Sam's Corner

If you squint a little, you might recognize the above photograph as Sam Rudin, the founder and manager of The Back Room. This was the cover of his first CD, which was released back in the days when he was known as Hurricane Sam and barnstorming the fair and festival circuit up and down the state of California. And yes, it was as a rip-roaring solo pianist that Sam first emerged onto the scene. Later on would come Hurricane Sam & the Hotshots.

 Here is some of the early promotional material:

With the rhythmic intensity of an entire band, Sam Rudin attacks and caresses the keyboard, romping through the whole range of 20th century American music. He can evoke the spirit of Fats Waller, Oscar Peterson, Mose Allison, and Jerry Lee Lewis…sometimes all at the same time. He is also a compelling vocalist whose rough-hewn voice conveys both drama and humor.

Sam has worked with all types of musicians, playing rock ‘n’ roll with Chubby Checker, western swing with Back in the Saddle, classic blues with Frankie Lee, and slick pop-soul with Sister Sledge. He has even worked with bluegrass great Frank Wakefield, who has proclaimed Sam to be the only bluegrass pianist in the world. But it was his solo performances that gained him his earliest renown.

For the last few years, wanting to do something special on his birthday, Sam decided to do a retrospective, and has made it a point to resurrect the old format and do a whole evening of solo piano (and some vocals of course), just like he used to do way back when. (Which brings up the question: can something be resurrected more than once?).

After all, retrospectively speaking, there was only one musician that was with him from the beginning, and with whom he could look back on his whole career. And so, Sam's special guest for tonight is...Sam Rudin.

And it is Sam Rudin, aka Hurricane Sam, who will greet you tonight from Sam's Corner.

Tickets are $20 general admission. 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 one half hour 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.

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