Rick Holmstrom Band with special guest Greg Leisz

Rick Holmstrom has stories. Thirty-seven years of hurtling around the globe in metal tubes will do that. From his early days with blues and soul artists Smokey Wilson, William Clarke, Johnny Dyer, Rod Piazza and Booker T, to his 20 year run with gospel/soul/civil rights legend Mavis Staples, the guitarist/bandleader has seen a lot. He’s also proven prolific, releasing 7 solo records and playing on piles of records as a sideman. Holmstrom and his bandmates, Steve Mugalian and Gregory Boaz, who also play with Staples, create innovative albums that highlight blues, funk, roots and soul with seeming ease.  NPR’s Bob Boilen raved; “…the band is crucial, discerning and supportive. Rick Holmstrom is her soulful guitarist – Staples calls him “Pops, Jr…”

Holmstrom’s most recent releases Get It! and See That Light garnered praise from the likes of Associated Press, American Songwriter and No Depression. Holmstrom won Grammys in 2011 with Staples (You Are Not Alone) and 2026 (Beautiful Strangers). With Staples, he’s toured with Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones and most recently, Trombone Shorty and Ziggy Marley. In 2014, he and Staples performed for President Obama at the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

Legendary LA steel player Greg Leisz has graced stages and recordings with iconic artists like Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Bill Frisell, Phoebe Bridgers, Dave Alvin, Lucinda Williams, Mark Knopler and many more. He’s renowned for his ability to bring depth and emotions to recordings with his touch, tone and minimalist musical sense.