Central Coast Songwriter Has His First Local Show

I've been hosting our Corralitos Cultural Center Music Series for about a year and a half, and it's been a good excuse to both show off some talented friends and give road-warrior musicians a gig to play along their route.

This Friday, we do both of those in one fell swoop as we present Dana Hubbard, one of my favorite nomads. He and I met a few years ago at the American River Music Festival and became instant pals.

Dana's a lifelong working musician. He fronted many blues bands throughout the '80s. When the club and corporate scene faded, he took to the road in his RV and has been a solo performer ever since. A few of the accolades he's rounded up include:

• 1st Place Winner, 2010 Ashland Blues Society's Road to the IBC  Solo/Duo Category
• 1st Place Winner, 2009 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival  Acoustic Blues Competition
• 1st Place Winner, 2009 Indie International Songwriting Contest Folk/Acoustic
• 2nd Place Winner, 2009 Utah State Instrumental Championships Fingerstyle 

Dana's originally from the Central Coast, and he's Berkeley-based these days. Interesting thing is that although he's from the area, he's never done a show here, so Friday will also be a debut of sorts. If you've been to a show at the cultural center, you know the drill: An intimate little venue, great acoustics, and snacks at the ready courtesy of my wife Cyn. 

Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Sliding scale (suggested donation) $10-$20. The is at 129 Hames Rd. in Watsonville. Hope you can join us. It's going to be a way fun evening. Shoot me an email if you'd like to reserve your seats in advance.

Note: Some of the proceeds from these shows go to support the cultural center, too.