Santa Ynez Valley News Lifestyle Editor

Bluesman Charlie Musselwhite, backed by his touring band, rocked the Gainey Vineyard Saturday night in the second performance for the "Concert in the Vineyard" series.

"The night is hot but these blues are hotter," was a statement made by one of Musselwhite's many fans as his music brought people to their feet to dance and rocked guests in their seats.

Musselwhite's seasoned voice and outstanding harp playing which has won him six WC Handy Awards for "Best Blues Harmonica" embraced a range of honest emotions that obviously moved both blues fans and those new to the scene.

During a short break, the stream of fans looking for his new CD "Delta Hardware" wound around a large room and down a long hallway.

Musselwhite said about his new CD "I'm keepin' it real.

BFor the listener, I hope it's like a journey. I hope each tune takes 'em to another little place, and I hope at the end they're glad they went," he added.

Local resident and blues aficionado Jeff Bates said that he has been a fan of Musselwhite's for decades.

"I have a photo of myself with Musselwhite which was taken 20 years ago I'd like to have autographed," Bates said.

All Gainey concerts are held in the vineyard. Next up will be Grammy award-winner Dianne Reeves, one of the pre-eminent jazz vocalists of the day.

Her on-screen performances in BGood Night and Good Luck,C George Clooney?s 2005 film about Edward R. Murrow, comprise the movie?s much praised sound track.

Tickets are still available for the Friday, Aug. 25 performance.

Following Reeves that weekend will be Poncho Sanchez and his band.

BSanchez is to Latin Jazz what Count Basie was to blues-based swing; an inspiring musician who finds just the right tone, pace, and altitude.C

Sanchez will perform Saturday, Aug. 26. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for these concerts are available at the Gainey Vineyard, 3950 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez; by mail at P.O. Box 910, Santa Ynez 93460; by calling the tasting room at 688-0558, Ext. 0; or online at www.gaineyvineyard.com.