The History of

the Simi Valley Blues Festival

The Simi Valley Blues Festival was the vision of Simi Valley

resident Michael John Basowski. Michael John has been

a musician all his life and had always dreamed that

someday he could do something which would make an

impact in his community.

Being a blues musician, the idea of a blues festival was

the ideal way to turn his dream into reality. 

The first festival was held in 2006 in which Michael John

 teamed up with Goldie Thomas from local non-profit

organizationWrite4Hope,who was instrumental in

coordinating the logistics for the event and made it

possible to hold the first three blues festivals in Oak County Park

in Simi Valley.

The musician friends of Michael John’s have donated

their time and talent each year and are here today to support

the cause of making a difference.

Today, the 7th Annual Simi Valley Blues Festival is held

in a beautiful new location with a strong partner,

the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley. The Kiwanis Club

played a supporting role in the early days of the festival,

becoming a Title sponsor in 2008. As the presenter of

the event, the festival has become a major area of

focus and fundraising for the Kiwanis Club of SImi Valley. 

“ The success of our festival is because of blues fans like you who

come out to enjoy the music and the day. 

Thank you so much for your support.

 I also want to thank all my family and friends who without them

this event would not be possible.”  ~  Michael John   

Past Festival Artists

1st Annual - Saturday, April 29, 2006

Emcee Mickey Jones

BB Chung King w/special guest Coco Montoya

Delgado Brothers

Michael John and The Bottom Line

Nelson Adelard

Jeff Jensen

John Parker and Forced Call

JD Casey Band

2nd Annual - Saturday, April 28, 2007

Emcee Mickey Jones

Coco Montoya

BB Chung King

Delgado Brothers

Michael John and The Bottom Line

Blue Stew

Gino Matteo

Jeff Jensen w/special guest John Parker

Tony Dodd and Southbound

Special App Frank Kramer & Heidi Hamilton

3rd Annual - Saturday, April 26, 2008

Emcee – Mickey Jones

Robben Ford

Jimmy Z and the Z tribe

BB Chung King & the Buddaheads

Michael John and The Bottom Line

Laurie Morvan Band

Barry "Big B" Brenner

Frank Kramer & Heidi Hamilton

4th Annual - Saturday, Saturday, September 5, 2009

 Emcee Mickey Jones

Boneshakers

BB Chung King and the Buddaheads

Delgado Bros

Michael John and The Bottom Line

Dona Oxford

Kyle Culkin Band

Barry Big B Brenner

5th Annual - Saturday, April 17th 2010

Emcee Mickey Jones

Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers

Sista Monica

Michael John and The Bottom Line

LA Jones and the Blues Messengers

Preston Smith

Artwork Jamal

Triple Threat

6th Annual - Saturday, April 30th, 2011

Emcee Mickey Jones

Charlie Musselwhite

Coco Montoya with Special Guest Johnny Rivers

Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps

Gino Matteo & The Family Phunk

Randy Scott

Austin Scott & Triple Threat