of Canada’s Most Successful CCR Tribute Band, Gil Gaidola, (mystichighwayband.com) and
Our First (of many more in the future) International Blues-Rock Recording Artist Performer, Bex Marshall of London, England, Starts Her “Bex Is Back” USA Tour In Mexico With Us, To Promote Her New Album, Which Will Be Released In Late 2023 (bexmarshall.com),
We’re Also Adding One Of Mexico’s Best Young Pop Rock and Blues Voices, Steffie Beltt, from Mexico City with four albums to her credit already, (steffiebeltt.com or F.B. @steffiebelttoficial) plus
Norbert Aguilar of Morelia, Mexico, an outstanding classic rock voice that we first briefly heard in 2023, returns with concept sets involving AC-DC music and The Beatles at Shea Stadium 1965.
That’s Just The Icing On The “Better and Better” Fest Cake. Drum Roll Now Please!
Today We Are Very Pleased To Announce That Our Second, World-Class, World Renowned Blues and Rock Guitarist Chris Duarte, of Austin, Texas, USA, Will Join Us To Headline Our Second Weekend Of Events. He will join us starting January 22. (duarterocks.com) Similarly to Joanna Connor, he brings his great talent on the guitar and vocals, and his Big Heart to support our Fundraising Causes and have fun in the sun with old and new fans.
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Austin-based guitarist, songwriter, and singer Chris Duarte has often been compared with the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. It’s heady stuff for the musician, who plays a rhythmic style of Texas blues-rock that is at times reminiscent of Vaughan’s sound, and at other times reminiscent of Johnny Winter. The truth is, Duarte has his own sound that draws on elements of jazz, blues, and rock & roll. Duarte is a six-time Blues Music Award nominee and has released 15 albums over the course of his career. His latest album, “Ain’t Giving Up,” was released in April 2023 and has been met with critical acclaim. The album features a mix of blues, rock, and soul, and showcases Duarte’s virtuosic guitar playing and expressive vocals.
Here’s “Nobody But You” official music video from his latest album. Great rockabilly sound showing the versatility that we will see on stage. From Jimi Hendrix to Stevie Ray to Eddie Van Halen to uniquely Chris, it’s all there in one package.
Our Other World Renowned Blues and Rock Guitarist and Vocalist Joanna Connor Is Coming To Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo to be with us from opening night January 19 through the 22nd. She also has 15 recorded albums to her credit, the most recent being “Best of Me” from earlier in 2023
She has earlier agreed with us to take time out of her busy regular gig schedule to be a Big Heart Performer leader in helping us launch our “Better and Better” 3-year plan and major new fundraising campaign for a Multi-Purpose Facility for the communities and region that would house a street animal rescue facility with a focus on senior animals, a music training for talented disadvantaged youth plus a performance stage and films theatre. (See below) for artist renditions of the new Facility for Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo and region that we hope to have all necessary funds in place after our 2026 Events.)
An Artist’s Rendition Of A Possible Future Facility With Offices, Film Theatre, And Shelter In Front, Performance Venue In Back.
All our other great talented performers for 2024 are also coming with equal intensity to support our 2024-2026 campaign and help us build Better and Better Fests that can help make more positive contributions to the community.
Big Heart Performers, Great Talent you can only see once or a few times, and Tequila Rock ‘n Blues Explosions in sunny Mexico near the beaches in cold January everywhere else…a perfect combination we feel.
Our Full List Of Big Talent, Big-Hearted Performers For 2024:
Event Dates Are Now Set As Well. Tickets With Table Reservation Privileges (selection of table seating in order of purchase) for the January 22 to 27 Dates Are Now On Sale. https://tequilabluesrock.com/festivaltickets/
More announcements and final details on all events are planned for October 11, four weeks from today.
January 22, La Grande Fundraising Dinner/Cena and Concert (see also full website post…we’ll find a better name soon, we promise) at Madana Bar and Restaurant in Zihuatanejo. Black and White Themed Dress Up Suggested But Not Required. Special 1.5 Concert Style show by Gil Gaidola presenting the music of John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Special one-night-only collaborations by Joanna Connor and Chris Duarte. Only on the 22 when Chris joins us. Other collaborations with Bex Marshall and Reggie King Sears and many others.
Plus A Magic Bus ride in the afternoon to go “Happy Hour Sunsettin” at La Mexicana in Troncones with Live Music by Fest Performers, then return for the private Evening Dinner and Concert. Price Includes Bus, Full Chef Jonathon supervised special dinner with wine-2 main course options, fest merch swag bag, tequila mezcal samplers in abundance, and great fun music starting from the moment the Bus hits the highway until the end of the night Bring your drinks of choice for the bus trip.
Note: All Fundraising Dinner Purchasers (VIP or Reserved Packages) Will Be Recognized With Permanent Legacy Signage At The New Facility We Are Raising Funds For, Special Front Rows Seating, And Event Recognition, As Our Guests For The Opening Ceremonies’ And First Event At The New Facility)
January 24, Meet and Greet Festival Performers Week 2, and Happy Hour Live Music Acoustic…featuring Gil Gaidola, Canada, with the music of Gordon Lightfoot, Jimmy Buffett in loving memory, plus many others, as well as other Fest. Performers (Free with donations and tips requested please. Food and drink purchases required if seated at a venue table) Venue To Be Announced Shortly.
January 25, Troncones, La Mexicana venue. Our new regional Venue partner. Second weekend opening night. A special Bob Dylan music opening set by Trebor Villa of Morelia only in Troncones. Plus much more. Approximately 4.5-5 hours of live music. All Festival Performers. Chris Duarte and Trebor Villa will also present a special set of Jimi Hendrix music among other highlights. Hear Chris on Jimi Hendrix’s Hey Joe: https://fb.watch/m_IbtkeXzE/ A Special Fund Will Be Created From Ticket Sales (100 pesos per ticket sold) And 50-50 Draws or Auctions Of Donated Prizes That Will Stay In The Community To Support Local Causes Including Animal Rescue Work And More.
January 26, Zihuatanejo, Madana Bar and Restaurant, Zihua Centro, All second-weekend performers. Featuring Gil Gaidola twice. An opening live electro-acoustic plus another set of full CCR/John Fogerty music from their full catalogue. An extended set. Plus Many Special Collaborations.
January 27, Ixtapa, Ricardo’s Restaurant at Villas Paraiso Hotel. Features Bex Marshall’s “Songs Of My Life”…Music That Inspired Me In London, England” Set plus Steffie Beltt, with her “Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress” set with the music of the 50s through to Today’s Hits, as part of our Generations Unite theme.
Other Events Are In The Planning Stage With Details To Be Announced on October 11:
Guitar Clinic for Youth and New Guitarists lead by Joanna Connor and Bex Marshall and others, and Guitar Clinic by Chris Duarte and Bex Marshall, Twice.
Writers Workshop and Rockin’ Your Kitchen and up close and personal Bex Marshall unplugged accompanied by Jonathon Ramsay, presenting material from their successful workshops in England. (See also the website: https://bexmarshall.com)
The Moments with Chris Duarte or Joanna Connor Experience. For a single donation of $100 USD or Peso Equivalent, (which includes 1 VIP front section ticket for the show) guitarists of all ages and experience can get up on stage at one of our nightly or afternoon shows and get 10 minutes on stage going back and forth with guitar licks and jams. The video recordings for family and friends and online sharing will be priceless.
Chef Jonathon: Professional London, England Chef Supervised Fundraising Dinner plus all venues will benefit from his oversight and assistance to the excellent local staff to ensure the Festival food is the best it can be for our fan members.
Run Through The Jungle…Run, Walk, Bike, Just Do It! Not The CCR Song But Related. To Playa Linda and Back…Or Just A Small Part Of It. Without Or Without Your Pets.
3 On 3 Basketball and Foul Shot Shooting…Preview Our New 2025 Events
Show Us What You’ve Got Stage Setting Up The Front Of House Stage At Madana Bar and Restaurant Zihuatanejo. For Local Groups To Perform For The Public. Developing Youth Groups or Performers From Our Region Given Priority.
For The Other September 13-15 News Releases With More Details And Videos On Our Other New Performers, And More Information On Our January 22 Special Fundraising Dinner and Concert And “Magic We’re Going Sunsettin’ Bus” Experience Please Visit Our Website: https://tequilabluesrock.com
The CCR-Fogerty Song List (Which Ones Will You Be Requesting?)
Backgrounder:
The Vision and Action Plan (download on the website) also outlines other changes and improvements that are scheduled to be made in 2025 and 2026.
Tequila Rock ‘n Blues Explosions Festival presents classic rock ‘n blues ‘n rockabilly ‘n boogie woogie music from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s primarily, the Music of our Lives we call it, on the last two weekends of January, for visitors to Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Mexico from everywhere. The first Fest was held in 2018 and has been held every year in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo since, except for Covid caused shutdowns in 2021 and 2022. All events have been fundraising events organized by volunteers. All events have operated with cash flow only from ticket sales and the help of local partners. No other subsidies or support said Rempel. “It’s the true test of events like this…Do they want it, If you build it will they come” For the community impact of events to date, search “community” on our website https://tequilabluesrock.com. “We were not satisfied that we have done enough for the community, so with “Better and Better Vision and Plan” you see our commitment to creating a new significant impact on this community in the next 3 years and beyond,” stated Rempel.
The new Generations Unite Festival…The Festival for Peace, Love, Understanding, Kindness and Mother Earth (short name: Generations Unite Fest) will offer a wider selection of music that will appeal to a wide variety of folks, including folk-rock, country rock, country, reggae, jazz-rock, pop and more, but always with a fun atmosphere that visitors and locals love for a night or afternoon out.
The Paraiso Society is a small ad hoc group of volunteers from Canada, the USA, and Mexico who love the still-too-hidden paradise of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo and the region whose mission is to create fun, destination-worthy events with entertainment and entertainers from Mexico, Canada, USA and the U.K., that are unique to the area, while supporting local causes such as street animal rescue, youth development, and creating a lasting legacy. The Society has also organized other events in Mexico City in the past, and will continue to be open to establishing similar events in other tourism-focused communities where the right partnerships are available.
For Online Tickets To All Events and Reserved Tables (up to 7:30 pm or by special arrangement) Selection In Order Of Purchase please go to our Festival Tickets page on our Website. https://tequilabluesrock.com/festivaltickets/ (Please Note First Weekend Reservation Privileges Ends September 12 at Midnight, Second Week Events Reservation Privileges End October 10 Midnight)
For media or partnership inquiries, please contact Bob Rempel, Organizing Committee Chairperson, with contact details on top.
See Joanna Connor live in Mexico. Truly world-class blues rock guitar and vocals. Big Heart!
Yes, our plans are to create the first such Senior-aged animal-focused Shelter in Mexico. Maybe worldwide. Plus it will serve as a multi-purpose centre serving the community in several ways. Our vision is to include a School of Rock-Blues-Jazz and support for talented disadvantaged youth, a Performance Stage that can house intimate to medium-sized events of all types throughout the year, and a Film/Movies Theatre for future Film Festivals. Click on the Yellow image to the top right of this page to get more details of all of our Vision and Future Plans for 2024-2026.
Check Out All 9 On Our Website here, or our Facebook Page (like the Page to follow new Posts) or our Youtube Channel (Subscribe and you’ll be notified when new ones are posted).
Guess The Song And The Performer From The Opening Riff. Test Your Rock Knowledge. Check If You Like the Kind Of Music You’ll Hear Live In Mexico, in the warmth, by the beaches, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo and Region on January 18-28, 2024, when it’s cold almost everywhere else in the world.
It will be daily on our Social Media Fan Page and in weekly format here on our website. Starting end of Summer when all thoughts turn to how we’re going to rock our winter. Months away for you or just a great week or two of sun and beach. We’ve got the answer for you here in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, Mexico during the last two weeks of January. We’re back January 18-29, 2024.
Also a good example of a customized Social Media campaign we offer and provide our 2024-2026 Fest Partners, in English or Spanish. Among other benefits for a great partnership.
The Song and Performer Answer On The Following Day.
Mariana Gajama, dynamic Mexico City on-stage performer and top vocalist, equally at home in the blues or rock or pop, in English or Spanish, is coming to Tequila Rock ‘n Blues Explosion Festival in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo and region, for 2024. We are excited to have her with us.
Our Fest dates for Tequila Rock ‘n Blues and the new Generations Unite Fest are January 18-28. See our website at https://tequilabluesrock.com for all details about the events including the schedule and performance times.
Mariana Bio
Mariana began singing professionally in 1994. Born in Toluca, MX, she now lives in Mexico City. Previously lead vocalist of the Merian Band and other group projects, she is currently working on her first solo album of original material to be released later this year.
