The Clutch Kings
- Austin, TX
- Classic Rock Band
Shawn J. said “The Clutch Kings came out and performed at the Coupland Dance Hall. They were a big hit among us car enthusiast. Michael Tarsha did a superb job communicating…”
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"ridiculously talented, genre-bending...a jaw-dropper”
- Blues Matters Magazine (UK)
“a stunning tour de force of musicianship”
- Blues Blast Magazine
With one foot planted firmly in the Blues, and the other foot planted in seemingly everything else, Gary Cain is "one of the most exciting guitar -slingers on the blues scene today.” (Shane Macauley, 94.9 The Rock FM
in Toronto).
In 2016 Gary Cain was named the #4 Independent Blues Guitarist in the World by Six String Theory, the largest competition of its kind, and judged by such guitar greats as Joe Bonamassa, Ry Cooder, and Steve Vai. He was a semi-finalist at the 2018 International Blues Challenge.
We were looking for a good Texas blues sound for out of town attendees and Gary Cain band did not disappoint. Kind, easy to work with and fantastic musicians. Would highly recommend!
Response from Gary Cain:
thank you so much - we had a blast with y'all! :)
The Gary Cain Band has been a regular performer at the Open Streets UpTown Waterloo festivals. They are a wonderfully committed group of talented musicians and a pleasure to work with. They have an amazing sound and trigger a fabulous response from the audience. As an event organizer I would certainly recommend booking this group and always look forward to having them perform for us!
Price Range: $800-2500
Gig Length: 60 - 180 minutes
Languages: English
Guitar-driven blues, funk, rock and twang.
"ridiculously talented, genre-bending guitarist...a jaw-dropper.”
Blues Matters Magazine (UK)
“He’s a high-value player with an expansive and personal take on rock music that’s explosive both instrumentally and lyrically.”
- Rock & Blues Muse (USA)
“a stunning tour de force of musicianship”
- Blues Blast Magazine (UK)
"a fearless lyricist, a ripping guitarist, and a creator with his own ideas about how to play this game of ours, which means you need to be listening."
- Rock and Blues Muse (USA)
“Oh my God, can this guy play a guitar!”
- Professor Johnny P’s Juke Joint
“Killer original stuff that those in the market for a new guitar hero will take to heart. Hot stuff.”
- Midwest Records
“Gary Cain is one of the most exciting guitar slingers on the blues scene today.”
Shane Macauley, 94.9 The Rock FM (Toronto)
Gary Cain is a Canadian-born, Austin-bred, UK-based guitarist, singer, and songwriter with one foot planted firmly in the blues, and the other foot planted in seemingly everything else. He’s been called “ridiculously talented” and a “jaw-dropper” by Blues Matters Magazine.
The foundation of his virtuosic style was laid via marathon practice sessions as a youngster in his parents’ basement. “Back then it’s all I would do some days – sometimes 13, 14 hours a day. I’d have to be reminded to eat.” says Cain.
Long days poring over the musical styles of blues legends gave him a deep respect for the music, but he’s not beholden to it. “I’m not a purist.” he says, “What made those players so great was what they brought to the music to make it their own. Albert King was the best Albert King there’ll ever be. You gotta do your own thing with it.”
Cain’s music career eventually led him from the blues clubs in Canada, to a 6-nights a week gig in Dubai in the house band of the largest nightclub in the emirate at the time. Playing cover tunes paid well, but eventually saw Cain return to Canada burnt out. “I didn’t touch my guitar for 3 months after I got back, which I hadn’t done since I first picked it up as a kid. It had always been my favourite thing, and somehow I’d made it into a chore. Eventually I just thought back to what made me love it in the first place, playing strictly for the joy and expression of it, not to make money or fit other people’s expectations. Lots of people want you to fit into their box. In the end the most important thing is you stay true to yourself. I’m thankful to have learned that lesson early on and it’s something I’ll never forget.”
The shut-downs and tour cancellations of COVID saw Cain return to the woodshed for marathon days of practice and writing, culminating in his second album, “Next Stop”.
“a stunning tour de force of musicianship”
- Blues Blast Magazine (UK)
"a fearless lyricist, a ripping guitarist, and a creator with his own ideas about how to play this game of ours, which means you need to be listening."
- Rock and Blues Muse (USA)
In 2016 Gary placed 4th in the world in the blues category of Grammy Winner Lee Ritenour’s Six String Theory guitar competition, judged by such greats as Joe Bonamassa, Ry Cooder, and Joe Satriani. In 2018 he opened for George Thorogood and the Destroyers, and was a semi-finalist in the 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. He has played at festivals and clubs across Canada, the USA and Europe.
Gary is an Official Artist for Fractal Audio Systems, and GHS Strings.
We're a three-piece, guitar, bass, drums, with one vocal mic.
February 29, 2024 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | Corporate Event |
Songs include:
Little Wing (Jimi Hendrix)
Scuttle Buttin (Stevie Ray Vaughan)
Crossroad Blues (Cream)
Manic Depression (Jimi Hendrix)
Crosscut Saw (Albert King)
While We Cry (Kenny Wayne Shepherd)
I Wish (Stevie Wonder)
Walk a Mile In My Shoes (Albert Collins)
Twang Strut (GCB original)
Shiloh (Chris Duarte)
Gary Cain | Guitar, vocals |
Kostamis Yiacoumis | drums |
Matt Temple | bass |
Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, Danny Gatton, Philip Sayce, Jeff Healey, ZZ Top, Chris Duarte, the Allman Brothers
power
tent/cover (outdoor gigs)
Shawn J. said “The Clutch Kings came out and performed at the Coupland Dance Hall. They were a big hit among us car enthusiast. Michael Tarsha did a superb job communicating…”
Marjorie M. D. said “These guys are really really good! That's what I heard over and over again at my wedding! We danced , we sang with them and they made our wedding…”
Caitlyn L. said “These guys are INCREDIBLE!! You will not regret booking them. So worth it, and Riverhill Country Club will be having them out again! Thank for everything,…”
Brent W. said “Kanstantin was friendly and easy to work with from first contact until after the performance. He played an hour-long set with a handful of favorites we…”