As a solo performer and with his band, he opened shows throughout the southwestern United States for artists including Crosby, Stills and Nash, Sheryl Crow, Laura Nyro, Taj Mahal, Iris DeMent, Emmylou Harris and the legendary John Lee Hooker.
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In addition to Rafael, honorees were Jimmy LaFave, Don Conoscenti, Ellis Paul, Bob Childers, Terry "Buffalo" Ware and the Red Dirt Rangers.
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In addition to LaFave members of the rotating cast included Ellis Paul, Slaid Cleaves, Eliza Gilkyson, husband-wife duo Sarah Lee Guthrie (Woody Guthrie's granddaughter) and Johnny Irion, Michael Fracasso, and The Burns Sisters.
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In April 2008, Rafael released Thirteen Stories High, the first album of original material since Hopper was released in 2000.
Billy Joel | Rafael Nadal | San Rafael, California | Joel Chandler Harris | Rafael Hernández Colón | Joel-Peter Witkin | Rafael Viñoly | Joel Schumacher | Joel Osteen | Joel Hodgson | San Rafael | Rafael Trujillo | Rafael Moneo | Joel Whitburn | Joel Plaskett | Haley Joel Osment | Joel McHale | Joel McCrea | Joel Lamangan | Joel Grey | Joel | Rafael Osuna | Rafael Benítez | Jorge Rafael Videla | Rafael Sabatini | Rafael Correa | Rafael Cordero Santiago | Rafael Alberti | Mitch Joel | Joel Zifkin |
At a concert held in Okemah, Oklahoma's Crystal Theater, Conoscenti performed at a "10-year jam" benefit show along with Bob Childers, Jimmy LaFave, Joel Rafael, Ellis Paul, the Red Dirt Rangers, and Terry "Buffalo" Ware.