Blue Dice had the experience and pleasure of being asked to play BLUES BASH SIX 2004, thanks to our great friend Greg Serrato. He sent me an email about a promoter named Robb Bower who puts on the greatest blues festival down south in the little town of Julian Ca.  Robb and I communicated via email and I was very impressed with his kindness and most of all his up lifting soul that shined through his words.
 
   Those same qualities are evident in Robb's festivals.  Those of you who are reading this and coming to Robb's website for the first time need to go to one of his festivals. It's one top notch classy event and an experience and memory you are loosing out on if you don't attend. I sat out with my friends and listened to the other performers enjoying the beauty of the Menghini Winery and the great music being played.
 
A group of us caravaned to the winery and made it a three day event arrving on Friday eveing, playing the festival on Saturday, staying both nights in the Julian Bed and Breakfast Hotel.  Sunday we walked in the quaint town of Julian followed by what Julian is famous for, their apple pie.
 
This event will go down in the Blue Dice history book as the greatest gig ever, which will always have a special place in our heart because of Robb.
 
I'm planning to do the same thing this time again with my friends when we come out to enjoy Robb's Blues Bash 8,  not to perform but to just enjoy the peacefulness of it all and do some well needed R&R.
peace-love,
Victor Paul  of  BLUE DICE

www.victorpaulbluedice.com

 We have  been to all 7 Blues Bash and every one has been fantastic and they just get better and better. Robb and his crew put on a great event and we always look forward to attending.

Larry & Karen Munoz

Yuma connection.

Words From Robb-I'd like to thank Larry & Karen for their enthusiasm, and support from the very beginning. They have become a great part of our Blues Bash Family! We all appreciate their traveling so far to be with us, and enjoy the blues!

When Robb first asked me to play at his Blues Bash 5, I just knew it would be a wonderfully good time. Just speaking with him tells you right off that you are dealing with not only a true heartfelt supporter of the blues, but a fine man who is as good as his word in all respects. I had heard nothing but good about him, and that is just the way the festival went down -- just like he said it would. Nothing but good vibes and a great time was had by all.

As a veteran of two Bashes, I can say that it is always something I would look forward to, and something that I will always have great memories of as well. You will just not find a better coordinated, more soulful experience anywhere. Robb works his butt off all year to make it all happen, and his dedication shows through everytime with great, memorable show experiences for the audience and performers alike. I'd play for him anytime.

-Alan Iglesias

http://www.alaniglesias-and-crossfire.com/

I was invited to perform at the 2002 Julian Blues Bash by one of the kindest and most gracious hosts I've ever had the pleasure of working with. I was blown away by the atmosphere and the fun loving blues fans that were in attendance. I've played many blues festivals in my career and this one is truly one that sticks out in my mind. Every year, Mr. Bower offers a strong line-up and gives you your money's worth. I was invited back in 2004 and the experience was better than ever. If you haven't attended this festival, then you are really missing out. The festival site is awesome and is secluded from the rest of the world! The only sounds you'll hear are the great bands
playing and the fans cheering and having a great time! I was so impressed with the Blues Bash that last year I attended simply as a spectator. And believe me, I never drive 100 plus miles to spectate! Who knows, I may just show up this year too! Thank you Robb for bringing such a fun event to the people!

Keep it burning Brother!

Greg Serrato

http://www.gregserrato.us/

Just take out your calendar and fill in this date first! That’s what I do every year after Robb started this Blues Bash event. From it’s beginning downtown to it’s rebirth at the winery, it’s my favorite show and I would never miss it. Julian makes the Bash an even more enjoyable destination with the beautiful scenery and time on the mountain to go along with all the talent Robb gets every time. If you haven’t been there, you are missing one of the best-kept secrets in San Diego! It’s growing, but the small festival feeling and great people that make this happen is just a couple of reasons that you’ll always see me. It’s Bash 8 this year with many more to come.

Congratulations Robb

C. E. Wheat

El Cajon

July 4, 2004 Blues Bash Six
Robb Bower has been staging these concerts, first in Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach and then in Julian when the crowds got too big, for six years.
"It was purely selfish," he said. "I had a band called the Blue Dogs and I was frustrated finding places to play."
So in the grand tradition of concert promoter Bill Graham (one of his role models), Bower decided he was going to put on a show. The concert now draws about 100 musicians who vie for the six slots in the program. This year, the opening act is The Gemtones, a band from Capistrano Beach made up of Trevor Sanders on drums and vocals; his brother, Ian, on guitar and vocals; dad, Dave, on bass; and mom, Shelby, the manager.
"I was blown away when I heard them," Bower said. "I really like to find young talented musicians to start the show off. The kids today are listening to rap, but blues is for the young and old alike. You can sit and listen, or you can get up and dance. But if there aren't kids playing, we're going to lose the blues. I want the young kids to know, to keep the blues alive."
This year, the concert will also attempt to raise funds for the October fire victims in the Julian area. Many of them are still living in trailers on their burned-out property.
"We're going to do a silent auction and a raffle, and the radio station 103.7 is working with Guitar Trader to raffle off guitars," Bower said.
In the future, Robb also would like to produce jazz, country, and classical concerts. But he still works full time for the Marine Corps, designing its Exchange stores. He has three teenage kids, so life is busy. But the blues, the blues will always be a part of his life. And for the sixth year in the row, they'll be a part of Julian. Tickets are available the day of the show. Get directions to the winery and the list of performers at http://www.robb-bowerpresents.com