Gary Blackburn

Like most artists, music has been his passion for a very long time. As a youngster, listening to his heroes that shaped and influenced him into what he is now, Gary still looks to have his own personal style. When you listen to his songs, Gary's intention is that "Gary Blackburn" comes across, instead of, "Hey he sounds like whatshisname". It has been a very long journey from his early days of playing at friends parties and wedding ceremonies to the present. Now Gary feels like he can say, "I have paid my dues to sing the blues". Those few close friends who know Gary, will understand that, and when he gets up on stage you can see, feel, and hear the emotion when he performs. Okay, enough of the tortured artist. As a Singer/Songwriter, Gary brings together his smooth vocals and stylized guitar picking to form his own unique sound in the Country, Blues, Rock genre. With such influences from James Taylor to Todd Rundgren, Hank Williams Sr. to Dwight Yoakam. Developing his own personal style to his originals, blending old school with contemporary, along with an intimate and emotional stage presence, you will no doubt connect with his musical performance. Originally from the San Joaquin Valley in central California, just north of Merle's home and the Bakersfield Sound, Gary moved to Santa Cruz in the late 70's to further his music career, he was front man for bands performing in the Monterey Bay area. UTURN, Blackburn-Dadd Band, Trigger Happy, Fools Paradise, and the Western Flyers to name a few, playing the local clubs Recently in 2022 Gary had some exciting musical highlights attending "It Starts With A Song" in Nashville where he was able to perform his song "Because OF You" for Rodney Crowell, who offered a "Congratulations, good job". that paved the way to making a recording. Also in 2022, Gary got a spot on the Outlaw Country West Cruise music festival performing a short set of his original tunes on the "Writin' Side Of Me" event on the same stage that had the likes of Dave Alvin, Rosie Flores, and James Intveld performed on. Gary performs his original compositions that include songs off his CD,” Streak of Gray” and "Daddy's Boy". Many of his originals are currently aired on Santa Cruz County radio stations, KPIG 107.5 FM, and KBCZ 89.3 FM. along with various radio stations in the Northwest, all the way to Maine. Gary can do solo performances with just his vocals and guitar as well, performing the softer folk, country, blues solo gig, or put a band together and Rock It Out! Consider Gary for your next party, reception, ceremony, festival, or club venue. Thanks y'all!

Santa Cruz, CA