Allen "Ace" Vega - Exclusive Interview - Mon, Nov 24, 2014 - 7:00 PM PST

Allen grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and first started playing guitar at age 15. As a teen, Allen was greatly influenced by his musically talented family, which includes his uncle, Grammy winner, Gold album recipient and West Coast Blues Hall of Fame inductee (Guitarist) David "Dynamite" Vega of Graham Central Station fame. Soon Allen developed a powerful blues guitar style, and began appearing at Bay Area jam nights.

At age eighteen Allen joined his first professional band, Jack Rudy and The Blues Voodoo's playing throughout Northern California. They won the west coast "Best Unsigned Band" contest at JJ's Blues in Mountain View. Allen began making a name for himself within the local blues scene while with the Blues Voodoo's

In 1987 Allen formed Smokin' Gun, a powerful blues trio. Smokin' Gun went on to win BAM (Bay Area Music) Magazine's Battle of the Bands, being chosen over 50 other bands. This win led them to opening for such acts as Elvin Bishop, Joe Louis Walker, Edgar Winter, Leon Russell, Lowell Fulson, Lenny Williams, J.J. Malone, Cool Papa, and many others.

In 1993 Allen joined with Frankie Lee (a.k.a. Little Frankie Lee), a noted San Francisco Bay Area soul and blues artist on the road. As bandleader and music director for the Frankie Lee Band, he showed his capacity as he played his way criss-crossing the United States and Canada for five years. He not only showcased his powerful lead work, but he showed his sensitivity while backing a singer and provided leadership while maintaining a high standard of musicianship. Allen's powerful show openers and endless energy-packed finales caught the attention of many. His showmanship, stage presence, and his playing ability reflect the influences of Albert Collins, Albert King and Freddie King.