I didn’t grow up hearing music in my household. It wasn’t till I was a young
teenager hanging out at the community pool with my friends listening to a
transistor radio that I discovered the blues. Of course, we didn’t know it
was the blues, we called it rock and roll. I naturally gravitated to Eric
Clapton, Boz Scaggs, Leon Russell, Van Morrison, Allman Brothers, early
Jimi Hendrix before moving on to the likes of Muddy Waters, Luther Allison,
Albert King, Howlin’ Wolf and of course, B. B. King. But it wasn’t till I found
the Torch Club as an adult that live blues came into my soul in the form of
The Lumminators - Pat Balcom, Dave Garrity and Lew Fratis. That was it,
I was hooked.
My involvement with the Blues Society began with an invitation to facilitate
a planning meeting for a blossoming Blues in the Schools program. I’m
afraid I failed miserably as a facilitator as I was immediately caught up in
the creation of BITS. Working with Cynthia (Jaynes) and later Dave
(Alcock) for close to 15 years, we built a program with three after school
programs, collaborated with multiple county arts organizations, produced a
CD with songs written by students in the juvenile court school systems,
produced an all day festival (Out of the Box-2016), provided employment
for scores of our local blues musicians and brought the blues to tens of
thousands students (grades K-12) throughout Sacramento, Yolo and El
Dorado counties.
Concurrently I became deeply involved with the society itself. Serving on
the board and then as President in 2001 (I think), I brought us into the 21st
century by updating our website, our newsletter and our accounting. I’ve
enjoyed creating and working on so many events over the years they’re too
numerous to count (I hope you’ve had a good time!)
So, that’s it. The Blues entered my very being and I don’t think it will ever
leave!!
Inducted 2026
LIZ Walker
Bob Cosman was a gifted photographer, artist, and devoted supporter of theSacramento Blues Society whose creativity left an enduring mark on the local bluescommunity. Working in a variety of artistic media, Bob approached every project withexceptional talent, thoughtfulness, and heart.
For well over a decade, Bob designed the iconic covers of Blue Notes, giving theSociety's newsletter its distinctive visual identity. He was also the creative force behind the annual "Gone But Not Forgotten" video presentations, a cherished tradition of the Sacramento Blues Society Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony that honors those we have lost.
Whether documenting Society events with his camera or supporting blues performances throughout the region, Bob was always a welcome and familiar presence. His artistry, generosity, and dedication helped preserve the history of Sacramento's blues community for future generations.
Bob passed away on November 3, 2025. His legacy continues through the countless images, artwork, and memories he created for the Sacramento Blues Society.
Inducted 2026
Bob Cosman
David Croall has been a dedicated harmonica player for more than 50 years, beginning his musical journey after purchasing his first harmonica while serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Rather than imitate other players, Dave developed his own distinctive style by approaching the harmonica with the mindset of the horn player he originally was. Over the decades he refined his craft while performing alongside and learning from many of Sacramento's blues greats, including Omar Sharriff and Johnny Knox.
In addition to leading his own group, Dave Croall and the Soothers, Dave has become a respected and sought-after performer throughout the Sacramento blues community.
Today, audiences can also hear his unmistakable harmonica work with The Dave Segal Band and Chrissie O'Dell & The Real Deal.
His unique voice on the harmonica and decades of dedication have made him an important contributor to Sacramento's blues tradition.
Inducted 2026
Dave Croall
Originally from the Boston area, Peter Phillis began drumming at age fifteen after joining a local drum and bugle corps. A year later he purchased his first drum set, beginning a lifelong musical journey that would take him from neighborhood practice rooms to stages throughout the United States and around the world. His passion for music alsoled him into recording, purchasing a four-track recorder and beginning a lifelong interest
in audio production.
In 1985 Peter competed nationally with the renowned Concord Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, earning a World Championship drum caption title before eventually relocating to Sacramento. Introduced to the Torch Club in 1992, he soon joined The Amazing Johnny Nugget and immersed himself in Sacramento's vibrant blues scene.
After returning to Boston in 1994, Peter toured extensively throughout North America and Europe with Texas blues and soul artist Frankie Lee, including an appearance at the prestigious Montreal Jazz Festival. He also performed internationally with legendary Clarksdale bluesman Big Jack Johnson, bringing his music to audiences across the United States, Canada, Sweden, Australia, and Japan.
Returning to Sacramento in 2003, Peter earned an Audio Production Certificate from Sacramento City College and became deeply involved with the Sacramento Blues Society's Blues in the Schools program, performing for students and teaching after-school classes. Throughout his career he has performed and recorded with numerous outstanding musicians across multiple genres, including collaborations with Melvin Seals of the Jerry Garcia Band.
Peter's remarkable musicianship, dedication to music education, and decades of performing continue to enrich the Sacramento blues community.
Inducted 2026
Peter phillis
Sonny Pasioles discovered the guitar at the age of fourteen and quickly developed a lifelong passion for music. Alongside longtime friend Paul Viera, he played his first public performance in 1966 at the Catholic Cathedral in downtown Sacramento.
Following graduation, Sonny explored funk music before returning to his blues roots. In the 1980s he formed Sonny Boy Blues, where Paul once again joined him as bassist, renewing a musical partnership that had begun in their youth.
According to fellow Hall of Famer Lew Fratis, Sonny's love of music stretched back to their teenage years when they would sing Beatles songs together simply for the joy of making music. Sonny later performed with bands including Milk and Patchwork Quilt, sharing stages with respected musicians such as Larry Davis, Jerry Lopez, & Ray Torres, with Lew frequently sitting in.
Known as an exceptional guitarist, gifted songwriter, and powerful vocalist, Sonny was equally admired for his generosity and infectious enthusiasm. Whether performing at the legendary Torch Club or providing the soundtrack for weddings, parties, and celebrations throughout the region, Sonny brought passion, energy, and heart to every performance.
Sonny Pasioles passed away from cancer in 2010. Though gone too soon,
his music, friendship, and influence continue to resonate throughout Sacrament's blues community.
Inducted 2026
Sonny pasioles
