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Friday, July 22, 2011

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

In The Blue Band's 30 year history, we've done a lot of tough and dumb things. This week's challenge is certainly the toughest and the dumbest in quite a few years! Five full gigs in four days, the first three in just a little over 24 hours time and includes driving at least 350 miles (we'll probably hit 700 miles by the time it's all over on Monday) And we're our own sound company for three of those gigs. But at least the heat is predicted to cool down to 90 degrees! Hop on the truck (a cube van named Larry) and let's get goin'...
It's been a few years since we've had the opportunity to be part of Mason City's Up In Smoke BBQ Festival. This is a nationally sanctioned, two-day, BBQ contest with vendors from all around the country. Music starts at 5pm, Blue Band 7:30-11:00pm. Let's see; world class BBQ, great music, and beer vendors, in a beautiful city park (East Park) What's not to like? Find a complete schedule and list of BBQers at http://globegazette.com/bbqbash/
By the time we get all the sound system loaded out in Mason City, it should be Saturday morning. YIKES! Stage call in North Liberty (suburban Iowa City) is 10:30 Saturday morning for a noon start-time at the rescheduled North Liberty Blues and BBQ Festival! (breakfast BBQ?) This is our 3rd year at this fabulous, family friendly event. It's usually held over Memorial Day weekend, but Mother Nature's temperamental display of rain, wind and hail got in the way this year. (Ms. Nature has been "difficult" all year hasn't she?) Organizers and the city of North Liberty have gone way out of their way to reschedule the event and to invite as many of the originally scheduled bands as possible. One of the many things that I love about this event is it's commitment to Iowa based bands. Friends of ours including Kevin Burt & The Instigators, David Zolo, and Ellis Kell are all part of the entertainment schedule. Get more info on the activities of the day at http://northlibertyiowa.org/bluesandbbq/activities.html Bring cake donuts for breakfast!...
But wait, we're not done on Saturday! After the last note in North Liberty, we put it back in the truck and race back to Sparkle City for Diana Smith and Phil Maass' 5th wedding anniversary celebration, at The Hub, 4th and Main in Cedar Falls. Diana used to sneak into the Crows Nest (under age) in Iowa City to catch Blue Band shows in the early 80s (we're talkin' the FIRST Crows Nest on Washington St. where our second vinyl record Real Time/Bar Time was recorded) and Phil traveled with us as the full-time soundman and stage manager (he was dubbed the Road Worrier) for a decade or so. He is still our go-to guy with any kind of sound/technical questions. Phil has recorded, mixed, edited, mastered and co-produced all of the New Years Eve recordings over the years. In short, these two are about as deep Blue as you can get. I'm an only child, but they feel like brother and sister to me. I don't go to many weddings. I went to theirs. To celebrate their 5th anniversary, they're throwing a party and inviting everyone to come. They're asking for NO gifts, but will donate any and all free will offerings to the NE Iowa Food Bank. Nonperishable food stuffs are also welcomed. Great people, great cause, (donations to the Food Bank are tax deductible so bring your checkbook) food, fun, dancing, cans of pork'n'beans, and maybe Bob Guthart will bring the green guitar and play some songs. I'm assuming someone will bring Anniversary CAKE! What's not to like, right Avis?? AND it's Geeezer Gig hours! We play 7-10pm...
But wait, there's more! Every year we auction off a night with The Blue Band in benefit of an arts organization. This year's benefactor was the Gallagher/Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. We play a private party for the auction winners in rural LaPorte City on Sunday evening (sorry, you need an invitation for that one, but consider making a bid next year and maybe we'll play YOUR garage!)...
And that brings us to the 5th gig in 4 days. Monday, we play The Wayne Mc Cracken Memorial Evening of The Blues. I am told that Mr. Mc Cracken loved all kinds of music and was fond of our band. His wife honors his memory by sponsoring a music performance each year, outside, on the lawn of the beautiful Grace Methodist Church, 37th & Cottage Grove, in Des Moines. This is a free show, all ages welcome. The church will offer food, snacks, and soft drinks/water for sale. We play 7-8:30p. Bring the kids. Bring the Grandkids. Bring CAKE!...
If we survive this run, we'll see yas Fri. July 29 in Ottumwa for Live at 5 and Sat. July 30 at the annual Bix Street Festival in Davenport. We have restocked the temporarily sold out XXL t-shirts (we've got a BIG following) (or is that a following that's BIG?) and for the rest of the month, you can get a 30th Anniversary T-shirt AND the Iowa Public TV History of The Blue Band 2-DVD set for just $15! How do we do it?? VOLUME!!...
I was surprised by how many people emailed after last weeks note saying that they too had experienced the ridiculous pain of ingrown toenails! Those suckers hurt don't they? I seem to be making slow progress in recovering from having that nail cut out, but I regressed on getting my taste buds back this week and dropped 2 of the 4 pounds that I had gained back. Old age ain't fer sissies...
I also had promised the announcement of the New Year's Eve entertainment for this year's gala. Drum roll please. bdddddddddddddddddddddddd SPLASH! Along with The Blue Band, favorites Matt Woods & The Thunderbolts and Joe and Vickie Price will be joined by Six Ways To Sunday (they brought a great following with them last year) and the slide guitar playing farmer from Fort Dodge The Erick Hovey Band plus Iowa R & R Hall of Famer, reggae/bluesman Tony Brown, and piano man Tom Gary. New Year's Eve is on a Saturday this year (just 161 days from today) so I'm investigating having some entertainment on Friday in case you want to join us for the entire weekend. Reservations at The Hilton Garden Hotel are now being taken, find a link to the hotel and/or phone number at http://www.theblueband.com/newyear.htm HAPPY BLUE YEAR!...
I had wanted to let you in on the thoughts regarding the continuing longevity of the Blue Band after this 30th anniversary year, but it's 4am and since this is the last night in the next four where I can get a full night's sleep, I gotta go. More on that next week. (moron next week?) See ya on the Blue Highway, rub yer washboard tie to the tune of The Bar-B-Q Shuffle, wish Diana & Phil a happy anniversary, book your Holiday party NOW, (I know, it's hard to think about Christmas when the "feels like" temperature in 103, but there's only 154 days til Christmas) and always know that we love you. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Little Milton: Hey Hey The Blue Are Alright

Little Milton keeping the blues alive in the 80s.  Classic!

Why Do They Call It Bluesfest?!?!?!?!?!?

Over the weekend a big gust of wind blew over the mainstage at the Ottawa Bluesfest.  It was while Cheap Trick was playing.   According to this article (click HERE) no one was hurt.  I must admit that when I first read Cheap Trick playing at a blues festival I was a little taken aback, then I looked at the whole festival list. I must admit it is huge, but the majority of the performers are not blues.  Take a look here for the full list of performers.  In fact if you read this article about the festival you wouldn't know it was a blues festival.  You wouldn't even know that BUDDY GUY was playing!!!!  I know the blues are hurting, but if you are going to have a blues festival wouldn't you have blues bands?????  If you know the answer to this perplexing question please let me know.

John Hammer Blues News

INFORMATION
 

   Elvin Bishop     
     'Raisin' Hell Revue'


   Hot Tuna      
'Steady As She Goes' 

'Translucent Blues'   

'Outside Looking In' 



    
 

  
Important Links


 
 
 
 
 
 
Tore Up on the Radio 
No worries, we'll be right there behind ya for moral support
! July 24th on Hammered By The Blues  (every Sunday on KOWZ 1170AM at 10pm) we are gonna take dem blues on head to head, no matter what. As the bell rings, wild man Elvin Bishop roars out of the corner with a bunch of special friends and they lays the one two on ya off 'Raisin' Hell Revue'. You quickly find old school dependability suits ya the best as you are dazzled by Hot Tuna and their studio CD, 20 years in the comin', entitled 'Steady As She Goes'. And speakin' of the old tried and true, we trot out Door founder Ray Manzarek as he tag teams up with Roy Rogers to just wear you out with a little rope a dope off 'Translucent Blues'. Now if'n ya'll thought you been kicked by a mule, you have. Bucky the beer drinkin' mule joins us with some fancy footwork and a killer left hook from Tommy Lee Cook as he knocks you out with speed bag precision off 'Outside looking In'. Go on and hit the showers, ya'll deserve it after that exhibition!  

It don't matter how big they are, they will all fall;
Just use yer dazzlin' dance moves and be 10 ft tall; 
When it's all said and the bell has rung loud; 
Just shout out I'm a blueser and mighty proud!
Hammer-time! 
Fresh Stuff Ya Wanna Know
  JULY Blue Monday
NOW On Line


 Sena Ehrhardt Band  
July 22: Shaw's, Minneapolis, MN  
July 23: Covered Bridge, Zumbrota, MN  
  
 'Stirrin' the pot at  
Hammered By the Blues'

 Listen On Line Now: Click Here <-
Episode #272 featuring
: RB Stone, Shawn Pittman, Quinn Sullivan, and Hadden Sayers


Be sure to check out brand new blues on the Juke Box Page, vote for your favorite song and enter to win a Limited Edition Blue Monday Lapel Pin
 
'Hammered By The Blues' now on
 ROCKIN U RADIO on LIVE365 11pm to 1am Monday, Wednesday and Friday!
Give a listen - > CLICK HERE for LINK
Print Out The 'OPPORTUNITIES LIVE' section at Blue Monday OnLine offering somethin' to do in LIVE MUSIC in Minnesota, Iowa, St. Louis, Omaha, Lincoln, Clarksdale, and Memphis at:  
Just click on the link above -or- type the name into your browser; right click on the Calendar page you want, save and print. Yes, it is just that easy!

John 'blueshammer' Hammer
Blue Monday Monthly Magazine
www.bluemondaymonthly.com
Hammered By The Blues Weekly Radio
KOWZ 1170am/ 100.9fm
510 West McKinley
Owatonna, MN 55060

Murali Coryell Update

The Latest Tour Schedule Murali Coryell.


Buy Murali Coryell CDs @ http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/MuraliCoryell

Murali Coryell 2011 tour schedule:

 Friday, July 22nd, 2011
Murali Coryell Band - 11:00pm
Oasis
58 Main Street
New Paltz, NY 12561
845-255-2400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              845-255-2400      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Price: $5

with Dorian Randolph-Drums & Vince Leggiere-Bass


Friday, July 29th, 2011
Murali Coryell Band - 7PM
Lake George Friday Nite Series

Shepherd's Park Bandstand @ Canada Street (center of LG Village)
Lake George, NY
Price: Free

with Dorian Randolph-Drums & Lenny Bradford-Bass

Saturday, July 30th, 2011
Murali Coryell Band
Private Party

Clermont, NY

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011
Murali Coryell Band - 7:00pm
Blue Back Square Concert Series at Barnes and Noble
60 Isham Road
West Hartford, CT 06107

with Dorian Randolph-Drums
Karl Allweier-Bass & Jeremy Baum-Keyboard

Friday, August 5th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell
Edmonton Folk Festival

Edmonton,, Alberta
Canada


Saturday, August 6th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell
Edmonton Folk Festival

Edmonton, Alberta
Canada


Friday, August 12th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell
Bayfront Blues Festival

Duluth, MN


Friday, August 19th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell - 8:00pm
Shalin Liu Performance Center

Rockport, MA


Saturday, August 20th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell
Flying Monkey

Plymouth, NH


Friday, August 26th, 2011
solo acoustic - 8:00pm
Dancing Cat Saloon
2037 State Route 17B
Bethel, NY
845-583-3141


Friday, September 2nd, 2011
Murali Coryell Band - 8:00pm
Soul & Blues Cruise on the Teal
W Strand Park Broadway
Kingston, NY 12401
845-750-6025
Price: $25

with Dorian Randolph-Drums & Vince Leggiere-Bass

Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell
Bridge Street Live

Collinsville, CT


Friday, September 9th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell
Uncle Bo̢۪s

Topeka, KS


Saturday, September 10th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell
Greater Ozarks Blues Festival

Springfield, MO


Friday, September 16th, 2011
Murali Coryell Band - 9:00pm
Keegan Ales
20 St. James St.
Kingston, NY 12401
US
845-331-2739
Price: Free

with Dorian "Detroit" Randolph-Drums & Vince Leggiere-Bass

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell
Gerald Veasley's Jazz Base
1741 Papermill Road
Wyomissing, PA 19610
US
610-376-3811


Friday, September 30th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell
Copenhagen Blues Festival

Copenhagen
Denmark


Saturday, October 1st, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
Azimut Festival

La Pesse
Fra


Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
Les IG

Montpellier
France


Saturday, October 8th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
Nancy Jazz Pulsation

Nancy
France


Thursday, October 13th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
Jean Vilar

Bourdeaux
France


Friday, October 14th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
L̢۪Hermine Cultural

Sarzeau
France


Saturday, October 15th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
La Rochelle Jazz Festival

La Rochelle
France


Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
Billancourt/Carre Bellefuille

Boulogne
France


Friday, October 21st, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell
Red, White & The Blues at The Polk Museum

Lakeland, FL


Saturday, November 5th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
Jazz Festival

Salizburg
Austria


Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
Les Tanzmatten

Selestat
France


Thursday, November 10th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
Blues Night

Zingem
Belgium


Friday, November 11th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
Luzerne Blues Festival

Luzerne
Switzerland


Saturday, November 12th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
Luzerne Blues Festival

Luzerne
Switzerland


Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
La Bouche D̢۪Air

Nantes
France


Thursday, November 17th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
L̢۪Ominibus

St Malo
France


Friday, November 18th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
Les Arcs

Queven
France


Saturday, November 19th, 2011
Joe Louis Walker featuring Murali Coryell & Amar Sundy
Le Hongre

Magny
France


Friday, December 9th, 2011
Murali Coryell Band - 9:00pm
Millbrook R & B Bar & GrillMillbrook R & B Bar & Grill
3264 Franklin Avenue
Millbrook, NY 12545
845-677-3432
Price: $5

with Dorian Randolph-Drums & Vince Leggiere-Bass