The first Sunday of 2026 brings a commanding dose of world-class blues to Historic Folsom as Rick Estrin & The Nightcats take the stage for this week’s Powerhouse of Blues. The afternoon performance begins at 3 p.m. and offers audiences a rare chance to see one of the most dynamic and influential figures in modern blues in an intimate live-music setting.
Born in San Francisco in 1949, Rick Estrin’s path to blues mastery began with a gift from his older sister: Ray Charles’ The Genius Sings the Blues. It ignited a passion that carried him deep into the genre’s history, culture and artistic heart. By age 15, Estrin was immersed in the city’s vibrant musical undercurrent, learning harmonica with fierce determination.
By 18, he was performing in San Francisco clubs, earning the respect of seasoned musicians who recognized the authenticity and depth in his playing. His earliest gigs came with guitar legend Travis Phillips in a band fronted by the unforgettable Fillmore Slim, who introduced him to Estrin’s first true mentor, Rodger Collins. Collins would shape Estrin’s understanding of showmanship, songwriting and crowd connection—elements that remain essential to every Nightcats performance today.
Rick Estrin
Estrin spent time in Chicago during his teens, absorbing the city’s rich blues lineage and playing with the giants of the scene. Among those who recognized his emerging artistry was Muddy Waters himself, who famously told him, “You outta sight, boy! You got that sound! You play like a man!” Though a missed phone call kept Estrin from joining Muddy on tour, the moment underscored what veteran musicians already knew: Rick Estrin was on his way to becoming one of the defining harmonica players of his generation.
Returning to the Bay Area, Estrin joined forces with guitarist Charlie Baty, forming Little Charlie & The Nightcats—one of the most celebrated and enduring blues bands of the last forty years. When Baty retired from touring in 2008, Estrin reshaped the band with dazzling young guitar virtuoso Kid Andersen, creating the powerhouse lineup now known as Rick Estrin & The Nightcats. Their fearless blend of tradition, technical excellence, humor, and infectious personality has transformed them into global festival favorites and Blues Music Award winners, including the coveted Band of the Year honor.
Andersen, originally from Norway, is a prodigy whose fiery solos and imaginative phrasing have made him one of the most recognizable guitar voices in contemporary blues. His Greaseland Studios in the Bay Area has become a creative hub for the modern blues community. On keys, Lorenzo Farrell brings depth and finesse, his jazz sensibilities rounding out the Nightcats’ distinct sound. Drummer Derrick “D’Mar” Martin, whose career includes 17 years performing behind Little Richard, adds explosive rhythm and stage presence that elevate the band’s already high-energy performances.
Estrin attributes the band’s longevity and success to its chemistry and commitment to evolving. “We’re a proven commodity, but we’re also constantly evolving and growing musically,” he has said. “We keep generating fresh material and performing it with genuine passion and enthusiasm. Plus, we’re actually good friends. We love playing together, and I believe the audience senses that.”
What sets Estrin apart is not only musicianship, but philosophy. “The blues has given my life meaning,” he says. “I’ve learned that people are far more similar to each other than they are different… all people share the same needs, desires and emotions.” This belief fuels his dedication to performing with authenticity, humor and heart, always honoring the genre that shaped him while bringing something fresh to each show.
Audiences attending Sunday’s Powerhouse of Blues event can expect a performance that blends virtuosity with personality—Estrin’s sly vocals, whip-sharp storytelling, and unmistakable harmonica tone paired with the Nightcats’ electrifying ensemble chemistry. For blues fans, it’s the type of afternoon that simply doesn’t come around often.
Rick Estrin & The Nightcats perform Sunday at 3 p.m. at Powerhouse Pub, 614 Sutter Street in Historic Folsom. Tickets are $20 and available at www.powerhousepub.com. All attendees must be 21 and over.
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