On Saturday, August 22, from 11am to 4pm (with some activities continuing into the evening), more than 20 musicians will be stationed along College Avenue from Broadway to Alcatraz to entertain guests at this year’s Rock-N-Stroll.
Three participating Rockridge regulars are highlighted below:
Tall Papa Eric Blossom Really Can Sing
You’ll find him performing at Elizabeth H Hair Salon, 5431 College Ave.
Playing guitar and singing the blues defines life for Eric Blossom these days. A New York transplant, he has lived in the East Bay for 50 years. After completing a professional career, he returned to a focus on music from an earlier time in his life. Blossom has not only studied classical guitar, he built a guitar, “hoping to get something that looks like a guitar.” The result looks like a guitar.
As he explored different genres, Blossom attended open mics and began to consider singing. He hadn’t thought about it until his wife encouraged him to add vocals to his performance. While trying out for a local production and joining the Berkeley Broadway Singers, he surprised himself. “You can really sing,” was the response. Blossom found an Old Grass Resonator guitar—chrome, not brass — “I love it.” By adding his vocals, Tall Papa fashioned his current style.
He can also be found volunteering for performances for Bread & Roses, the nonprofit begun by Mimi Farina to bring live music to folks who are not able to attend regular performances, or are supporting underserved populations. Bread & Roses serves the Centers for Elder Independence, Ability Now, the Alameda County Food Bank, and St. Vincent Children’s Home, among others.
Enjoy Tall Papa’s travels through musical time at Rock & Stroll. You can find his music on SoundCloud.
Syd and I: Daughter/Father Duo
Come hear Syd and I perform at Holistic Strength, 5858 College Avenue (also enjoyed from those sitting at Forge’s outside patio)
Syd & I are Syd and Saul Stokes, daughter and father musicians. They combine haunting vocals with ethereal electronic tracks on covers and original works.
Syd’s performance inspired Saul to try the open mic circuit as well. After performing separately at open mics around the Bay Area, they combined their talents at the suggestion of one of the venue hosts. Soon, they were performing together at public and private functions. Syd surprised her parents by inviting them to her first open mic.
“We had never really heard her sing,” Saul explains, “she would wait until we were out of the house to practice.”
Syd brings her folk style to her father’s techno work for a riveting hybrid sound. Saul has composed for video games and individual performances.
“The energy and support has been awesome,” says Saul.
They are planning a tour and an album in the near future. While they are still in town, you can hear them at Rock & Stroll.
DJ Danny Santos is Rooted in Rockridge
Listen to DJ Danny Santos at Bad Walter’s Bootlegged Ice Cream, 5800 College Avenue
DJ Danny Santos has participated in the annual Halloween event since 2023, and in several Rock-N-Stroll events due to his employment at Rockridge Little School (as a preschool/Bridge-K teacher) and his connection to College Ave. Presbyterian Church and The Golden Squirrel Pub.
“I love the area, the school, and the church, and I believe I am adding to the diverse sense of culture and community by bringing a wide variety of 1950s and 1960s music to these ‘street party’ events.”
AKA “Teacher Daniel” has his own rich musical history. He has performed with an array of icons, including Willie Nelson, Bill Haley & His Comets, Big Sandy & the Fly-Rite Boys, Hank Williams III, and Social Distortion. He has graced the stages of prominent local venues and music festivals in Italy and Las Vegas.
You’ll find him monthly at Dr. Funk in San Jose, and at San Leandro holiday markets. Enjoy his vintage vinyl and sight-and-sound presentation at Rock & Stroll.
