Blues and rock will dominate the stages at the Gilroy Garlic
Festival, with 42 concerts from country newcomers Whiskey Falls to
retro festival favorites Shaboom.
Gilroy – Blues and rock will dominate the stages at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, with 42 concerts from country newcomers Whiskey Falls to retro festival favorites Shaboom.
Headliner Whiskey Falls was ushered to the festival by KRTY Radio, whose music directors have introduced the Bay Area to big-name country artists such as Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and last year’s Garlic Festival performer, Gary Nichols. The four-man band is slightly more than a year old, but has already attracted attention from country music stations across the country. The festival’s entertainment committee chairman, Ryan Romero, said KRTY “had found gold again.”
“I heard it. I like it. I think it’s a great sound,” said Romero. “It’s a lot like Rascal Flats” – a former Garlic Festival performer – “in terms of its acoustic sound and blend of voices.”
Whiskey Falls singer Seven Williams calls the band’s sound “‘Hotel California’ meets ‘Sweet Home Alabama.'” The band formed when two California singer-songwriters, Williams and Wally Brandt, met up with two Alabama singers, Buck Johnson and Damon Johnson (no relation). All four members sing and write songs, producing four-part harmonies that rock, Williams said.
“We’ve got an Eagles-esque quality,” he said, “but we also plug in and get real rowdy, too.”
Williams counts bands such as Alabama, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and Lynyrd Skynyrd among Whiskey Falls’ influences. The four hadn’t heard of the Garlic Festival before KRTY brought it to their attention, but all were excited to headline the event.
Returning act Shaboom is well-known to the festival, having debuted there more than 20 years ago. The classic rock ‘n’ roll band covers 1950’s and 1960’s hits by bands such as Del Shannon, Chuck Berry and the Righteous Brothers – the same bands with which they’ve shared stages. The band’s devoted following spans all ages, said Romero.
“When Shaboom comes on, there’s not a speck of dance floor available,” he said.
Other acts range from zydeco to Latin swing, and include Monterey-based blues band Red Beans and Rice, Masada’s brand of brassy Latin funk, Bay Area ska band Monkey, and the two-woman pop act Trusting Lucy, performing on three different stages. Gilroy Community Service Officer Aaron Avila will serenade Friday visitors with the country/rock band Silver Creek. New acts include the Lisa Montes Band, danceable rock from Phat Chants, and Garlic Festival Association favorite PT and the Cruisers. Roaming ‘strollers’ will also entertain the crowds, including the barbershop quartet Garlic City Harmony.
Amateurs will have a shot to wow festival-goers as well: The Garlic Idol competition, a singing contest that mimics American Idol, is back this year, with a prize of 1,000-gallons of unleaded gasoline. Kids can compete too, in the Kidsapalooza Talent Competition Saturday and Sunday nights.
And, for those who want to impress karaoke will be available as well.
