Watson, Beldock & Beach in Concert, with Deborah Liv Johnson

Peggy Watson, David Beldock, and Paul Beach perform original acoustic folk, blues, and jazz. Together, the three are known for their dazzling musicianship, beautiful harmonies, and humorous stage presence.

Before Paul joined them, David and Peggy were unlikely music partners. While David spent years performing with various bands, honing his rock and blues guitar playing, Peggy was rooted in contemporary folk traditions with occasional detours into jazz and pop. But when they joined forces, they discovered that writing songs together was a fun challenge that they could not resist. The result has been a collection of melodic, thoughtful, funny, and emotional songs that appeal to a wide range of listeners. Their styles span everything from folk to jazz to blues to show tunes.

David Beldock is a guitar player and singer/songwriter. He has played in two of San Diego’s most renowned bands, Bordertown and Wooden Angel. His songs have won various awards, most notably from the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and from Dr. Demento (which especially pleased him). His solo CDs, along with his collaborative CDs with Peggy, have received favorable reviews.

Before meeting David, Peggy performed as a solo singer/songwriter. She played at coffee houses, concert series, and benefit concerts mostly in the San Diego region. Her wide vocal range and clear soprano voice have made her a standout among local singers. Peggy has used her talents to perform concerts benefitting AIDS organizations, international medical aid projects, and many other events supporting environmental justice and human rights. David has joined her in this tradition. Peggy’s CDs have received excellent reviews from local publications and one of her albums was selected to be part of a KPBS Radio premium membership package.

Bass player Paul Beach is a gifted musician who worked with the late singer/songwriter Larry Robinson as well as many other renowned local performers. In the past, Paul toured with major bands in all fifty states and throughout the world. His credits include tours with Gary Puckett, Spanky and Our Gang, the Association, and the Mamas and the Papas.

Deborah Liv Johnson was the third of five children, born to missionary parents in Tanzania, East Africa. Returning to the United States before her first birthday, Deborah was raised in the desert community of Ridgecrest, California. Her first love of music was drumming. Johnson attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, known to have “the best college choir in the world.” She did not, however, follow the straight and choral path. Instead, she lettered in track and developed a presence as a singer/songwriter with stints at the campus coffeehouse and downtown clubs. Graduating with a degree in creative writing, Johnson moved to San Diego to continue her music career. Image-rich lyrics and well-crafted melodies became her trademark. Often flying solo, Johnson’s performances showcase the eclectic nature of her songwriting, highlighting deft guitar work and vocals, as she moves easily between blues, ballads, folk, country, and jazz standards. Johnson has released eight CDs on her own Mojave Sun Records label. Over the years, Johnson has opened concerts for various name artists such as Dan Fogelberg, Don McLean, Spyro Gyra, Suzanne Vega, Arlo Guthrie, Nils Lofgren, John Stewart, Tom Chapin, Rita Coolidge, and Janis Ian. She has toured across the country and sung the national anthem for Hillary Clinton.

For more information visit: sdfolkheritage.org