The rest of the fest

While Canned Heat has the distinction of playing two of the greatest festivals in the history of rock and roll, they never quite reached the icon status as some of their peers.

Yet, more than 40 years after the band’s formation, they still tour and record, keeping their own brand of blues alive.

Both Canned Heat and Elvin Bishop will open for Little Richard at the Avila Beach Blues Festival this weekend. While Little Richard melds blues with rock, soul and funk, Canned Heat and Bishop feature more traditional blues.

The band was formed by two blues historians and record collectors — Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson and Bob “The Bear” Hite — in 1965. Nicknamed “The Kings of Boogie,” Canned

AVILA BEACH BLUES FESTIVAL ON MAY 25

Little Richard, Canned Heat, Elvin Bishop; Avila Beach Resort, 6464 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach; Starts at noon; $38 to $58; 924-1142, www.otterproductionsinc.com

Heat played both the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock. (They also appeared in the movie “Woodstock.”) Their hits include “On the Road Again,” “Goin’ Up the County” and “Let’s Work Together.”

After Wilson died in 1970, the band carried on with different lineups. Today only the drummer, Aldolfo “Fito” de la Parra, remains from the original group. Canned Heat still tours and records regularly.

The blues have also guided Bishop’s career, which started when he was mentored by Howlin’ Wolf guitarist Smokey Smothers. In the ’60s he teamed up with Paul Butterfield to form the Butterfield Blues Band. Later, as a solo act, he performed with acts including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and B. B. King.

Blending blues, gospel and R&B, Bishop has recorded with Bo Diddley, B. B. King and John Lee Hooker. His biggest hit, sung by future Jefferson Starship member Mickey Thomas, was “I Fooled Around and Fell in Love.”

—Patrick S. Pemberton