September 8, 2010
- Jimmie Vaughan appearing tonight at the Rhythm Room! Dave Riley & Bob Corritore to open! Texas guitar hero Jimmie Vaughan is known as both an integral part of the early years of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and as the older brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Jimmie Vaughan left the T-Birds after his brother's untimely death in 1990, and has since put out a series of successful solo albums. Jimmie appears tonight at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, for an 8pm show, with a 40 minute opening set by Dave Riley and Bob Corritore . Just a few tickets left to this almost sold out show. Jimmie is touring in support of his new album Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites. He brings with him another Texas legend, Lou Ann Barton who has been a mainstay in his touring band. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix.
- Robin Rogers health update. This sad news comes from Steve Hecht at Piedmont Talent. Robin Rogers who has been in the hospital over the last 2 weeks with a severe liver condition. This condition was diagnosed as an inoperable cancerous tumor in her liver. She is currently at home surrounded by her family and receiving hospice care. Over the last few years she has risen to prominence in the blues world, and has a new release on the Blind Pig label due out on Sept 14th. Prior to her hospitalization, she was doing extensive touring with Debbie Davies. Her humble and sincere personality, coupled with her unmistakable talent, made us all take her in and as an adopted little sister. So this news will surely come as a shock wave to the blues community. For more information about Robin from thePiedmont Talent website click here. We love you Robin.
- Amanda's Roller Coaster Sold Out! Amanda's Roller Coaster tickets are now officially sold out with the exception of a few exotic sponsorship packages (one that includes a golf outing with Kim Wilson andAmanda!) and a few remaining tickets to Sunday's show. For more specific information on ticket availability, click here. Please note that the Thursday pre-party is a separate ticket and is currently not sold out. For those new to this news letter, Amanda's Roller Coaster is a spectacular 3 day harmonica happening that takes place at the Rhythm Room on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Acts include James Cotton, Billy Boy Arnold, Lazy Lester, Kim Wilson, Paul Oscher, James Harman, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Johnny Dyer, Bharath Rajakumar, Johnny Sansone, Jerry Portnoy,Dave Waldman, Bob Corritore, Troy Gonyea, RJ Mischo, Steve Marriner, Billy Flynn, Scott Dirks, Chef Denis Depoitre, Lynwood Slim, and Vincent Bury. The spectacular backing musicians for this event areLarry Taylor (bass & guitar), Randy Bermudes (bass), Richard Innes (drums), Jason Moeller (drums),Junior Watson (guitar), Billy Flynn (guitar), Jon Moeller (guitar), Mike Keller (guitar) & Barrelhouse Chuck(Piano), plus Hubert Sumlin will perform with James Cotton, and Dave Riley will appear with Bob Corritore. The recently added pre-party on Thursday, Sept 30th, has taken on a life of its own. For the pre-party the host band will be the Nighthawks, who will perform a set, followed by a harmonica showcase that will include an ever growing list that currently includes Bill Tarsha, Martin Lange, Ronnie Shellist, Randy Chortkoff, Thomas Fiacco, Little Barry G, Dennis Gruenling, Jerry Swartz, Mark Heffington, Ed Marien, Mr. & Mrs. Alaimo, Ken Johnson, Greg Johnson, and Kim Field! Advance tickets to the pre-party are a separate ticket and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by clicking here.
- RIP Ken Schoppmeyer March 15, 1950 - August 31, 2010. Harmonica player / vocalist Ken Schoppmeyer was one of the seminal figures of blues music in San Diego, and is often credited with helping establish San Diego's blues scene four decades ago. He founded and fronted a popular San Diego based band called King Biscuit Blues in the 1960s, and often times "King Biscuit" was used as his moniker. He died in Oceanside this week at the age of 60, the victim of suicide, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner. To read the Voice Of San Diego article about Ken's passing, click here, and for another article in Sign On San Diego, click here. Ken's wonderful playing advanced San Diego's awareness of blues harmonica and his band was a proving ground for many of that town's best blues players.
- Boyd Rivers On YouTube! Boyd Rivers was a powerful southern bluesman who sang only religious songs. Here is a 1979 performance from the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival where Boyd sings a stunning version of "Take Sick And Die." Click here to see.
The Blues Blast Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes significant contributions and a lifetime body of work in the field of Blues music. Past recipients include David "Honeyboy" Edwards and Koko Taylor. This is the only award that the editor gets to choose! This years award goes to Chicago Blues Legend Otis Rush. The Award will be presented at the Blues Blast Music Awards October 28.
From the Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter - "Singer / harmonica player /Blind Pig recording artist Robin Rogers has emerged over the last few years as major player in the blues world. She most recently has been doing some extensive touring with Debbie Davies, and has a forthcoming second CD due out in a couple weeks. Last week, Robin was hospitalized with serious liver problems. 
Walter Trout - Common Ground
Chris Beard - Who I Am & What I Do
Jimmy Dawkins presents The Leric Story
Little Al Thomas & The Deep Down Fools - Not My Warden
Bob Corritore and Friends - Harmonica Blues
Rich Hynes - Rollin’ Along