A Night of Rising Talent and Unforgettable Blues

April 23, 2026

At around 9:17 p.m., the stage came alive with an eclectic mix of performers—four musicians joined by a fifth collaborator and a dancer who commanded attention from the center. The atmosphere felt calm and inviting, but beneath that ease was a quiet intensity. The lyrics carried weight, and the musicians, clearly hungry to play, brought a sense of anticipation that rippled through the room.

After the first song, Sam Daulong stepped onto the stage, harp in hand, adding a rich layer to the sound that immediately elevated the performance.

Offstage, the experience was just as memorable. The Cantinita delivered food that felt like a celebration of flavor—authentic, vibrant, and deeply satisfying. The chicken flautas stood out in particular, perfectly balancing spice and savory notes with a warmth that matched the welcoming environment.

The night unfolded with Leon Carrasco, Adrian Revilla, Sammy D., Jacob, and a friend of Leon took the stage, diving into a Muddy Waters tune that felt both reverent and electric. Their performance captured the spirit of the blues so completely that it seemed to echo the legend himself. The crowd responded by singing along and feeding the energy back to the band, an exchange that left everyone wanting more.

Leon Carrasco and Seth Lawson

By 10:04, a new wave of energy surged through the venue. Kevin Crosson, Gilbert Delgado, Tripp Houk, Ivan Borrego, and Adrian Revilla took over with a set that caught the audience off guard in the best way possible. Their sound exploded like dynamite, vibrant, and impossible to ignore. Each song built on the last, creating a momentum that kept the crowd fully engaged.

At 10:26, the tone shifted into something more mellow. Seth Lawson, joined by Ivan, Phil, and others, brought a softer, more introspective feel to the stage. With hints of Tom Petty woven into the set, Lawson’s original music and vocals stood out, offering a refreshing contrast and showcasing a different side of the night’s talent.

By 10:42, the final set gathered an impressive lineup: Craig Smith, Julian Espinoza, Sammy Daulong, Kevin Crosson, Phil Hodges, and Marc Maddox. It was a powerful closing chapter to an already remarkable evening. With Craig leading on vocals, the performance carried both grit and soul—an embodiment of the blues at its most raw and compelling.

This final act felt like more than just a conclusion; it was a statement. A reminder that nights like these are stepping stones toward something bigger. Each performer took the stage with heart, pushing their sound forward, chasing something just beyond the horizon.

The road to Memphis may still lie ahead, but if this night was any indication, the journey has already begun.

A. Diaz

GWTX Blues

Secretary