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Friday, October 3, 2008

Illinois Blues Blast


All news BLUES in the US!

FREE Blues Internet Magazine

from IllinoisBlues.com

October 2, 2008

© 2007 - 2008 IllinoisBlues.com

News, photos, reviews, live Blues links & MUCH MORE in this issue! - Scroll or Page Down!


IllinoisBlues.com quick website links: Reviews Links Photos Videos Blues Radio Blues Shows near YOU! Advertise for FREE! The Blues Blast Archives


Hey Blues Fans,

We made it to Blue Monday in Springfield, IL to hear a band from Champaign, IL called The Blues Deacons. This group features Billy Galt on guitar and Eric Tinsley on bass. This night we were surprised to see Ed O'Hara from the Kilborn Alley Blues band holding down the drum duties.

After inquiring a bit further we found out that prior to joining the Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Ed was the regular drummer for the Soul Deacons. He says he still works with them when ever he can. And it was easy to see why. What a great band!

Ed was feeling good and on a couple songs we witnessed someone playing drums and harp at the same time. Never seen this combination before. Pretty cool Ed! Good lead vocals too!


2008 Blues Blast Music Awards

Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, IL

7pm to midnight

Sunday, November 2, 2008

YOU voted and now we are pleased to announce the final details for the awards ceremony. Be there when the winners are announced. Mark your calendars and plan to attend and see your favorite artists perform!

Confirmed Blues artists performing are Eden Brent, Tim "Too Slim" Langford from Too Slim and the Taildraggers, Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, The Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Magic Slim & the Teardrops, Lurrie Bell, Teeny Tucker, Gina Sicilia and John Nemeth!

Ticket for this great show are only $25 to see all these great Blues legends. If you are planning to attend please send an email to and let us know.

There are only 400 seats available for this great show. We are still working out the details of how to reserve your seat but be sure to let us know and we will let you know when we finalize details on how purchase them. So stay tuned, more info coming next week!


Blues Reviews and MORE!

From Edinburgh, Scotland, street team reporter Phillip Wright sends us a review of Otis Grand with special guest Jimmy Thomas. James Walker reviews a new CD from EG Kight. Gary Weeks reviews a new CD by Chris Duarte. Chicago Editor Lordy reviews the Delmark records and Rosas Lounge benefit show for Chicago Blues legend Little Arthur Duncan's family. All this and MORE! SCROLL DOWN!!!


Festival Website: www.bluesandheritagefest.net




Featured Blues Review (1 of 2)

EG Kight -It’s Hot In Here

M.C. Records

www.egkight.com

www.myspace.com/egkight

12 songs; 52:59 minutes; Splendid

Styles: Contemporary Blues, Vocal showcase, Southern Blues-Rock

EG Kight is known as “The Georgia Songbird,” and her latest album is a wonderful showcase of her signature sultry vocals. This is a CD for lovers and romantics as EG weaves her way through slow-dance numbers to upbeat romps. On eight of the twelve numbers, EG will take two lovers through songs both sentimental and humorous to which they can relate by “Been there; done that” or “That’s sad; please don’t let that happen to us.”

The other four cuts range from fun and lighthearted (“You Can’t Take It With You”) to lyrics about an old-fashioned Southern church meeting (“Pass the Plate”) to a trip down memory lane (“House of the Rising Sun”).

Kight’s website biography reveals, “Distraught after a teenage heartbreak she penned her first song at sixteen, a pivotal moment that gave birth to a songwriter. She discovered the ability to grasp the emotion, write about it, put it to music, and tell the story from the heart.... She wants to touch a feeling or sentiment in every lyric and in every note.” To better help the listener appreciate that ability, the lyrics are thoughtfully included in the liner notes. EG gives co-writing credits to Tom Horner, among others, on eight numbers.

Kight’s blues are as rich as a cup of Kona coffee and go down just as smoothly. If your taste in music is, exclusively, the hard driving, whiskey drinking, ass kicking variety, then this CD is not for you. Those folks will call this album “syrupy and sentimental.” Personally, I can enjoy both types; it is all about the timing. Perhaps it is the difference between a raucous Friday night party where one meets someone and makes a date and the subsequent Saturday night date for being considerate and romantic.

For that romance, there are three beautifully sung numbers that have a female voice with an impact like a Patsy Cline. Two are great for slow dancing “I’m New At This” and “Roses and Promises.” “Sugar,” at mid-tempo, is as sweet as the title. Both “Sugar” and “Roses...” feature just-right piano by Graham Guest while Doug McMinn adds some unbelievable, Goodman-esque clarinet to “Sugar.”

The set certainly does not begin at slow tempo; “I Want You Just ‘Cause I Want You” is a full-studio production number with horns added to requisite guitars, bass, drums, and keys by Paul Hornsby. Quick to follow, the title track then rips through the speakers, this time with Tim Hooper on both piano and organ opening and underpinning. Sean Farley adds a nice guitar solo run at mid-song soon followed by a solo bass line by Andy Seal. There are no less than 20 guests throughout the CD.

Radio ready and appearing on my “Friends of the Blues Radio Show” this week is the upbeat and humorous fourth track with Bob Margolin on slide guitar, “Then There’s The Truth” (as in “...there’s what you tell me baby, then there’s the truuuuth”).

Ken Wynn plays some delicate guitar notes with Gil Gillis’ mandolin in support of a beautiful sentiment in “Through The Eyes of A child.” The only misstep in this set is an ordinary cover of “House of the Rising Sun.” With the team Kight had behind her, surely they could have written and created one more jewel.

In EG’s own words from the liner notes, “...I can’t think of anything more healing than music. I hope you enjoy this album, and I hope it lifts your spirit and makes you smile. Keep a song in your heart.” From this CD, you’ll have a song in your heart and at least a couple stuck in your head!

Reviewer James “Skyy Dobro” Walker is a noted Blues writer, DJ and Blues Blast contributor. His weekly radio show “Friends of the Blues” can be heard each Thursday from 4:30 – 6:00pm on WKCC 91.1 FM in Kankakee, IL

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.


www.bluestormmusic.com


David Honeyboy Edwards

Roamin' and Ramblin'

2008 Blues Blast Music Award Nominee
"Best Best Traditional Blues CD

CLICK HERE to purchases Now!

To read the Blues Blast CD review - CLICK HERE


Live Blues Review

Otis Grand and the Big Blues Band Featuring Jimmy Thomas

The Jamhouse, Edinburgh Scotland, August 1st 2008

It has been a couple of years since Otis Grand And The Big Blues Band last appeared in Edinburgh but it was well worth the wait. With trumpet, tenor sax, drums, bass and keyboards playing an instrumental, Otis was welcomed onstage by my good self (I confess folks, Otis suckered me into making my debut as MC).

Right from the get go Otis launched into a blistering and powerful version of ‘Sweet Little Angel’ featuring his vocals, we don’t hear the big fella singing too often and he made a pretty decent job of it!

Veteran Ike Turner band vocalist Jimmy Thomas was introduced and his feature spot included a superb reading of Lowell Fulson’s ‘Reconsider Baby’, a boogie feature for the piano man that grooved into ‘Honey Hush’, and a superb ‘All Your Love (I Miss Loving)’ with Otis’s guitar work exemplary.

Following an extended audience walkabout, which climaxed with Otis handing over his Fender to a member of the audience who proved more than capable, he reclaimed the stage to haul off a ‘surf’ style instrumental.

Jimmy them came back and sung a lovely Texas style number titled ‘Katie Mae’, then ‘Bye Bye Baby’, followed by Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Built For Comfort’. The final number was a rollicking reading of Gatemouth Brown’s ‘She Walk Right In’.

As a rousing encore there was a John Lee Hooker boogie that segued into Magic Sam’s ‘Looking Good’ that threatened to lift the roof and proved to be a fitting end to an enjoyable and satisfying night for the capacity audience at the Jamhouse.

Review and photos by Phillip Wight

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.


EG Kight It’s Hot In Here

Her first CD in four years from six time BMA award nominee and Koko Taylor songwriter.

It's Hot in Here," features her blazing guitar work and fiery, resonant voice. Patriot-News

EG Kight has hit a home-run with this excellent album. The Planet Weekly

www.mc-records.com

www.egkight.com


The National Debonaires

New Sounds from Kansas City

2008 Blues Blast Music Award Nominee
"Best Blues Song" for Ain't Gonna Happen Again

CLICK HERE to purchases Now!

To read the Blues Blast CD review - CLICK HERE


Featured Blues Review (2 of 2)

Chris Duarte Group - Vantage Point

Blues Bureau International

www.myspace.com/chrisduartegroup

Since his 1994 debut release of Texas Sugar/Strat Magic, blues rocker Chris Duarte has worked with several different record labels. Chris can't be pigeonholed as just a bluesman only. For years he has toured with a revolving door rhythm section of players that build a foundation of sound that screams power trio in more ways then one. Playing at a decibel level that demands a good pair of ear-plugs, Chris can chase a few listeners away who are offended by his bombastic take on the blues. Those people are in the minority as the club remains packed with Duarte playing like a man possessed. Shaking his ponytail and stomping the stage with a floorboard of effects to enhance his sound, Duarte tears at his Strat ripping off licks and notes putting him in the same class as Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He doesn't mind those comparisons. But there's a lot more to the man then that.

Rarely does Duarte come out with CDs two years in a row. When he signed with Mike Varney's Blues Bureau International Label last year, he released Blue Velocity which was a return to his roots. Varney couldn't have been more thrilled. And he tends to make sure his artists are putting out a product without too many years between releases.

The point is proven in The Chris Duarte Group's 2008 release Vantage Point. Working with drummer Jeff Reilly and bassist Joseph Patrick Moore, Duarte continues to capitalize on that same formula of licks. It may not be too experimental but it rocks like a mother.

There's not too much blues here. "Trouble On Me" is a bag of Stevie Ray solos coming out of Texas Flood. The instrumental "Woodpecker" is Duarte's best Jeff Beck Blow By Blow impersonations. He's not known for British influences so it's a welcome surprise when he does it.

Like his live performances, the music is jacked and revved up enough with dollops of power chords and frenzied soloing. Leading track "The Best I Can Do" is a hip swiveling dance floor affair with Chris cutting loose with biting tones. Duarte finds it difficult to avoid the infamous Texas shuffle in the Stevie Ray laced "Satisfy." At least Chris won't remain in that groove for long. The moderate paced instrumental rocker "Slapstak" is a hybrid of riffs and solos saluting the Vaughan brothers. Comparisons likes these are inescapable in Chris' case. At this point in time, if he hasn't shaken it yet, the chances are he never will.

But Chris can do ZZ Top with the best of them. The hard hitting John Lee Hooker groove of "More Boogie" is Billy Gibbons meeting Eric Johnson through Joe Satriani. It's a powerhouse song that will have air guitar freaks jumping up and down in musical ecstasy. Then there's the rock-a-rama shakedown in "Let's Have A Party" which is a sweatfest dance boogie mining those familiar Stevie licks. He struggles to be his own voice in the seductive "Blow Your Mind." The ominous tones in "She Don't Live Here Anymore" make way for the song to speed up its tempo with Chris soloing above a rhythm section gone mad in true Hendrix fashion.

Maybe having a different guitar and equipment altogether can shake these inevitable comparisons that have followed Duarte since his career started. Oh well. At least when he does Hendrix live, he will whip out obscure numbers and not "Red House" and "Voodoo Chile." He has stated several times of admiring jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. Perhaps observing McLaughlin's musical imprints can make an alteration on his music. But his fanbase might not tolerate it. They have become too accustomed to Chris' mixture of Stevie and Jimi licks. He figures if it's worked this long, then he's doing something right. And maybe he is..

Review by Gary Weeks

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.


"What Goes Around” – a new CD from Michael Osborn!

"Michael Osborn is one of the best blues guitarists around, he can really lay it down". - John Lee Hooker

"Michael Osborn is one of the authentic blues guitarists today. His style goes straight to the heart of the blues and he’ll steal your show if you don’t watch out!” – Robben Ford

www.checkerboardrecords.com/

www.myspace.com/checkerboardrecordscom

CLICK HERE to purchase


Eden Brent

2008 Blues Blast Music Award Nominee

"Sean Costello Rising Star Award"

www.edenbrent.com

To read a review of this CD, CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE to Purchase this CD now!


Blues Society News


Send your Blues Society's BIG news or Press Release to:

Please submit a maximum of 125 words in a Text or Word format ONLY. Press releases not formatted


River City Blues Society - Peoria, IL

The RCBS is proud to support a benefit for a good cause. In late July, local blues drummer, most recently playing with the Dave Chastain Band, was severely shocked while working near an electrical substation. John has been through a lot and is working through the challenge of a lifetime. John's friends and bandmates are organizing a benefit on his behalf on Sunday October 19th, 2008, at 12pm at the Itoo Hall on Farmington Road in Peoria, IL. There will be Food from La Gondola, Raffles, Door Prizes, a Dunk Tank, and BLUES music by The Dave Chastain Band, The Robin Crowe Band, Rooster Alley, Elektrik Trybe, Brainchild, The Jim Davis Band and more!

Also RCBS presents the Kilborn Alley Blues Band with opening Act Russell Miller and 6V6 Sunday October 26th, 2008 from 6:00PM to 10:00PM at Goodfellas Pub & Pizza 1414 N 8th Street. Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 478-1090. Admission is just $5.

This show is a fall fundraiser for the 2009 Winter Blues Festival. RCBS is also holding a membership meeting the same night starting at 5:00PM. Anyone who shows up to the membership meeting at 5:00PM will get into the Kilborn show for FREE. For more information check out www.rivercityblues.com or call 309 267-4425.

Simple Man Enterprises - Ft Madison, IA

Australian Blues sensation Harper, will be playing a benefit for the Relay for Life Oct 3rd, 2008 at Richmond Stadium in Fort Madison, IA.

Simply The Blues Blues Festival has raised over $12,000 for non-profit and charity organizations over the past 5 years during our festival. Relay For Life has been one of those. This year Simply The Blues has a Relay for Life team and we are sponsoring the performance of HARPER. Please come and be on the team or just make a contribution. Contact Matt Eimer at 319-470-2082 or at simplemanenterprises@yahoo.com

Mississippi Valley Blues Society - Davenport, IA

MVBS Party Bus Trip, Saturday October 4, 2008 to see Bob Dorr & the Blue Band at Tabor Wineries Anniversary Party Near Maquoketa, IA. Leaving from and returning to Creekside Bar & Grill 3303 Brady St. Davenport IA. Sign up at Creekside 563-324-4619 or MVBS office 563-322-5837. Bus
leaves at 12:30 p.m. and returns at around 7:00 p.m. BYOB. MVBS members $25, Non members $30. The Rockin Jake Band will be playing at Creekside when we return

Bruce Katz, a 2008 Blues Music Award Nominee for Best Keyboardist, will bring his fiery, passionate and very original take on blues, roots and soul music to the Redstone Room, Davenport, on Friday Octber 17 at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $15, $12 for Mississippi Valley Blues Society members (at the door). The show is sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. For info contact the MVBS office 563-322-5837

Chicago Blues & Bluegrass Festival - Chicago, IL

The Chicago Vlues & Bluegrass Festival on November 22nd, 2008 is a one-day festival hosted by the Congress Theatre. It features 12 hours, 16 bands, for only $31 to help eradicate congenital heart defects in children. A portion of the event’s proceeds will contribute to the research efforts of the Chicago-based Saving Tiny Hearts Foundation. The lineup includes: Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, David Grisman, The Avett Brothers and many more. Check out www.cbgbfesival.com for more info.

The Rowan Blues and Jazz Society - Salisbury, NC

The Rowan Blues and Jazz Society is presenting its 10th Annual Blues and Jazz Festival, October 11 in Downtown Salisbury, NC at 2p.m. It is featuring the Homemade Jamz Blues Band featuring Ryan, Kyle and Taya Perry and Dad, Big Bill Morganfield, Joe Robinson Jazz Band, Larry Davis Jazz, Ladies Auxiliary Blues Band, and Bob Paolina. Bring your own chairs and blankets, Variety of vendors and family friendly. For more information go to our website www.rownbluesandjazz.com Contact 704-636-2811.

Second Wind Cancer Retreat - Atlanta, GA

Legendary singers Bonnie Bramlett and William Bell are among the many artists scheduled to perform at BluesFest ‘08, benefiting the Second Wind Cancer Retreat, on Sunday, October 5, at Blind Willie’s blues club in Atlanta. Other artists scheduled to perform at the benefit include Liberty Jones, Men in Blues and Ike Stubblefield and Friends. Doors opening at 3:00 PM and music scheduled to run from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door, with no one admitted under 21 years of age. This non-smoking event is also dedicated to the memory of blues guitarist Jeff Healey, who passed away from cancer in March.

Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL

The Illinois Central Blues Club announces the 2008 call for entries for the Solo/Duo Challenge. The winner of this challenge will receive a slot to represent our club at the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge to be held in Memphis, TN, February 4-7, 2009, and well as $500 in travel money. Entries must be received by Monday, October 10, 2008. The event will be held at The Alamo on Saturday, October 25, 2008, from 6pm - 10pm. At least one member must be a member of ICBC to participate in this challenge. For rules and regulations check our website at http://www.icbluesclub.org For more info contact Judy Burgess Secretary Illinois Central Blues Club judygaile@yahoo.com

Blue Mondays- Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $2 cover - Oct 6 - Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Oct 13 - The Rich Fabec Blues Band, Oct 20 - Too Slim & the Tail Draggers, Oct 27- Gina Sicilia with David Gross

The West Virginia Blues Society - Charleston, W.V.

The West Virginia Blues Society will hold its Second Annual Blues Competition on October 4, 2008 at Christopher's Banquet Center in Fairmont, WV. Blues bands and solo/duo blues acts will compete for cash prizes and WVBS sponsorship to the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge held every year in Memphis, Tennessee. Complete information is available online at www.wvbluessociety.org


The 25th International Blues Challenge

February 4-7, 2009 in Memphis, TN

Advance tickets, host hotel information, merchandise and preliminary event schedule will be available at www.blues.org beginning October 1.


Too Slim and the Taildraggers

Fortune Teller

2008 Blues Blast Music Award Nominee for

"Best Contemporary Blues Recording"

CLICK HERE to Vote for Us NOW

To purchase this CD now CLICK HERE


The BEST Way To Promote YOUR Next Blues Project!

BANDS, BARS, AND LABELS: Is your promo material getting you the gigs and business you desire? If not, call music journalist and copy writer Mike O'Cull for all your promotional needs. Mike is a veteran music journalist and musician and writes for the Illinois Entertainer, IllinoisBlues.com, and www.Chicagomusicguide.com and can deliver the highest quality promotional writing around quickly and at a reasonable price.

Mike's specialties include bios, press releases, liner notes, and web content. Full press kit design, including graphics, is also available. Clients include The Joe Moss Band, Carl Davis, TruSoul Entertainment, B.A. S. Entertainment, and many others. Samples available on request. Email mocull@mac.com , call Mike O'Cull Music at 847-608-0357, or visit us online at www.myspace.com/mikeocullmusic for more information.

Mention the Blues Blast for a $10 new customer discount.


Chicago Blues Update

Live Blues reviews by Chicago Blues editor Lordy

Blues Beat: Chicago (Photos by August Lord)

Benefit show for Little Arthur Duncan's family at Rosas Lounge

Earlier this year local legend Delmark Records released a DVD entitled Little Arthur Duncan Live at Rosa's Blues Lounge. This has become a "go to" resource that shows off the post-war Chicago Blues of Little Arthur and also shows off this great Chicago Blues venue. The official release party for this Delmark gem was also at Rosa's and was presided over by Little Arthur and his band. The release party was in February and as usual, I was early. Arthur Duncan was early as well. The sound system was not on. The only sounds were the slapping of billiard balls as Mama Rosa combined a game of pool with a lesson in Italian for the young Polish server. It seemed funny to me that I could not understand either of them. I was able to enjoy some casual conversation with Little Arthur. I was not interviewing Little Arthur, but just enjoying his stories of The Artesia Lounge, a club he owned on Lake Street. Eventually, band members started setting up and real writers were hovering around Arthur Duncan with tape recorders and notepads.

By spring we heard Little Arthur was hospitalized. In August we sadly lost yet another connection to the likes of Jimmy Reed and Howlin' Wolf. We lost a warm and friendly bluesman. Fast forward to Rosa's once again. Twist Turner, Arthur's drummer and producer was present. Arthur's bassist Mike Azzi was present. Arthur's guitarists Illinois Slim and Rick Kreher were present as well.

The venue, the band and a host of friends and family showed up to honor Little Arthur's memory. On display upon the pool table were the official honorary proclamations from Illinois' governer and Chicago's mayor. A who's who of our Chicago Blues community took the stage in turn. The eulogies were presented with guitars, harps and singers. Imagine a whole evening of Chicago's best players, jamming their hearts out. The uninitiated may not realize what a party this could be. After all, isn't Blues sad? Hell no. The tribute at Rosa's was a memorable evening, hanging with friends and enjoying the music that brought us together. As usual, you should have been there.!

CLICK HERE to visit Lordy's website at ChicagoBluesBeat.com

To see a Chicago Area list of upcoming events CLICK HERE


2008 Blues Blast Music Awards

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, IL.

Confirmed Blues artists performing are Eden Brent, Tim "Too Slim" Langford from Too Slim and the Taildraggers, Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, The Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Magic Slim & the Teardrops, Lurrie Bell, Teeny Tucker, Gina Sicilia and John Nemeth! Ticket info will be available soon.



Live Blues Calendar

Performance dates were submitted by Musicians, Club Owners, Blues Societies and Blues festivals.

IllinoisBlues.com is not responsible for errors or omissions.

CLICK HERE - for the Latest Complete Blues Calendar on our website at: IllinoisBlues.com.

or click a state to see Blues shows by State

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Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey
New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Other

Submit your Blues performances for FREE at: http://www.illinoisblues.com/submitnews.htm


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Festivals... The Blues Blast & IllinoisBlues.com's website are great ways to promote ANY Blues event or product. In fact we believe we just might have THE best Blues advertising vehicle anywhere to promote YOUR Blue event!

Blues CD's... For less than the cost of one small ad in a newspaper, you can advertise your shows, new CD or any Blues product. A great way to get the Blues word out!

Blues fans WANT to know about your Blues event of product. Call Bob at (309) 267-4425 or send an email to for a confidential quote today!

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IllinoisBlues.com also offers effective advertising for Festivals and Club Owners, Recording Companies and Performers. Put your Blues advertisement on our homepage at: http://www.illinoisblues.com either as a sponsored event or as a featured event, product, recording or merchandise. We get 10,000 visitors and 800,000 hits A MONTH on our website!

Nearly 11,000 Blues Fans, Musicians, Recording Companies, Club Owners, Blues Societies and Festival Promoters in all 50 states and in 40 countries read the Blues Blast magazine each week. You can feature your event or product in the largest FREE internet Blues magazine delivered right to your inbox each week.

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Bob Dorr And the Blue Band Update


I messed up last week by not getting around to posting Bob's update. I wish I had because he went off on Sarah Palin, and that in turn set off a storm on his email list! Who knew conservative republicans loved the blues:-D (just joking, I was just getting another chance to tweak a fan of Wingnut Adams who didn't get the joke either:-) Anyway Bob does some updating on the "controversy". Just a personal aside, I think a musician is entitled to an opinion about the world, just like anyone else. Those of you who get all upset when someone in the public eye speaks their mind need to get a life. This is freaking America. There is a thing called the first amendment.

I cannot remember a time when a Blue Note generated so many responses the way last week's note did. To everyone's credit, all the responses were signed and many responses found exception to my stated perception of Sarah Palin. Some of those responses include:

how right you are, they don't mix..sorry bob, unsubscribe

I don't really have a choice in who to vote for. I won't vote for Obama and I hate even putting his name on this page or on anything of mine, so that is the way it is.

But its not as scarey as the thought of the extreme left, socialist, terrorist-befriending, white-hating, Barack Hussein Obama being president, and Joe Biden, with all his gaffes, a heartbeat from the presidency. Or not as scarey as Hillary and Bill getting back in the white house! Now THAT scares the HELL out of me!

Bob - I'd suggest that you revert to your prior thoughts of not trying to mix politics with entertainment. You should NOT be offering your editorial political comments. Many of your musical fans (including me), although we love your band.....DO NOT SHARE YOUR APPARENT POLITICS. I will spare you my comments on why I'd rather see Sarah Palin in office than either Obama or Bidden. However, I'm sure you would not enjoy my comments....any more than I enjoy your political commentary. Please update us on your musical activities and do not insert your political views.

Stick to entertainment Bob….keep your political view to yourself.

And these were the NICE comments! I really doubt that I will stop making political observations, but I WILL try and warn you that those observations are coming, so you don't have to read them if you don't like...SO, some more of those observations are coming, right after the important stuff...

Friday kicks off the season's "First Friday" TGIF parties at The Hub, 4th and Main, in Cedar Falls. Food, (OP pizza by the slice) fun, dancing, and home before the 10 o'clock news! We'll do this every first Friday of the month through May 1, we play 6-9pm. This month, the full 6 piece band with Bunky joining Al in the horn section...

Saturday, the weather is predicted to be sunny and in the mid 60s for the last outdoor date of the season (unless you can get one of those deck or barn parties organized in the next few weeks) The Tabor Home Vineyard's Anniversary and Harvest Celebration is one of my favorite events of the year. Lots of wining (no whining) and food on the vineyard grounds in Baldwin IA. Our friends at The Mississippi Valley Blues Society are sponsoring a bus from the Quad Cities (don't drive drunk, call yourself a bus) (YOU'RE A BUS!!) The MVBS weekly newsletter (don't worry, there's no politics in their note) says: Next Saturday, October 4, Bob Dorr and the Blue Band will perform at the Tabor Home Winery 12th Anniversary celebration at the winery in Baldwin, IA, outside of Maquoketa. This annual event has become a tradition for the Blue Band and Tabor Home and is an enjoyable day at a beautiful spot in the rolling hills of eastern Iowa. Patrons sit on the grass and listen to the Blue Band while enjoying some Iowa's finest wines. If you would like to go to the event, the Mississippi Valley Blue Society is organizing a bus trip to the winery for the event. The bus will leave from the Creekside Bar & Grill, 3303 Brady St., Davenport, next Saturday at 12:30 p.m., travel to Tabor Home winery, and return to the Creekside at 7 p.m. If you really want to make a day of it, the Rockin' Jake Band from New Orleans will be playing at the Creekside that night. The cost for the bus trip is $25 for MVBS members and $30 for others. Tickets are available at the the MVBS office (563-332-5837) or at the Creekside (563-324-4619). For more information on Tabor Home wines, visit: www.taborhomewinery.com So get on the bus, Gus and join us for this multi-generational, family fun event...

Next Sat. (Oct. 11) we play a private wedding dance and the week following that I will be begging for money during Iowa Public Radio's Fall On-Air Fundraiser. Sat. Oct. 25 marks our return to The Screaming Eagle Bar and Restaurant in Waterloo...

WARNING: If you do not want to carry on a civil conversation about the election or politics, skip down to the final paragraph...I had assumed that most of the people on this list knew that I am a registered Libertarian. (I wish they had named the party The Constitutionalists) I am so fiscally conservative that I make Charles Grassley look like a tax and spend liberal. I am so socially laissez faire that I could make Howard Stern blush. Basically, I want the government out of my pocketbook and out of my personal life. Neither of the two "major" parties offer this. I believe that if we went back to a self reliant, personally responsible mindset, then the country would be much better off. Neither of the two "major parties" offer this either. My problems this year are 1) The Libertarians nominated Bob Barr as their presidential candidate. I cannot and will not vote for him 2) The Democrats nominated someone who believes the federal government is the answer to all problems. Meanwhile, I too often think the government IS the problem 3) The Republicans nominated someone for vice-president that is a very pretty face but makes President Bush look like a Rhodes scholar. This is very scary to me because John McCain seems to be entering periods of dementia or worse! Maybe he's just sad because he's selling one of his houses (gee, he'll only have SIX left) It is reported that you cannot even make an offer on this particular house without first putting up $100,000, JUST TO MAKE A BID! This leads me to think that Mr. McCain has no clue what life is like for a weekend Public Radio announcer and a white wannabee soul/blues singer from Iowa. And that's the blues, baby. It's looking more and more like Ron Paul will get my vote...

As the gig schedule gets lighter, I'm going to try and ween myself from writing these notes every week. You probably won't get one next week. (BTW, we REALLY need work for the Holidays, keep us in mind for private parties-we know LOTS of Christmas tunes and are negotiable on price) Thanks for the responses to the Blue Notes (at least I know some people are reading them) See yas on The Blue Highway, rub that washboard, drinking wine goes well with cheeseCAKE, and no matter what your politics, we love you because we're all part of the Blue Family... Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Bob Steele: Cool Blues

Claudia Swartz sent me this video of the amazing Bob Steele, which features Claudia playing some harp. Great band. North Carolina has some great blues players, and blues promoters. Kinda wish we had our stuff together as well as you do in NC!! Without a doubt North Carolina is a hot spot for the blues.

Soul Searchers Update


the soul searchers
click here for our website
click here for our myspace page
click here to buy the CD


saturday oct 4, 6:30pm
the greenwood lounge anniversary party
3707 ingersoll, des moines, iowa

sunday oct 5, 2pm
snus hill winery
2183 320th, madrid, iowa

cool show alert: from nyc: will bernard trio @ the maintenance shop, friday, oct. 2, 8pm

need piano lessons? soul searchers pianist nick leo, a recent uni music grad, is now taking students.email him at nikadu@gmail.com

"the soul searchers lay down authentic west coast blues from their des moines, iowa surroundings"
-BLUES REVUE magazine "the soul searchers are a veteran group of players who roll along slickly and confidently" -BLUESWAX "this band puts down energetic jump-blues with a vintage vibe that harks back to early fabulous thunderbirds" -OMAHA READER

Press Release: Pearson Lakes Art Center

This is Arts and Humanities Month. Part of the celebration is the big blues show at the art center up at the lakes. Just goes to show that Iowa's great lakes region does not close its doors after labor day! We have stuff going on all year long!

For Immediate Release

Contact Person: Andrea Tonsfeldt
Phone: 712.332.7013
E-mail: andrea@lakesart.org

National Arts and Humanities Month, October 2008
Pearson Lakes Art Center Celebrates the Arts and Humanities in the Iowa Great Lakes

[Okoboji, IA]—The Pearson Lakes Art Center joins thousands of arts organizations and communities across the nation in celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month throughout October. PLAC will carry this message to the people of the Iowa Great Lakes through activities that honor the efforts of artists, historians, teachers, and cultural groups working to make the arts and humanities a part of everyone’s life.

Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts and national coordinator of Arts and Humanities month, says, “Everyone recognizes the creative and cultural value of the arts and humanities. National Arts and Humanities Month offers us a chance to celebrate the often overlooked economic, educational, and civic engagement values that the arts impart in our daily lives.”

Everyone in the community is encouraged to participate in what has become this country’s largest annual collective celebration of the arts and humanities. Attached is a list of some of special events planned for National Arts and Humanities Month in Okoboji.

· October 6,13,20,27 – Kids Acting Class

· October 7,14,21,28 – Afterschool Art Club

· October 8 – Luncheon with Instruction

· October 9, 16, 23, 30 – Mini Michelangelos Pre-school Art

· October 10 Go Figure Exhibit Opening

· October 16 – Big Blues Night performance

· October 9, 16, 23, 30 – Free Thursday’s – Free studio time, gallery time, films, book club, artist guild, etc.

· October 24,25,26,30, 31 – Lakes Community Theatre’s Twelve Angry Jurors

· October 25 – Fall Family Workshop

· October 28 – Knitting/Felting Workshop

· Throughout the month of October, come view our outstanding exhibits: En Plein Air: Painting the Iowa Great Lakes Region, The Paterson Colt Gun Collection of Dennis A. LeVett, and the Russian and Soviet Impressionism Collection.

National Arts and Humanities Month is coordinated by Americans for the Arts, the national organization working to empower communities with the resources and support necessary to provide access to all of the arts for all of the people. This month-long celebration grew out of National Arts Week, which was begun in 1985 by the National Endowment for the Arts and Americans for the Arts. With 48 years of service, Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.

More information about National Arts and Humanities Month is available online at www.AmericansForTheArts.org/nahm.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Murali Coryell Tour Update


New download discount! on CD "The Same Damn Thing" "@
http://cdbaby.com/cd/murali6

Friday, October 3rd, 2008
Bull's Head Inn - http://www.bullsheadinn.com/
solo acoustic - 9:00pm
120 Sarah Wells Trail
Campell Hall, NY
845 496-6758
Price: Free

amzing food, great bar

Saturday, October 11th, 2008
Keltic House - http://www.thekeltichouse.com/
10:00pm
1004 Main St.
Fishkill, NY 12524
845-896-1110
Price: TBA

Saturday, October 11th, 2008
The Colonial Inn & Restaurant - http://www.colonialinn.com/
1:00pm-3:00pm
305 Main St
Pine Hill, NY 12465
845-254-5577
Price: Free

Friday, October 17th, 2008
Central Market Cafe
Los Jazz Vatos w/special guest Murali Coryell - 6:30pm
Austin, TX
Price: TBA

40th and Lamar

Saturday, October 18th, 2008
Evangeline Cafe - http://www.evangelinecafe.com/
10:00pm
8106 Brodie Lane #110
Austin, TX 78745
512 282-2586
Price: TBA

w/Ernie Durawa-drums & Brad Taylor-bass

Sunday, October 19th, 2008
Garrison Park Harbor
9:00pm
730 W Stassney #120
Austin, TX 78745
512.462-2664
Price: TBA

w/Ernie Durawa-drums & Brad Taylor-bass

Friday, November 28th, 2008
Bull's Head Inn - http://www.bullsheadinn.com/
solo acoustic - 9:00pm
120 Sarah Wells Trail
Campell Hall, NY
845 496-6758
Price: Free

amazing food, great bar

Friday, December 5th, 2008
Theodores Blues, Booze, & BBQ - http://www.theobbq.com/
9:00pm
201 Worthington Street
Springfield, MA 01103
413-736-6000

Saturday, December 6th, 2008
Black-Eyed Sally's - http://www.blackeyedsallys.com
9:00pm
350 Asylum St
Hartford, CT 06103
860.278.7427
Price: $10

Friday, December 26th, 2008
Billy's Lounge - http://www.billyslounge.com/welcome.html
9:00pm
1437 Wealthy St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616.459.5757
Price: $5

GR's home of the blues in East Town

Sunday, December 28th, 2008
Buddy Guys Legends - http://buddyguys.com
9:00pm
754 S. Wabash
Chicago, IL 60605
312-427-0333
Price: $10

3rd Annual Bohemian Arts And Music Festival

Claudia Schwartz has another great blues showcase in Fayetteville.

Hello, everyone
Please come and join us for the following event:
3RD ANNUAL "BOHEMIAN" ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
WHEN: SUNDAY, NOV. 2ND 2008 FROM NOON - 7PM
WHERE: PATE ROOM HQ PUBLIC LIBRARY 300 MAIDEN LN.
7 HOURS OF FAYETTEVILLE'S HOTTEST MUSICIANS AND VISUAL ARTISTS IN ANOTHER MEMORABLE SHOW OF EXCELLENCE..
BANDS:
ROBBIE REID IN THAT TONE RAY KING
MIGHTY BLUE THE DUTY'S CORKY JONES
ANDREA P. FLOSSIE WILSON WHO ARE WE?
KENNY HUFFMAN TONY BALDWIN GREG GRIMES
BLUE SKY CLAUDIA SWARTZ GIANT DRUM
MAMA'S PRIDE HENRY NIEVES DANNY NIEVES
VICTOR VILLAFONE NEIL RAY WILLIE BRADLEY
PITCH BLUE BRIAN FRAZIER
VISUAL ARTS:
JEFF COLEMAN, LYNN PALUGA, ROBIN GARR, COURTNEE HUMMEL AND THE FSU ART STUDENTS, ASHLEY JONES, TRACY LAZARO GOW, GOVINA TAYLOR, HAROLD GRACE, DOROTHY "Q" FINIELLO, AND OTHERS.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND LET US MAKE THIS EVENT THE BEST ONE EVER AS FAR AS ATTENDANCE IS CONCERNED. THANKLS FOR SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL MUSICIANS AND THESE PROJECTS.
CLAUDIA SWARTZ
BEATHEARTPRODUCTIONS
MUSIC AND ARTS EVENTS