Bluesman Mick Martin plans a special show for Auburn State Theatre

"I have the band of my dreams," Mick Martin says, eager to discuss his upcoming performance at the Auburn State Theatre this Saturday, Oct. 15. He also has a new album, "Sure Cure for the Blues," the latest in a library of more than 20 compiled by the legendary Sacramento bluesman and harmonica player. Martin has hosted "Mick Martin's Blues Party" on CapRadio for 30-plus years, fronted Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers for more than 40 years and has been playing the harmonica professionally for more than 50 years (and been married for 51 years). He has recorded and toured in Europe, performed at the top music festivals in the Sacramento area, including the Jazz Jubilee, and says he has played with his "heroes." Right now, he's excited about playing at the State Theatre, excited about the musicians who will join him on stage in his Big Blues Band and excited for the fans who will hear their music. "I'm involved in the best situation I've ever been. I'm doing what I always wanted to do. I always wanted to do productions rather than just be a bar band," Martin says. "Playing the Auburn State Theatre is wonderful. It's not a little corner bar. When you've done as much as I have – casinos, weddings, wineries – there are certain places where the music is most important." Martin and his band are "celebrating" the new CD, which was recorded at the Sofia Center in Sacramento. Saturday's band will include a horn section, a fondness of Martin's since he attended shows at the Fillmore so many years ago. Martin is excited about tenor saxophone player Danny Sandoval, who he says "is all over the place" and "really brings heart and soul to the band," and David Johnson on trumpet. Andrew Little is on guitar, AJ Joyce on bass, Jim Caselli on drums and Steve Utstein on Hammond organ. "It's a gift. It's really just a gift," Martin says. "They're just so good they can play anything by ear." Marcel Smith and Pinkie Rideau – "a remarkable young woman," Martin says – will join him on vocals, as will Katie Knipp, after she opens the show at 7:30 p.m. Her set is sure to include songs from her recent album "Live at the Green Room Social Club," which climbed to No. 9 in June on Billboard's list of blues albums. Martin says the band has been "building this thing" for about a year and a half. "This is the second really significant show where everybody in the band is prepared, and we have a really good show for the audience," Martin says. "This is a band with special guests, material we'll probably never do again, so this is a show that's really special to the theatre and Auburn in general." MICK MARTIN'S BIG BLUES BAND When: Saturday, Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. Where: Auburn State Theatre Tickets: $25, plus $6 fees Supporting act: Katie Knipp Information: auburnstatetheatre.org