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Arts & Entertainment

Best Bay Area Bands Will Blow the Barn Doors Off at Half Moon Bay’s 'Pumpkinpalooza' October 15-16!

The Megatones, Andy Santana & The West Coast Playboys, Caravanserai, The California Cowboys, Headline Smashingly Awesome Music Lineup

Tim Beeman, Community Contributor

Posted Tue, Oct 4, 2016 at 12:15 pm PT|Updated Wed, Oct 5, 2016 at 9:44 pm PT

It’s that special time of year when throngs of pumpkin fans gather in Half Moon Bay to dance and frolic in the ultimate mecca of gourd greatness. In keeping with the festival’s big reputation, four stages of sensational entertainment for all ages will transform Half Moon Bay into the Bay’s entertainment hotspot for a weekend during the city’s monster Pumpkinpalooza ––– the Art & Pumpkin Festival, October 15-16. The Bay Area’s most popular bands are lined up to make this the best pumpkin fest yet with their crowd-pleasing country, rock, swing, folk, Spanish acoustic, old-world favorites and more.

(Complete schedule below):

Jim Stevens & Friends are such a smashing success every year, their eager fans make sure to catch their kid-pleasing folk music merriment both Saturday and Sunday mornings. Don’t miss their fun, catchy songs about pumpkins and Half Moon Bay that will get the whole family into spirit of the festival.

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The sharply-dressed California Cowboys will wrangle you with their charm, technical expertise and highly entertaining set of originals and country favorites. These crowd-pleasing crooners won Marlboro’s Country Music Talent Roundup twice, took the top spot at Dixon’s Country music shootout and were named KRAK radio’s band of the year.

Next up, Michael Furlong pays a Special Tribute to Tom Petty in looks and the legend’s famous licks. From “Freefallin’ to “American Girl” – Petty fans of all ages will be singing along to the timeless, irresistible classics.

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Fueled by love and devotion for the music of Carlos Santana, Caravanserai showcases over 30 years of the Hall of Famer’s feel-good music with complete precision and passion. The 7-piece Bay Area band led by Leo Herrera will entertain you with favorites old and new.

You won’t be able to resist the toe-tapping infectious grooves of Andy Santana & The West Coast Playboys. Their high-energy lineup is a mix of Chicago blues, New Orleans R&B and swinging West Coast blues – come and have some fun!

If you’re a Beatles fan, don’t miss Ticket to Ride! The popular Bay Area Fab Four tribute band will have the whole family twisting and shouting with their huge playlist of classic Beatles hits.

The 5-piece Megatones are the perfect way to finish Half Moon Bay’s pumpkinpalooza on a high note. Their honey-dripping harmonies and huge play list ranging from the ‘50s to today’s hits will keep you dancing ‘til the last note.

The South City Blues Band will thrill and chill you with ripping guitar, spot-on vocals, wailing sax and swinging rhythm. Be prepared to boogie the afternoon away.

Wavelength – A Van Morrison Tribute, featuring Kevin Brennan, will wind down a perfect day with the sultry favorites including “Crazy Love,” “Moondance” and “Brown-Eyed Girl.”

The Stan Erhart Band delivers a fun & funky mix of soulful vocals and scalding guitar. Don’t miss their sizzling roots rockin’ good time music!

The Jim Moore Band will bring the festival to a close with their infectiously danceable blend of Rhythm & Blues. The Bay Area 4-piece has opened for Tommy Castro, Maria Muldar, Chubby Checker, among others.

Be sure to seek out these world-class musicians playing at various locations around this pumpkin paradise. See the schedule for exact locations.

HeartStrings Music captures the essence of love with their romantic acoustic repertoire. Don’t miss the irresistible stylings of duo, Al Fabrizio on mandolin and Hugo Wainzinger on guitar.

The Hubert Emerson & the GroWiser Band is a Caribbean-influenced Soul family band. Papa Hubert’s soulful lyrics will touch your heart and lift your spirits.

John Clarke’s Classical Spanish Guitar playing will transport you to another world. His original compositions are technically challenging, moving and inspiring. Be sure to check out his brand new album, Waterfront.

With the unique Chapman Stick, Bob Culbertson taps the 10 to 12-strings to create a captivating blend of melodies, bass and chords in the style of light jazz with folk and blues flavor.

Finally, there’s the incredible street performer, Man in White. The nationally known performance artist entertains audiences of all ages with interactive performances where he stands like statue until a crowd brings him to life and then entertains with soft bluesy numbers on guitar.

Main Stage, I.D.E.S. Grounds (Saturday, Oct. 15)

9 AM Jim Stevens & Friends https://www.facebook.com/JimStevensFolksinger

11 AM The California Cowboys http://www.californiacowboys.com/

1:15 PM Michael Furlong, A Tribute to Tom Petty http://www.mf-productions.com/id10.html

3:30 PM Caravanserai http://www.santanatributeband.com/main.html

Main Stage, I.D.E.S. Grounds (Sunday, Oct. 16)

9 AM Jim Stevens & Friends https://www.facebook.com/JimStevensFolksinger

10 AM Andy Santana & The West Coast Playboys http://westcoastplayboys.com

12:30 PM Ticket to Ride http://www.Tickettorideband.com

3 PM The Megatones http://megatones.net/Home.php

Ritz-Carlton South Stage at The Gazebo (Saturday, Oct. 15)

10:30 AM –– 1:30 PM South City Blues Band http://www.southcityblues.com/