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Helen Casabona
Helen's musical background is etched in classical piano. Like the fate of many
youngsters growing up in a family rich in musical tradition, she paid her dues
plunking the classics. Her hard work and diligence paid off in music competition
awards, but more importantly paved the way for her future calling. However, her
natural harmonic chord laid dormant, until she was exposed to the soulful beckoning
of the blues.
Helen's early musical influences were Hot Tuna, Reverend Gary Davis, Little Willie Littlefeild, Katie Webster, and Memphis Slim. Her performing career started out in 1986 as a folk singer guitarist playing some small clubs around the San Francisco Bay Area. Eventually, she added piano to her act, and started playing larger venues, local concerts, and festivals. In 1990, thanks to the recommendation of a DJ at KVMR radio station in Nevada City, she opened for Bo Diddley to a crowd of 10,000 at the Sacramento Blues Festival. The response of the crowd was overwhelming , and high praise came from Bo Diddley himself. This festival has become a yearly tradition for Helen. She has also opened for such notable acts as John Hammond, John Hartford, Little Charlie & the Night Cats, and the Cajun band Beausolieu. Helen's debut CD "Sitting On The Curbstone" was released
in 1994 on the independent label Casabona Records. This album has
gained much local attention and acclaim. She was nominated for 4
categories in the 1994 South Bay Blues Awards sponsored by local
DJ's and entertainment media personnel. Those nominations were,
Best Female vocalist, Best Keyboard Player, Best traditional artist
and Best CD, independent label. Leslie Ann Knight of KKUP, Cupertino
California said "Casabona delivers a full barrel of well-oiled
countrified blues and inspiring hot-fingered piano boogies. She
simply draws you in to share her happiness and her pain. Casabona's
lively piano, guitar, and vocal performance is refreshingly insightful.
" Performance
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