James and Carlos at the La Honda Fair 2011
by craig eddy
Who is that guy with the cowboy hat, the Hawaiian shirt, a polite shy smile and a guitar? You've seen him playing at Alice's, Sullivan's, Gazos, the Wine Bar in Halfmoon Bay and now Cafe Cuesta. James Worthington (aka Mystic Cowboy) has been playing around the area for about 14 years. What's mystic about James? First of all he's one of those guys that plays just about everything. Guitar, mandolin, flute, percussion, banjo, bass, harmonica, sitar, and piano. Don't you just hate people like that? James grew up influenced by Elvis, Beatles, Carol King, Eagles, Hendrix, Grateful Dead, and Bob Dylan. James claims his mission with his music is to be a healer. "I like to bring high spirited music to the table." As long as his instrument list is, his list of bands is even more impressive. Some of his projects over the years include Kanikapila with Aunti Bea, Dead Flamingos, Falling Star, and Blame it on the Dog. In 2006 he started marketing himself as Mystic Cowboy. Over the years most of his gigs have been for various charities. James spent some time at the Berklee School of Music studying theory and arranging. He finished up his music education by getting into the music program at Cabrillo college. When asked what was his most memorable gig he responds "my 40th birthday celebration at the Mountain House this last July". Mystic Cowboy will be playing a show at the new acoustic brunch series on September 18th at Cafe Cuesta. James will also be opening the Hawaiian Luau at Cafe Cuesta on August 28th. That show will also feature local favorites Peter and Melinda Wing.
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