tag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=44Latest News2023-10-10T10:30:41-07:00Val Starr & The Blues Rocketfalsetag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/72856732023-10-10T10:30:41-07:002023-10-16T07:48:06-07:00MAUI BLUES new single by Val Starr to raise donations for Maui Strong<p>National blues recording artist, Val Starr, of Val Starr and the Blues Rocket has always held Maui dear to her heart.<span> </span>In fact, she had just this May, celebrated her 40<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary with her life partner and bassist, John Ellis at the Old Lahaina Luau.<span> </span>The devastating fires not only took precious lives and destroyed the livelihood of so many locals, but it also took away a treasured memorable vacation spot for people all over the world.<span> </span></p><p>“We wanted to do something to aid and hopefully help heal the hearts of those who are continuing to suffer.<span> </span>Music is a universal healer and it was our way of keeping the awareness alive for the Maui victims.</p><p>Family and friends came together in the Sandwich Studio to record the track, including Val & John’s son, James Ellis on ukulele and Kirk Hooper on the drums.<span> </span></p><p>Maui Blues takes you from the shores of Lahaina to the streets of New Orleans featuring a spirited dueling harmonica performance by Frankie Munz.</p><p>We hope this song lightens your hearts.<span> </span>Go to <a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.valstarr.com">http://www.valstarr.com</a> to get a download of Maui Blues with your donation.<span> </span>100% of the proceeds will be given to Maui Strong for fire victim aid.</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/72342832023-06-28T16:58:09-07:002023-06-28T16:58:09-07:00Gaslight Company show!<p><span>Afternoon all! The Val Starr Duo just got a last minute booking at the Gaslight in Old Town Folsom, 718 Sutter Street, Suite 200 (upstairs) for this coming Friday the 30th. The time is 8pm to 11pm, parking back and below, and off on the side streets. We played there last month and had a blast! Cool venue with good eats and a lively atmosphere. John and I will be playing a fun variety of favorite classic hits from the 60's up to the 2000’s. Bring your thirsty gullets and those dancing shoes and come on down! </span><o:p></o:p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/166163/d723679f091050dac7c3efa6ad957c621e292127/original/gaslight-revised-6-30-23.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/71938982023-04-20T12:53:04-07:002023-04-20T12:54:30-07:00May show dates for Val Starr<p><span>Hello Friends! Here is our next five shows with the dates, times and info on the perts. Make a note, the show at McConnell is free but you do have to make a reservation. We hope that you can make one or more of these affairs, so put on your dancing shoes for some California Blues and lets have a good time together!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p><p><span>Thursday, May 4, 5-8 PM Vacaville Town Square, 1 Main St, Vacaville, FREE – Val Starr Trio featuring Pamela Charles Arthur on the keys</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>Wednesday, May 10 6:30-9 PM Starlet Room, 2708 J St, Sacramento $15 ticket, $12 for SBS members – Val Starr & the Blues Rocket – full band featuring Tim Brisson, Frankie Munz, and Kirk Hooper on the drums. Val Starr’s Birthday Party!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>Saturday, May 13 1:30-3 PM El Dorado Hills Arts & Wine Fest, Town Center Blvd, El Dorado Hills </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.eldoradohillsartfestival.org"><span>www.eldoradohillsartfestival.org</span></a><span> $35 drink tickets in advance, $45 at the gate – Val Starr Duo</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>Friday, May 26, 7-10 PM Gaslight Co. Bar & Grill, 718 Sutter St, Folsom FREE –Val Starr Duo</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>Friday, June 2, 6-9 PM McConnell Estates Winery Barn Night, 10686 W. Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove FREE, but you must make a reservation at </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.mcconnellestates.com"><span>www.mcconnellestates.com</span></a><span> wine and food truck are available for purchase</span><o:p></o:p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/166163/3a6c5b6402ce8f9c9de9fc21312d08c08bcbb209/original/277758228-5507199922640693-8552177760757054120-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/71683822023-03-09T13:03:53-08:002023-03-09T13:10:20-08:00Spring and Summer show dates announced!<p>Spring and summer are coming back, and so are we! We have shows from Auburn to Placerville, Folsom to Elk Grove, Vacaville and more. Check out our Show page and mark the dates on your calendar for the locations and times we will be appearing. We will update periodically as more shows get booked, so keep checking in. Some shows are the Duo, some are the Blues Rocket, and we even have a Trio in Vacaville featuring Pamela Charlles Arthur on the piano. Val will be performing not only her great and inspired blues compositions, but also other songs that Val likes to sing. You know them, you remember them, and you can sing along with them, so be there to experience the love and the family we all share together. We're all getting back out into the world in 2023, so put on your dancing shoes for some California Blues! See you out there! Val Starr</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/71076522022-11-21T15:36:45-08:002022-11-21T16:18:22-08:00CHRISTMASTIME a bluesy new single from Val Starr!<p>2022 was certainly a year to be thankful for. We were all coming out of a covid fog and thankfully music started to come alive again, as did we all. I am extremely grateful for nearly an entire year of radio support and charting on "Healing Kind Of Blues", we just went into our 47th consecutive week on the RMR Contemporary Blues Charts (currently #15) with 34 weeks on the main blues chart (currently #32). I can't thank blues radio enough for all your support in 2022. My new single release for the holidays, "Christmastime" is a dreamy blues infused holiday song inspired by the Gershwin classic "Summertime". The track features Blues Rocket harmonica player, Frankie Munz, and we hope you enjoy it during your holiday festivities. Don't forget to give a jingle to our previous holiday songs, "Spending Christmas With The Blues" for a little holiday humor<span style="display: none;"> </span>, and our foot stompin' "Bluesy Christmas" featuring Beth Reid Grigsby, Dana Moret, and Katie Knipp on backup vocals.<span style="display: none;"> </span> Visit our store for these songs and more, they make great Christmas gifts and help support music in our little town of Sacramento! Thank you each and every one, happy holidays, be safe, and pass some Love around you!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/e8577828bb46806341d0a29c4e2a348a8eed3f29/original/christmastime-single-release-cover-art.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span style="display: none;"> </span><span style="display: none;"> </span></p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/68660022022-01-11T16:04:33-08:002022-01-11T16:10:11-08:00Val Starr & the Blues Rocket release their 6th CD "Healing Kind Of Blues"<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/17a90c04ec8389d67d13211844f9241e1e6b4767/original/cover-final.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Above all else, there is no denying the healing power of music. My 6th CD release, “Healing Kind of Blues”, is a labor of love, from the song creation to the recording process. I feel it is a progressive continuation of my own style of uplifting and inspiring, contemporary California Blues. As with my previous releases, I prefer to not stick to one style of blues, and let the song dictate the direction of its presentation. The result is a potpourri of traditional slow blues and shuffles, west-coast swing, and rock and jazz infused blues. </p>
<p>This album was largely written during the pandemic and at a time that I was not only so grateful to be alive but also starting to really feel my age. “Age is Just A Number’, “Get Over It”, “We’re Not Getting Older” and “Pretty Girl Blues” touch upon the challenges, advantages and humor surrounding aging. “Ridin’ That Memphis High” was inspired by my trips to the city of the blues. “Healing Kind of Blues”, “Slow Blues Grinder” and “Blues Family” are my loving tributes to the blues and the community that supports it. </p>
<p>I am also proud to say that this is the first album that I solely produced, so with that said, and possibly being a women who occasionally changes her mind (lol); the CD took nearly the length of 2021 to record. As always, special thanks goes out to my husband and bassist, JohnE, whose engineering talents greatly contributed to an album that beautifully captured my musical vision. Thanks HonE! </p>
<p>Hugs and thanks go out to my amazing Blues Rocket band, and talented guest blues musicians, which include my sista’s in the blues, Debra Power and Ilana Katz Katz. </p>
<p>I truly hope this album brings you a sense of serenity, a feeling of joy, and a touch of solace during these challenging times. </p>
<p>Lastly, “Healing Kind of Blues” is dedicated to my father, Hank Starr. Love and miss you Dad! </p>
<p> Val Starr</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/67529952021-09-21T09:52:36-07:002021-09-21T09:52:36-07:00Starlet Room brings back Val Starr & the Blues Rocket after long hibernation<p>We're Back! 6 PM Wednesday, September 22 at the Starlet Room over the top of Harlow's. Val Starr & the Blues Rocket can't wait to get those California Blues rollin' and get your feet out on the dance floor. It's been a long time, we all know why, but come out, make some new friends, have a drink with some old friends and still be home by 10. The club is located at 2708 J St, Sacramento, $12 to get in, club policy is to bring your vax card. See you there!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/cc52b54516791d7ae5fdf1c532b3328e029bef28/original/starlet-room-9-22-21.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/67227792021-08-20T14:41:29-07:002021-08-20T14:41:29-07:00SBS Blues Sunday at the world famous Torch Club <p>Howdy folks!! Hope your destination this weekend brings you to some live music somewhere!! Dance, love, live and be happy!! Next weekend, Sun August 29, 2021, Val Starr & the Blues Rocket is kicking off a new monthly SBS Blues Sunday at the world famous Torch Club in downtown Sacramento!! Starts at 4PM and rolls out until 7 PM. Looking forward to this show and hope to see you there. Bring those dancing shoes for some California Blues! Hugs!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/ea71738848adc250412103c3eb255e54309296a2/original/torch-club-8-29-21.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/67187492021-08-16T15:29:13-07:002021-08-16T15:59:18-07:00Sacramento Blues Society is Back In Business!<p>Val Starr & John Ellis with special guest Frankie Munz will be performing "So Easy Isolating With You" at the SBS CD release party on Saturday August 21, 2021 being held at the Dante Club in Sacramento, CA. The recording "So Easy Isolating With You featuring Victor Wainwright" will be on the compilation CD that is part of a fund raisng effort for the Sacramento Blues Society. We are honored to be part of this CD which features sixteen Sacramento Blues artists and will be available at www.sacblues.org very soon! Thank you for your support of the Blues!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/0e38f0f02773aab20736d675999d301d7bf773b3/original/sbs-back-in-business-page-001-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/66153662021-04-27T13:16:41-07:002021-04-27T13:17:28-07:00Val Starr's first show of 2021!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/be86dd292c427013e2cb0c1700e764d0b0dbc07b/original/green-river.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />They are letting us bring back the blues! This Saturday, May 1 at 6 PM, we will be playing at the Green River Taproom at 4513 Putah Creek Rd, Winters, CA outside on the patio. Some tables are spread around, but it wouldn't hurt to bring a lawnchair. There is outstanding BEER available to order, and the food is great! Admission is free and there is lots of parking. Come on out and cheer us on! See you outside at the Green River Brewery and Taproom!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/65133302021-01-04T10:57:31-08:002021-01-04T11:02:04-08:002020 Year End Chart Positions #23 Contemporary Blues, #45 Top Blues<p>2020 was such an incredibly challenging year , especially for musicians, but John and I were fortunate to get our 5th blues CD out to radio early in the year and had such a great response. We’d like to thank all of blues radio for your support of Lighter Side of the Blues, which ended up at #45 on the Top 200 Blues Albums of 2020 and #23 on Top 200 Contemporary Blues Albums of 2020. We are so blessed. </p>
<p>2021 is going to be a year of healing, so our 2021 release, which we’ve started rehearsing for is aptly named “The Healing Kind of Blues”. I’m super excited to get into the studio to start recording, as soon as covid permits. Love to all my Sacramento Blues family and my extended and truly special new blues sisters and brothers that I have come to know through WIB, Memphis and GotRadio’s Bit O Blues, and of course all my friends right here at Val Starr & the Blues Rocket. xoxoxo<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/cf42f40db94978364ce933964eea48b27e066378/original/2020-top-comtemporary-blues-chart.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/77f2ba6a43738a3dfb315987fda20783998c49e0/original/2020-top-blues-album-chart.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />. xxxoo</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/65074282020-12-24T19:09:08-08:002020-12-24T19:09:08-08:00The perfect cure for any Christmas Blues is a little Christmas Blues<p> <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="d7Hd9gi_XSE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/d7Hd9gi_XSE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d7Hd9gi_XSE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>The perfect cure for any Christmas blues is a little Christmas blues. Merry Christmas everyone! It’s hard to believe the year 2020 really did start out great for John and I. On January 2nd, we released our 5th all original CD “Lighter Side Of The Blues” and headed to Memphis to perform and promote the CD. Beale St is always a thrill for blues artists and this trip was no exception. After all was said and done, we ended up charting for 25 consecutive weeks on the national blues charts and gained international recognition and press. But after our Valentine’s day gig in February, all our remaining shows for the year were cancelled due to Covid. Looking back at the year, we have missed playing live, and miss our friends dearly. As the year comes to a close, we continue to be blessed and safe and healthy in our little home, and hope that you are too. We pray for all the families in the world that have lost loved ones to this horrible virus and pray for a brighter tomorrow. So we would like to leave 2020 with this video present to all of you! We hope you enjoy, stay safe, and see you on the other side!</p>
<p>"Spending Christmas With The Blues" Val Starr & JohnE Sandwich Peace!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/64463532020-09-30T13:43:53-07:002021-04-21T10:00:42-07:00Can't Stop The Blues, Thurs Oct 1, 2020<p>Hi everybody! We have been asked by the good folks at Can't Stop The Blues to produce another show for their platform on Facebook, so we have...and it is airing Thursday evening, October 1, 2020 at 6 PM Pacific time. We hope you will join us, grab a drink, your living room dancing shoes, and settle in with Val Starr & the Blues Rocket for an hour of music and fun. Val is going to play some of her earlier hits as we go through the past decade of her blues journey. Put on the big screen, turn up the big speakers, and join us on Facebook at the Can't Stop The Blues page, tomorrow night. Send a shout out to Val, she'll be there on the thread for the Meet and Greet. Thanks everybody, this doesn't happen without you! See you on the tube!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/e73b7c985096a57688651559520adcf783bf41ae/original/val-powerhouse.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/64081742020-08-12T15:45:59-07:002020-09-05T04:37:32-07:00Val Starr & the Blues Rocket FACE MASKS are here!<p><span class="font_large">Who thought this pandemic was going to last this long! Don’t know about you, but we are ready to HUG again-OOPS, Can’t Do That- Gotta wear a MASK! Well, if you gotta wear a mask, you might as well wear one that has Class and Style- How about a Val Starr & the Blues Rocket mask!!! It fits great, it feels great, it lets you represent while you’re wearing it, and gives you a great chance to support one of your favorite bands-Val Starr & the Blues Rocket. Only $10 and a little shipping cost puts Style right on your face. Don’t miss out, we only have a limited supply so don’t wait, get it now in the Store at www.ValStarr.com</span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/8fe0ccdf5e867f3d1be41333613f0ab762520048/original/face-mask-val-cropped.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/63066782020-05-06T08:35:58-07:002020-05-25T13:27:22-07:00Can't Stop The Blues - Val Starr Performance and Premier<p>We are thrilled to be included in the Can’t Stop The Blues programming line up of the best of the best in blues music. To view the show, go to the Can’t Stop The Blues facebook page and click on the “WE ARE LIVE CLICK HERE”. Show airs on Thursday, May 7th and starts at 6pm pacific, 9pm eastern. Tune in 30 minutes before the show for a live meet & greet with Val Starr!” </p>
<p>We have such an amazing show taped for you for our Can't Stop the Blues worldwide premier of our pandemic single, “Winter of 2020.” You'll laugh, maybe cry, but one thing's for sure...you will hear some great blues! </p>
<p>Val Starr is an extraordinary blues singer/songwriter and rhythm guitarist who writes songs gleaned from everyday life, loss and love. Her Blues Rocket band consists of top Sacramento blues musicians along with her husband John Ellis on bass who will be joining her on the show. Her latest top 10 blues CD was released in January 2020 and remaind on the national blues charts for it's 16th consecutive week. Can’t Stop the Blues is proud to be airing the worldwide premier of her latest pandemic single release, “The Winter of 2020.” The band is offering a FREE DOWNLOAD of the single after the show. To get your free download, scroll down to the song below and hit the download button.</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/62950342020-04-26T07:41:31-07:002020-10-24T14:06:54-07:00Val Starr on FB Live 3 PM today<p>Val Starr on FB Live 3 PM today </p>
<p>Please join us on this Sunday afternoon, April 26, 2020 at 3 PM on Facebook Live for some music and fun with Val Starr. It’s the Sunday afternoon blues show, so grab a beverage of your choice and sing along in the privacy of your own isolated home as loud as you want! Interact with Val and say hi, let her know you are there! Follow the link below and join us at 3 PM! Plenty of free parking, free admission and FREE DRINKS! See you there! </p>
<p>https://www.facebook.com/events/1636522633178233/?notif_t=plan_user_joined¬if_id=1587848331454278 </p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/62695852020-04-02T11:01:11-07:002020-04-02T19:40:36-07:00Isolated crazed musical team perform live-#2<p>Tiger, shmiger! You want some real old-fashioned gumshoe blues, here’s Val Starr slaying the vocals and JohnE Sandwich killing a slide guitar on a live version of If You Ever Lift A Finger, (or a fingerprint) from her new album Lighter Side Of The Blues. Turn her in! Or on! Party dresses, promises, clones-the plot thickens….</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/62620142020-03-25T17:09:06-07:002020-09-16T06:23:15-07:00March 25, 2020 Val Starr & Sandwich Factory Live Stay At Home Concert Series #1 - "All Or Nuthin' Man"<p>We want to invite you to join us as we present the Val Starr & Sandwich Factory Live Stay At Home Concert Series starting with Val’s first song “All Or Nuthin’ Man” off of her album Lighter Side Of The Blues. While we are staying and working from home, we hope this will help to fill your entertainment hours, we believe strongly in the healing power of music and the Blues in particular. We hope you are all safe and supplied with the things that you need. Please pick up the phone and call someone, Zoom with your friends, listen to music, read, catch up on your streaming, get some work done, clean the house, and don’t forget to Wash Your Hands! Val Starr & the Blues Rocket are with you on this ride, be on the lookout for the next video! </p>
<p>Highlight and click on Video link: </p>
<p>https://youtu.be/gH_2KtqZdEc </p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/61950872020-01-29T02:56:43-08:002020-02-18T20:36:40-08:00Memphis 2020 - IBC Week<p>We are on our way to Memphis for IBC week, where hundreds of blues bands from around the world gather together to show their stuff. The competition is fierce, the blues is hot, and all of the players are winners! This is our second trip to Memphis, and Val Starr is going to be performing in the National Women In Blues showcase for the second time. We were fortunate to make a lottery selection in 2018, and it happened again for her this year! Our new CD “Lighter Side Of The Blues” is in the top 20 of the Roots Music Report (RMR) Blues chart, and is in the top 10 of the RMR Contemporary Blues chart, as well as several of the songs in the Blues Song Chart, and #3 in the California chart. Val had her first radio interview last night for the new CD with Tom Lounges on Lakeshore Public Radio in Indiana, and you can listen to it at www.lakeshoreradio.org again on Thursday at 5 PM. So, Thank You to radio for supporting us, Thank You to all of YOU, our Super Fans for taking this great ride with us, we couldn’t have this party without you! We’ll be back just in time for Superbowl Sunday with our kids and grandkids, and we can’t wait to share some Memphis photos with you! We’ll be at the Starlet Room last Wednesday in March, the 25th at 6 PM, and at the Powerhouse Sunday April 19, 3 PM. www.valstarr.com</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/60552942020-01-01T13:29:59-08:002020-07-13T01:42:22-07:00Worldwide Release of "Lighter Side of the Blues"<p>January 2nd, 2020...Val Starr & The Blues Rocket releases their 5th all original blues! </p>
<p>Lighter Side Of The Blues, the new album from Val Starr taps into a melting pot of influences from across the musical spectrum to create her unique brand of California Blues. "It's a mindset as opposed to a style," she comments. "I really try to capture the joy that the blues instills in the hearts of those who love it." As with all four of her previous releases, Val is backed once again by a legit all-star band of west coast blues vets (dubbed The Blues Rocket by Starr because they send her songs into the stratosphere). Lighter Side offers up a baker's dozen of original tracks that echo everything from traditional blues to '60s girl group pop to guitar-driven rock and roll. But no matter what the tempo or the direction the songs take, every track has an undeniable groove that radiates with positive energy. “It doesn’t have to be heavy to be the blues.” Welcome to the Lighter Side Of The Blues.</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/59715362019-11-24T13:24:52-08:002020-03-18T18:28:10-07:00Val Starr's holiday song "Bluesy Christmas"<p>On November 24th, Sandwich Factory Records is proud to announce the digital download release of a new holiday blues song, “Bluesy Christmas” by Val Starr & The Blues Rocket. </p>
<p>This catchy Christmas blues shuffle features background vocals by Northern California female blues artists, Katie Knipp, Dana Moret (Lydia Pense Band) and Beth Reid-Grigsby (Red’s Blues). In the spirit of the holidays and blues sisterhood, Val had a vision to bring these amazing singers together, and the result is pure Christmas magic! </p>
<p>Val & the boys are offering an exclusive free download of this new song to all their friends and fans. Just go to the website, http://www.valstarr.com and click on the “free” button on the player at the bottom of the home page. </p>
<p>The song is also available to listen to and add to your holiday playlist on Spotify. </p>
<p>Happy Holidays and best wishes from Val Starr & The Blues Rocket.</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/59247732019-10-12T18:27:30-07:002019-10-12T18:28:42-07:00Val Starr's Halloween Blues Bash!<p>It's that trick or treat time of year, HALLOWEEN! So grab your spookiest or funniest costume (or not) and come out to party with your friends and dance to Val Starr's blues on Halloween eve, Wednesday, October 30th. The fun begins at 6 pm at the Starlet Room, (formerly known as Momo's Lounge) above Harlow's at 2708 J Street, Sacramento, CA. Hope to see you there!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/58504412019-08-07T10:19:26-07:002019-08-21T15:55:15-07:00CD Release Preview Party at Powerhouse<p>Hi friends and fans! On Sunday, September 8, 2019 we are pleased to be performing at the Powerhouse in Folsom, CA for the Sunday afternoon blues series that happens every week. This is a fantastic venue with a lot of history, great atmosphere, generous drinks, fabulous friends, and always great music! We are excited to be previewing some of our new songs off of our 5th CD "The Lighter Side Of The Blues" with special guest musicians joining us on stage to play these new original compositions by Val Starr. Show starts at 3 PM, ends by 6, free parking, $10 to support the players. Come out to the Powerhouse in Folsom on Sunday, September 8 at 3 PM, sign the email list if you haven't done it already, bring your dancing shoes, and let's hear some California Blues!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/58153862019-07-05T18:01:53-07:002020-10-30T02:44:57-07:00Does Hotel Leger really have ghosts?<p>I know it's a little early for Halloween (that's a different show we'll be promoting soon!), but in them thar foothills where all that gold was discovered is an old, old, old hotel that might have seen it's days of drama! Was that a gold nugget somebody got shot over?? Was it an infidelity discovered in one of the upstairs rooms? There's lots of rumors, and lots of stories....so we're going to the hills on August 4th to find out. We've been promised BBQ, Blues, Dancing, and even a pool to dip our tootsies into, and it all starts at noon, so we don't even have to wait until the sun goes down. Come on out, wander the halls of the hotel and see what Spoooks ya, put some of that fine BBQ in your mouth, dance it off, rest in the shade of the beautiful oak trees, and don't forget to bring $5 to support the band for working so hard, and bring another $5 to take home a Val Starr CD. Free to kids under 12, so it's a family friendly affair! Thanks bunches, see you in the Gold Country! 8304 Main St, Mokelumne Hill, CA 209-286-1401 hotelleger@gmail.com www.hotelleger.com Book a room if you dare!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/57320142019-04-25T09:51:53-07:002019-05-07T15:43:17-07:00Theatre DeVille Thursday May 23<p>The Theatre Deville will be hosting Val Starr & the Blues Rocket on Thursday night, May 23, 2019 at 7:00 PM in the evening, doors open at 6:30. This is an amazing hisorical theater that has been renovated to offer their patrons an amazing evening of music, food, drinks, dancing and memories. The Theatre DeVille is offering up blues on Thursday evenings, and we are pleased to be a part of this schedule. Easy parking, and great location in downtown Vacaville. Bring your friends and your dancing shoes for some California Blues from Val Starr & the Blues Rocket.</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/56684182019-03-04T09:56:10-08:002019-03-04T09:56:10-08:00St. Patricks Day at the Powerhouse!<p>Get on yur green and come out to our St. Patricks Day Blow Out Blues Party at the Powerhouse! There will be plenty of dancin' , drinkin and da Blues!! Celebrate one of the greenest and most gloriously fun holidays of the year with Val Starr & The Blues Rocket<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/1c7e572f16ed1f2f29a225657e9ebadc91e674ae/original/saint-patricks-day2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/52088092018-04-29T15:43:23-07:002018-04-29T15:43:23-07:00We're Not Getting Older, We're Getting Better Party!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/becad017303e8fef81c1506789f7a53fd379d9e6/original/php-may-6.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Val Starr is celebrating a milestone birthday on Sunday May 6 at the Powerhouse Pub in Folsom, CA from 3 to 6 PM. Along with her band, the Blues Rocket, all of our May and Taurus friends will be there to celebrate with us! This is one of our favorite places to play, and you know the house is going to be rockin' all afternoon long! Val's original California blues will be on full display, and she will be debuting her new song "We're Not Getting Older, We're Getting Better!" Her new rendition of "Big Boss Man, #MeToo" will be rolled out for everybody to sing along with, and of course, all of your favorites will be performed as well throughout the afternoon. Bring those dancing shoes, bring your friends, and meet up with us at the Powerhouse Pub on Sunday May 6 for a great afternoon of blues!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/51589632018-04-01T12:05:59-07:002020-10-19T03:23:28-07:00April Fools Day Release of Big Boss Man #MeToo<p>April Fools Day 2018…..Val Starr releases her new single, “Big Boss Man (#MeToo)” to blues radio. The song is available for purchase exclusively on her website, valstarr.com. This classic blues song was originally recorded by Jimmy Reed in 1960 and was written by Al Smith and Luther Dixon. </p>
<p>“The blues were born out of stories or hardships during the times, primarily of African Americans. I chose Big Boss Man, because I wanted to take a traditional blues song that depicted the racial inequality they faced, and wrote new lyrics to make it relative to the gender inequality and sexual harassment that women are still facing today. I believe that approaching topics such as sexual harassment with a little grace and humor is a good way to diffuse tension and hopefully get the message across.” - Val Starr </p>
<p>We’re proud to be part of this movement for women’s equality and hope that you join us by supporting Val’s cleverly penned version of this classic blues song.</p>
<p> </p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/50175282018-01-10T17:10:00-08:002018-01-10T17:10:00-08:00Val Starr & the Blues Rocket in Memphis!<p>Hello Fans & Friends! We are proud to announce that Val Starr & the Blues Rocket from Sacramento, CA will be in two special showcase performances during IBC week in Memphis. The first show will be Thursday, January 18 at the National Women In Blues showcase at Alfreds on Beale, which starts at 11:30 AM, Val will be on at 3PM; the second performance will be opening at Noon at the Blind Raccoon/Nola Blue artist showcase on Friday, January 19, at the PurpleHaze nightclub! If you are coming to Memphis, we hope to see you there, please come up and say hello!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/49532732017-11-28T16:39:16-08:002017-11-28T16:39:16-08:00Benefit for NoCal Fire Victims<p>Hello Friends! This Saturday night, December 2, at 7:30 PM, Val Starr will be performing her new album "I Always Turn The Blues On" at a benefit for the NoCal fire victims. The location is Louie's in Rancho Cordova, and the donation amount is $10 at the door. Val will be joining several other bands that start around noon, and then Val Starr will be on from 7:30 to 8:30. So don't miss it, come out when you can, and come up and say hi to Val, buy someone a copy of the CD for a Christmas present, and we'll donate half of the proceeds on the CD's to the benefit. Thanks for your holiday spirit, see you on Saturday night!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/47934342017-07-26T16:40:22-07:002020-01-20T22:57:20-08:00"I Always Turn The Blues On"<p>Val Starr's new CD "I Always Turn The Blues On" will be on sale right here on Tuesday August 1, 2017. You'll be able to order the actual Jewel Box copy for $10.oo plus $2.75 shipping and handling, and while you wait, we're going to set you up to download the songs so you don't have to wait for the car copy! You can have it on your computer right now! Thank you all for your support, Val has taken on some new territory with these songs and we are very proud of this new CD. Hope you enjoy "I Always Turn The Blues On" as much as we do!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/47757582017-07-11T19:13:02-07:002020-09-30T13:29:38-07:00CD Release Party at Powerhouse Pub Sun July 23 for "I ALWAYS TURN THE BLUES ON"<p>Val Starr & the Blues Rocket will be at the world famous Powerhouse Pub in Folsom, CA Sunday July 23, performing their new CD live, along with your favorite Blues Rocket songs! Joining the stage with the Blues Rocket is the exciting special guest Daniel Castro on guitar!! and maybe a secret special guest at the last moment??????? <br>"I Always Turn the Blues On" is the band's most diverse, explosive and creative blues CD yet. With guest blues musicians, Todd Morgan on keys, Steve Wall and Daniel Castro on guitar and Tim Barron on Harmonica, these local blues pros lend their magic to Val's tunes. From sultry slow blues to sizzling shuffles and the awesome musical talent of The Blues Rocket, this CD has something for everyone, and will delight blues fans across the spectrum. </p>
<p>This event is always fabulously fun and memorable because of YOU!! $15.00 admission price includes a free CD! Doors open at 2PM, and the music starts at 3PM. So come celebrate the blues and party with Val Starr & the Blues Rocket at the Powerhouse Pub! Don’t forget those Dancing Shoes! </p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/47506132017-06-19T22:58:28-07:002020-10-12T02:42:54-07:00Val Starr at Roseville Downtown Tuesday Night Street Fair<p>Val Starr & the Blues Rocket will be sharing their California Blues next week at the Roseville Downtown Plaza on Tuesday, June 27 at 5 PM. This is an open event at the Vernon St. Town Square across from the Post Office on Vernon St. and S. Grant, and is part of the street fair that happens every Tuesday night. Family friendly and free, Vernon St. transforms into a community fair with over 100 vendors, delicious food, wine and beer, a kids zone with family entertainment, arts and crafts, car show and something for everyone! Come out and share some fresh air with Val Starr, bring your dancing shoes, and let’s party in the plaza! Be sure to come up and say hi to Val Starr & the Blues Rocket, pick up a CD and have her sign it for you, and join our email list.</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/47446782017-06-14T11:06:55-07:002017-06-14T11:09:27-07:00FATHER'S DAY IN VOLCANO @ the St. GEORGE HOTEL! Molten Lava Hot!<p>On Sunday June 18, find us at the Fathers Day Blues Festival at the St. George Hotel in Volcano, CA with Jeramy Norris and the Dangerous Mood, and the Marc Chauvette Band. Outdoor bar, and great food from the BBQ! Low lawn chairs OK, no outside food or drink – and Under 12 FREE! It starts at 11 AM. $15 at the door, $10 in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com so get yours early! 16104 Main St, Volcano, CA Hot, Hot, Hot….. </p>
<p>Thanks! See you there!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/47149482017-05-18T23:54:12-07:002020-10-27T09:50:49-07:00Val Starr at McConnell Winery Blues Fest<p>RKM Live Production Presents Mini Blues Festival @ McConnell Estates Winery Summer Concert Series. 10686 West Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA <br>People this is going to be the Best of the Best in Blues in Sacramento....; 6:30 PM, Tim Noxon's Rock'n Blues Band; 7:30 PM, Val Starr & The Blues Rocket and 8:30 PM, Roharpo the Bluesman Band. <br>This is an all day event.... Doors open at 5:30pm <br>Wine tasting from 5:30-6:30 (wine available to purchase , NO ALCOHOL BROUGHT INTO THIS EVENT) <br>MUSIC STARTS @ 6:30 <br>TICKET PRICES: Wine Club Member $15 , Pre-Sale $18 , AT DOOR $20. <br>TICKETS:https://www.mcconnellestates.com/product/Mini-Blues-Festival <br>If you have not been to one of the Summer Concerts, it’s a Park Picnic setting, so Bring Your Picnic Baskets, There WILL ALSO BE A FOOD TRUCK TO PURCHASE FOOD.</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/46992922017-05-06T11:52:08-07:002017-05-06T11:52:08-07:00Val Starr & the Blues Rocket coming to Shingle Springs!<p>Join Val Starr at the Shingle Springs Community Center, 4440 S. Shingle Rd, Shingle Springs this coming Saturday, May 13! Charly Price will open the show at 7 PM, and Val goes on at 8 until 10 PM. $10 at the door, and you can bring your own wine, beer, booze and food. Plenty of free parking, and a great atmosphere to spend with friends. Come on out to the foothills and bring those dancing shoes!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/46471972017-03-27T10:25:11-07:002017-04-02T12:08:52-07:00Mother Earth Day at the Torch ClubPlant a tree or a bush, water your plants, mow your lawn and then come and join us at the world famous Torch Club in downtown Sacramento on Saturday afternoon, April 22 for International Mother Earth Day! Put on your tie-dye if you like and let's dance to some rockin' blues from Val Starr & the Blues Rocket. It's also JohnE's birthday celebration, he's 64 and we still need him and feed him! And if it's your birthday, bring your friends down and celebrate with us! Put on some comfortable shoes and we'll see you at the Torch Club, Sat April 22 at 4-7PM<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/166163/43713684b5b5c37b3971048a8806bf619ad7dd7e/original/mother-earth-gig.jpg?1490635494" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/45799842017-02-07T08:26:04-08:002017-02-07T08:26:04-08:00Daniel Hernandez's Celebration of Life Blues ConcertJoin us on Saturday February 18th at the Powerhouse Pub in Folsom for a Celebration of Life for our dear blues brother, Daniel Hernandez. The show opens with Val Starr & The Blues Rocket at 12:00 noon and features 4 more fabulous bands, Jeramy Norris & the Dangerous Mood, The Gary Mendoza Band, Daniel Castro Band and the Tim Noxon band. 6 hours of non-stop blues. Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/44549022016-11-06T16:44:03-08:002016-11-06T16:44:03-08:00VAL STARR’S TURKEY DANCE-OFF AT POWERHOUSE PUB<p>Val Starr & the Blues Rocket will be taking the stage and invite you to join us to dance off all that Thanksgiving turkey on Sunday, Nov 27 at the Powerhouse Pub in Folsom. Festivities start at 3 PM for Sunday afternoon blues, and roll out till 6 PM. Admission is $10 with a $3 discount for card holders (SBS, Meetup). In remembrance of two of our blues community family members, Vinny Bennett and Devin Holdener, Val Starr is partnering with the Powerhouse Pub and donating their proceeds to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In the spirit of the season, join us on Sunday, November 27 in this important cause, put on those dancing shoes, bring your best turkey dance, and we’ll see you there!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/44185662016-10-13T18:14:41-07:002016-10-13T18:14:41-07:00DANIEL CASTRO & VAL STARR HALLOWEEN PARTY!<p> <br>It's Spooky time at the Powerhouse Pub with the Daniel Castro Band and Val Starr & the Blues Rocket. Costume prizes for best male and for best female-$100 each prize! Dancing, drinking, and the best Halloween party on Saturday night, October 29 from 5 PM to 9 PM, $15 with in and out privileges. So dress it up, dress it down, don't forget those dancing shoes-and we'll see you at the Powerhouse Pub!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/44036302016-10-04T12:41:34-07:002017-09-05T09:56:03-07:00Worldwide Release of the new Bad Shoes Blues music video!"We had an absolute blast shooting this video," states the band's vocalist, Val Starr. "We were laughing the entire time. It was also great to feature some of my girlfriends in Sacramento sporting their own bad shoes! We haven't seen too many original new blues videos, so we hope we start a new trend. And I have to say, after shooting the entire video in 6 inch platforms, I truly can say that I experienced, the Bad Shoes Blues!"Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/43820282016-09-20T15:46:41-07:002017-07-25T15:32:42-07:00BREAKING NEWS: TODD MORGAN WILL BE JOINING VAL STARR & THE BLUES ROCKET ON KEYBOARDS!!<p>BREAKING NEWS: TODD MORGAN will be joining Val Starr & the Blues Rocket for the last show of Val Starr's Blues On The Patio 2016 featuring the Delta Wires! TODD MORGAN played the keys on several of Val's songs on her new CD "Woman On A Mission" and we can't wait to perform these songs live for you. Sat Oct 8, gates open at 5 PM, music starts at 6, Lions Gate Hotel, Sac. http://www.bluesonthepatio.com for more info. Don't forget those dancing shoes!!</p>Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/43544242016-09-02T10:14:26-07:002020-10-01T03:14:41-07:00Val Starr's Blues On The PatioFall weather, and temperatures that don't give us the blues! Saturday, September 3, Val Starr's Blues On The Patio picks up after a couple of hot, hot months! Two Tone Steiny and the Cadillacs will be opening for Val Starr & the Blues Rocket at the beautiful Lions Gate Hotel in Sacramento. Two Tone Steiny does a bang-up job of presenting the West Coast Blues in a colorful and stylish fashion, whilst blowing on that little Mississippi sax, otherwise known as the Blues Harp. Val Starr & the Blues Rocket will be headlining the show for the first time, she has so very graciously opened in past shows for a varied and sundry group of headliners from Daniel Castro, Chris Cain, Rick Estrin, Coco Montoya, and many, many more over the last three years. But tonight is Val's turn. She'll be taking you on a musical journey of her three CD's- Cool Ride, Blues Away, and the newest, Woman On A Mission. A show not to be missed, the weather will be great, the price is cheap-oh yeah!-Ladies Night-our female friends and fans get in for a discount! Every seat is a great seat, a no-host bar outside and inside, food, free parking, in and out privileges, and rooms if you want to party all night long! Might be a birthday or five in the house...... See you on the patio, and don't forget those dancing shoes!Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/42955842016-07-26T11:59:11-07:002017-03-23T11:24:29-07:00BLUES & BONES FESTIVALAngels Camp will once again be the setting for the California version of the 6th Annual Blues and Bones Festival on Friday July 29 and Saturday July 30th. Located in the Calaveras Country Fair Grounds, you can get your food cooked Slow and Low while tickling your eardrums with the hottest Blues Bands around. Friday night offers the Ben Rice trio down from Oregon, followed by Mike Hammar and the Nails. Saturday kicks off with us, VAL STARR & THE BLUES ROCKET, getting things going with her California Blues, followed by John Clifton, Jeramy Norris, Chris Cain and headliner Dennis Jones! That's a day of the Blues! The VIP after party will feature an All Starr jam with the days performers mixing it up, tearing it up, and bringing down the night! Don't miss this! Bring your chairs and blankets, good attitudes, dancing shoes, sun screen, hats and ID. More info at www.bluesandbones.com Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/42702642016-07-08T12:03:05-07:002016-07-08T12:03:05-07:00Vacaville Blues Festival Vacaville Blues fans were showing the blues love and came out in full force on Sunday, for an incredible day of the blues. The lineup was amazing with Jeramy Norris & The Dangerous Mood, Eddie Neon Band, Val Starr & The Blues Rocket and then the always fabulous Tommy Castro. Thank you so much Vacaville for coming out and supporting the blues.Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/40660722016-02-29T13:19:26-08:002016-02-29T13:19:26-08:00Woman On A Mission has arrived!Sacramento came out in full force to support the release of our new CD, "Woman on A Mission". Thank you Sacramento!! We are feelin' the blues love.<br>Woman On a Mission is being released to international radio today via airplay direct! In a few hours, the CD was already charted at #35 and moving up! Thank you to blues radio for your continued support!Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/39253702015-11-16T14:41:24-08:002015-11-16T14:41:24-08:00Happy Holidays!The holidays bring a wide range of emotions and can sometimes be overwhelming. Spending Christmas With The Blues is my new blues Christmas song that speaks to the heart and let's us know that sometimes it's ok to be a little blue during the holidays and to laugh at the absurdness that can come with holiday spending. We hope you enjoy this new seasonal song and wish you the very best during the holidays....Val StarrVal Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/38319072015-08-25T08:08:56-07:002015-08-25T08:08:56-07:00This Week In The BluesOn Sunday the Blues Rocket headed out the Mokelumne Hill to perform at the historic (and haunted!) Hotel Leger. The day was fine, the music was mine (Cool Ride lyric!). We had a blast. We were also proud to be featured in this month's "Women In Blues" edition of Blues-E-News. I am so honored to be included in this editorial tribute to all the amazing women in the blues. The week will end on a high note with our 5th concert at Blues On The Patio sharing the stage with the amazing Ms. Kaye Bohler! Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/37466332015-06-18T07:15:45-07:002015-06-18T07:15:45-07:00Upcoming Vacaville new article on Val Starr & The Blues RocketYesterday I had a real nice interview with a reporter from The Reporter In Vacaville regarding our upcoming show at The Blues Festival in Vacaville. The article will be available to view online this coming Friday, June 19th at <a href="http://www.thereporter.com">http://www.thereporter.com</a>.Val Starr & The Blues Rockettag:valstarrandthebluesrocket.com,2005:Post/36550552015-04-13T09:06:17-07:002015-04-13T09:06:17-07:00Doug's Pool Party and Lisa MannI recently had the privilege of joining the stage with an amazing award winning blues gal, Lisa Mann and her band at Doug's Pool party. Lisa is an extraordinary bass player and her drummer, Dave, also has played with Cee Cee James.Val Starr & The Blues Rocket