The Cliffnotes

Cliffnotes Ramping Up to Rock 2023!

We’re on our “winter hiatus” after an exciting 2022 season! We finished the year in December opening for the internationally renowned Los Straitjackets in Morro Bay, California.

Our new bass player, Long Tall Lizzy D, brought a big dose of energy (and fun) to The Cliffnotes. Lizzy honed her chops at sea as part of a combo on Princess Cruises.

My favorite audience review was the couple who saw us a few days after they had attended the Long Beach Blues Festival; “We saw lots of great bands there but you guys are funkier and more fun than anyone we saw there!”

Back by popular demand after the overflow crowd at their April 16th show at Branch St. Deli in the Village of Arroyo Grande, The Cliffnotes, featuring former Big Brother & Holding Co. vocalist, Valerie "Fireball" Johnson, (expired link). King produced blues writer, Cliff "Crawdaddy" Stepp, virtuoso guitarist Al B Blue and harmonica hooligan, Joey Five 'n' Dimes. "The funnest band on the Central Coast," gets the Patio Party started with their New Orleans flavored boogie blues!

Daylight Savings Party at Savory Palette in Morro Bay, California!

The Cliffnotes will be the "whipped cream" topping on the 36th Annual Arroyo Grande Strawberry Festival this Sunday, May 26th, starting at 1:30pm on the Rooster Creek Centennial Stage (right by the Swinging Bridge). Don't miss the fun, the games, the 250 booths of food and goodies, a baby camel ... and live entertainment everywhere throughout the Village!

We had a full house (and dance floor) last time and encore demands … after four hours! Now, The Cliffnotes return to Rancho Nipomo on Friday, May 15th, 6-7pm, for an evening of boogie blues and swampified classic rock.

And Dos Cliffnontes (Cliff "Crawdaddy" Stepp and blues harp houndog, Joey Five & Dimes) will be serving a side of funky blues at "Burgers, Blues & Blues," at The Market in Santa Maria, 5:30-8:30pm, Tuesday, May 19th?!

Thanks everyone, for moving our song into the "Hot 100." Happy Thanksgiving all and if your anywhere near Pismo Beach, CA on December 20th, The Cliffnotes featuring world-touring Valerie Johnson and Legendary Al B Blue, will be putting on a Holiday Dance Party at the Shell Cafe from 7-10pm. FREE! And we promise to perform a rippin' version of, "What Kind of Blue is This?"

Dos Cliffnotes (Cliff "Crawdaddy" Stepp and Joey Five & Dimes) bring their crowd pleasing mix of boogie blues, classic rock and off-the-wall buffoonery to the Village of Arroyo Grande when they hit the outdoor stage at Branch St. Deli from 5-7p Saturday night, April 5th.
"A dose of Dos Clffnotes will make husbands dance with their wives!"

We had a packed house and capacity dance floor at Shell Cafe in Pismo Beach last Friday and third song The Cliffnotes busted out "I'm Not That Easy to Loose." And (not just me saying' it!) it rocked the joint.
Thanks to all y'alls that have listened to my solo version here!

The Cliffnotes are a rollicking, fun band that people have described as a blues rock, Americana jam band with a bit of country twang.
Cliff’s credits include writing for and managing the Pure Prairie League, The 49 Specials, Valerie Johsnon & Al B Blue, a blues act produced by (expired link). King, and opening for Joe Walsh, Tommy Castro,and Question Mark & The Mysterians, among others. Valerie Johnson toured with Big Brother & the Holding Co. in Janis’ role.
One of Al B Blue’s bands toured the (expired link). opening for Curtis Mayfield. Joey has played blues harp with a whole list of legends, and Dr. Stan’s parents were professional musicians and composers. Dan was found floating in a kick drum off the coast of Santa Cruz.
Cliff also produces and voices the weekly radio show, Songwriters at Play, on The KRUSH 92.5 fm, The Perfect Blend.