Austin, Texas-based guitarist Ian Moore returns to the Semiahmoo Peninsula for a May 11 gig at Blue Frog studio/concert hall in White Rock, which follows a date for him last fall at the Rhumba Room bar in South Surrey.

"He is quite the deal and I am really looking forward to having him perform at Blue Frog," said Kelly Breaks, boss of the Johnston Road studio. "Ian is one of the three heirs apparent that many music observers believe would take over from Stevie Ray Vaughan - the others being Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. He has performed on tour with the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and ZZ Top. In 2008, Jason Mraz chose Ian to play guitar in his band for his world tour."

For details about the Moore show, visit bluefrogstudios.ca or call 604-542-3055.

Guitar player Jason Buie and his band will open the Moore concert at Blue Frog a few weeks after celebrating White Rock Blues Society's fifth anniversary in an April 21 show at Rhumba Room, with Compound Blues Band opening. Call 604-542-6515 for show info.

DIAMOND FINALS APRIL 14

The weekly preliminary rounds of Doug E. Lachance's Diamond in the Rock youth talent search are now done at Roadhouse Grille, with eight finalists now preparing for the contest showdown on Saturday, April 14 at Blue Frog.

The Diamond in the Rock contest is for performers age 19 and under who live in the South Surrey/White Rock area.

Those in the spotlight on April 14 will be Olivia Torrie, Tommy Alto, The Trevor Peverley Trio, Payton Rector, Chanel Stasiuk, Julie Lin and Zoey MacLean, with Jason Mitchell as the musical guest.

"It should be a very special night," said event host Lachance, who writes his informative "Night Owl" music column for whiterocksun.com. "The 'Rock' has some amazing young talent, and this should be very exciting for the community."

GREAT MUSIC DOCS RELEASED

Eagle Rock Entertainment is a company I look to for great movies of the musicdocumentary kind. The latest titles include Queen: Days of Our Lives, an intriguing two-episode look at the great British band, and Pink Floyd: The Story Of Wish You Were Here, due out June 26. Also announced by Eagle Rock for summer release is a documentary about the Rolling Stones (title still unannounced) timed to coincide with the band's 50th anniversary. To get yourself in the mood for that one, check out Heart of Stone's acclaimed tribute to Mick and the gang, an April 28 gig brought to Langley's Cascades Casino by busy promoter Rob "Rock.It Boy" Warwick (call 604 530-2211 for info, or visit rockitboy.com).

tzillich@thenownewspaper.com

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