Blues Before Sunset: Sumpin' Doo

BLUES BEFORE SUNSET w/Sumpin' Doo Friday, July 3, 2009 5:30-7:30 p.m. E. Locust Street in front of the State Historical Museum (600 E. Locust), in Des Moines' East Village Free Join us this Friday night as we feature Sumpin' Doo during Blues Before Sunset! This band features brothers and Iowa Blues Hall of Fame members George and Gil Davis who can provide a show you won't soon forget. If you like classic R&B, Motown or a little bit of rock 'n' roll here and there, you're going to want to join us (especially if we can get them to play their totally awesome rendition of "Try A Little Tenderness"). The band regularly plays around Des Moines, including Blues on Grand's Work Release Party Oct-April where they energize the crowd and merge past with present. Blues Before Sunset is family friendly, free and open to the public. Beer, wine, and bottled water are available for sale and food vendor on site. People attending the event should bring their own seating. Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa and Central Iowa Blues Society with additional support by Baratta's restaurant. _________________________________ WEATHER FORECAST FOR JULY 3 High 84. 30% chance of precipitation. Winds SW @ 8mph. Humidity 58%. Sunset at 8:52 p.m. __________________________________ Upcoming Shows Aug. 7: The El Dorados Sept. 4: Bob Pace Band ftr. Steve George Call 515-281-4011 for more information.

Blues Before Sunset

I must admit I am a bit disappointed that the Blues Before Sunset series has gone monthly. It used to be a weekly concert series at the State Historical Building of Iowa. It was a show that I had a hand in starting a long time ago. I assume that money is probably the issue. The state has been slashing budgets all over the place. I know from past experience that they love cutting the budget for the Department of Cultural Affairs. (yup, who needs culture, teachers, cops, you know the drill)

Blues Before Sunset resumes in June with reduced schedule Concert series to be offered first Friday of June, July, August, September The State Historical Society of Iowa announces its 2009 Blues Before Sunset concert series schedule, with blues bands performing the first Friday of each month from June through September. Now in its 8th season, the 2009 Blues Before Sunset concert series features: June 5: Hot Tamale & The Red Hots July 3: Sumpin' Doo Aug. 7: El Dorados Sept. 4: Bob Pace Band with Steve George Each concert will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. the first Friday of June, July, August and September in front of the State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust in Des Moines. Blues Before Sunset is free and family-friendly with beer, wine and assorted beverages for sale. Food vendor Fat Tuesday (Steven James) will be on site and guests are encouraged to bring their own seating. BBS kicks off June 5, 2009, in conjunction with the Historic East Village's three-day "Flower Power" weekend, which also features The Des Moines Botanical Center's 2nd Annual Flower Power 5k run/walk and 1-mile walk June 6; and the East Village Flower Power Market, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with flower vendors on the streets, and restaurants and stores open June 7. Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa with promotional support from 100.3 The BUS and Capital 106.3, "quality music from then and now," and additional support from Baratta's restaurant and the Central Iowa Blues Society. Call 515-281-4011 for more information.

Blues Before Sunset: Bo Ramsey

The fine folks at the State Historical Society of Iowa present one of Iowa's biggest retro acts, Mr. Bo Ramsey! Here is the press release.

Bo Ramsey @ Blues Before Sunset

Friday, Aug. 1, 5:30-7:30 PM

State Historical Building – 600 E. Locust, Des Moines



(photo by Sandra Dyas)



Despite the title of his new album, Bo Ramsey’s guitar playing and songwriting are anything

but fragile. Perhaps most widely recognized for his amazing guitar prowess on Lucinda

William’s Grammy award-winning CD “Car Wheels On A Gravel Road,” as well as his

work playing on and producing records for the preeminent singer/songwriter Greg Brown

and rising star Pieta Brown, Bo Ramsey released “Fragile” in April - his first new album

of all original music in 10 years and somewhat ironically, his strongest work to date. The

album, the 11th in his 30-year career, features 11 new songs all written or co-written by

Ramsey, and finds him firmly at the forefront of a resurging Iowan musical renaissance,

tastefully supported by world-class, Midwest-based musicians. The demand for Ramsey’s

unmistakable imprint on other artists’ work has tended to keep his own work on the

back-burner, but Ramsey is a fine, evocative and passionate writer in his own right and

a commanding singer and performer.


Blues Before Sunset is a free outdoor, family friendly, concert located in front of the State

Historical Building at 600 E. Locust, Des Moines. Beer, wine and bottled water available

for sale and an assortment of food vendors will be selling hot foods. People attending the

event should plan to bring their own seating.



Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa and Central Iowa

Blues Society with promotional support proudly driven by 100.3 The BUS and Capital 106.3,

“quality music from then and now” and additional support by Baratta’s restaurant.





________________________________________________________________



WEATHER FORECAST FOR FRIDAY, AUG. 1:

Sunny. High 90. Wind WNW@ 7mph; humidity 67%. Sunset at 8:31 p.m. CST

Erick Hovey At Blues Before Sunset

My buddy Erick and his dangerous blues band will be performing Friday in downtown Des Moines at the State Historical Society of Iowa. I actually might make it to this one! Trust me you don't want to miss this show!

Erick Hovey Band & East Village Bike Night July 25

East Village is the place to be this Friday night with two great events back-to-back.

First, start your weekend at Blues Before Sunset at the Historical Building. This week, newcomer Erick Hovey takes the spotlight. Hovey is a fifth generation farmer from smack dab in the middle of Iowa where he has absorbed musical styles from coast to coast. Hovey and his band play with genuine heart and engaging personality, producing an unstrained delivery and easy grace that makes the material seem utterly uncontrived. At times smooth and wistful, at times rockin’, but always-cloaked in cool, cool blues. This music offers enough stylistic variety to appeal to dyed-in-the-wool blues fans, three chord rockers, and even denizens of Bob’s Country Bunker.

Blues Before Sunset is family friendly, free and open to the public. Beer, wine and bottled water available for sale and an assortment of food vendors will be selling hot foods. People attending the event should plan to bring their own seating.

Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa and Central Iowa Blues Society with promotional support proudly driven by 100.3 The BUS and Capital 106.3, “quality music from then and now” and additional support by Baratta’s restaurant.

Stick around after Blues for the 4^th Annual East Village Bike Night. More music, food vendors, beer gardens and some of the coolest motorcycles will be in the heart of the East Village – the E. 5^th Street and E. Locust Street vicinity. Bike night is an opportunity for motorcycle enthusiasts from across central Iowa to show off their bikes and admire others! This is the only Bike Night held in downtown Des Moines and has become one of East Village’s most popular events.

Motorcyclists are asked to enter the event at E. 5^th Street and Walnut, where they will be directed to designated street parking. No vehicles will be allowed into the event.

The band TOASTER will play on the outdoor stage located on East 5^th Street near Grand Avenue from 7-11 p.m.

The 4th Annual East Village Bike Night is sponsored by Historic East Village, Inc., Sayles Graphic Design, The Blazing Saddle and Big Barn Harley Davidson.

For more information, call (515) 281-4011. Historic East Village, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to lead the preservation, support and development of the East Village community.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR July 25, 2008:

Mostly cloudy; high of 87. Wind N @ 8 mph. Maximum humidity: 71%. Sunset at 8:39 p.m. CST.

Bob Pace, And Steve George At Blues Before Sunset

press release from the DCA

The Bob Pace Band Featuring Steve George July 18

This week’s Blues Before Sunset promises to be a doozie with not one, but TWO well known local performers taking to the Blues Before Sunset stage.

Bob Pace has a style that ranges from rockabilly to delta blues to country to what Pace calls blues with a rock edge, in the style of Jimi Hendrix or Johnny Winter.

Throughout his lifelong musical journey, Bob has developed a guitar style all his own, although he admits to being heavily influenced by Carlos Santana, Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton.

The band is led by Iowa Blues Hall of Famer Steve George, a veteran of the Des Moines music scene who performed in clubs on the legendary Center Street of Des Moines before he was 18. In the 70’s he became front man for the band Antelon, a jazz/funk horn band who enjoyed much recognition in the Midwest and recorded several original tunes. In recent years, Steve has been invited to sing with blues groups at Chicago’s House of Blues, Kingston Mines, Blues Etc., and Blues On Clark. In addition to performing in the Midwest, Steve has connected with audiences in Hawaii, Nashville, Las Vegas, Memphis, Atlanta and Florida

Blues Before Sunset is family friendly, free and open to the public. Beer, wine and bottled water available for sale and an assortment of food vendors will be selling hot foods. People attending the event should plan to bring their own seating.

Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa and Central Iowa Blues Society with promotional support proudly driven by 100.3 The BUS and Capital 106.3, “quality music from then and now” and additional support by Baratta’s restaurant.

Check out our **HOT** web site: http://www.iowahistory.org/events/blues-before-sunset/index.htm.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR July 18, 2008:

30% chance isolated thunderstorms; high of 85. Wind S @ 7 mph. Sunset at 8:45 p.m. CST.

Lady Blue, Blues Before Sunset,

Press release for Friday's free blues show at the State Historical Building Of Iowa.

Lady Blue July 11

A new face joins us this week on the Blues Before Sunset stage and we think you’re gonna like her!

Formed in the summer heat of 2005, Lady Blue featuring TINA HAASE FINDLAY (band leader, vocals) does indeed feature a very special lady, who has been belting out her passion for more than 20 years. The blues holds a special connection to all souls, and Tina’s is no different. With her husband and three other distinguished gentlemen by her side, Tina continues to celebrate not only the richly diverse history of the blues, but its vibrant future.

BEN WILLIAMS (guitar, vocals, percussion) hails from the humble warmth of the California Valleys. He was weaned on revolutionary jam artistry; from the Haight-Asbury tones of the Grateful Dead and the Airplane, to the grooves of all the bands that jammed their way across his path.

RANDY RAMAEKERS (drums) combines the experience of a tested veteran with the exuberance of an artist still in love with his craft. This Piledriver is the engine that revs the jams and purrs with taste. Several decades behind the kit have given Master Ramaekers quite the toolbox from which to bang. And what a bang it is!

KEVIN MCGINNIS (bass, vocals) humbly elevates the band and the song with a timeless spirit born in years gone by with bands across the nation. Working from a myriad of influences, McGinnis lays a loving foundation with his gifts and grooves. A longtime friend of the Blue, Kevin has donned his trademark Stingray and Modulus basses in the service of our Great Lady!

And the bookend to this discussion is the Lady's right-hand Gentleman, the Deacon himself, BRANDON FINDLAY (lead guitar, composer, arranger, vocals) who uses his beloved guitars (lovingly christened as Melody, Midnight, Maya, and Marcus!) to lead the Lady Blue charge in continually celebrating the true spirit of the blues.

Blues Before Sunset is family friendly, free and open to the public. Beer, wine and bottled water available for sale and an assortment of food vendors will be selling hot foods. People attending the event should plan to bring their own seating.

Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa and Central Iowa Blues Society with promotional support proudly driven by 100.3 The BUS and Capital 106.3, “quality music from then and now” and additional support by Baratta’s restaurant.

Check out our **HOT** web site: http://www.iowahistory.org/events/blues-before-sunset/index.htm.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR July 11, 2008:

Sunny; high of 93; wind S @ 18mph. Sunset at 8:49 p.m. CST.

Jonny And The Rectifiers At The State Historical Building Of Iowa

Press release from the fine folks at the cultural affairs office in Iowa.

Jonny & The Rectifiers June 27

Jonny & The Rectifiers made their first appearance on the Blues Before Sunset stage last year, and we liked them so much we asked them to come back this year.

Based in Des Moines, the band played for 9 years as The Delta Kings. With a new rhythm section in 2005 the Rectifiers were born. Playing the Iowa club circuit and private parties and blues festivals, the Rectifiers favor vintage instruments, tube amps and a live audience to fuel a party. Sets vary with the mood of the room from smoky Chicago and Texas blues to vintage rockabilly rants. Front man Jon East, a second generation Iowa veteran musician, handles vocals and guitar chores. The band also features keyboard/Hammond organ player Jeff Daniels, Scott Hartung on drums and Jeff JB Baker on fender and upright bass, a disciple of the late Keith Ferguson and Ronnie James Weber of the current Thunderbirds.

Blues Before Sunset is family friendly, free and open to the public. Beer, wine and bottled water available for sale and an assortment of food vendors will be selling hot foods. People attending the event should plan to bring their own seating.

Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa and Central Iowa Blues Society with promotional support proudly driven by 100.3 The BUS and Capital 106.3, “quality music from then and now” and additional support by Baratta’s restaurant.

Check out our **HOT** web site: http://www.iowahistory.org/events/blues-before-sunset/index.htm.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR JUNE 27, 2008:

Scattered thunderstorms (50% chance); high of 85; wind SSW @ 12mph. Sunset at 8:53 p.m. CST.

Blues Before Sunset: Blues Bureau

Press release for Blues Before Sunset

Local Favorite Blues Bureau June 20

We tried our best to keep the show going last week, but when the City says “no go” there’s not a lot you can do about it. Our hearts go out to all those who are displaced due to flooding. Thankfully, we’re back this week just in time to raise a few spirits!

Blues Bureau takes the Blues Before Sunset stage this Friday night. Since 1999, Blues Bureau has been making an impact on the Des Moines blues scene in clubs by sharing the bill with top blues artists like Shemekia Copeland, Sonny Rhodes, and Blues Traveler.

Founding member Dewey Cantrell is a singer/songwriter guitarist who plays with zeal, savvy and creativity. Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Mike Kellow consistently provides a solid rhythm and additional vocals. Kurt Keller on bass has performed for more than 35 years around Des Moines and touring road bands and is also a member of the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Adding to the Blues sound is Kyle Dean Patten on harmonica. And last, but certainly not least, Jody Bodley leads the band with a voice you won’t soon forget. Her passion and energy lend a trademark sound to every performance.

Blues Before Sunset is family friendly, free and open to the public. Beer, wine, bottled water, soft drinks available for sale and an assortment of food vendors will be selling hot foods. People attending the event should plan to bring their own seating.

Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa and Central Iowa Blues Society with promotional support proudly driven by 100.3 The BUS and Capital 106.3, “quality music from then and now” and additional support by Baratta’s restaurant.

Check out our **HOT** web site: http://www.iowahistory.org/events/blues-before-sunset/index.htm.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR JUNE 20, 2008:

Mostly sunny, high of 84. Wind WSW @ 8 mph. Max humidity 54%. Sunset at 8:52 p.m. CST.

Blues Before Sunset Canceled!!!

Those of you who stop by here daily know that massive flooding is occurring in Iowa. Unfortunately it is changing plans all across the state. The Blues Before Sunset show featuring Andy Schneider has been canceled. Hopefully they can reschedule the event. Here is the press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2008

3 p.m.

Contact: Sarah Oltrogge, (515) 281-4011; Sarah.Oltrogge@iowa.gov

Blues Before Sunset June 13 Concert Cancelled

DES MOINES – The Blues Before Sunset concert at the State Historical Building scheduled for Friday, June 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. has been cancelled. City officials are curtailing all downtown activities over the weekend as the flooding situation remains uncertain. Officials at the State Historical Building are in regular communication with state and local authorities regarding flooding that is affecting the Des Moines metro area and downtown in particular. If conditions remain unsafe for the public due to rising water or power outages, further notice of any changes to the concert schedule will be announced accordingly. The State Historical Building is located at 600 E. Locust, in the heart of Des Moines’ Historic East Village.

Performer Andy Schneider may be rescheduled for the week of August 4. Dependent upon flooding, Blues Before Sunset will continue Friday, June 20 with Blues Bureau. Visit www.iowahistory.org for the complete concert series schedule.

Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa and Central Iowa Blues Society with promotional support proudly driven by 100.3 The BUS and Capital 106.3, “quality music from then and now” and additional support by Baratta’s restaurant.

Andy Schneider, Blues Before Sunset, Des Moines Iowa, Friday Night

Andy is hardly new to us in NW Iowa, but he is to Des Moines. If you are in Des Moines on Friday the 13th!!!!!! Check him out, also be sure to check out all of our new lakeside accommodations in Downtown Des Moines!! (So far so good, the water is up to the bridges, but Court Ave, after a brief scare this afternoon is still dry at 11:20pm Central Time US)

BTW, Frank what do I have to do to get a gig?!?!?!? I mean Andy, and Eric, but not me?!?!?!? ARGHGHGHGHGH. Me thinks you are carrying on this grudge too long:-)

Newcomer Andy Schneider June 13

Rain…what? We don’t need no more stinkin’ rain! Thankfully it looks like Friday will be clear and dry for Blues Before Sunset. So drive, walk or paddle on down to the State Historical Building and forget all about this flooding foolishness.

Get a load of the cutie we have this week – Charles City, Iowa native (and current NYC resident) Andy Schneider. He’s new to our series this year and promises to be nothing if not entertaining. Did I mention that he plays all the instruments and sings too?

To introduce him as a one-man band may not prepare you fully, nor do justice to the authenticity of the music. Andy Schneider preaches the blues: playing 8-string guitar (a combination of both bass and lead guitars), harmonica, drums and singing. Simultaneously. With a reverent nod to his blues and country roots, Schneider reinvents the traditional

bluesman's role, igniting the music with a fire and passion that’s contagious. Check out his Web site: www.andyschneider.com to read more about this newcomer to BBS.

Blues Before Sunset is family friendly, free and open to the public. Beer, wine, bottled water, soft drinks available for sale and an assortment of food vendors will be selling hot foods. People attending the event should plan to bring their own seating.

Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa and Central Iowa Blues Society with promotional support proudly driven by 100.3 The BUS and Capital 106.3, “quality music from then and now” and additional support by Baratta’s restaurant.

Check out our **HOT** web site: http://www.iowahistory.org/events/blues-before-sunset/index.htm.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR JUNE 13, 2008:

Partly cloudy, high of 79. Wind SW @ 12mph. Humidity 57%. Sunset at 8:50 p.m.

Blues Before Sunset Update

Just in from Blues Before sunset

Hot Tamale & The Red Hots Kicks Off Concert Series June 6

If you want to be entertained, hear great music and meet some one-of-a-kind people, you must see this band! Their energy both on stage and off is second to none!

Again this year, we welcome Hot Tamale & The Red Hots to open the 2008 Blues Before Sunset series at the State Historical Building June 6.

Lead vocalist, Cindy Grill, has been singing professionally for 27 years. She has a dynamic range and the soul of a true blues vocalist. She follows the long line of great female blues vocalists not only in talent but in showmanship as well.

Alan Smith, guitar and vocals, fell in love with the guitar at the age of 13 while growing up in England. Like most young Englishmen in the 50’s, he heard American Roots music interpreted by young Brits. His early influences were the Shadows, the Beatles and the Stones. After moving to this country at the age of 14, he continued to play and learn different styles. Alan has played in several bands in the Des Moines area including Neon Blues and Cousin Eddie. He is an eclectic listener and digs the guitar from A to Z (Atkins to Zappa).

Kevin Bodtke, another founding member, lends the true blues soul with his harmonica. Kevin has a unique style of blues in this area, using his “harp” to lay down a rhythm like many of the old greats (Sonny Boy, Little Walter, etc.). This gives the music a fuller sound that lets you know you’re hearing the blues!

Drummer Bobby Cassady is no stranger to the Des Moines blues scene. Bobby has played with probably every musician in this town at one time or another. He even played with Fat Package and they won the 1998 Iowa Blues Challenge and then went on to compete in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge.

Rod Moulin also plays bass with Hot Tamale. Another veteran of the Des Moines blues scene, Rod lays down a rock solid bass line that the blues was built upon. Rod has been playing with the band since November 2005, when it opened for Dr. John at the Val Air Ballroom.

Blues Before Sunset is family friendly, free and open to the public. Beer, wine, bottled water, soft drinks available for sale and an assortment of food vendors will be selling hot foods. People attending the event should plan to bring their own seating.

Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa and Central Iowa Blues Society with promotional support proudly driven by 100.3 The BUS and Capital 106.3, “quality music from then and now” and additional support by Baratta’s restaurant.

Check out our **HOT** web site: http://www.iowahistory.org/events/blues-before-sunset/index.htm.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR JUNE 6, 2008:

Isolated thunderstorms (30% chance), high of 78, winds SW 18 mph. Sunset: 8:46 p.m. Reminder: Blues Before Sunset will only be cancelled in the event of severe weather. Rain won’t do us in. If it’s raining, we’ll still be outside, but under the Locust Street portico of the Historical Building. Your excuses not to come down have officially run out.

CAN FOR A CAN

Bring a can of food (or other nonperishable food item) as a donation to the Food Bank of Iowa and receive ONE free can of beer (or beverage of your choice). Limit one per person. Help us support the Food Bank!

Blues Before Sunset Des Moines Iowa

Here is the latest press release for Blue Before Sunset put on by the Cultural Affairs people at the state of Iowa.

Blues Before Sunset Launches 7th Annual Summer Concert Series

A host of new faces will make their way to the 2008 Blues Before Sunset stage this summer, as the popular summer music series returns to the State Historical Building June 6. The event will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays on East Locust Street in front of the State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust in Des Moines. The event is free and family-friendly with beer, wine and an assortment of beverages available for sale. Food vendors will be

available on site. Guests are asked to bring their own seating.

The weekly outdoor event has become a favorite start-of-the-weekend activity for metro workers. Now in its 7th year, Blues Before Sunset supports the local Blues scene by hiring homegrown talent.

The 2008 Blues Before Sunset schedule includes:

June 6: Hot Tamale & The Red Hots

June 13: The Andy Schneider One-Man Blues Band

June 20: Blues Bureau

June 27: Jonny and the Rectifiers

July 4: NO SHOW – 4th of JULY HOLIDAY

July 11: Lady Blue

July 18: The Bob Pace Band w/Steve George

July 25: Erick Hovey Band

Aug. 1: Bo Ramsey

Blues Before Sunset is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Iowa and Central Iowa Blues Society with promotional support proudly driven by 100.3 The BUS and Capital 106.3, “quality music from then and now” and additional support by Baratta’s restaurant.

Visit www.iowahistory.org for complete details.