Miller, Guy continue Ironstone Amphitheatre’s superstar pairings

Ironstone Amphitheatre continues its two- (and sometimes then some) for-the-price-of-one shows this summer.

Next up in the concert series at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys will be the Steve Miller Band and Buddy Guy on Aug. 1. The popular outdoor music series returned this summer with a five-show summer slate.

The season kicked off in mid-June with the Doobie Brothers, the Robert Cray Band, Los Lobos and Pat Simmons Jr., and the trend of pairing big-name acts continues.

“Our season opener was wonderful. All four acts were terrific and very well received. The weather was perfect, and it was a perfect way to start the season,” said series promoter Billy Cohen, with Richter Entertainment. “All of the shows are doing very well; lots of people are very excited for each artist.”

Both Miller and Guy have played at Ironstone in years past, but never together. Blues great Guy last played the 7,000-person-capacity outdoor venue in 2010, Miller in 2011.

“We are thrilled to have these two legends return to Ironstone to play together,” Cohen said.

Miller broke out in 1973 with his blockbuster album “The Joker” and followed it up with multiplatinum offerings like “Fly Like an Eagle” and “Abracadabra” through 1982.

He charted with the title tracks of those albums as well as other hits like “Take the Money and Run,” “Rock’n Me,” “Jet Airliner,” “Jungle Love” and “Swingtown.”

Further proof of his chart prowess came in 1978, when Miller released his “Greatest Hits 1974-1978” compilation. It has sold more than 13 million copies.

While the 71-year-old musician has shied away from a lot of media attention over the years, Miller’s music is instantly recognizable and he has maintained a healthy touring schedule.

Joining Miller at Ironstone will be 78-year-old blues legend Guy. Like his concert billmate, Guy has kept up a scorching touring schedule. He was at Modesto’s Gallo Center for the Arts in April.

Recently, the Chicago bluesman picked up a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys. He already had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 and received Kennedy Center Honors in 2012.

In 2013, Guy released his latest album, “Rhythm & Blues,” a 21-track record that featured collaborations with Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford of Aerosmith, rising guitar star Gary Clark Jr. and others.

Cohen said crowds have responded well so far to this season’s lineup. The outdoor amphitheater debuted some improvements this season, including a new stage and stage roof.

The venue offers audiences the option for reserved or lawn seating. Guests also can purchase a buffet dinner package, and wine and beverages also are for sale during shows.

Part of the strategy of pairing acts for the shows is to give the audience more music for its money, Cohen said.

The remaining shows on the schedule will be The Band Perry, Jana Kramer and Casey James on Aug. 11 (moved from its announced Aug. 13 date), and Daryl Hall and John Oates with Mutlu on Aug. 27.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 2:58 PM with the headline "Miller, Guy continue Ironstone Amphitheatre’s superstar pairings."