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Fresh off his latest gig at Southern California’s Yaamava Resort & Casino, veteran blues and rock performer Bill Grisolia loves performing during the holiday season.
“It is truly a pleasure to play for people during this special time of year. I love seeing audiences engage with the music and the experience becomes even more wonderful,” he told Programming Insider.
“Whether they dance or sway or just listen, I always get so excited!”
Over the years, Grisola has played numerous festivals, concerts, casinos, and top night clubs, where he has headlined, as well as share the stage with over two dozen top pop, rock and blues legends, including Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach, Leon Russell, Los Lobos, Macy Gray, Tito Jackson, Eddie Money, Starship, Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Canned Heat, Three Dog Night, the Lowrider Band(War), Dick Dale and Katey Segal.
He recently won the “Living Legend” award with the organization, Blues My Way, which helps Long Beach children learn and appreciate blues music.
“It’s so important to me to give back,” he enthused. “I truly enjoy volunteering my time all year long contributing to kids who live in Southern California communities.”
He also frequently collaborates with JazzZone Jazzabration, a nonprofit which honors local jazz and blues icons.
“Bill has done amazing things with our organization, he keeps our legends working in the community through his numerous gigs that he curates,” said legacy preservationist and JazzZone president Linda Sam.
Sam was thrilled to also award Grisolia with a Living Legend award.
“This award is given to deserving folks who we feel are legendary in the blues community. Our awards are given to individuals who might not get the recognition of receiving their flowers while they can smell them. Recognition by our organization is our way of saying ‘we see you.’ The Living Legend Award is given to those that are still here with us, so that they can enjoy the honoring and celebration amongst friends, peers and family.”
Sam continued: “We have been aware of Bill’s activities back when the jazz festival in Long Beach partnered with the Long Beach Unity Festival which he led almost 30 years ago. We love that he gives back to the Southern Caifornia community through various civic organizations which he lends his time and energy to.”
The dynamic duo are planning a Spring Concert Gala together, in which Linda will be a producer. Bill is an outstanding friend and we are over the moon excited about working with him in 2024.”
Grisolia’s zest for life is apparent—a cancer survivor, celebrating 15 years in sobriety, and recently just survived a heart issue.
“I am so appreciative of my good health. I had congestive heart failure a little over a year ago, but God has seen fit to heal. I know I have a lot more work to do!” he said happily.
He is also hard at work on new music, working with his new chief creative collaborator, Charles Julian Fearing, a fantastic guitarist who has played with icons like Michael Jackson, Herb Alpert, Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Mathis, The Crusaders, Nancy Wilson, Joe Cocker, Deniece Williams, Jeffrey Osborne, New Edition, Teena Marie, George Duke, Ray Charles, the Spinners, the Temptations, Dionne Warwick, Patti Labelle and Barry White.
“We have so much great material! I love being back in the studio, it keeps our music sounding fresh and energizing!” he added.
