The SBGs featuring John "Blues" Boyd

About The SBGs:

Led by San Jose's Blues Harmonica guru Aki Kumar, The SBGs are a live music band dedicated to reviving the electrifying energy and soulful sounds of 1950s Blues and Rock 'n' Roll. With a repertoire that celebrates the pioneers of the genre, The SBGs deliver an unforgettable musical experience that captures the heart and soul of an era when music was pure, raw, and full of life.

The SBGs are composed of some of the finest blues musicians in the SF Bay Area, each bringing their own expertise and passion to the stage. Their commitment to authenticity is unparalleled, ensuring a memorable performance every time they take the stage.

About Special Guest John "Blues" Boyd:

John “Blues” Boyd earned his middle name the hard way. John’s music and the man himself are throwbacks to a more difficult, but also a more honest and straightforward era. Cousin to bluesman Eddie Boyd, John was born in Greenwood, MS, in 1945 and began working the delta cotton fields at seven years of age. Until he retired from hot tar roofing in 2007 to care for his ailing wife, blues singing and hard labor were the two constants in his life.

When his beloved wife of 49 years, Dona Mae, passed in 2014, John naturally turned to the refuge of the blues for solace. In dealing with his grief, John discovered a previously undeveloped talent for songwriting and found himself furiously churning out songs – sometimes writing as many as eight in a single day!

With a stylistic range at times reminiscent of shouters like Big Joe Turner and Wynonnie Harris, and other times harkening back to blues crooners like Junior Parker and an early BB King, John delivers these songs with sweetness, ferocity, pure old-school charm, and always, unfiltered honesty.

In an era when Halloween “bluesmen” christen themselves with what they imagine to be colorful, authentic-sounding “blues” pseudonyms, John “Blues” Boyd and his name are indisputably The Real Deal.

Tickets are $25 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 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.

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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!