Annual music festival in Simi Valley will be singin' the blues for charity

The third annual Write4Hope Blues Festival is scheduled for Sat., April 26 at Oak Park in Simi Valley.

Heading the lineup this year will be Grammy nominee Robben Ford, whose CD "Truth" recently garnered his fifth nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album of the Year. He has played with such artists as Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Witherspoon, Miles Davis, George Harrison, Phil Lesh, Bonnie Raitt, Claus Ogerman and Michael McDonald.

Also scheduled to perform are Jimmy Z and the ZTribe, Michael John and the Bottom Line, the John Parker Band, Gino Matteo, Laurie Morvan Band, Barry "Big B" Brenner and surprise guests.

Celebrity master of ceremonies Mickey Jones is returning for the third time. As a drummer, Jones played with Trini Lopez, Johnny Rivers, Bob Dylan, Kenny Rogers and others. He recently wrote his autobiography, "That Would Be Me."

Write4Hope has partnered with Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley in organizing and promoting the event. Proceeds from the festival will help support local charities, including the Free Clinic and the Samaritan Center of Simi Valley.

The festival is seeking sponsors and vendors. For information, visit www.write4hope.org.