Friday, July 17, 2009

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update


Remember when you bought "45s" and the flip side was often (pt. 2)? (Like Joey Dee & The Starlighters-The Peppermint Twist pt. 1 & The Peppermint Twist pt. 2) You don't remember? Then either you are suffering the effects of being an aging hippie (like me) or YOU'RE TOO DAMN YOUNG TO BE READING THIS!!...

So, speaking of being so damn young, how 'bout that Nathan Peoples?! What a treat to have Nathan playing in the band Thursday evening in Grinnell. And the treat is yours the next two nights! Quick, before he escapes back to Colorado:

This evening, Fri. 7/17, 5-7:30p, Ottumwa Live At 5! Downtown park, next to the Hotel Ottumwa. Hometown saxman Dave Sharp will join Nathan in the horn section and we'll be celebrating the Ottumwa Heights College Class of '79 reunion along with reconnecting with Blue People who have seen our band in Ottumwa for over a quarter of a century...

Saturday 7/18, The Pleasant Hill (eastern suburb of Des Moines) Summerfest. Hopefully, all Capitol City Blue People will be there to hear Nate play that saxophone one more time before he's off to the mountains again and to encourage him to move back to Ioway! (I asked him when he was moving home and he said "as soon as The Cubs win the World Series") (I'll be dead by then) (so will he) (still, it makes me want to root for the Cubbies) There's fun and family entertainment all day at this festival, The Blue Band plays 7-10pm. Wear yer Blue Band windbreaker cuz baby, it's gonna be a little cool out there!...

Then Sunday, 7/19 it's on to Red Oak to play for the Pork Belly Ventures RAGBRAI party. Here's what it says on our chat page: Pork Belly Ventures is an independent company whose business is selling camping support to people who ride RAGBRAI. They set up a large camp and provide support (showers/food/shelter/CAKE) to a few hundred people. They are hiring us to provide entertainment from 6-8pm on their campgrounds which is located at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1510 Highland Ave, in Red Oak. Last year, virtually anyone could come to the show. If you have trouble, feel free to say WE'RE WITH THE BAND!...

Davis checked in and says things are going well in his new job at Kaplan University. Unfortunately, that means no time to be the Blue bass player. I'm going to miss his great voice and stage energy. Fortunately, Mark Linda and Martin Watson have been able to step in on short notice and do fabulous work. We're hoping to make a good impression on both of those guys so they'll consider joining us full-time. In the meantime, spread the word to all bassmen/women that we're looking for that fat bottom end...!

I got some real nice, encouraging, emails and voice messages about my new blues show on Iowa Public Radio. The debut of the program (Blue Avenue) was last Sunday. I hope you can join me this week, and every Sunday evening, 5-6:30p, for all kinds of blues music, followed by the Sunday Night Beatles Medley in it's new time slot, 6:30-7pm. This week, The Beatles as a blues band! Find your local frequency or listen on line at www.iowapublicradio.org...

I'm amazed that my body has held up as well as it has this month. (only 3 chiro adjustments in 18 days) By the time we're all back home Sunday night, we will have played 10 one-nighters in 18 days and driven about 2000 miles! See yas on the Blue Highway, watch out for 15,000 bike riders in the middle of the road (why don't we do it in the road?) Speaking of the Beatles, wasn't it fun seeing Paul McCartney on the Letterman show last night?! All Sir Paul needed with that dapper shirt was a ZYDECO TIE! Perhaps he'll show up in Ottumwa to get one. (or not) Always remember we love you, yeah yeah yeah...Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Yolanda Adams: Oh Mary Don't You Weep

Some churching for ya. Can I hear an Amen! Hallelujah!



Andy Coats Update


Hey everyone,

I’m proud to be a part of the Sunrise Theater Blues Festival and pub crawl this year:

Saturday, July 18, 9 pm - 1 am
Andy Coats, solo
Sunrise Theater Festival and Pub Crawl
Flynnes

115 NE Broad St., Southern Pines, NC 28387
http://www.sunrisetheater.com

Looking ahead, next week I’ll be back at the coziest and coolest bar in Chapel Hill.

Maybe all of my “back-up” singers will turn up again …. :) You know who you are!


Thursday, July 23, 9 pm - mid
Andy Coats, solo
Blue Horn Lounge

125 E Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 929-1511
www.bluehornloungechapelhill.com

I hope this note finds you all healthy and well.

Best,

Andy

www.andycoats.com
www.myspace.com/andycoats
www.myspace.com/andycoatsandthebankwalkers

Chick Willis New CD

From Blues Critic Media


All New Studio Album Coming from CHICK WILLIS
Chick Willis "Hit & Run Blues"
BEN 1
Label: Benevolent Blues

Everybody involved in this project set out to create the “ultimate Chick Willis” CD and we believe we have. 100% Organic. Real Horns. Real Organ. A Real Rhythm section. Real Blues and a lil’ Soul from the Stoop Down Man aka The Don Of The Blues. Great picking and playing, passionate singing and, yes, some of that Chick Willis humor!

“HIT & RUN BLUES” features all new tracks from hard Blues shuffles like “Houdini Lover”, “1,2,3,4,5 Shots Of Whiskey”, “Country Lovin’ Man” & more, to horn n’ B-3 laden Soul Blues like “Soul Of A Man” & “Love To See You Smile”.

Topping it off though is the long-awaited sequel to his mega-hit “Stoop Down”. He takes it to another level with “Stoop Down Low”

The legendary Stoop Down man, Chick Willis, can properly be called “the Don” because he’s the “Godfather” of today’s Party Blues. “Stoop Down Baby” is the precursor to every double entendre-filled hit out there. But this new CD is designed to get Chick the recognition he deserves as a Blues artist, rather than simply a funny storyteller. We say, “mission accomplished”!

The Voice

Header Music News
The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society, Inc.
Marietta, Ohio
July 16, 2009
Vol 9, Issue 12

Quick Links
www.ohio.edu/museum
mariettabrewingcompay.com
Join Our Mailing List
Listen to "the Voice."

Music News You Can Use is Semi-Monthly email newsletter from the BJFMS. We try to be your Source for what's happening with Live Music in our area - from Marietta-Parkersburg to Charleston, WV, to Columbus, OH, to Pittsburgh, PA. We'll tell you what we know of, what we've heard about, and even the good rumors we've either heard or made up. You may learn something about music along the way, and maybe even get a few laughs in the process. You'll be getting Music News You Can Use in your email in-box about every other week - or when something important comes up in between. We promise we will never sell or give your email address to any 3rd party, and to never use it for any commercial purposes. You will always have the chance to "opt-out" (un-subscribe) on every issue.
Court Street Grill Report
Support your local juke joint....
Court Street Grill, 112 Court Street, Pomeroy, Ohio
740-992-6524
TONIGHT @ THE GRILL
SPECIAL THURSDAY NIGHT SHOW
Daddy Mack Blues Band from Memphis
He's a LEGEND on Beale Street; been performing there for decades - the PRIDE of Memphis -- DON'T MISS THIS SPECIAL SHOW. the Voice. 9PM - $5.
Friday - MISSISSIPPI HEAT - Chicago
"Rhythm On the River" Series
continues: FREE SHOW OUTSIDE at Riverside Amphitheater (inside The Grill if rain) FREE Friday night series leading up to The Big Bend Blues Bash (Jul 30-Aug 1)
Presented by Pomeroy Blues & Jazz Society.
SCHEDULE CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS
Bill Lupkin - Thursday, July23rd
Dennis Gruenling - Thursday, July 30th
Both due to tour routing changes; BOTH WILL be back.
LOTS MORE MUSIC THIS MONTH:
Friday, July 24: "Rhythm On the River"
Delta Moon from Atlanta, GA
Former IBC winners, Southern Blues with unique sound and lap steel guitar.
Friday, July 24: INSIDE The Grill
Shannon Curfman, blues rock GODDESS.
Guys -- DON'T MISS THIS SHOW!!
THUR JUly 30th - SAT August 1st
The Annual Big Bend Blues Bash
7/30 THURSDAY NITE: ACOUSTIC
Patrick Sweany ACOUSTIC, C&S Railroad, Izzy & Chris, more
7/31 FRIDAY NITE: BLUES COMPETITION
Blues acts compete for ticket to Memphis.
8/1 SATURDAY NITE: THE BASH
Rickie Gene Hall, Alvin Jett, Will Kimbrough, Nora Jean Bruso & more.
8/1 Patrick Sweany plays The Grill
CHILE PEPPER REPORTS:

The thing I love about the Court Street Grill besides the Victorian architecure, friendly vibe and great juke box are those sweet potato fries. You can eat them without messing up your lipstick! They go perfectly with some take home hot chicken wings, steak or ribs, too. Wash it all down with some lemonade, recently added on the menu in my honor.....Umm, good! Just ask Crawlinkingsnake or Mojo Mama, Spider and Helen about the food, because we were all there Friday to hear Eileen Jewell and her band do a "Rhythm On the River" show down by the river in Pomeroy. The boats drifted peacefully on the river as the full crowd heard a tiny wisp of an entertainer and her band sing a sampling of genres of music that included blues, country , gospel and folk. I really liked the way she sang Billie Holiday; she had a lyrical haunt to her voice. Sweet but sad at the same time. I wonder if the boaters thought the Greek muses were calling them to shore as the sun faded away. She covered a wide range of songs that had something for everybody. I was glad I made the short drive and look forward to the next "Rhythm on the River" show featuring Mississippi Heat from Chicago. You have to love that Jackie Welker for his strong effort for promoting the arts via music in little ole' Pomeroy, Ohio.
- Chile Pepper
Charleston Blues Society
...just down the road
The Charleston WV Blues Society
in association with
The American Cancer Society
presents
"Divas Come Home"
"A Musical Extravaganza"
Thursday, August 6th, at 8PM
WVSU Capitol Center
123 Summers Street
Charleston. WV
The Incredible Miss Pricilla Price
from Detroit headlines
(Chas. WV native headlines for the first time in her Hometown)
Also featuring
Mary Harkins, Lisa Mosley and
"Lady D" & Mission
$20/$25
FREE Daytime Activities:
(11am - 230PM)
WOMEN'S HEALTH FAIR
On August 6, the American Cancer Society and other organizations will be on hand with information and entertainment. The whole day is focused on women and women's health issues. Partial proceeds will go the American Cancer Society and the Charleston WV Blues Society's "Blues in the Schools" program.

Daytime activities begin @ 11:00am. This is free of charge and open to the public. We are estimating 500 people to filter through this event. Lunch will be provided free of charge to all who attend.

For more information email chaswvblues@yahoo.com or call Doris Fields at 304-590-1042. Thank you for partnering with The Charleston WV Blues Society to improve our communities and provide schools with music programs.

Presented by :
The Charleston WV Blues Society
P.O. Box 2293 Charleston, WV 25328
Call 304.590.1042 for advance reservations and more information.
www.myspace.com/charlestonwvbluessociety
chaswvblues@yahoo.com
Emerson Sports Grill
4000 Emerson Ave, Parkersburg, WV 304-422-7655
Hey folks, if you consider yourself a live music fan, then it's time YOU came out and started supporting one of Parkersburg's FEW live music venues. This place has gone from a brash, loud, smoke-filled pick-up joint with no service (the old Front Row) to a smaller, more cozy and intimate listening place for acoustic music. On Friday nights, they feature some of the regions best singer songwriters and acoustic musicians unplugged. The beer is ice-cold, the wings and burgers are tasty, and you won't smell any cigarettes -- the place has been completely remodeled. The music is only one night -- FRIDAYS. It's really a nice place. Come out and support it, or we'll lose it just like the other live music venues that have given up on you. Check it out. the Voice.

Here's The Emerson Sports Grill lineup of singer/songwriters for July: All Shows 9PM - 12Mid. NO COVER
FRIDAY, July 17th: John Radcliff & Joseph Henry
FRIDAY, July 24th: Chase & Mat
FRIDAY, July 31st: Bobby Kirl

EMERSON SPORTS GRILL,
Marietta Brewing Company
167 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio 740-373-BREW
LIVE MUSIC at THE MARIETTA BREWING CO.
TUESDAYS 9PM: MBC Unplugged Series
WEDNESDAYS 10PM: Open Mike w/ Jeremy Harmon
FRIDAY & SATURDAYS: Live Music

Friday, July 17: Maybe Logic
JAZZ, fusion, electronica, New Orleans funk at the Brewery.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
the Voice.
Saturday, July 18: Cold Shot
Tuesday, July 21: Justin Arthur
Friday, July 24: Jon Justice Band
Best band that comes to town. Come see them while you can. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. the Voice.
Saturday, July 25: Steve Hussey
Tuesday, July 28: Bobby Kirl
Friday, July 31: The Greenes
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. tv
COMING TO THE MBC in AUGUST
THE 4TH ANNUAL MBC
SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
August 14th - 15th - and 16th
It will be the largest gathering of musicians in Marietta EVER!!
Over 40 bands, 3 stages
Hand-crafted micro brew Beer
Acoustic & light rock dinner shows.
benefiting
The Washington County
Humane Society
MORE DETAILS TO COME
short takes.....
things you might want to know about...
Dayton Blues Festival
Presented by Michelob
Sunday, July 19, 2009 1pm-9pm
Dave Hall Plaza, Dayton, Ohio
FREE ADMISSION
"Albert "The Kid" Castiglia" - Headlines
"Jimi Vincent Band" - Opens
Also: "Sonny Moorman Group" from Cincinnati
"Inner City Blues Band" from Columbus
"Ed Tyson Band" from Dayton
"Slowhand" from Dayton
"Summertime Blues for a Cure" (FRI 7/24 & SAT 7/25)
Friday - Whiskey Dick's - 730PM
2690 E. Dublin-Granville Road - Columbus, Ohio
Sean Carney hosts....benefiting the Stephanie Speilman Fund for Breast Cancer Research at OSUCC, James Cancer Hospital (OSUCCC - James) and IMPEDE (Importance of Prevention and Early Detection) at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Matt O'Ree Band from New Jersey (Championship Winners)
Scotty Branchar - Cincinnati
Others....
$15 donation for cancer research
Saturday - continues @
North Star Country Club -
1150 Wilson Road, Sunbury, Ohio
Golf Outing with dinner and concert- (1PM scramble) $125
Concert only @ 730PM $25
Sean Carney hosts:
Hurricane Jerry & Stormfront
Sean Carney Band with Special Guests: John Popovich, Jim Godin, and Chuck Moore
www.bluesforacure.org
Harmonica Lessons
If you would like to learn how to blow a little harp -- or just get better at it -- this is for you: David Payne, local harmonica guru, winner of several harmonica contests and owner of Elk River Harmonicas, area representative for famous Seydel Harmonicas has a few openings in his schedule of harmonica lessons. Lessons are $17.00 each. David is a good, patient teacher. Call him for an appointment: 304-488-7061.
TRANSCONTINENTAL BLUES FAMILY REUNION -
Friday, July 17th
@ Whiskey Dick's (2690 East Dublin-Granville Rd. in Columbus) 9PM $8.
Long Tall Deb & The Drifter Kings open; 2nd set: The Colin John Band with special guest Michael Hill; 3rd set: the whole family on stage together for a spectacular finale. Cool reunion. the Voice.
Also Colin John plays:
Thursday, July 16th: TONIGHT at The Mudflats
Columbus Road, Galena.
Saturday, July 18: Roadhouse 66 in Worthington. Catch Colin John while he's mainland.
High Schools That Rock
Performances:
Saturday, July 18 - Marietta Sweet Corn Festival. (3PM)
Saturday, August 15 -
Catfish Derby (5PM)
Many of the HRTR students are former BITS grads; these are our next generation of musicians. Come OUT, and support them when you can.
Mose Allison Live
The legendary Mose Allison will be appearing for two nights in Cleveland at Nighttown, Friday & Saturday August 28th and 29th, 8PM and 10PM. Tickets are only $20. The legendary vocalist, pianist and composer combines jazz and bluesand will be performing with Dave Morgan on acoustic bass and Roy King on drums. If you don't know who Mose Allison is -- go find out. Nighttown is a way cool jazz and blues venue in Cleveland, featuring "great dining and great music." Nighttown is located at 12387 Cedar Road (top of Cedar Hill), Cleveland Heights, OH. Tickets/reservations: 216-795-0550.
The Jimi Vincent Band
Two shows this weekend:
Friday, July 17: Mansfield Superbike Rally, downtown Mansfield - 7PM Show
Sunday, July 19: Dayton Blues Festival
JVB performs at 630PM
About The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society
www.bjfm.org P.O. Box 2122, Marietta, Ohio 45750
The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 all-volunteer "force" of music enthusiasts on a mission to enhance the appreciation of American Roots Music in the Mid-Ohio Valley and we do it by presenting concerts, workshops, conferences, and a forum for education and development in the schools.

The BJFM Society celebrates and perpetuates blues and roots music as a traditional, evolutionary, and uniquely American art form. During the grant period, we will continue to present live music in genres not normally available in a small town like ours, to educate and expose our audiences to music new and unfamiliar to many of them. Our goal is to keep blues, jazz and roots music alive in our area.

With the help of volunteers from our membership, and an
8-member board of directors, the BJFM Society will continue to produce and present our "core events" plus other shows throughout the year as the opportunity presents itself. The BJFM Society has also undertaken the expense of production and presentation of the nationally recognized multicultural "Blues in the Schools" program here in our local schools
The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society Board of Directors:
John Bolen - President
Steve Wells - Vice President, Director of "Blues in The Schools"
Peg Bolen - Treasurer
Maren Beery - Secretary
John Gifford - Board Member, Competition Director, Stage Manager
Helen Holt - Board Member
Mary Ann Osborne - Board Member
Kezia Douglass - Board Member

The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society
P.O. Box 2122
Marietta, Ohio 45750
304-295-4323

Illinois Blues News


The FREE Internet Magazine - All news BLUES in the US!

© 2007 - 2009 IllinoisBlues.com

Latest news, photos, reviews, links & MUCH MORE in this issue! - Scroll or Page Down!


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


Hey Blues Fans,

This weekend there is another great Blues festival in Illinois. The Nothin' But The Blues Festival features J.J. and Company, Sally Weisenberg, Harper and Big James and the Chicago Playboys on Friday and Chicken Shack, Matt Curry and the Curfew, BJ Allen & Blue Voodoo, Kenney “Blues Boss” Wayne, Pistol Pete, Sharrie Williams and Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas on Saturday. See their ad below or visit their website for more information at: www.nothinbutthebluesfestival.com

There is also a great little fest in Evansville, IL (South of St Louis) on Saturday called Blues On The River. Blues on the River is produced by the folks from the Sparta Blues Fest and features The Barefoot Band, Fertile Soil, Rockin Daddy-Os, Rich McDonough & Rough Grooves and Chicago Blues legend Carlos Johnson. For more information, see their ad below or visit their website at www.spartablues.com


American Music Abroad Touring Program

Eric Steiner, President of the Washington Blues Society passed on information about a great opportunity for Blues acts who want to tour abroad.

Application Information Available for Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad Touring Program

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad is a partnership between Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program is designed to foster cultural exchange with audiences worldwide through performance and educational outreach.

Applying ensembles must be comprised of four musicians and must perform in one of the following American musical styles: jazz, urban/hip hop, or American roots music (including blues, bluegrass, Cajun, gospel, zydeco, and country). Each applicant musician must be at least 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and hold a valid U.S. passport.

Selected ensembles tour to such regions as Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East for approximately one month. International activities include public concerts, master classes, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions, media outreach, and collaborations with local musicians.

The U.S. Department of State funds international travel, hotels, and meals, and awards a modest tour honorarium to each musician.

Complete program information is available at the JALC Web site. http://www.jalc.org/theroad/


Blues Wanderings

We went caught Nick Moss and the Flip Tops in Pekin, Illinois this week. Nick is an amazing guitar player. He has earned an astonishing 11 Blues Music Award nominations from the Blues Foundation and 6 Blues Blast Music Award nominations from Blues Blast Magazine. Nick and the band are nominated as Best Blues band this year in the 2009 Blues Blast Music Awards and it was easy to see why.

They started out with Willie Oshawny on keyboards, Gerry Hundt on bass and Bob Carter on drums backing up Nick on guitar and vocals as they played songs from their latest CD “Live At Chan’s - Combo Platter #2”.

Later in the first set Gerry Hundt switched to mandolin and the Willie took over the bass part on the keyboards. Then Nick switched to bass (Often playing it with only one hand!). In the second set, Willie switched to bass guitar, Nick played some great harmonica and Gerry played guitar and sang lead. A couple songs later Gerry was playing harp too. Even Bob Carter took a turn at singing lead vocals for a song. These guys are truly a GREAT band! Check them out if you get the chance.

And speaking of the Blues Blast Music Awards, HAVE YOU VOTED YET? If not visit the "listening page" our friends at GLT Blues Radio 24/7 created where you can sample the music of the nominees BEFORE you vote. To check out the website and begin listening to these great artists now, CLICK HERE. Voting continues until August 31st. To vote now CLICK HERE.


In this issue - Blues Reviews and MORE!

James Walker reviews a new CD from Rick Estrin. George Fish reviews a new CD by Ernie Vincent. Steve Jones reviews a new CD by Fried Bourbon. Mark Thompson reviews a new CD by Alabama Mike.

Bob Kieser reviews day one of the IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival.

Our Blues Video of the Week is 9 year old Blues guitarist Tallan Lantz who appeared on America's Got Talent this week.


The Barefoot Band, Fertile Soil, Rockin Daddy-Os, Rich McDonough & Rough Grooves, Carlos Johnson.

Admissions is still only $10

For ticket and complete Information visit www.spartablues.com


Blues Want Ads

Blues Musicians Place Your Want Ad here for FREE

"workin Blues performers" ONLY can place Want Ads here for FREE. NO Commercial Ads!
Buy or sell equipment , musicians wanted, gigs wanted etc. Limit 100 words.

Keyboard Player Available For Gigs

Great Keyboard player available for gigs. Can play piano, organ and back up horn sounds and much more. See current solo site and current band site at: www.myspace.com/michaelhepner www.elwoodsplintersbluesband.com Contact "Detroit" Mike at 574-202-7603

Singer Looking For Band

Blues& Jazz singer with original songs looking for a band, check out www.jamesvanburen.com click the bottom of home page to hear my best selling single. James Van Buren jvb25@att.net

All ads submitted will be used if space allows. If space is limited, ads will be randomly selected to appear in the Blues Blast. Ads may be edited. Send your ad submission to



Featured Blues Review 1 of 4

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats - Twisted

Alligator Records

www.rickestrin.com

www.myspace.com/rickestrin

14 songs; Time 52:03; Suggested

Style: Harmonica Led Electric Blues

Exuding more “Cool” than a Frigidaire, Rick Estrin has to be the hippest white cat on the planet! He is always sharp dressed in a suit styled from the 1940s-50s, combs his hair into a classy pompadour, wears a pencil thin moustache, and talks the lingo and walks the walk - by jingo!

I knew this was going to be a fun CD as soon as it landed in the box on the side of my Blues shack. His award-winning original songs are sly, incisive and often hilariously “Twisted.” And his hipster, street-smart vocals deliver the excitement. Estrin also ranks among the very best harp players in the Blues world today. His puts his own stamp on the reeds while echoing the deep traditions of harmonica masters Sonny Boy Williamson II and Little Walter Jacobs.

“For thirty years, Rick Estrin was the voice and face of one of the country’s best-loved Blues and Jump-blues bands, Little Charlie & The Nightcats. His huge harp sound, streetwise vocals, razor-sharp lyrics and hipster persona were as much the focus of the band as Little Charlie Baty’s hard-swinging guitar. In fact, Rick was so much the central figure of the band, most newcomers assumed that he was “Charlie,’” wrote Bruce Iglauer, president of Alligator.

Now, with Little Charlie’s retirement from touring, Rick is the front man in both name and fact. With support from the Nightcats rhythm section of Lorenzo Farrell (bass) and J. Hansen (drums), and an inventive new young recruit from Norway who is well wood-shedded in American Blues, guitarist Chris “Kid” Andersen, Rick continues the “Little Charlie” style on some songs while also taking the band in some fresh directions, but always staying in the Blue roots vein.

While the core of the CD is Rick Estrin’s original songs (with two by Kid Anderson and one by J. Hansen), lack of consistency saved it from perfection. For example, the opening track, “Big Time,” is a plodding clunker that might have worked better as the last song.

The real fun begins with track two, “Back From the Dead.” Estrin speaks the opening, “Man, I was heart broken, chain smokin,’ drinkin’ wine and taking dope, hit the wall, took a fall – damn near wasn’t here at all! Hey Buddy, I ain’t jokin;’ I came this close to croakin’ – but, now I’m back, back from the dead....” Now, that’s the Rick Estrin magic! As he says the word “back” the band kicks in with some jumping rhythm that drives ducks out of water to dance.

“Catchin’ Hell,” the first cut I played on my radio show, is a subtle and haunting slow blues with both shimmering guitar sounds and single string, noteworthy work.

Four great instrumentals are Andersen’s smoking “Earthquake,” the sprightly, jazzy, chromatic harp led “Cool Breeze” created by the entire band, the final track’s Andersen led romp through surf and Rockabilly, and Estrin’s self fulfilling “Take It Slow.”

When I read the title of “I’m Takin’ Out My In-laws” penned and sung by J. Hansen, I was politely thinking, “Oh, take them out for dinner, I guess.” But, NO – this is the Blues, baby! Hansen sings, “Mister [father in law], I’ve got a temper / You really ought to let me be/ Or else me and my pistol / Are gonna prune the family tree! I’m gonna take out my in-laws before this day is through...!” The music is just as rippingly raucous as the lyrics. Perfect!

Little Charlie may have “retired,” but here is to hoping Rick Estrin stays on the circuit years longer. This CD proves he still has the ability to create incredibly entertaining songs and choose Blue Ribbon band members like Chris Andersen. And, what with this global warming thang, we are going to need all the cool we can get.

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
To See James “Skyy Dobro” Walker's CD rating system,
CLICK HERE

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.


12th Annual Prairie Dog Blues Fest

Friday, July 31, 2009

Queenie & The Blue Cats Curtis Salgado The Groove Hogs Ana Popovic The Swamp Kings

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Perry Weber & The Devilles, Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers Johnny Rawls Lil' Brian & The Zydeco Travelers Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam Jon Justice

Festival Website www.prairiedogblues.com

The only Blues festival held on an island in the middle of the Mississippi River!

Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin on St. Feriole Island


2009 Blues Blast Music Awards Voting Is Open

The Blues Blast Music Awards recognize the best Blues performers and their music. Our nominators included Radio stations, Blues DJ's, Blues Bloggers, Blues Critics, Journalists, Festival Promoters, Managers, Musicians and Blues Societies. They have nominated the BEST in Blues Music today. To vote now CLICK HERE.

BE AN INFORMED VOTER - If you are not familiar with all of the 2009 nominees, GLT Blues Radio 24/7 has a created a "listening page" where you can sample the music of the nominees BEFORE you vote. To check out the website and begin listening to these great artists now, CLICK HERE Voting continues until August 31st. Details of the Awards show on October 29th, 2009 at Buddy Guy's Legends coming soon.

Best Contemporary Blues Recording

" At Least I’m Not With You” The Insomniacs

"Love Me Tonight" John Nemeth

“Live at Chan’s Vol 2” Nick Moss

"Clean Getaway" Curtis Salgado

"What Love Will Do" Janiva Magness

"Never going Back" Shemekia Copeland

Best Blues Band

Nick Moss and The Flip Tops

Lil Ed And The Blues Imperials

Kilborn Alley Blues Band

Mannish Boys

The Insomniacs

Watermelon Slim and The Workers

Best Traditional Blues Recording

"Chicago Blues: A Living History" Various Artists

"Sweeheart Like You" Guy Davis

"All Original" John Primer

"Lowdown Feelin" Mannish Boys

"Blues Attack" Shirley Johnson

"One Kind Favor" BB King

Best Male Blues Artist

John Primer

Bobby Jones

Nick Moss

Lurrie Bell

John Nemeth

Elvin Bishop

Best Blues Song

“Bad Year Blues” Albert Castiglia

"At Least I'm Not With You" - The Insomniacs

"Mr. Coffee" Chris James & Patrick Rynn

"20 Years of B.B. King" Curtis Salgado

"Let Life Flow" Kenny Neal

"See That My Grave is Kept Clean" BB King

Best Female Blues Artist

Shirley Johnson

Robin Rogers

Diunna Greenleaf

Shemekia Copeland

Eden Brent

Janiva Magness

Best New Artist Debut

"Stop And Think About It" Chris James & Patrick Rynn

"White Sugar" Joanne Shaw Taylor

"Austin To Chicago" Dave Herrero

"2 Man Wrecking Crew" Cedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcolm

"Livin It" Guy King

"Mississippi Number One" Eden Brent

Sean Costello Rising Star Award

Eden Brent

Kilborn Alley Blues Band

Joanne Shaw Taylor

Albert Castiglia

Dave Gross

Cedric Burnside and Lightnin' Malcolm



Blues Society News


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

Please submit a maximum of 175 or words or less in a Text or Word format ONLY.


Magic City Blues Society - Birmingham. AL

Magic City Blues Society presents Junk Yard Juke, August 15, 2009, 3:00 p.m. at 430 41st Street South
Birmingham, AL (behind Tres' Taylor's Art Studio) featuring Spoonful, Jonny Grave and Elliott & The Untouchables. Bring your chairs and coolers. Admission: $10. For more Information, contact Lee Mitchell 205-822-1705

Washington Blues Society - Seattle, WA

The Washington Blues Society IBC 2010 Competition - WBS will host local competitions to send a band and a solo/duo act to the 2010 International Blues Challenge (IBC). The semi-final band competition will be held Sunday, July 26th at the Highway 99 Blues Club in Seattle. The semi-final solo/duo competition will be held Sunday, August 9th at Seattle’s New Orleans Creole Restaurant. Finalists in each category will compete in the finals on Sunday, August 23rd at the Highway 99 Blues Club. If the WBS receives more than 10 applicants in either category, the Board may select applicants via a lottery at the July 14th Blues Bash at the Red Crane in Shoreline. One winner in each category will represent the WBS in the 2010 IBC in Memphis, January 20-23. Judges will evaluate each act using the Blues Foundation criteria ( www.blues.org/ibc/scoring.php), and not be affiliated with the WBS Board or any contestant. Contestant applications are due July 13th from www.wablues.org, and IBC rules are at www.blues.org/ibc/rules.php. More info: Eric Steiner (president@wablues.org).

River City Blues Society- Peoria, IL

The River City Blues Society's Wednesday Blues Series features the best traveling regional and National Blues musicians each Wednesday at 7:00pm. The shows are held at the Dragon's Dome, 3401 Griffin Ave in Pekin, IL. Admission is $4. Shows scheduled are: July 22 - Joanna Conner w/ Donna Herula opening act

Mid-Mississippi Muddy Water Blues Society - Quincy IL

The Blues Society is holding the "Quincy Area Blues Fest" on July 17th & 18th in Quincy's Historic Washington Park in beautiful downtown Quincy. This is the 16th year of the Blues Fest in this park! Two days-8 great Acts, with Friday featuring The Beat Daddys and Eric Sardinas, and Saturday Headliner-BMA Nominee Albert Castiglia. Don't sweat the heat-this park is full of great shade trees, and there's always at least a gentle breeze blowing. If you've never been to Quincy for this Fest-this is the year to support us. Several affordable Hotels within walking distance, great acts and atmosphere, and affordable prices. Details are at www.quincyblues.com

The Arkansas River Blues Society - Little Rock, Arkansas

The Arkansas River Blues Society presents a monthly Blues jam at Juanita’s, 1300 Main Street, Little Rock, Arkansas the first Tuesday of every month. The next jam will be September 1, 2009, at 8 pm. The jam will feature a different house band each month. G - Funk The Tree Trunk will be our house band. You can check this band out on our myspace site. Admission is $5 for the public and $3 for members of ARBS. Participating musicians are FREE and this is an open jam. For more information contact Babs at 501-920-7783 or check out www.myspace.com/arriverbluessociety

Friends Of The Blues Shows - Kankakee IL

The Friends of the Blues 2009 Blues concert Series shows for July.

Thursday, July 16, ALBERT CASTIGLIA from Miami, 7 p.m. Early Show, River Bend Bar & Grill, 6070 E. Route 17, Kankakee IL 815-933-0610.

Monday, July 20 – CURTIS & THE MAYFIELDS, 6 p.m. Poolside Polynesian Party, Kankakee Elks Country Club, 2283 Bittersweet Drive, St. Anne IL (815) 937-1228. Wear your Tropical attire and enjoy goodies from the outdoor grill and great music variety from Curtis Battrell, Andy Battrell, Ed Oberlander, and Dick Dale.

Tuesday, July 28 – CHICAGO KINGSNAKES, 7 p.m. Early Show, Bradley Bourbonnais Sportsmen Club, 2672 Chippewa Drive, Bourbonnais IL (815) 937-0870. Some Great Chicago Blues!

Central Mississippi Blues Society – Jackson, MS

The CMBS presents Blue Monday at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St., Jackson, MS) every Monday night. Doors open @ 8:00 and music begins @ 8:30. Cover is $5.

The Blue Monday Band is comprised of the “best of the best “ musicians in the Central MS area. Featured artists are King Edward, lead guitar/vocalist and Pat Brown, Abdul Rasheed and Dennis Fountain as vocalists. Other regular band members are Dwight Ross and Rick Lewis (drums), Keith Collins (bass), Johnny Sharpe (keys) and Malcolm Shepherd (CMBS President) on Congas. Most of these musicians appeared in The Last of the Mississippi Jukes.

The Blue Monday Band plays the first set and then the event turns into a jam. For more info see: www.centralmississippibluessociety.com or call Peggy Brown @ 601-613-7377

Illinois Central Blues Club - Springfield, IL

The Illinois Central Blues Club will be conducting its Third Annual Blues Challenge during the Old Capitol Blues & Barbeque, August 29, 2009 beginning at noon. Deadline to apply is July 15, 2009. Official rules can be viewed on the ICBC’s website, www.icbluesclub.org . The Challenge includes both the band competition and the solo/duo competition on the same day. The winner of the band challenge will receive $1,000 and the winner of the solo/duo challenge will receive $500 in travel monies to represent the Club at the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, TN January 20-23, 2010. Inquiries regarding this press release should be directed to Mark Edmiston, President of the Illinois Central Blues Club, at (217) 679-0721 or e-mail markredmiston@msn.com

BLUE MONDAY SHOWS - Held at the Alamo 115 N 5th St, Springfield, IL (217) 523-1455 every Monday 8:30pm $2 cover - July 20 - Texas Groove, July 27 Bill Evans



Featured Blues Review 2 of 4

Ernie Vincent - Bayou Road Blues

Montegut Street Records

www.ErnieVincent.com

www.MySpace.com/ErnieVincent

10 tracks - Total time: 34:09

Ernie Vincent’s Bayou Road Blues came unexpectedly to me in the mail from Jerry Moran, music photographer (he did the photo work for Cyril Neville’s Brand New Blues) and Vincent’s manager. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise indeed.

Bayou Road Blues is a throwback to the folk recordings of the 1960s, an acoustic Delta guitar blues CD unadorned by the drums and bass of most modern-day folk recordings, and a departure from Ernie Vincent’s traditional electric musical style. Known as the Funk’n Blues Legend of New Orleans, he had a massive cult hit in 1972 with the funk dance tune, “Dap Walk,” performed with his band, the Top Notes. This song drew attention to Vincent worldwide, continues in popularity, and was even featured on “Sex and the City.” Also used commercially was another funk hit of his, “Things Are Better.” An adept electric guitar player, Ernie Vincent is adept on acoustic blues guitar as well, as Bayou Road Blues positively attests.

All ten songs on the CD are Vincent originals, many of them referencing his Louisiana background. While track 4, “King Bee,” and track 7, “Just Like My Woman,” loosely reference Slim Harpo’s “I’m a King Bee” and the blues standard, “Just Like A Woman,” they are overwhelmingly original in their lyrics. The opening track, “Party on the Bayou;” track 2, “Swamp Daddy’s;” track 3, “Bayou Road;” track 5, “Mardi Gras Chief;” and track 8, “River City People,” directly reference his Southern Louisiana roots and his present home of New Orleans. “Party on the Bayou,” “Swamp Daddy’s” and “River City People” are songs of partying and carousing, while “Bayou Road” is about coming up in hard times. “Mardi Gras Chief” adapts the rhythm structure and melodic lines of Bo Diddley to Delta blues, and features Mardi Gras Indian Big Chief Monk Bourdreaux on tambourine with Vincent double-tracked on guitar, playing low-register Delta accompaniment with elegant higher-register single-note playing overlaid.

Track 9, “I Can’t Believe” departs from the Delta styling of the other tracks, as it is a 1950s/1960s-style soul ballad, while the ending track, “Swamp Jump Boogie,” is a rocking instrumental, with Vincent’s churning train-riff rhythm guitar providing the base on which electric guitarist West Bank Mike overlays some wildly delicious licks, making bass and drums superfluous for engendering the danceable, infectious beat.

Most able young bluesman Andrew Duhon provides “citified” second position harp on eight tracks, absent only from “Mardi Gras Chief” and “River City People.” While on most tracks he only accompanies, he plays two harp solos on “Just Like My Woman,” and also has solos on “I Can’t Believe” and “Swamp Jump Boogie.” He adds trills to his harp playing on “King Bee” to effectively imitate a bee buzzing. This combination of acoustic guitar with harp is thus reminiscent of Buddy Guy and Junior Wells’s Alone and Acoustic CD on Alligator, as well as Sonny Boy Williamson II’s 1963 acoustic work with Matt “Guitar” Murphy.

Bayou Road Blues can also be looked upon as reverse John Lee Hooker, in this respect—whereas much of Hooker’s early work could be described as the loose, loping country blues played on an electric guitar, Vincent’s songs are tight, structured and elemental in city blues fashion, but played acoustically. The same could be said of his singing, which has that same tight city blues approach, which is vigorous and compelling, but structured. Combined with his nuanced guitar work accompanied by feet tapping rhythm, the effect is one of a city blues album recorded with just acoustic guitar and harp instrumentation. Track 6, “I’m Your Snake Baby,” is really the only track that has a looser, more country feel about the lyrics. Which is by no means meant disparagingly. Bayou Road Blues has a positive ambience about it, and both Vincent and the other players are relaxed yet highly skilled and conscious in their playing. All this making Bayou Road Blues a very good listen indeed.

Reviewer George "Blues Fin Tuna" Fish lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, home of blues legends Yank Rachell and Leroy Carr, and writes a regular music column, “Blues and More” for the online Bloomington (IN) Alternative. He’s also published in the regional Indiana blues and alternative presses as well as Living Blues and Blues Access, and wrote the notes for Yank Rachell’s Delmark album, Chicago Style. He has also published on blues and pop music for the left-wing press as well, and has appeared in Against the Current and Socialism and Democracy, as well as the online Political Affairs and MRZine.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.



Featured Blues Review 3 of 4

Alabama Mike – Day to Day

Jukehouse Records

www.myspace.com/scottsilveira

11 tracks/49:30

For his initial release, “Alabama Mike” Benjamin put together a setlist that includes seven of his original tunes plus covers of songs from Elmore James, Willie Dixon and Son House. Benjamin possesses a big , powerful voice that commands your attention. The James influence is evident throughout the disc in superb guitar work from Steve Freund, Jon Lawton (Little Jonny & the Giants) and Charles Wheal (Mark Hummel).

Opening with the title track, Benjamin describes the trials and tribulations facing many Americans in the current economic environment. Lawton contributes some wicked slide guitar licks over the solid rhythmic foundation from Kedar Roy on bass and Scott Silveira on drums. Lawton unleashes a darker attack on the Son House classic, “Death Letter Blues”. Alabama Mike shouts out a spirited vocal that matches Lawton’s intensity. “Naggin” is a funky piece driven by wah-wah effects on Scott Brenton’s guitar. Another Benjamin original, “Lay My Money Down”, rocks with a fierce boogie beat sparked by Chris Burns on piano and more stellar slide guitar from Lawton. “Too Many Cooks” sports a rumba beat and a fiery guitar part from Steve Freund.

Another highlight is the extended workout on “Religion”, a slow blues masterpiece that finds Alabama Mike taking his woman to task for going to church on Sunday and raising hell the rest of the week. His voice soars into the upper register as he pleads for her to be faithful. Wheal plays some nice BB King-style guitar. On “I’ve Been Rocked”, Wheal’s guitar burns over the shuffle beat on another fine tune from Alabama Mike that features excellent harp from John Nemeth. The band slows the pace again on “Somethin On My Mind”. There is plenty of the rich tone of RJ Mischo’s harp and Burns’ piano again accentuates the arrangement.

Alabama Mike covers two lesser-known Elmore James tunes. “Strange Angel” is taken at a medium pace. Benjamin sings with conviction , supported by Barron Shullman on tenor sax and Wheal on guitar. The band rocks harder on “Knockin’ at Your Door”. Benjamin strains his voice a bit at times trying to match powerful accompaniment. The disc closes with a booming Benjamin vocal on a track in the classic James style. Silveira lays down a strong beat for Lawton’s slide guitar while Mischo contributes plenty of hot licks on his harp.

It is a real treat to review a disc this good, especially when it comes from an unknown name. The batch of original tunes on this release serve as proof of Benjamin’s skill as a songwriter. Alabama Mike gathered together a strong supporting cast of veteran musicians who inject each cut with an authentic blues sound., topped off by Benjamin’s inspired vocals. Look for this disc to gather plenty of well-deserved attention for Alabama Mike, who may be an early contender for the Best New Artist award. This one is highly recommended !!!

Reviewer Mark Thompson is president of the Crossroads Blues Society in Rockford. IL

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.


A new CD from Michael Packer

Rikers Island Blues

CLICK HERE to buy the CD now

www.michaelpackerbluesband.com


Blues Video of the Week

Tallan Lantz
9 year old Tallan Lantz tears it up on America's Got Talent

This week we feature a another salute to Blues youth. Tallan Lantz is in third grade! He appeared on America's Got Talent this week and this 9 year old brought down the house.

The crowd went wild and he got three YES voted to move on to the next round.

With kids like this getting hooked on the Blues, we are sure it this music called the Blues is NOT a dying art form!

To see this cool video on our website, click the play button below.

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For other videos on our website CLICK HERE.

Blues Blast Magazine - Summer Advertising SALE!

Blues Blast Magazine is running an advertising special for Blues festivals and new CD releases during July through October. Are you a promoter or a Blues Society having a festival anytime during July through October? Is your band's CD being released in the coming months?

If so we are offering a great deal to get the Blues word out for you. Your ad can be seen each week by 12,000 Blues fans in all 50 states and in 60 countries for a very low price of $30 a week. (Four Week minimum!)

So for the low price of $120 your ad will be seen nearly 50,000 times by real Blues fans. How is that for a deal? You want more you say? OK then we recommend our combo rate where for an additional $20, your ad will also run at the same time on our website at TheBluesBlast.com. Our website gets 10,000 visitors and more than 800,000 hits each month.

The sale prices are good for ad space reserved through July 31st, 2009. Available advertising space is limited and is offered on a first come, first served basis so contact us today at to start getting the Blues word out about your Blues event or CD!


Live Blues Music Review

IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival - Day One - July 2nd,2009

The 25th annual Mississippi Valley Blues Festival was another great show put on by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society in Le Claire Park in Davenport, Iowa. The first night of the festival featured artists from the very first MVBS festival 25 years ago. This evening featured a "Retro" admission price of only $5.

Starting off the show was Iowa Blues Hall of famer Bob Dorr & the Blue Band. Bobs band is top knotch and he always puts on a great show. This show was no exception.

Next up on the band shell stage was the Peña Brothers. They played some smoking guitar that the crowd really enjoyed.

The festival features two stages so we headed to the "tent" stage to catch Michael "Hawkeye" Herman. Hawkeye put on a very intimate show that featured his great musical skills telling the Blues history of the music he plays. He is in great demand for Blues in the Schools because of this ability.

After Hawkeye the tent stage featured Iowa alternative country and roots singer, Bo Ramsey. There was a definite twang to his set clearly showing his country roots.

Next up on the the band shell stage was a group called Cobalt Blue. This was our first time hearing this band and they did a fine set of Blues.

After Cobalt Blue the band shell headliner for the night, slide master Roy Rogers took the stage. Roy recently released a new CD called "Split Decision" that is climbing the Blues charts getting lots of radio airplay. He played some tunes from the new CD and wowed the crowd with his fantastic slide playing on both electric and acoustic guitars.

There was one more act we had to see. The headliner on the tent stage was Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women. Saffire is Gaye Adegbalola on guitar, Andra Faye on bass and mandolin and Ann Rabson on piano. They all sing and write catchy, story songs and have been performing together for over 25 years. This season is their final farewell tour. After this summer they will still perform and record as solo artists but will no longer perform as Saffire. We were pleased to be able to see this great trio one more time. If they come anywhere near your location take the opportunity to catch their show while you still can.

We headed back to the hotel eager for the next day of great Blues. Stay tuned next week for day two!

Review and photos by Blues Blast editor Bob Kieserl


New CD From

South Side Cindy & The Slip Tones

This Time

To listen & purchase this CD now - CLICK HERE

www.thesliptones.com


Featured Blues Review 4 of 4

Fried Bourbon – Deep Fried

Musicarena Records

www.friedbourbon.be

www.myspace.com/friedbourbon

15 tracks/52:44
I got this album without a letter or any promotional materials. The envelope was written in a flowing European hand and the postmark was from Belgium. I pulled out the album whose packaging was cleverly designed like a dinner menu from a typical greasy spoon, replete with grease stains and dirty napkins. So now I’m intrigued. I put the CD in my stereo and frankly it just floored me. It is filled with lip smackin’ goodness!

The music is straight up, down home blues and boogie woogie by a band “discovered” by the Bay Area’s newest favorite son of the blues, John Nemeth. These guys serve up the blues like they came out of the Mississippi Delta and went to Chicago and yet they hail from ports far away. Steven Troch (vocals/harmonica); Tim Ielegems (guitars); Jurgen Claes (drums) and Patrick Houthooft (bass) make up the main band. Gene Taylor (piano) and RolanVan Campenhout (percussion/vocals/sitar) from Rising Sun Studio add some more unique flavors to the stew. Troch is a great front man; his vocals and harp are top-notch!

There are no bad tracks on this disc. Fifteen songs served up with superb musicianship and vocals top to bottom. “The River Styx” interestingly blends traditional blues with sitar and yet it sounds natural and normal. Troch’s harp work and vocals are clean and bright and the backing players’ work and solos just fill in to make this a great track. “Black Cat Bone” seems to be a featured track; while the blues is filled with voodoo references to black cat bones, these Belgians take the bone out for another fresh spin and it’s a fun one indeed. The opening track “Ding Dong” is another good one. The interplay between Ielegem’s guitar and Toch’s harp is done very nicely.

One track (“Camel Chase”) even has a whirling dervish of an Arabic sound and then it later shifts more into a Klezmer styled clarinet sound that had me somewhat incredulous, but I was already sold that this is quite the cool and unique album and it just helped to prove it. A kazoo intro graces “Loaded Dice”, a ragtime piece that is followed by a full-up barrelhouse “Deep fried Boogie.” More fun tunes from a really great band!

These guys play up a storm and are just a pleasure to listen to. Their schedule on MySpace shows them only on the European Continent through the end of the year. I hope they tour the states because I will be sure to catch these guys and you should, too! In the meantime, this fine CD will have to suffice to serve to dish up their “Deep Fried!” specials!

Reviewer Steve Jones is Secretary of the Crossroads Blues Society in Rockford. IL

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE.


Live Blues Calendar

YOU can submit your Blues performances for FREE at: http://www.illinoisblues.com/submitnews.htm

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

TheBluesBlast.com is not responsible for errors or omissions.

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

or click a state to see Blues shows by State

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Performance dates submitted by Musicians, Clubs, Blues Societies and Blues festivals.

The BluesBlast.com is not responsible for errors or omissions.


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