Page 63 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2023 Digital Edition

Willie called me one day and said, ‘You got to meet this So, there you have it, a little peek into the lives of a few
Brit guy!’ I did, and the rest is history! We went on one date romantic musical partners that literally traverse the world
and then moved in together. Soon after that, I also joined playing blues together. I think the prevailing lesson is to keep
Willie’s band, The Liberators, as his second guitar, and we a sense of humor and, I suppose, to keep each ego intact. The
toured internationally. Rick and I got married one year later love that these artists have for each other and the music that
on Willie’s land, Freedom Creek. He was our best man and exudes from their pores is offered to us from heart and soul.
Master of Ceremonies. Their unions are a special gift on so many levels. May their
Meanwhile, Rick joined my band and my non-profit, the musical journeys together stand the test of time.
Alabama Blues Project. We ran education programs and
started gigging and recording on the side. When Willie passed Nicknamed the “Queen of Steam” for her powerhouse vocals
away, we went full-time focusing on my music. We are a one- and sassy, hi-energy shows, Michele Lundeen is an award-
stop-shop and our respective skills are very complimentary. winning singer-songwriter, 12x San Diego Blues Music Award
Sometimes it can be challenging to live, breathe, work, Nominee, Blues In The Schools presenter, vocal instructor and
write, promote, book, tour and live together, but I wouldn’t owner of a 1-woman graphics/print broker business.
trade it for the world. The bottom line is it’s an amazing life- www.michelelundeen.com
growth adventure. We are super-compatible, love the same
food, music, values and traveling – it works very well.
I would hate to leave my lover behind – it’s a blessing that
I get to travel with mine.”

Deanna Bogart & Tommy Castro. Photo courtesy of Deanna Bogart

Deanna Bogart & Tommy Castro
“We’ve been in the business and friends for about 25
years,” share Deanna Bogart and Tommy Castro. “We had
great conversations on the phone during the pandemic,” says
Deanna. “TC drove down from the Bay Area to Palm Springs
to visit me for about a week and the rest is history.”
“We’ve been working together off and on for many years,
so on stage it hasn’t changed much.” As for a moment that
stands out? “We were in the piano bar on the Legendary
Rhythm & Blues Cruise,” says Tommy, “and we were having a
ball playing/singing ‘Buona Sera’ (Louis Prima/Keely Smith).“
“Tommy said he was going to propose,” chimes in Deanna,
“but then didn’t ‘cause he realized he didn’t have a ring yet,
so he just continued to sing…
‘in the meantime, let me tell you that I love you,
Buona sera signorina kiss me good night!’”

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