Gary Blackburn, celebrated veteran singer songwriter based in Santa Cruz - Monterey Bay on the Central Coast of California, brings together his smooth vocals, and stylized guitar picking to his original compositions, and familiar covers in the Country, Rock, Folk, Blues genres. Blending old school with contemporary, Gary will weave a memorable musical performance of songs that tell stories of love, forgiveness, and the paths that we choose. 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 station, KPIG 107.5 FM, along with various radio stations in the Pacific Northwest, and one in Maine. With a well-rounded repertoire, Gary will show both his versatile soft folk blues side along with his high energy rock side. Gary as a performer has been a opening act for Ruthie Foster, The Sam Chase, Amy LaVere & Will Sexton. What Gary likes to call, “Americana with an Edge”, with his influence from James Taylor to Tom Petty, Merle Haggard to Steve Earle, Gary is a true modern day troubadour, paying homage to the great singer songwriters of our time. 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. In the 80's, Gary had some local success with the bands Blackburn - Dadd and Fools Paradise until 1989 when Gary's son, Alex underwent a major medical treatment. From that time up to 2001 and his son's passing, Gary was out of the public eye with his music. It took some time for Gary to start writing songs again that helped in his grief journey. In 2018, Gary wrote his song, "What's It Gonna Take" for his son Alex. It was brought to the attention of The Compassionate Friends, a international organization for parents that have lost children. Gary has performed the song at a national conference in 2018, and since then, it has been used at many chapters around the world as a song played during their annual Candle Lighting ceremony. Besides having success in performing throughout the Central Coast and Bay Area of California, Gary has had other accomplishments, and highlights with his music, 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 who performed on the cruise! Gary is still hard at it, writing and performing his music that he likes to call, "Americana with an Edge". If you would like to catch Gary solo, or with his band, hit the "Button Text" for upcoming and past performances!
Peace & Love
