'A great force of nature': Guitar master John Hammond in concert Sept. 15 at SJCT

Tom Waits calls him a “great force of nature.” T. Bone Burnett says he’s “a master ... a virtuoso.”

And on Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Friday Harbor gets the chance to experience that talent live when John Hammond makes his first appearance at San Juan Community Theatre.

With a career that spans several decades, Hammond is one of a handful of white blues musicians who was on the scenes at the beginning of the first blues renaissance of the mid-’60s.

In 1966, while living in New York, he met a young Jimi Hendrix and offered to put a band together for the guitarist (while Hammond was playing in his band, Hendrix was discovered by Chas Chandler, who took him to England to record). Hammond continued his work with electric blues ensembles, recording with people like Robbie Robertson, Duane Allman and Dr. John. In the meantime, he crafted a niche for himself: the solo guitar man, harmonica slung in a rack around his neck, reinterpreting classic blues songs.

Hammond has recorded 33 albums. His latest, “Rough & Tough,” was a 2010 Grammy nominee for Best Traditional Blues Album.

The evening’s Business Partners are San Juan Garage Door and Barkshire Designs, Inc. Tickets are $23 for adults, $12 for student reserved, with $5 student RUSH one hour before the show, if there are still seats available.

The box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets may also be purchased online at www.sjctheatre.org.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.