Barry Wofsy Heart of Rock & Roll: Purple Haze Tribute to Jimi Hendrix

Sat, Feb 9, 2019 at 8:30pm

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Ralph Woodson’s Purple Haze is not your typical tribute band. He has studied his idol to the point of being able to play the guitar behind his back, and with his teeth. Ralph’s a Hendrix authority, and it’s obvious when you see him perform.

The youngest of nine, he grew up in Richmond, CA, and was initially struck by the sound of the “Band of Gypsys” record. Ralph has toured with Hedzoli Sounds (of which Hugh Masekela was a member), as well as The Mighty Diamonds, Lady Bianca, Faye Carol, and a Bill Kreutzmann (Grateful Dead)/Sy Klopps (Herbie Herbert) collaboration called the Trichromes. With the Trichromes and later with the Sy Klopps Blues Band, Ralph played on big stages opening for Tower of Power, James Brown, ZZ Top, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, among others. He’s appeared at the College of Marin and on KFOG-FM with author/Hendrix expert Steve Roby, demonstrating the sound and techniques of Jimi Hendrix.

Ralph Woodson – guitar, lead vocal Ralph formed the Ralph Woodson Experience in 2001 (which became Purple Haze in 2010), focusing on the Hendrix material that he grew up with and always loved. Purple Haze has gained a steady following in the Bay Area and knock people out wherever they go. Ralph’s showmanship and command of the Hendrix material is second to none. See it for yourself!

Robin Bordow – Drums Percussion

Originally from a tough Italian neighborhood in the Bronx, Robin has been playing drums since age 10. Prior to “Hour of Tower”, she spent 7 years in the popular North-Bay band Crossfire. Other credits include the San Francisco based bands Tom Jonesing, The Jackson Villains, Soul Divine, and D’Verse. Robin also did 140 shows with Blues great Luther Tucker in the year prior to his death.

Earl “Bo” Freeman – Bass

Well traveled musician born in Texas homegrown in the bay area Bo’s natural ability, the mastery of his style and technique are evidence of his weighty musical pedigree. Major European tours with Bill Summers as well as with Don Cherry and Multikulti were just psrt of the voyage to new worlds performing with Peter Apfelbaun and the Hieroglyphic Ensemble, Coke, Pete, and Shelia Escavido

The Freaky Executives Able Zarate from the band Malo as well as Strictly Roots to name a few

Recent Shows:

SF Pride Festival
Pittsburg Sea Food Festival
The Big Q festival Santa Rosa
Sacramento Music Festival
Sacramento State Fair
Grand Sierra Casino and Resort – Reno NV
Black Oak Casino – Tuolumne CA
Crystal Bay Casino – Tahoe
Sands Regency Casino and Hotel – Reno NV
Coyote Valley Casino – Ukiah
Point Arena Theater – Point Arena CA
Knitting Factory Concert House- Reno NV
Heavenly Ski Resort- South Lake Tahoe CA


Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center

1317 San Pablo Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702