Musical Showcase Lends Perfect Touch to Dream Machines

From the syncopated sound of ragtime to the big band swing era, from the doo-wop years to Motown, music has always been the background to America's love affair with cars and airplanes.

Once again, music will play a major part in this year's Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show, April 27-28 at Half Moon Bay Airport, with tempos sure to tap into every music lover's tastes.

Robert and Charlie Powell

Pel & The Pelicans

The Inciters

Big Cat Tolefree

The rhythm will get you going first thing on Saturday at 10 AM when Half Moon Bay harmonica great Grant Walters joins internationally known brothers Robert and Charlie Powell for a mélange of world beat and American rock favorites. Robert Powell, who has composed music for film, television, and multi-media, has worked with Peter Gabriel and Jackson Browne, among others. His brother, Charlie, who brings entrancing harmonies and guitar work to the mix, is also a featured performer in Santa Cruz band, Surf City Swing.

For folks who appreciate such bands as The Traveling Wilburys, Tom Petty, and The Marshall Tucker Band, the stage will come alive at 11:30 with Pel & The Pelicans. Lending a unique flavor will be guest performer Kevin Brennan, a soulful Belfast troubadour who, at age 16, played with Van Morrison. Brennan now frequently shares the stage with Van's daughter, Shana. Joining Brennan, Pel and the Pelicans will be another guest performer, Todd Tone Gilbert, a noted gospel singer and Congolese drummer whose music is made unforgettable with a blend of ukulele and ska.

Fans of Motown will absolutely not want to miss The Inciters, who will hit the stage at 2 PM. Known across America and Europe as the best in "Northern Soul," this 11-piece dance band recreates the infectious rhythms that made superstars out of groups like The Temptations, and Diana Ross and the Supremes.

Sunday starts out with Big Cat Tolefree, who year after year, continues to dominate blues award shows. A legendary musician who has opened for the incomparable BB King, Tolefree is certain to set the tone for a memorable morning at Dream Machines.

Bill Kirchen

Grammy-nominated guitarist Bill Kirchen takes over the stage at 1 PM. Perhaps best known for the distinctive licks that framed the Commander Cody classic, "Hot Rod Lincoln," Kirchen was named "Titan of the Telecaster" by Guitar Player Magazine. He has appeared on stage and in the recording studio with Maria Muldaur, Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, and many more. He's also a featured performers at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival every year. Look for him to amaze with his ineffable ability to seamlessly move from country swing to Motown.

MUSIC STAGE SCHEDULE