Sam's Corner with special guest Steve Freund

For this edition of Sam's Corner, Sam welcomes the great blues guitarist Steve Freund.   

Steve has earned an enviable reputation as a master of his craft, a consummate artist for whom every note counts, and every phrase tells a story. He is a fine singer too! He honed his craft in Chicago, where he performed with legendary blues artists, including James Cotton (for 12 years) and Sunnyland Slim (for 20 years) and many, many others.   

Steve has played The Back Room a dozen times, sometimes backing up fellow blues icon Mark Hummel, sometimes leading his own band. Sam has sat in with Steve on several of those occasions, but this is the first time that they are sharing a show together.

And playing bass will be one of NorCal's finest: Joe Kyle Jr, best known these days for his great work with the wonderful blues trio, HowellDevine, But he has collaborated with many other artists, including Martin Denney, Al Kooper, and Pinetop Perkins. He is known for his big, broad, but distinctly percussive tone. And, as a bassist, he knows his power. He knows that blues is often best served by the notes you don't play. His bass playing has nothing to prove. It is just THERE - massive, patient, often repetitious but never boring, providing that deep foundational rhythm.

Sam's Corner does not always feature a rhythm section, but when it does, Jeremy Steinkoler is usually there, because there is not much he can't play. He was there (along with Joe Kyle) the last time Sam did an all-blues night, and he is equally at home with jazz, R&B, and NOLA second line rhythms.

In case you didn't know, when Sam first established himself in Northern CA 40 years ago, he was best known as a rip-roaring solo pianist (and vocalist too) playing special events and blues/jazz festivals throughout the  state. Embracing a moniker bequeathed by his friends, he performed as "Hurricane Sam," and eventually formed the blues/jazz band Hurricane Sam & the Hotshots.

Years later, he created The Back Room, where he is now the owner/manager.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

To join our mailing list, please click here.

Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.

Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Thank you for your support!