Several leading country and rock musicians from Mick Fleetwood Blues Band to Jamtown featuring Donavon Frankenreiter, G. Love, Cisco Adler, Steve Vai and Hunter Hayes performed at the third annual Malibu Guitar Festival, held May 18-21.
On the opening night at Casa Escobar Beach Restaurant, Bo Steele and Ben Rubino of Alabama-based The Band Steele performed their hits “Red Moon River”, “Sit a While”, their breakout song “195” and a new single “Trouble” from their new unreleased album, which the band tells Billboard will be released in four weeks and will be supported with a tour.
The next day, guitar legend Steve Vai performed at Casa Escobar with a host of female musicians including Nik West, Larissa Basilio, Gretchen Menn and Zepparella.
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Los Angeles-based band Dankrupt played “California Everyday”, “Father Time” and “Let Love” from their new EP CALIROCK which was released May 17. Dankrupt also performed “Ghost of You” and “Happy Hour” both from their previous EP Moonlight.
At Malibu Village on May 20, Hunter Hayes — who refused to talk to reporters or take photos — played a 45-minute set that included songs from his unreleased new album and older works such as “Crazy”, “Amen”, “Lines” and fan-favorite “Wanted”. Hayes worked his way through at least seven different guitars during his set.
The night closed with Donavon Frankenreiter, and a G. Love and Cisco Adler performance.
Malibu Guitar Festival is spearheaded by founder Doug Deluca, a local music and guitar lover, who got together with good friend and Malibu local John Watkin to bring great tunes and vibes to the seaside town.
Organizers of this year’s event also presented Robby Krieger with a Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of the 50th anniversary of The Doors.