Fe ature d Ar tic le s

On the C over : Miles Harris Photo by Margene Schotz

Blues Bash: 2012 starts with a Bang

Memphis Gro oves:An inter view with Brandon O. Bai ley

WBS History: 5.1

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Wintertime in the Northwest; the skies are overcast and gray, snow looms, attacks and just as quickly retreats and we look to more indoor activities (unless you ski or snowboard, that is.)

The winter blues can be hard, but for those who love the Blues, winter is a time to rejoice, to crank up your radio, to try out that new CD that has just been released and to discover that little hole-in-the-wall coffeeshop that serves up terrible coffee and amazing music.

I went to my first ever Blues Bash in January, and I wanted to make a few comments of my own about the January event and the Blues Bash in general: The Washington Blues Society puts on an incredible show. Live music, open dance floor, fantastic atmosphere and, of course, some of the best Blues in our area (thanks to

Suze Sims). January’s Blues Bash cranked up with J.D. Hobson; recently nominated for a 2011 Best of the Blues award in the best solo/duo category, J.D. is a young man with just his guitar and his beat box whose blues just poured out of him. The second band was Miles Harris and Triple Threat (see cover). Miles Harris and his band were the first in a series this year of high school bands set to play the Blues Bash. Suze Sims is the brains behind this idea to raise up these children in the way they should go, and I must give her a standing ovation for that passion.

As for Miles Harris and Triple Threat...well, it’s always a risk bringing in a young band. Scott Lind met Miles and the guys at a Blues Jam. Miles is only seventeen, and the oldest member of the band is a mere twenty-one. Scott heard them play and got a hold of Suzanne. And let me just say, those young

men were more than just the best high school band that I’ve heard, they are, quite literally the best live band I’ve heard in over two years. I came up off my seat within seconds of their first song because I could not believe what I was hearing. My suggestion to you all is this: go hear and support Miles Harris now, because in two years you won’t be able to find standing room at his shows.

The Blues Bash was an exceptional experience and one I intend to repeat over and over again. And one final note: if Suze Sims keeps bringing in bands like this, you all had better warm up your dance shoes, because there’s no way you’ll be able to keep your seats.

See you all on Valentines Day!

Jesse Phillips, EditorWashington Blues Society Bluesletter

Letter from the Editor

Letter from the President 7Walla Walla Guitar Festival 9Bainbridge Island Has the Blues 9WBS Blues History 5.1 10

Have Some Dirty Rice 12Blues at Bobbi’s Bar 13Memphis Grooves 14January Blues Bash 17

Dry Side Blues 18Blues Review 20Talent Guide 24Blues on the Radio Dial 26

In This Issue...

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Celebrating 23 Years of Blues1989 - 2012

January 2012 BluesletterVol. XXIV, Number II

Publisher Washington Blues SocietyEditor & Art Director Jesse Phillips (jesse@jessephillipsdesigns.com)Secretary Rocky NelsonCalendar Maridel Fliss (mflissm@aol.com)Advertising Malcolm Kennedy (advertising@wablues.org)Printer Pacific Publishing Company www.pacificpublishingcompany.com

Contributing Writers: Robert Horn, Eric Steiner, Malcolm Kennedy, Roberta Doupe’Jerry Peterson, Suzanne Swanson, Rick J Bowen, George Boswell

Contributing Photographers: Karl Fortner, Suzanne Swanson, The Blues Boss, Jerry Peterson, Tom Hunnewell, Roberta Doupe’

Cover Photo: Miles Harris, Photo by Margene Schotz

The Bluesletter welcomes stories and photos from WBS members! Features, columns and reviews are due by the 10th of each month in the following formats: plain text or Microsoft Word. Graphics must be in high-res 300 dpi .pdf, jpg, or .tiff formats. We encourage submissions. All submissions become the property of the WBS and will be used at our discretion. We reserve the right to edit all content. The Bluesletter is the official monthly publication of the Washington Blues Society. The WBS is not responsible for the views and

opinions expressed in The Bluesletter by any individual. © WBS 2011

Mission Statement The Washington Blues Society is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote, preserve, and advance the culture and tradition of blues music as an art form. Annual membership is $25 for individuals, $35 for couples, and $40 for overseas memberships. The Washington Blues Society is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible. The Washington Blues Society is affiliated with The Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee.

Washington Blues SocietyP.O. Box 70604

Seattle, WA 98127www.wablues.org

Miles HarrisPhoto by Margene Schotz

Margene Schotz is a music lover who has enjoyed an abundance of performances by bands from The Beatles to Miles Harris and Triple Threat with hundreds of other superb acts in between. Capturing the music visually is what she strives for, as well as attempting to give something back, through her photos, to the artists she admires.

On the Cover:

Jam Guide 26Venue Guide 27Blues Photos 28Holger Peterson Book Signing 29Calendar 30Blues Ballot 31

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Washington Blues SocietyHotline: 1-888-90BLUES

1-888-902-5837Proud Recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive

Award from The Blues Foundation

2012 Officers President Eric Steiner president@wablues.orgVice President Tony Frederickson vicepres@wablues.orgSecretary Rocky Nelson secretary@wablues.orgTreasurer (Acting) Chad Creamer treasurer@wablues.orgEditor Jesse Phillips president@wablues.org

2012 Directors Music Suze Sims music@wablues.orgMembership Michelle Burge membership@wablues.orgEducation Vacant education@wablues.orgVolunteers Rhea Rolfe volunteers@wablues.orgMerchandise Tony Frederickson merchandise@wablues.orgAdvertising Malcolm Kennedy advertising@wablues.org

2012 Street TeamDowntown Seattle Tim & Michelle Burge blueslover206@comcast.netWest Seattle Rev Deb Engelhardt deb@revdeb.comEastside Jim DiIanni education@wablues.orgNorthern WA Lloyd Peterson freesprt@televar.comPeninsula Dan Wilson allstarguitar@centurytel.netSouth Sound Smoke smkndrms@aol.comCentral WA Steven J. Lefebvre s.j.lefebvre@gmail.com,Eastern WA Cindy Dyer cindalucy@hotmail.comBallard George “Jordy” Sigler jordysigler@yahoo.comLopez Island Carolyn & Dean Jacobsen cjacobsen@rockisland.comMiddle East Rocky “Rock Khan” Nelson rocknafghanistan@gmail.com

Editorial Advisory Board & Proofeaders Mary McPage Eric Steiner Carolyn Kennedy Son Jack Jr.

Special Thanks Webmaster The Sheriff (webmaster@wablues.org)Web Hosting Adhost (www.adhost.com)WBS Logo Phil Chesnut (philustr8r@aol.com)

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Letter from the President

Hi Blues Fans,I wanted to welcome you to a very important month in our blues calendar. As this issue lands in members’ mailboxes during the first week in February, we will have two acts that compete in the 2012 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The Wired Band will return to represent the Washington Blues Society in the band category and Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely will represent our society in the solo/duo category. While they’ve each traveled a long road to get to Memphis to compete, I know that each act will realize that this long weekend of blues experiences is much more than a battle of the bands.

It’s an opportunity for an extended blues family to reunite, and the Blues Foundation offers a range of networking opportunities over and above the nightly competitions in blues venues along Beale Street. There’s workshops, the Keeping the Blues Alive Awards ceremony and luncheon, a welcome concert, and youth showcase, plus informal meet-and-greets in the Marriott, Doubletree and Residence Inn lobbies across downtown Memphis. I always like to take in a side trip to the Peabody Hotel and watch the dapper guards escort ducks to and from the hotel’s majestic fountain. Same goes for the BBQ: whether I first land at the Pig on Beale, the Rendezvous, or Alcynia’s near the Marriott, I’ve never had a bad meal in Memphis. While the weather may be arctic instead of Southern at times – one year it was snowing sideways – there is always the warmth and welcome of America’s largest gathering of blues bands.

When our blues competitors return home from Beale Street this year, please welcome them back by buying their music and seeing their shows. At last month’s Board of Directors meeting, Vice President Tony Frederickson’s already cooking up some great things for our journey to Memphis in 2013 by having another statewide competition.

Stay tuned. As we identify venues and dates, we’ll post them online and in the pages of the Bluesletter.

Until next month, go out and see live blues music!

Eric Steiner, PresidentWashington Blues Society Member, Board of Directors, The Blues Foundation

Advertising Rates:

Space Reservations 5th of the monthCamera Ready Art 12th of every monthGraphics: 300 dpi PDF, TIF or JPGText: Plain .txt or WordFull Page: $260 (8.5x 11)Half Page: $150 (8.5 x 5.5)Back Half Page: $200 (8.5 x 11)Quarter Page: $90 (4.25 x 5.55)Fifth Page: $65 (3.5 x 3.5)Business Card: $25 (3.5 x 2)ADD COLOR: ADD 25%

We’ve Got Discounts! 20% off- 12 month pre-payment15% off- 6 month pre-payment10% off- 3 month pre-paymentContact: advertising@wablues.org

February 2012DEADLINES:

Advertising Space Reservations: February 5thmalcarken@comcast.net

Calendar: February 10th calendar@wablues.org

Editorial Submissions: February 5theditor@wablues.org

Camera Ready Ad Art Due: February 12thmalcarken@comcast.net

THANK YOU FOR READING THE BLUESLETTER AND SUPPORTING LIVE BLUES IN THE EVERGREEN

STATE!

ATTENTION BLUES MUSICIANS: WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR LATEST CD

REVIEWED IN THE BLUESLETTER? GOT A BLUES CD FOR US?

Need help in getting the word about your music? We’d like to help. While we cannot predict when or if a review will land in the pages of the Bluesletter, we’d like to encourage musicians to consider the Washington Blues Society a resource.

If you would like your CD reviewed by one of our reviewers, please send two copies (one for the reviewer and one for our monthly CD giveaways at the Blues Bash) to the following address:

Washington Blues SocietyATTN: CD Reviews

PO Box 70604Seattle, WA 98027

From the ArchivesPictures by Eric Steiner

Tim Sherman, Doug Skoog, Mark Dalton, Rhea Rolfe,

Paul Green and Chris “Zippy” Leighton.

Middle: Robert Cray at the 2011 Blues Foundation Hall of Fame Dinner

Bottom: Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater at the 2010 Kitchener Blues Festival

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Coyote Kings Invitational Walla Walla Guitar Festival 2012

The 2012 Walla Walla Guitar Festival will be held in five venues in downtown Walla Walla on Saturday, March 17th. Walla Faces, the Walla Walla Elks Lodge, the Charles Smith Winery, Sapolil Cellars, and the Crossroads Steakhouse will feature some of the finest blues guitarists in the Pacific Northwest. International Blues Challenge competitor the Randy Oxford Band will perform at the festival’s kick-off party at Sapolil Cellars on Friday night before the festival on the 16th. Tickets for Saturday are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Friday’s kick-off party at Sapolil will be $10 and please visit http://sapolilcellars.com for more information

Each venue in downtown Walla Walla is within five blocks of each other. Parking can be found throughout downtown, in various parking lots and on the street. If you’re driving over from Western Washington, all street parking is free in downtown Walla Walla! No, that is not a misprint. Free parking! There are a number of lodging and restaurant options, in addition to world-class wines, and www.wallawalla.org features a number of tourist activities for families of all ages. The Walla Walla Valley Vineyard Inn will also offer packages for this festival. Another online resource will offer motel and festival packages, and the Washington Blues Society is a supporter of this event: http://wallawallaguitarfetival.com.

Here’s the 2012 line-up:12 PM – 3 PM: Acoustic showcase @ Walla Faces: Laredo Drive, Wasteland Kings, Siol (pronounced: “sheel”) Celtic band (Our tip o’ the hat to St Paddy’s day!).

3 PM – 8 PM: The LARGE show @ Walla Walla Elks: Jimmy Lloyd Rea & The Switchmasters, The Randy Oxford Band, Coyote Kings w/Mush Morgan

8 PM – Midnight: The Multi-Venue Guitar Crawl!

Sapolil Cellars: Kevin Selfe & The Tornados, Gary Winston & The Real Deal

Charles Smith Winery: Junkyard Jane, feat. Billy Stoops, Philly KingB & Larry Lear

Crossroads Steakhouse: Sammy Eubanks, the Vaughn Jensen Band

Midnight – 1:30 AM: All-Star Jam @ CrossRoads hosted by Vaughn Jensen & Curtis “Rocket” Johnson

For more information, contact Coyote King Rob Barrett at rob@coyotekings.com, or call (509) 240 0947

Bainbridge Island Has the Blues…  Three local blues acts are teaming up together for a fundraiser for Bainbridge’s Island Music Center. Peter Spencer (www.peterspencer.com), an amazing solo blues guitarist/singer who teaches at the Center will be performing, as well as The Excellos (www.exellosblues.com) playing their brand of Swamp Blues Jump Blues (one of their members is Mark Hoffman, who co-wrote the fabulous biography on Howlin’ Wolf “Moanin’ at Midnight”) and The Julie Duke Band, (www.thejuliedukeband.com) whose Chicago-style Blues sets (their singer is the new Executive Director of Island Music Center), have been tearing up the island for the better part of a year now. Proceeds from the event will go to purchase much needed sound equipment, such as monitors and microphones, for the Center’s Concert Hall. The current equipment has been in place since 2003 and it is in serious need of updating. Island Music Center hosted over 40 musical performances in its Concert Hall last year, ranging from Grammy winners to first time bands with genres spanning classical to heavy metal and everything in between. The new equipment will allow them to better serve the community in providing quality affordable concerts. Island Music Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enrich lives through music and to advance the quality and accessibility of music education and musical experiences in their community. They offer a performance concert hall, twelve music studios and four classrooms with 24 teachers instructing seventeen different instruments to over 250 students. The Blues Benefit will take place on March 3rd, 2012 at 7:30pm at Island Music Center, 10598 NE Valley Road, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. Suggested donation is $20. For information please call 206-780-6911 or email info@islandmusic.org. www.islandmusic.org

The Blues is Our Business. . .and Business is Good

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Thanks to some newly re-discovered Bluesletter from former Washington Blues Society Board members Carol & Robert Sawyer, I am revisiting blues society history from the December 1993 Bluesletter (that’s volume five, number 12). This installment is called 5.1, because installment 5.0 was the fifth installment of this series, and as space allows, the Bluesletter will recognize the achievements of musicians, prior Board member, and volunteers by re-capping select Bluesletter content to show just how far this blues society has come. .

The cover photo and story are Albert Collins who passed Wednesday November 24th, 1993 after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. The Bluesletter was 8 pages long had three 1/4 pg ads from Blind Pig Records, Debbie Davies Picture This, Mitch Woods Shakin’ the Shack and the very aptly named Blind Pig sampler Prime Chops Vol. 2 with 19 cuts and 70 minutes from Debbie, Mitch, Big Walter, Carey Bell, Jimmy Thackery, Roy Rogers, Eddy Clearwater, Chris Cain, Magic Slim and more.

The blues society Board Officers were Cholo Willsin, President; Tim Hickman, Vice President Membership; John McNally, Vice President Clubs; Bob Freidenberg Vice President Musicians, Lois Lane, Secretary, Jan Kisor, Treasurer and Bill Yates, Editor also on the Board were Ken Page, Volunteers (Tacoma) and Larry Deene, Media Coordinator. The membership rates were $15 single. It was time again for BB Award nominations and members were told there would be at least four nominees in each of the 19 categories. Ken Page reported on happenings in Tacoma, there was a Sunday jam at China Gardens, 38th & Pacific, hosted by the Tim Hall Band with Shelly Ely. The Bluenotes were playing at the Victory Club and so were Too Slim & the Taildraggers and The Jerry Miller Band. There was also a jam at Debow’s in Ruston hosted by Steve Cooley. Duke Robillard was coming back to town with a gig at the Central Saloon Dec 9th and he was being backed by the Alley Cats. Also coming to the Central Saloon was Mark Hummel & the Blues Survivors Dec 3 & 4. In Rod Downing’s regular column Blues Beat talked of 1993 happenings starting with lament the loss of the Owl Café and Prosito’s as blues venues; but blues was still alive in Ballard at the Salmon Bay Eagles thanks to the hard

work of Jimie Jean Tuttle and her crew and at the Ballard Firehouse. Harmonica shows produced by Steve Bailey, Cholo, Dave Prez and Iron Mike Long, Fat Tuesday, Folklife, the Port Townsend Blues Festival the Winthrop R&B Festival and all the new summer festivals and events. There were blues jams almost every day of the week a blues cruise, the 1st annual Slide Guitar Show and benefits like Stardrums Childhaven show. Also mentioned were the Blues on the Radio included 19 blues programs on 6 stations hosted by DJ’s Nick Vigarino, Roberta Penn, Ruth Brown, Juliet Zentelis, Dr. Don Livingston, Jim Kelton, Lou Daniels, Marlee Walker, Greg Weber, Mike “The Sandman,” Leon Berman and Bob Anthony. Marlee’s show Blues Kitchen on KMTT 103.7 had just been expanded by two hours. It was mentioned that if you were passing through the Methow Valley to tune into KVLR at 106.3 FM for B.I.G bass man Keith “Wolfman” Wohlford’s show (time not mentioned.)

S l am hou nd Hu nte r Ki m F i e l d’s b o ok Harmonica’s, Harps and Heavy Breathers had just been published (excellent book by the way) and was at the Elliott Bay Book Co. in Pioneer Square for a book reading Dec 16th followed by an acoustic performance. There was a Christmas list of local blues releases from 1993 which included Steve Cooley Live, Another Rainy Day-Little Bill & the Bluenotes, The Best of Seattle Rhythm & Blues Vol. One-various artists, Blues Brokers-band name not listed possibly eponymous, Them Trains, Them Bones, Them Western Blues-The Tim Sherman Band, Ain’t Gonna Cry-Kathy Hart & the Bluestars, Sweet Misery Moan-Marc Bristol, Mike Pack Demo, The Midnights Live, and No Excuse For The Blues-DK Stewart with apologies for anything missed.

CD Reviews included Collins Mix by Albert Collins (written before knowledge of his passing) and British artist Otis Grand’s He Knows The Blues. The Fat James band 5 song demo featuring three originals Live at the Central was reviewed with the full CD release soon to

come. (note: the 11 track CD was released in 1995 on Rotund Records and includes two of the originals on the demo tape.) The calendar listed The WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY Christmas Party on Dec 12th at the Ballard Firehouse, Sam’s Can Jam for NW Harvest were held every Wed of Dec at Old Timers and there were gigs included in the calendar by:

Soul KissJim Mesi w/ Lily Wilde

The MidnightsSweet Talkin’ Jones

The MucletonesYo & De Cats

B.I.G.Led JaxonIsaac Scott

Smilin’ JackThe Cyclones

The Fat James BandAlley Cat

Chris Stevens & the KingalingsThe Roger Roger’s Band

Dave Conant & the D-RangersLittle Nicky & the X-Men

Little Bill & the BluenotesThe David Brewer BandThe Charles White Band

Too Slim & the Taildraggers

Pioneer Square still had 10 Clubs for 1 cover charge. There were Musicians classified ads for guitar instruction by Tim Sherman beginners welcome and advanced only by Tom McFarland. Warren Murray had a harmonica workshop with special guest Dick Powell, Terry was a guitarist for hire as was Glen Ashby blues (and other colors.)

1994 revisitedUntil recently we had very few Bluesletter’s from 1994 we had partial issues from July, Aug and Oct and complete issues from only Sept and Nov. We now have full copies of every issue except February so I will start in January.

In January of 1994, The Bluesletter was 8 pages and the cover story was about the

WBS History 5.1

The calendar listed The WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY

Christmas Party on Dec 12th at the Ballard Firehouse.

by Malcolm Kennedy

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(O’Leary’s) and reminisced about a show David Brewer played there. There was a benefit at 3 Finger Jack’s in Winthrop Jan 20th to support the volunteer fire dept.

The line up included Fat James, Too Slim & the Taildraggers, Duffy Bishop, Chris Carlson, Nick Vigarino, Kathi McDonald, Dick Powell and the Tim Hall Band. B.I.G. had a celebration Jan 12th at the Central and Salmon Bay Eagles was celebrating the fourth year of hosting the blues jam there. Leslie Milton’s Having Fund Band were playing featuring Al Katz and Tim Sherman, guitars; Mark Dalton, bass; and John Hodgkins, vocals and harp. The Midnights were cutting three demos for Capital records and the Woodpeckers were headed to L.A. to record an album. There was a short piece on Michael the Sandman’s KBCS radio show Groove Time. Tom Hunnewell reported on 5th Annual Battle of the Blues Harps

No 24th at

the

Golden Sails Hotel in Long Beach, CA. For the first time on the same stage were three of the finest California harp wizards William Clarke, Rod Piazza and James Harman (ok, yeah, I’m drooling) also on the bill was Lynwood Slim backed by Kid Ramos & the Big Rhythm Combo. Pi Square now had 11 clubs for 1 cover.

In the March 1994 issue,there were two cover stories, the first was instructions for the fourth BB Awards Mar 27th at Salmon Bay Eagles. They had instituted changes to make the voting more fair. The second article was about a benefit for the Washington Blues Society Shannon Love Productions Presents The Washington Blues Society on the Eastside being held Mar 12th at Spencer’s Restaurant & Lounge in Bellevue. Artists who performed included

WBS History 5.1WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY Christmas party held on a chilly, rainy night. The MC for the proceedings was KBCS DJ Dr. Don Livingston. The entertainment started with Fat James bass man Tracy Arrington and keyboard player Dave Cashin, Leslie Milton on drums and Nichole Fournier on guitar and vocals. Next up was Freddy James Rockin’ 88’s with Milton still on drums and Tom Mazzuca on sax. This was followed by the Fat James Band with Paul Green adding harp to one song. The show continued with Milton back on the kit, Tony Thomas on bass, Freddy on keys with Fat James and Tim Sherman on guitars fronted by John “Mr. Soul” Hodgkins on harp and vocals. The fun didn’t end here as next up were Tim, Tracey with Tom Murphy drums, Rolf Larson keys and Karla Maylender vocals. Washington Blues Society President Cholo Willsin gave away raffle prizes of CD’s, albums and cassette tapes (you can explain those items to your grandkids.) Dr. Don and Cholo gave a 1993 wrap up and plans for the blues society in 1994. There was still more music with Milton, Thomas, Sherman, Mazzuca, Nick Vigarino on slide and Kathi McDonald on vocals. The final set (yes six sets) featured Norm Bellas on keys, Arrington, Milton, Sherman and Fat James guitars, with Paul Green starting on harp and vocals and Duffy Bishop finishing out the night. Thanks went out to Don Dodge and Steve Wood for stage production and sound, Dr. Don, all the musicians, blues society members and friends.The Washington Blues Society banner was

missing in action, taken off the fence at Winthrop. Vice President Musicians Bob Freidenberg thanked all the 1993 volunteers. There was a reminder to get in 1994 BB Award nominations. There was a 1/4 page ad from Alligator Records for Dave Hole. There was write up of Hole’s November 18th show at the New Orleans by Freidenberg and a couple of CD reviews, Seattle Women in Rhythm & Blues We Are Not Good Girls, and Little Nicky & the X-Men Sharkskin. Seattle Women were backed by Tom Erak, bass; Joe Guzman, drums; Ed Vance, keys and Mark Riley, guitar, while the ladies were Marrilee Rush, Kathi McDonald, Patti Allen, Kathy Hart, Nancy Claire and LJ Porter. Little Nicky’s (Nicole Fournier) band was Andrew Cloutier. Drums; Albritton McClain, bass; Roger Filgo, B-3; and sax by Scott Adams and Jordan O’Hara. In Rod Downing’s Blues Beat he laments the loss of another blues club

Kathi McDonald, LJ Porter, Nick Vigarino, Billy Blackstone, Tony Williams, Rolf Larson , soprano saxophone player Frank Steel and his Russian guitarist Volodia and possibly the Fat James Band. Event co-sponsors were Bellevue Auto Sound, Festival gallery Rock ‘n’ Roll Art in Kirkland and Band Aid Music. The March blues society General Meeting was at Salmon Bay Eagles Sun Mar 13th with the Nightsticks, Woody Carr, Jim King, Scott Earheart, Les White and Dandy Masters. The blues society Board were Cholo Willsin, President; Don Livingston, Vice President Membership; Ken Page, Vice President Clubs; Rod Downing, Vice President Musicians; Shannon Love, Secretary; Jan Kisor, Treasurer, Bill Yates, Editor and Doug & Wendy Moe Calendar. There was a 1/2 page ad for the 2nd Annual Centrum Port Townsend Blues Workshop. Page four was the Best of the Blues Award Ballot with 22 categories (two new Blues Event and Slide Guitar) with five nominees each. Downing’s Blues Beat reported a new club in Pi Square hosting blues on weekends like Tom McFarland and Tim Sherman and jazz Tue-Thur. Also in the column was a bit on Blue Shadows KCMU’s Thur evening radio show hosted by Greg Weber. With the BB’s new category for Slide Guitar a Washington Blues Society member had asked Rod about slide players so he came up with a list, as he stated “lengthy but not complete.” Dan Abernethy (Sliderulers,) Nick Vigarino (Mean Town Blues,) Doug Kearny

(Blue Flames) Marty Lepore (Iguanas,) Shawn Hanify (Night Crawlers,) Eric Madis

(Dermody-Madis-Dalton,) Pat Chase (Guitar Slim,) Dave Conant (D-Rangers,) Billy Stapleton (Lonesome Jerome,)

Jack Cook (Phantoms of Soul,) Mark Whitman (Muscletones,) Scott Lind (Charles White Band,) Brian Butler

(Brian Butler Band,) Tim Langford (Too Slim & the Taildraggers,) Rod Cook (Royals,) Steve Bailey (Blue Flames,) Henry Cooper (Duffy Bishop,) Dan Newton (Woodpeckers,) Mark Malloy, Daddy Treetops, TJ Read, Joel Tepp, Al Cloutier, Mark Chapman, Phil Scottie, Mark Harris and Orville Johnson (hey I know over 1/2 of them.) There was an article on the Emporium Fire Trust Fun Benefit in Winthrop; the proceeds went to aid the 6 businesses and 30 employees left jobless by a fire that winter.

A blue book was being released by Penguin Books on Feb 9th by music journalist Robert Santelli titled “The Big Book of Blues: A Biographical Encyclopedia. It was 512 pages with over 600 blues bios.

The winner is…(continued on page 23)

In the March 1994 issue,there were two cover stories, the first was

instructions for the fourth BB Awards Mar 27th at Salmon Bay Eagles.

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The ingredients for dirty rice are not ones found in many other dishes. Chicken livers, pieces of ground pork, chopped bacon, celery, Cajun seasonings, onions, peppers, and rice do create something pretty flavorful though. Parts are soft, parts are crunchy, and it is spicy. Yes it is found in New Orleans. It is no surprise that when Eric Law or Eric Law Rice was searching for a band name and someone was talking about food he knew they mentioned the right food when they said “dirty rice.” That had to be the name of his band. When you think of a blues band with that name you think of Louisiana, and maybe a double entendre because of the word dirty and a band member with Rice one of his family names. This band will be on my menu in 2012 and request it if you don’t see it in print when you enter a club.

This band has talented musicians and they have a passion for what they are doing. In talking to band members what comes out is the clear fact that they have a fire in their bellies and want to be on bigger stages. Eric Rice is not the only one in the band that radiates the power of an artist who knows what he is doing. The whole band radiates something special in conversations. Many readers of The Bluesletter are familiar with BB Award winning Sax player Scotty Harris who plays bass now in this band. Some blues fans are familiar with Ricky Johnson who plays drums in this band. Over the years Eric played guitar and sang in both Spokane and Seattle with bands like Yo & the Cats, J.R. Boogie, Bar Fly, and performed with musicians like Fat James and Sweet Talkin’ Jones.

These guys have been around a while and played with other bands but during the last year they have played together every Sunday at Marco’s in Lynnwood at a strip mall along Hwy 99. They also played at the WBS Holiday Party in December. In talking to Scotty Harris he lets his excitement show and tells about how he thinks this band can be on the Road to Memphis this coming year. They have a number of original songs that Eric has written and sound smooth as silk on some old classics like “Black Cat Bone”, “Wang Dang Doodle”, and maybe especially on “You Really Got a Hold On Me”. They are a pleasure to see perform live and I expect that more people are going to find out about that if they book more gigs.

I sat down with Eric and we spent an afternoon talking about where his music comes from and where it is going next. Before asking a specific question I talked with him a while about music. Questions were posed during the discussion but this doesn’t start with a question. The following is part of that conversation.

Eric: I am into finding tone. The Stratocaster is a pretty one for that…and this (blues) is the most powerful music in the world today. My big thing right now is making sure that what

I am doing means something, because in the past I played with some really cool players since 1996….(he then listed many of the best known blues performers in the region). Well, now I am not going with that approach (of playing around with no plan). I have a new attitude. Now there is a direction to what I am doing. Ricky and Scotty know that we are playing at Marco’s to polish this act up. We have a direction now. We are not in a hurry to fill up our calendar. I am more concerned about making sure this is a deadly (good) band, and it’s gonna be.

RH: Scotty was saying he thought this band has the potential to compete for Road to Memphis selection this coming year. Do you agree?

Eric: Oh yeah. I have my sights set pretty high this coming year. I was talking to Marlee Walker and she asked “Why don’t you open for national acts?” and I said “Absolutely”. I have never had the fire I have now. I have more passion for this band than any I have worked with before. I used to not like my voice and song writing. Scotty and Ricky told me I had the wrong attitude toward myself. I was laid off of work a while back and I looked through my old stuff from years ago. There was a period of 6 to 8 months when I didn’t pull the guitar out of the case…but I have a lot of fire for it now.

RH: What made it shift?

Eric: It took a lot of energy to play after work. When I got laid off I started listening to all the old tapes, and heard them differently. I got more

Have Some RiceBy R

ober

t Hor

n

Photos by Tom Hunnewell

“I have more passion for this band than any I have worked with before. I used to not like my voice and song writing. Scotty and Ricky told me I had the wrong attitude toward myself.”

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DirtyReservation Blues isn’t a bad thing when it entails a performance by the Inland Empire Blues Society’s Best Male Blues Performer for 2011, Robb Boatsman. In fact, it was the perfect way to kick off the New Year at Bobbi’s Bar in Plummer, Idaho. Bobbi’s, on the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation, is a big supporter of the blues, both on the reservation and around the Inland Northwest. Boatsman packed the 100-year old “rez” bar two Friday’s in a row for a pre New Year’s bash and a birthday party. And Robb did what Jerry Peterson, Vice President of IEBS sez he does best, and that’s, perform!

The sets were scheduled early for the convenience of an older crowd, from 6 to 10 p.m., but Boatsman played until 2 a.m. each time. time. He had called it a night several times, but it seemed like the guitars were virtually leaping back into his arms. He couldn’t pass the stage without picking one up and playing some more. He started out by entertaining the crowd with lots of classic blues rendered on his electric acoustic Joshua guitar. Toward the end of the night he’d pull out the red electric hollow body guitar and really proceeded to shine. On New Year’s, he played behind his head, then proceeded to crank out that classic from Jimi Hendrix, “Voo Doo Chile” with the guitar ending up on the floor. Toward the end, the guitar was on the floor seeming to play by itself, when Robb grabbed the Joshua and accompanied himself for a few notes to end the song as a one-man duet. \

It is easy to see why Robb Boatsman was voted Best Male Blues Performer in the Inland Empire Blues Society’s awards program. His love of music, singing, and crowd interaction kept the audiences engaged for a full eight hours both nights with just a few short breaks. His solo act is becoming as much in demand as are performances with his band Rampage, which was nominated Best New Blues Band in 2008, 2009, and Best Blues Band in 2010 and 2011 by the members of the Inland Empire Blues Society.

I’ll close this short article by inviting Washington Blues Society members to Bobbi’s Bar on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation in Idaho. Should your travels take you to our area, please stop in. We’ll serve up some great blues and welcome you to a great blues bar!

Blues at Bobbi’s BarBy Roberta Doupe’

interested in the story telling aspect of songs. I’m not just interested in being a guitar slinger.

RH: Explain that more, the story telling aspect.

Eric: There are a lot of good guitar players but what makes a Buddy Guy or Stevie Ray, and they may not tell you what notes are being played but while they are good guitar players, is that they are great story tellers. That is true of rock n roll or country too. Johnny Cash is a great story teller. What I am trying to do now is tell the story. One of the things I do now is “Give My Love to Rose” by Johnny Cash and a couple times I have gotten the response I am looking for. I look around the room to see if I get the emotional response I am trying to bring out in people. (Eric told of how Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, and others can get people crying to a song and that is because of how good they are at story telling.)

RH: So, as in any kind of writing, in performing music, having something to say is key?Eric: Yeah, speaking of that: Scotty and Ricky have said to me about songs I wrote a long time ago, “Why aren’t you singing these now?” I played a couple of them for Scotty, and he said those are cool. I then started looking at other and re-worked a few of them. I will have a CD come out by spring and another in the summer. Before, I was the dog running around in the yard raising hell. Now I am the dog scratching at your door.

Eric talked about setting out to book his band a

lot more in the coming period. He said that he was never all that proud of what he was doing years ago in Pioneer Square but not he wants to be booked there and everywhere else with a band he is proud of…in Everett, Seattle,…etc. We talked a lot about the old days of blues bands playing at all the clubs in Pioneer Square and packing in the crowds at each place. He said that Pioneer Square is why he originally moved to Seattle. It is not what it used to be. He said “It f**kin’ rocked… (he told of a place that used to be open till 4 AM in the morning) “You could drink whiskey all night and eat pasta there and go home smelling like garlic and whiskey at 4:30 in the morning and piss off your wife, it was great.” (This statement was included for comic purposes with Eric’s permission --- he doesn’t really want to piss off his wife I assume.)

You can find the band online and even get a taste of their music there but their live shows are better than on a computer. I look forward to seeing them a lot more in 2012. Expect to have them stand in front of judges to be scored in the Road to Memphis competition this coming year. Whether they go to Memphis or not will be determined later on. They will be fun to see and hear between now and the time we find out about that.

Have Some Rice

We talked a lot about the old days of blues bands playing at all the clubs in Pioneer Square and packing in the crowds at each place.

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While I had heard of Brandon O. Bailey before, I met him in Memphis last year for the first time. As I was walking through a breezeway at my hotel, I heard the familiar riffs of Jason Ricci’s “Snowflakes and Horses,” and this really caught my attention. In a park across from the hotel, a young man sat playing a most compelling harmonica solo. I had to check this out more closely.  Before crossing the street to the park, the familiar J. Geils’ “Whammer Jammer,” followed by the Sonny Boy Williamson/Willie Dixon tune “Bye Bye Bird,” floated in the air. I was totally captivated by this tall, angular, handsome teenager as he shifted his effects and swung into Michael Jackson’s classic “Billie Jean.” I hung around to watch Brandon work so that I could learn more about this very talented harmonica player.

The following explains why Brandon has caught the attention of master harmonica players across North America.  In 2008, he rose through the ranks of several hundred contestants to make the finals of the Orpheum Star Search competition in Memphis. He won it handily.  The Blues Foundation has awarded scholarships to Brandon two summers in a row to assist in his further advancement and studies of the harmonica.  Brandon adapted the post-modern harp-boxing style made famous by Son of Dave: blues riffs intertwined with beat-box rhythms. This brings the art form to a new level of awareness for a much younger generation of music fans.  

Although still in his teens, he’s already played with some of the best harmonica players and bands in the country, including Adam Gussow of Satan and Adam, Jason Ricci and New Blood, Billy Gibson, Charlie Wood, and Blind Mississippi Morris. He has performed at B. B. Kings Blues Club in Memphis, the Rum Boogie Cafe, and the Orpheum Theater in Memphis. Plus, the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival in Helena, the Mid South Fair, and the Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C. I had a delightful conversation with Brandon in Memphis last year, and learned a lot about a promising young blues talent with a great deal of potential who just might be called Dr. Brandon O. Bailey in less than ten years.

SS: How did you choose the harmonica, or did it choose you?

BB: I began playing the harmonica after my grandmother told me that my great grandfather

(her father) used to play harmonica train songs around the house to entertain the family. This prompted me to ask my mom to purchase a harmonica, and I started from there.  SS: What prompted you to learn the looping technique?  How and when did you first find out about that?

BB: I was searching through some music videos on YouTube one day around two years ago, and somehow stumbled upon the work of a former member of “the crash test dummies” named Benjamin Darvill who now goes by the stage name Son of Dave.  He was using a looping pedal to layer beat boxed grooves and bass hummed harmonies, and was playing harmonica and singing over the top.  This style completely fascinated me, and I imagined that if I had a looping pedal, I would probably be able to play similar music. So fortunately some months later, I received a looping pedal from my aunt Lasonia Harris (who is also the executive producer of my album) and began studying every Son of Dave video on the internet. SS: Jason Ricci admires what you play and I have heard you play his material.  Has his Levy method had an influence on you in any way? BB: Although I am a huge fan of Howard Levy, he has never been one of my particular sound influences. The closest influential link that I have to Howard’s playing is from my friend and mentor, the late Chris Michalek. Chris was a friend of Levy’s and was one of the few master jazz harmonica players who could keep up with Levy’s technique.  SS: When did you come under the tutelage of Adam Gussow? BB: I actually learned how to play from watching his series of instructional videos on YouTube.com.  We first met after I had progressed to the semi-final round of a mid-south talent competition held yearly called the Orpheum Star Search. Mr. Gussow attended that semi-final round and became interested in my ability after seeing me play the J.Geil’s bands instrumental harmonica piece “Whammer Jammer.” When I progressed to the final round of the competition, Mr. Gussow offered to come to Memphis to give me some stage coaching for the finals. Fortunately, the stage training

worked, and I won the competition. We have been friends and he has been helping ever since. SS: Harp musicians are very devoted to their particular brand, and model of harmonica.  Charlie Musselwhite praises Harrison harmonicas for giving him the quality he demands on the road.  How did you happen to pick this manufacturer?  What models do you prefer? BB: I was originally introduced to Harrison Harmonica’s through my friend and fellow harmonica player Jay Gaunt, who had purchased some of their customs, and is friends with the company owner, Brad Harrison. After playing his custom harmonicas for a while, Mr. Harrison informed me that he would be manufacturing his own brand of harmonicas in Chicago, and that he wanted me to be one of his endorsees. Currently, the Harrison Harmonica’s B-Radical is my favorite harmonica due to its easy of playability and workmanship. There is no other harmonica being manufactured in the United States and with such amazing quality to allow me to do what I do. SS: Having met both your mother and grandmother, how has their role in your life with music developed? BB: My mother and grandmother have been the biggest supports since the very beginning. They have been through a lot because of the music I am involved in, and have invested a great deal not only financially, but of their own time, energy and patience. I am extremely thankful to them for that. SS: There are three of self-penned tunes on Memphis Grooves, as well as the covers you do. What might we expect to hear on your next album? BB: The next album will feature more prominent vocal arrangements, as well as some of Memphis’s incredible live musicians as my backing. The looping will still be there, but in more of a live band context, with less emphasis on solo arrangements. SS: Where do you see yourself with the harmonica four years from now? BB: It is difficult to say where I will be with the harmonica in four years, considering how much of a whirlwind journey these last

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three years have been. I never really know what is going to happen next, which keeps things very exciting for me. I do hope that my overall mastery of the harmonica will have improved, as well as knowledge of the inner workings of music and theory. It would also be a wonderful thing to have a major record deal by that time. However, in four years I am planning to be in medical school, so we will have to see how things are going with the harmonica. SS: You are in a select group of young men in this country right now who are perfecting their craft on the harp. You told me about being friends with Jay Gaunt.  Are there other young harp musicians close to your calibre that you jam with from time to time?

BB: As young harmonica artists, we are a very close-knit group of people. Therefore, I try to stay in contact with all of the other young players that I can find in the world. Some players of particular note in my generation include my friends Nic Clark, of Colorado, Zack Pomerleau, of Maine, RJ Harman, of Florida, Zhin Wong, of Malaysia, Alex Paclin, of Russia, and LD Miller, of Indiana. SS: I heard that you wanted to study medicine and become a doctor.  If this is true, where do you see your skills with the harmonica going?  Will you continue to play and study or have it as a hobby/outlet? BB: The primary career goal is to become a paediatric neurologist, and I am currently a pre-med student at the University of Memphis. However, pursuing music is important to the degree as it is possible without interfering with my medical training.  Having heavily invested in music at this point of being a hobby is not an option. However, during medical school I will definitely have to slow down a bit with that career. I look forward to Brandon’s next ‘adventure’ in music and wish him much success in life.    With wonderful goals like these, he is to be encouraged and congratulated.  The blues music of tomorrow is in good hands for the next generation with such forward-thinking, thoughtful, and talented performers as Brandon O. Bailey.

Mem

phis Grooves with

Brandon O. Bailey

By Suzanne Swanson

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January’s meeting of the Washington Blues Society, otherwise known as our “Blues Bash,” was a great start to a great blues year. Music Director Suze Sims has set the blues bar pretty high by featuring two-time International Blues Challenge solo/duo competitor J.D. Hobson for the acoustic set followed by Miles Harris and Triple Threat, an electric youth band from Mount Vernon High School in Skagit County, Washington. Over 75 blues fans – members and non-members alike – started of our blues year with a bang.

Each of the night’s sets featured what I consider to be important songs from “America’s blues songbook,” and featured acoustic and electric blues touchstones.

The night’s opener, J.D. Hobson, has played on a number of regional stages, including Bumbershoot, the Bite of Seattle, Taste of Tacoma, and has had regular gigs at the Conor Byrne Pub and the award-winning Highway 99 Blues Club in downtown Seattle. As the winner of the South Sound Blues Association’s Back to Beale Street solo/duo competition, he recently competed in Memphis at the 2011 International Blues Challenge for the second year in a row. Last year, J.D. was nominated by the Washington Blues Society members for a 2011 Best of the Blues award in the best solo/duo category. Tonight’s set included two songs from Son House, “Jinx Blues” and “Preachin’ the Blues,” as well as his original, “Driven” which was inspired by Charley Patton and Blind Lemon Jefferson. Two of my favorite songs from J.D.’s set were Blind Willie McTell’s “Statesboro Blues” and Willie Dixon’s “Spoonful Blues.”

J.D. Hobson’s outstanding interpretations of traditional, country blues set the stage for the Washington Blues Society debut of a band of young bluesmen, Miles Harris and Triple Threat.

While I’d seen J.D. perform on Beale Street in Memphis, I had never heard of Miles’ band.

I often wondered how our returning Music Director lines up top-quality blues acts who donate their time to the Washington Blues Society for our second Tuesday, all-ages meetings at the Red Crane restaurant in Shoreline. Suze didn’t reveal any of her secrets, but told me that “Best of the Blues” – and Guitar Center guitar challenge – winner Scott E. Lind had something to do with Miles & Co. joining us.

“I met guitarist and bass player Charlie Krengel at the all-ages jam I host on Monday nights at the Oxford Saloon,” Lind said. “Our conversation about blues music started there. These students from Mount Vernon High School worked together to make a band video as their senior project. It was a great experience. I felt like I was passing down the torch without putting mine down.”

The band leader and vocalist, Miles Harris is 17 years old, and has been playing guitar three and a half years. His major influences are Joe Bonamassa, BB King, Eric Clapton, and Eric Johnson. He is currently in his high school jazz choir and concert choir.

Charlie Krengel is 18 years old, and the band’s guitar and bass player. He has been playing guitar for six years, and picked up bass the last year. His major influences include Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Greg Koch, BB King, Jeff Beck, and Charles Mingus. Along with serving in high school marching band drumline, concert bands, and jazz bands, he briefly served in the gospel blues band Trimmed n’ Burnin’ as lead guitar player, and sat in with numerous local blues groups, such as the Greg Pitsch Band and Jct. 61-49.

Eric Roberts is 19 years old and plays rhythm guitar in the band. He has been playing guitar for 6 years. His major influences are Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Greg Koch, David Gilmour and Rory Gallagher. He also worked as the sound man for The Conway Muse open mic nights and occasionally participated with some of the performers. He was also in the

at the Red Crane By Eric Steiner, photos by the Blues Boss

The January 2012 Blues Bash

Mount Vernon High School band.

Ryan McGrath is the band’s 18 year old drummer. He has been drumming for six years, and his influences include John Bonham, Buddy Rich, Carter Beauford, Max Roach, and JoJo Mayer. He also plays in the High School drumline and concert bands and is the main drummer for Mount Vernon High School’s Jazz 1.

True to their school’s mascot, these young men were blues Bulldogs as they powered through a set of covers that ranged from “Farther On Up the Road,” “Have You Ever Loved a Woman,” and “Crossroads,” to “Every Day I Have the Blues” and a mighty funky take on James Brown’s “I Feel Good.” While we always try to end promptly at nine o’clock, the audience was thrilled to shout “encore” for Miles’ note-bending frenzy of Jimi Hendrix’ “Foxy Lady” and the funkiest version of “Crossroads” that I have ever heard. Miles Harris and Triple Threat were joined by Bear on bass, a local blues player that can lock down the bottom end on any blues or rock song.

This month, our “Blues Bash” will feature top Northwest women in blues with a Sadie Hawkins’ dance theme. Legend has it that the Sadie Hawkins’character in Al Capps’ “Lil’ Abner” column sparked a trend that encouraged women to ask their sweethearts out for a dance, and this trend caught on in the late 1930s as an early women’s empowerment message. So, ladies, I’d like to ask you to ask your partner to bring his or her dancing shoes, a few small bills to drop in our tip jar – all proceeds go to musicians who donate their time, and none to the blues society – and put the Red Crane restaurant in Shoreline on your calendar on the second Tuesday of this month, which is the 14th (and Malcolm “Yard Dog” Kennedy’s birthday). I think that our Music Director’s plans for our meeting is befitting St. Valentine’s Day,

Our February meeting will be a fitting tribute to St. Valentine, Al Capp’s Sadie Hawkins, and an early “Happy Birthday” to the Yard Dog, a long-time volunteer and multiple “Best of the Blues” award recipient.

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Celebration of the Christmas season is a family affair on the Dry Side, and nowhere was that more apparent than at the 2nd Annual Blue Christmas show at the Knitting Factory on December 23rd. Sammy Eubanks put together this free show featuring some of our Spokane blues family members, and the show opened with Anita Royce and the High Rollers. This hard-hitting quintet was fantastic at the Inland Empire Blues Society October General Membership Meeting, but they took it to a whole new level at Blue Christmas. Fronted by Anita on guitar and vocals, the High

Rollers included Art Donnelley on bass, Dave Allen on harmonica and tenor sax, Jim Lorentz on keyboards and Nick Charles on drums. Spokane’s ‘Queen of the Blues’ hit the downbeat precisely at 8 pm with Paul DeLay’s “Be On Your Merry Way,” followed by Dave’s saxophone instrumental “Funkin’Around”. Anita laid down some sexy vocals on the original “Love Undercover” and “Hey Baby,”, rocked the house with “Hold On To What You Got,” and finished up with a heavy, danceable groove in Ellen Whyte’s “1-800-BLUES”.

As the craziness on the dance floor subsided, Zac Fairbanks and his band, the Booze Fighters took the stage. Joining Zac on guitar and vocals were Alex Morrison on bass, Mike

Tschirgi on drums ,and the Inland Empire Blues Society’s 2011 Best Blues Guitarist nominee Dennis Higgins of 2011 Best Blues Band Laffin Bones. They came out swinging with hard-hitting blues covers, including “Messin’ With the Kid,” “She’s Got the Devil in Her,” “Hoochie Coochie Man,” and “Further On Down the Road”.

Headliner and 6-time Best Male Blues Vocalist Sammy Eubanks then started out with a song about – well, himself – namely “Big Boss Man,” followed by “You Win” from his 2005 CD, “My Big Fat Blues Record.” After Robert Cray’s “Smoking Gun” and the traditional “Come Home for Christmas,” Sammy introduced 2007 and 2011 Inland Empire Blues Society Best Blues Harmonica award-winner Jesse Kunz, who accompanied Sammy, 2011 Best Blues Bass Player Dale Lewis and 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009 Best Blues Drummer Michael Hays on songs including the Kentucky Headhunter’s “She’s Got to Have It,” Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page,” Billy Joe Shaver’s “Georgia On a Fast Train, ” and the set ended with Sammy’s own “Dancing Like a White Guy.” As the crowd began to wind down from their multi-band blues buzz, Sammy reminded them that the night wasn’t over – “We’ll see ya’ll at Bluz at the Bend, ‘cuz that’s where we’re going!” – and we did.

When I arrived at the Bend, the fabulous Fat Tones were starting their last set with “Hard On Me” from their 2006 release “Struttin.” Jesse Kunz showed up and accompanied the Tones on “Hustled Down in Texas” from their latest

Sammy Ewbanks and Dale Lewis Dennis Higgins of Laffin Bones Anita Royce and Nick Charles

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release “Sounds Like a Party,” and then led on an epic arrangement of the Stones’ “Miss You.” After “Too Many Drivers at the Wheel,” the Tones’ “I Will Follow” and Jason Ricci’s “I-55,” Sammy and Dale arrived and relieved Bobby Patterson and ‘Uncle’ Bob Ehrgott on guitar and bass. The revised lineup (known as the Sammy Tones, and not Fat Eubanks, thank you very much), included Jesse on harp and Fat Tones’ drummer Zach Cooper, did two of Sammy’s favorite shuffles, “Bad Boy” and “Hottest Thing in Town,” bringing the two-venue travelers to a sweaty conclusion well after the Bend’s normal Friday night closing time. I want to thank the Spokane area’s extended family of musicians for putting together such a blues extravaganza where an awesome night of music became true magic. Sammy Eubanks made it happen. A wonderful way to end a great year for music on the Dry Side.

We are welcoming a new band to the Dry Side, Thompson Brown and the Shakers, which features Patrice Thompson-Rose of Hoodoo Udu and Soul Proprietor, and Sarah Brown of the Sarah Brown Band on vocals, organizer Dennis Higgins on guitar, Dan Miller of the Coyote Rose Band and Voodoo Church on keyboards, and Mark Cornett and Mark Miller of the Kenny James Miller Band on bass and drums, respectively. I look forward to reporting on their January shows at Daley’s Cheap Shots in the Spokane Valley in a future Bluesletter. Thompson Brown and the Shakers intend to tour extensively… so, Wet Siders… Get Ready!

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Blues ReviewsNew Blues that you can Use

RavinwolfLong Live Live Music(Survive Records)

If you’ve never seen this phenomenal duo, you owe it to yourself to make a special effort to get-out and attend their next appearance! Jamey and Heather are the real deal. True Blues aficionados. This release pays tribute to great blues artists like Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Bessie Smith, and Skip James. What more do you want? Their sound is refined, dynamic, and very enjoyable to experience. Not to mention the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Their technical skill is truly above average, their stage presence is professional, and the end result makes for one remarkable occasion. I recently attended a performance in Everett and didn’t want the evening to end. As far as songwriters go, they are tops. One could say these folks are definitely original. If you’re expecting a full-tilt thundering sound, it’s not here. What you can expect is an easy listening, dedicated, sincere, and full of life renditions blues classics and unique originals that blend together better than most Highland scotches I’ve tasted. Did I mention the warmth and vitality of their sound? Oh yes, it’s nicely reproduced here and you won’t regret adding this CD to your blues collection. Long Live Live Music will stick with you like a Memphis BBQ and bourbon meal. Don’t forget to pick this one up. – George Boswell

Bad InfluenceTastes Like Chicken(Badblues Records)

Washingtonian (as in District of Columbia, the “other” Washington) Magazine hails Bad Influence as “a part of a long and worthy Washington blues tradition.” With an award for best blues band, in 2003 by the Washington Area Music Association, Bad Influence has garnered a devoted following. Eleven of the 12 songs on this CD are penned by band members Michael ‘Jr’ Tash, Roger Edsall, Bob Mallardi, and David Thaler. “Love Dot.com” jumps right into it, literally, with a tale about a married man’s best friend in this computer age. “Don’t Forget Your Nightclothes” moves smoothly along with background sax from Jay Corder with Michael Tash on guitar. We can see why this group is so popular on “She What?” and audiences are guaranteed finger-snapping blues and boogie, coupled with shout-out hooks that keep on coming. “Road House” and “B-Flick Man”, allow us to smile at our own foibles while keeping the beat bright. Sliding into a slow blues “Talkin’ To the Wall,” with a nice wailing sax solo, speaks to the pain and futility of trying to salvage a relationship past its “pull date.” On “DC Driver” we are up and dancing, or driving far too recklessly, with this story about road rage in the nation’s Capital. After “Break Out” we move to a solid bass line that slips easily into “When I’m With You.” “Run to The Money” moves along to dove-tail into the instrumental “Cat Fight,” showing off the skills of Roger Edsall on harp, Bob Mallardi on stand-up bass, and David Thaler on drums. The finishing touch is a very capable cover of a James Harmon tune, “The Clown.” Having heard Harmon perform this myself, it had me smiling and bobbing my head in appreciation. Well done, fellas! - Suzanne Swanson

Tim Aves & WolfpackThe Wolfpack Burnham Sessions(Square One Records)

I am always eager to discover CDs that pay tribute to Chicago blues greats like Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, or Elmore James. Motor City Josh’s 2008 tribute to Wolf, Forty Four, Paul Rodgers’ star-studded 1993 CD, Muddy Water Blues, and John Primer’s 2003 Blue Steel, each offer outstanding re-interpretations of blues classics like “Forty Four,” “I Can’t Be Satisfied,” and “Fine Little Mama.” I’ll add Tim Aves & Wolfpack’s 2011 sessions at the Saint Studios in Burnham, England, to this list. Tim’s expert slide work on “300 Pounds of Heavenly Joy” sets the stage alongside Paul Lester’s drums, and Joel Fisk’s guitar on Robert Johnson’s “Kindhearted Woman” and on Aves’ “Robert Johnson’s Shoes” add nice acoustic touches to this otheriwise plugged-in CD. When not bending notes with Tim & Co., “Jelly Roll” Joel plays with a well-respected British blues outfit named Hokie Joint. Not every blues vocalist can scale the heights Wolf climbed, but Tim capably throws his all into each song. Wolf had a powerful stage persona, and was a powerful singer; Aves’ vocals more than meet the challenge posed by the man born Chester Burnett. Two songs not penned by either Willie Dixon or Chester Burnett are keepers, too: Aves’ own “Robert Johnson’s Shoes” is a solid blues ballad, and Doyle Bramhall’s “Life by the Drop” is a fitting tribute one of the giants of Texas music who died in November of 2011. The set’s closer, recorded live at Essex’ New Crawdaddy Club, is a delightful 13-minute mash-up of “Smokestack Lightning,” “Spoonful,” and “Commit a Crime.” If the Chicago Blues Festival needed a band to honor Howlin’ Wolf ’s memory, I’d highly recommend Tim Aves & Wolfpack. They’ve captured the soul, the passion and artistry of Howlin’ Wolf. – Eric Steiner

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6 7Levee TownPages Of Paperwork(Self Released)

Pages of Paperwork from Kansas City quartet Levee Town sounds more like it came from the UK rather than the heartland. The fourteen song set is a fresh mix of British invasion, surf rock, classic blues sensibility and rockabilly bravado. A band with three lead vocalists is a rare thing and Levee Town uses them with great effect sporting tight harmonies and fresh melodies, often doubling the vocal lines with the fine harmonica from Jim Meade or Brandon Hudspeth‘s fiery lead guitar. Bassist Jacque Garoutte gives gutsy vocals while drummer Jan Faircloth holds them all together with his snappy grooves. Each track has ear catching hooks and clever lyrics, drawing in the listener with ease. Standouts tracks, “Lowdown”” Hurt but Strong,” and “The Ring,” are radio ready. Infectious new music from a hard working Midwestern band who deserve attention. – Rick J. Bowen

Scott EllisonWalkin’ Through the Fire(JSE Records)

Oklahoma guitar man Scott Ellison is out to take no prisoners with his new release Walkin’ Through the Fire on JSE Records. This strong fifteen song set is a dance party disc meant to get listeners up on their feet. Each tracks features Ellison’s fiery fret work and raspy howl , who at times sounds like a mix of Delbert McClinton meets Bob Dylan, especially the two beat stomper “No Way To Live.” Ellison’s partner Walt Richmond can be credited with the tight arrangements and mix sounds and the tasty addition of the Hot Tamale horns, although the use of electronic drums feels a tad unauthentic at times. Ellison’s wit is also on display here with the snappy venom of barrel house rambler “You Talk Too Much,” and the terrifically sarcastic “The Man Who Shot Mustang Sally.” Walking Through the Fire is a fine collection of rockin’ blues, and soul from an under the radar artist. - Rick J Bowen

Keith ScottUniversal Blues(Dreamday Music)

Keith Scott has been plying the bluesman’s trade since landing in Chicago from Florida in the early 1980s, and since then, he’s released five CDs of original blues, rock and acoustic music. Along the way, he’s played the Chicago Blues Festival, several Midwestern universities, breweries, and noted blues rooms in Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. His In 2011, he released two CDs that bookend acoustic and electric blues. I particularly enjoyed his unplugged Tennessee Blues, but the follow-up to this toned-down acoustic blues CD, Universal Blues, shows me that Keith can bend blue notes quite effectively with an electric band, too. Keith’s music has landed on MTV’s “Real World,” “Road Rules,” and “Making the Video,” and was featured in a short film, “Fault,” which screened at the prestigious MIPCOM international entertainment conference in 2002. He’s toured extensively with “West Side Guitar Hero” Jimmy Dawkins, and has worked with the late Johnny Littlejohn, Hubert Sumlin, Hip Linkchain, and Eddie Taylor. Universal Blues offers up some strong songwriting backed up by some pretty tasty electric blues, particularly on “Second Hand Man,” “No Mercy,” and “Mean Mistreater.” While the majority of Universal Blues is forceful and electric, the acoustic blues of “Leaving Blues” and “Georgia Blues,” and the slide work on “Living in My Own World” attest to Keith’s diverse approach to the blues. If you’re fortunate enough to live near Chicagoland, check out Keith Scott live. He’s often working at clubs like Reggie’s on South State Street, the House of Blues, or playing clubs all the way from Saugatuck, Michigan down to Warsaw, Indiana, and up to Baraboo, Wisconsin, and all points in-between. I enjoyed Tennessee Blues, but his second 2011 release, Universal Blues, is even better as it offers up a mixture of original electric and acoustic blues that more clearly showcases the breadth of this bluesman’s talent. – Eric Steiner

Nick MossHere I Am(Blue Bella)

I thought Nick Moss took contemporary blues in some different directions on the Privileged release from 2010, but on Here I Am, Nick’s continuing to redefine modern blues with a diverse set of 10 original songs that range from full-tilt rock and roll, a little funk, and a couple of tried and true blues jams that merit repeat visits. Nick rocks pretty hard on this disk, but there’s enough here to pique the interest of so-called “blues purists” as well as fans of fellow award-winning guitar players like Buddy Guy and Rob Blaine. The CD begins with a powerful “Why You So Mean?” and “Blood Runs” shows that his studio band is in the same class as Nick’s Flip Tops. Niky “Skillz” Skilnik and Patrick Seals’ engine room is tight, Travis Reed’s keyboards add depth to another contemporary blues song about a worker’s life on the margins of the American dream (and it would have fit nicely on Nick’s social commentaries on Privileged). Nick rocks pretty hard on this disc, and the title tune would not out of place alongside some of my favorite Led Zepplin records from the 70s. Travis Reed’s keyboards usher in “It’ll Turn Around,” and it reminds me of slow, thoughtful, and soulful songs that have helped define Memphis music. Each time I listen to this song, I marvel at the way Nick blends over-the-top guitar solos against the passionate background vocals of Jennifer Evans, Shuree Rivera, and Michael Ledbetter. I’m glad that there’s a shorter radio edit of this decidedly bluesy number as it’ll give radio programmers an alternative to the eight-plus minute version. Nick’s “Katie Ann (Slight Return)” is a simple and direct love song with a driving beat and a powerful guitar solo. “Sunday Get Together” sounds like a jam session captured in a juke joint, complete with background noise from the audience, and some pretty inspired noodling from Nick. Initially, I thought Here I Am rocked a little too much for my tastes, but each time I revisit this CD, I appreciate the diversity of Nick’s latest set, and applaud Nick for expanding my blues horizons. The CD “man in the maze” cover art was inspired by a traditional Tohono O’odham Nation image from American Indians in Arizona’s Central Valley, and I think it fits Nick’s blues journey nicely: the maze depicts life’s cycles, roads and choices, and Here I Am is another path that Nick has chosen to further explore the boundaries of the blues. – Eric Steiner

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10Otis TaylorContraband(Telarc)

Telarc will release Otis Taylor’s 12th CD this month. Contraband is a diverse collection of 14 originals that capture Taylor’s eclectic approach to the blues. While many reflect his own unique brand of “trance blues” on Contraband, Taylor blends the djembe, acoustic and electric banjo, pedal steel, and fiddle, each complementing the traditional blues trio format featuring guitar, bass, and drums. On “Blind Piano Teacher,” Ron Miles’ cornet adds texture to Cassie Taylor’s and Todd Edmondson’s bass lines. This song would be right at home on a jazz station as well as on KBCO-FM’s Red Rooster Lounge blues program in Boulder, Colorado. Taylor was born in Chicago but calls the Centennial State home; and most recently, he’s created a new blues community through the Otis Taylor Trance Blues Festival. The inaugural event over Thanksgiving 2011 featured fellow Blues Music Award recipient Bob “Steady Rollin’” Margolin, banjo virtuosi Tony Trischka and Don Vappie, the Meters’ George Porter, Jr., Indigenous’ Mato Nanji (Standing Bear), and Contraband performers Ron Miles, Cassie Taylor, and Anne Harris. Several tracks further Taylor’s focused, repetitive interpretations of blues with few chord changes, such as “On My Delta Bed” and “The Devil’s Gonna Lie.” The upbeat “Banjo Boogie Blues” features stellar pedal steel guitar from Chuck Campbell, rock solid bass lines courtesy of Otis’ daughter Cassie, and the Gospel-tinged Sheryl Renee Choir buoys the song nicely. The plaintive and wistful “Yellow Car, Yellow Dog” features Chicago’s Anne Harris on fiddle adding color and spice to a sparse, sad love song alongside Otis’ acoustic and electric banjos and Cassie’s bass. The two closing songs are among my favorites: “Never Been to Africa” recalls the story of a black soldier fighting abroad in World War I, and “I Can See You’re Lying” is an amped-up psychedelic blues rocker with blistering guitar leads from Jon Paul Johnson. Contraband offers a wide range of musical experiences, and reflects Otis Taylor’s diverse musical interests rooted in West African and Mississippi Hill Country traditions. – Eric Steiner

Kilborn AlleyFour(Blue Bella)

I first discovered Blue Bella recording artists Kilborn Alley (also billed as the Kilborn Alley Blues Band) several years ago on DJ “Delta Frank” Black’s excellent blues show at WGLT-FM at Illinois State University (my undergraduate alma mater). Delta spun Kilborn Alley’s debut Blue Bella CD, Put It In the Alley, and I was hooked immediately after I heard this 2007 Blues Music Award-nominated disc. Three CDs later, this central Illinois-based quartet is back with another CD. Since that debut, they’ve released Tear Chicago Down, and last year’s Blues Blast Award-winning Better Off Now, and Four, which continues Kilborn Alley’s journey in delivering contemporary and traditional blues with their own distinctive sound. Andrew Duncanson’s vocals are perfectly suited for the soulful “You Were My Woman,” up tempo “”Rents’ House Boogie” and funky “22nd Street.” Andrew shares guitar work with Josh Stimmel, and Chris Breen on bass and Ed O’Hara on drums propel each song forward. Guests on Four feature labelmate Gerry Hundt on harmonica, Vince Salerno on sax, and Travis Reed on keyboards, and whether the song features the core Alley quartet, or their guests, Four offers consistently solid helpings of blues. The band finds a Memphis groove on “Good Advice” and recalls the halcyon days of Chicago’s Chess Records on “Sitting on the Bank,” but my favorite is Four’s closer: a rambling 10+ minute slow blues song called “Going Hard,” which showcases Duncanson and Stimmel’s considerable guitar chops. Generations ago, young Chicago bluesmen competed in “head cutting” jam sessions, and I think that Andrew and Josh would’ve represented Kilborn Alley just fine. Kilborn Alley has been recognized perennially at Chicago’s Blues Blast Awards, and I am glad that Four continues the band’s forward momentum on the innovative Blue Bella label. – Eric Steiner

Morry Sochat & The Special 20sEatin’ Dirt(Galaxie Records)

I had the good fortune to see Morry Sochat and the Special 20s open for Lurrie Bell at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago this past December. This early holiday present featured most of the cuts of Sochat’s third CD, including “She’s A Betty,” “Fried Chicken and Waffles” and “Meet Me in Chicago.” Morry’s core band members are a “who’s who” of contemporary Chicago blues artists, and his guests are equally top-rate. The rhythm section of Marty Binder on drums and Ted Beranis on bass find the pocket effortlessly . Shoji Naito and Jim St. Marie share guitar duties, and Doug Corcoran plays trumpet and keyboards. Morry’s recruited some great guests to round out a diverse blues record that is infused with jump blues, swing, and the electric Chicago sound. Long-time Koko Taylor collaborator John Kattke (Brother John, who hosts the jam at Buddy Guy’s every other Monday night) contributes some fine keyboard work, while Billy Flynn and Dave Herrero add to the Special 20’s guitars. Chris Neal rounds out the big-band sound on sax, and I found Eatin’ Dirt fun from start to finish. I enjoyed the band’s second release, Swingin’ Shufflin’ Smokin’ and Eatin’ Dirt offers another joyful Chicago blues experience. – Eric Steiner

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Editor’s Note: Slightly longer versions of the Otis Taylor, Nick Moss, Keith Scott, and Kilborn Alley CD reviews originally appeared online at www.chicagobluesguide.com. Many thanks to Managing Editor Linda Cain for her permission to reprint these reviews in the Bluesletter.

Bert DeivertKid Man Blues(Self Released)

At first glance, Kid Man Blues by blues mandolin man Bert Deivert is fine easy listening collection of acoustic based blues delivered front porch style with a live off the cuff feel. But when you dig deeper into the liner notes you find there is more to the story and the album becomes the portrait of a man on a global quest to find the source elements that drive his passion for the blues. Deivert traveled the globe, recording in Sweden, Germany, Mississippi and Bangkok to collaborate and commune with likeminded souls who celebrate the blues with the same fire. Opening with R.L Burnsides “Goin’ Down South,” featuring the ghostly wail of the lap steel alongside his mandolin that ramp up vibe of this call and response chant, setting the stage for what is to come. Big Toe Studios in Duncan Mississippi was site for delta style jam session that produced foot stompers “Rob and Steal,” and “Lula,” with the late Sam Carr on drums. Dievert sites Carl martin as the prime influence on his blues mandolin and this reading of Martin’s “Kid Man Blues with help from My Sohlin and Memphis Gold on vocals could serve as an archetype for the genre. Most intriguing is how Deivert captured the ghost of Skip James and his 1931 classic “Cypress Grove,” in Bangkok with help from Dulyasit “Pong” Srabua on guitar. Who knew the Delta had move to Thailand. Kid Man Blues shows us that the mandolin is the oft forgotten right hand man of traditional acoustic blues that sits perfectly alongside slide and nation guitar, and Bert Deivert is a man on a mission to keep it alive and kicking. – Rick J. Bowen

WBS History 5.1continued...The winner is…

And the 1994 Best of Blues winners were:

Acoustic Guitar-Nick VigarinoElectric Guitar-Mark Whitman

Slide Guitar-Dan AbernethyHarmonica-Doug Caulkins

Bass-Tracy ArringtonKeyboards-Dave Cashin

Brass/Reeds-John GoforthSongwriter-Fat James

Male Vocalist-Mark DuFresneBand-Fat James band

Best Club-Salmon Bay EaglesBlues DJ-Dr. Don Livingston

Blues Album-Seattle Rhythm & Blues Vol. 1Entertainer of the Year-Leslie Milton

Hall of Fame-Buck EnglandBlues Writer-Marlee Walker (Blues To Do’s)

Keeping the Blues Alive-Cholo WillsinLiving Blues Legend-Isaac Scott

Drums-Pete “The Beat” LanghansNew Band-B.I.G. , Blues Industry Giants

Female Vocalist-Karla MaylenderBlues Event-WASHINGTON BLUES

SOCIETY Christmas Party Taj Mahal and Robert Cray performed at the Paramount Theater. Taj was backed by a band of local artists with Rod Cook on guitar, John Goforth on sax, Ben Smith-drums, Randy Claire-bass and Gary Verill-piano. After Cray’s set Taj joined him for an encore and then Cray played another 4 songs. The membership meeting was held on April 10th and featured the Tim Hall Band. On Apr 1st Double Cookin’ (James “Curley” Cooke & Rod Cook) played at the Tacoma Community College. Blues Beat reported on drummer Matt Williams who had recently left California after an earthquake and had joined the Alley Cats. There was a short piece on Jim Kelton’s Wed night radio program on KCMU, Roadhouse. The Roger Roger’s Band released a live studio to DAT CD Some People Got It and held a CD release party at Brothers Bistro. In the band were Dan Davison-keys, Russ Kammerer-drums, Ed Hess-bass and Roger on lead guitar & vocals. Doyle Bramhall II signed with Antone’s Records and released Bird Nest on the Ground. Shannon Love Productions presents 148th Avenue Blues at Spencer’s Friday May 6th with Dick Powell, Tom McFarland, Frank Steel, Jacque Lomax and many All-Star guests. Julie Blake wrote an article titled Benefits Benefit Everyone. A benefit brings out the best in people, it isn’t just about making money; but about coming together for a common cause. The cause in this case was supporting live music through the Washington Blues Society benefit held Mar 12th at Spencer’s. There was a “get to know your Board members piece on Jan Kisor.

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A.H.L. (206) 935-4592AlleyKattz (425) 273-4172Annieville Blues (206) 994-9413Author Unknown (206) 355-5952Baby Gramps Trio (425) 483-2835BackGround Noise (425) 931-8084Back Porch Blues (425) 299-0468Badd Dog Blues Society (360) 733-7464Billy Barner (253) 884-6308Bay Street Blues Band (360) 731-1975Norm Bellas & the Funkstars (206) 722-6551Black River Blues (206) 396-1563Blackstone Players (425) 327-0018Blues Attitude (360) 701-6490Blue 55 (206) 216-0554Blue Healers (206) 440-7867Blues To Do Monthly (206) 328-0662Brian Lee & the Orbiters www.brianleeorbiters.comBrian Lee Trio (206) 390-2408Blues Playground (425) 359-3755Blues Redemption http://www.bluesredemption.com(The) Blues Sheriff (206) 979-0666Blues to Burn (253) 945-7441Bobby Holland & the Breadline (425)681-5644Bill Brown & The Kingbees 206-276-6600Bump Kitchen (253) 223-4333, (360) 259-1545Brian Butler Band (206) 361-9625Charlie Butts & the Filtertips (509) 325-3016Ellis Carter - 206-935-3188Malcolm Clark Band (253) 853-7749Colonel (360) 293-7931Kimball Conant & the Fugitives (206) 938-6096Jack Cook & Phantoms of Soul (206) 517-5294Rod Cook & Toast (206) 878-7910James Curley Cooke (253)945-7441Cooke & Green (253) 945-7441Coyote Blues (360) 420-2535John Scooch Cugno’s Delta 88 Revival (360) 352-3735Crossroads Band (206) 935-8985Daddy Treetops (206) 601-1769Sean Denton Band (425)387-0620Double Cookin’ (253) 945-7441Double Scott’s on the Rocks (206) 418-1180Julie Duke Band 206-459-0860Al Earick Band (253) 278-0330Sammy Eubanks (509) 879-0340Richard Evans (206) 799-4856Fat Cat (425) 487-6139Fat Tones (509) 869-0350Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone (206) 295-8306Gary Frazier (206) 851-1169Free Reign Blues Band (425) 823-3561Filé Gumbo (425) 788-2776Nicole Fournier & Her 3 Lb Universe (253) 576-7600Jimmy Free’s Friends (206) 546-3733Charlene Grant & the Love Doctors (206) 763-5074Paul Green & Straight Shot (206)795-3694Dennis “Juxtamuse” Hacker (425) 512-8111Heather & the Nearly Homeless Blues Band (425)576-5673Tim Hall Band (253) 857-8652Curtis Hammond Band (206) 696-6134)Ryan Harder (253) 226-1230Scotty Harris & Lissa Ramaglia/Bassic Sax (206) 418-1180Terry Hartness (425) 931-5755Ron Hendee (425) 280-3994JD Hobson (206) 235-3234Hot Rod Blues Revue (206)790-9934David Hudson / Satellite 4 (253) 630-5276Hungry Dogs (425) 299-6435Brian Hurst (360) 708-1653K. G. Jackson & the Shakers (360) 896-4175Jeff & the Jet City Fliers (206) 469-0363Junkyard Jane (253) 238-7908Stacy Jones Band (206) 992-3285Chester Dennis Jones (253)-797-8937

Harry “The Man” Joynes (360) 871-4438James King & the Southsiders (206) 715-6511

Virginia Klemens / Jerry Lee Davidson (206) 632-6130Mick Knight (206) 373-1681

Bruce Koenigsberg / The Fabulous Roof Shakers (425) 766-7253Kolvane (503) 804-7966

Lady “A” & the Baby Blues Funk Band (425) 518-9100Leanne Trevalyan (253)238-7908

Scott E. Lind (206) 789-8002Little Bill & The Bluenotes (425) 774-7503

Loose Gravel & The Quarry (253) 927-1212Dana Lupinacci Band (206) 860-4961

Eric Madis & Blue Madness (206) 362 8331Bill Mattocks Band (206) 601-2615

Albritten McClain & Bridge of Souls (206) 650-8254Brian “Jelly Belly” McGhee (253) 777-5972

Doug McGrew (206) 679-2655Mary McPage Band (206) 850-4849Miles from Chicago (206) 440-8016

Reggie Miles (360) 793-9577(The) Michal Miller Band (253) 222-2538

Rob Moitoza / House of Reprehensibles (206) 768-2820Moon Daddy Band (425) 923-9081

Jim Nardo’s Boogie Train Blues Band (360) 779-4300Keith Nordquist (253) 639-3206

Randy Norris & The Full Degree (425) 239-3876 Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely (425) 239-3876/(425) 359-3755

Night Train (253) 839 3305Randy Oxford Band (253) 973-9024

Robert Patterson (509) 869-0350Dick Powell Band (425) 742-4108

Bruce Ransom (206) 618-6210Rantin’ Humphres (425) 306-3752

Red Hot Blues Sisters (206) 940-2589Mark Riley (206) 313-7849

Gunnar Roads (360) 828-1210Greg Roberts (206) 473-0659

Roger Rogers Band (206) 255-6427Maia Santell & House Blend (253) 983-7071

Sciaticats Band (206) 246-3105Shadow Creek Project (360) 826-4068

Tim Sherman Band (206) 547-1772Billy Shew Band (253) 514-3637

Doug Skoog (253) 921-7506Smoke N Blues Allstars (253) 620-5737

Smokin’ Jays (206) 707-2018Son Jack Jr. (425) 591-3034

Soulshaker Blues Band (360) 4171145Star Drums & Lady Keys (206) 522-2779

John Stephan Band (206) 244-0498Chris Stevens’ Surf Monkeys (206) 236-0412

Stickshift Annie Eastwood (206) 522-4935Alice Stuart (360) 753-8949

Richard Sysinger (206) 412-8212Annette Taborn (206) 679-4113

Dudley Taft (206)795-6509Tahoma Tones (253)851-6559

Ten Second Tom (509) 954-4101Tone Kings (425) 698-5841

Too Slim & the Taildraggers (425) 891-4487Tim Turner Band (206) 271-5384

T-Town Aces (206)935-8985Two Scoops Combo (206) 933-9566

Unbound (425) 258-4477Uncle Ted Barton (253) 627-0420

Nick Vigarino’s Meantown Blues (360) 387-0374Tommy Wall (206) 914-9413

Mike Wright & The Blue Sharks (360) 652-0699 (425) 327-0944Charles White Revue (425) 327-0018Mark Whitman Band (206) 697-7739

Michael Wilde (425) 672-3206 / (206) 200-3363Rusty Williams (206) 282-0877

Hambone Wilson (360) 739-7740C.D. Woodbury (425) 502-1917

Beth Wulff Band (206) 367-6186, (206) 604-2829

Washington Blues Society Talent Guide

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SundaysAlki Tavern: Jam hosted b y Manuel MoraisDawson’s, Tacoma: Tim Hall Band, 7pmnEastlake Zoo Tavern: Eastlake Zoo Social Club & Jam featuring the Seattle Houserockers, 7pmEvelyn’s Tavern, Clear Lake: Gary B’s Church of the Blues 6 – 10pmLighthouse Des Moines: Tim Turner Band Northpoint Tacoma: Loose Gravel & the Quarry, 7pmPegasus Pizza, Kirkland, acoustic jam w/ HeatherBBlues, 8-11pmRaging River: Tommy Wall Feb. 26 - Brian LeeSilver Dollar: Big Nasty, 8pm

TuesdaysBarrel Invitational: hosted by Billy Shew, 8pm Feb. 21 - Tim TurnerBishop’s Alehouse, Kirkland: acoustic jam w/HeatherBBlues, 9pm-12amDawson’s, Tacoma: hosted by Shelley & Jho, 8pmJ & M Cafe Jam with Justin Kasual Hayes & Andrew Cloutier Pacific Rim Marysville Best Western: Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks, 7 – 11pmSnohomish Spirits & Sports: Sean Denton & friendsSummit Pub: Tim Hall & the Realtimes, 7:30pmWild Buffalo , Bellingham: hosted by Rick Baunach, 6:30 - 9:30pmYuppie Tavern, Kirkland (Totem Lake), HeatherBBlues Acoustic jam, 8pm

MondaysCaffe Mela, Wenatchee, 7pm (first Mon. of the month)88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Star Drums & Lady Keys host Blue Monday Jam, 8pmJR’s Hideway: Malcolm Clark, 8pmOxford Saloon: All ages open jam, 7 – 11pm

MondayKUGS 89.3FM Bellingham: Highway 61 8:00AM - 10:00AMwww.kugs.org - DJ, Chalkie McStevenson

KAOS 89.3FM Olympia: “Blues On Rye” 1:00PM - 3:00PM www.kaosradio.org - DJ, Val Vaughn

Northwest Convergence Zone Online Radio: NWCZradio.com: Dave Samson’s BluesShow 7:00pm - 10:00PM

TuesdayKBCS 91.3FM Bellevue: Eh Toi! 11:00PM - 1:00AMwww.kbcs.fm - DJ, DJ Marte’

WednesdayKEXP 90.3FM Seattle: The Roadhouse 6:00PM to 9:00PM www.kexp.org - DJ, Greg Vandy

KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon: “The Blue Boulevard” 8:00PM - 10:00PMwww.mail@ksvr.org - DJ, Jackson Stewart

KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon: “The Blues Note with Janice” 10:00PM - 12:00AMwww.janice@ksvr.org - DJ, Janice Gage

ThursdayKSER 90.7FM Everett: Clancy’s Bar and Grill 8:30PM - 10:30PM www.kser.org - DJ, Clancy Dunigan

KSER 90.7FM Everett: The Blueshouse 10:30PM - 12:30AM www.kser.org - DJ, Jonathan “Oogie” Richards

FridayKEXP 90.3FM Seattle: Shack The Shack 6:00PM - 9:00PM www.kexp.org - DJ, Leon Berman

SaturdayKPLU 88.5FM Tacoma: All Blues 6:00PM - 12:00AM

www.kplu.org - DJ, John Kessler

KAOS 89.3FM Olympia: “Blues For Breakfast” 8:00AM - 10:00AM www.kaosradio.org - DJ, Jerry Drummond

KSER 90.7FM Everett: Audio Indigo 7:00PM - 9:00 PM www.kser.org - DJ, Robin K

KPBX 91.1FM Spokane: Blues Kitchen 10:00PM - 12:00AM www.kpbx.org - DJ, Tina Bjorklund

KZPH 106.7FM Wenatachee: The Blues 11:00PM - 12:00AM www.therock1067.com - DJ, Dave Keefe

SundayKEXP 90.3 Seattle Preaching the Blues with Johny Horn

Sunday Mornings 9am to Noon

KYRS 92.3 FM, KYRS.org Blues Now and Then 6-8 PM. DJ, Patrick Henry and Jumpin’ Jerry.

KPLU 88.5FM Tacoma: All Blues 6:00PM - 12:00AM www.kplu.org - DJ, John Kessler

KWCW 90.5FM Walla Walla: Blues Therapy 7:00PM - 9:00PM www.kwcw.net - DJ, “Biggdaddy” Ray Hansen and

Armand “The Doctor” Parada

KKZX 98.9FM Spokane: Blowtorch Blues 7:00PM - 10:00PM www.kkzx.com - DJ, Ted Todd Brion Foster.

KSER 90.7FM Everett: The Juke Joint 1:00PM - 3:00PM www.kser.org - DJ, Jon Noe

KSER 90.7FM Everett: Audio Indigo 11:00PM - 1:00AM

www.kser.org - DJ, Robin K

Blues on the Radio Dial

PLEASE SEND ANY RADIO UPDATES TO CALENDAR@WABLUES.ORG

Washington Blues Society Blues Jams

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Central & Eastern BBQ & Blues – Clarkston (509) 758-1227Breadline Café – Omak (509) 826-5836Club Crow – Cashmere (509) 782-3001 CrossRoads Steakhouse – Walla Walla (509) 522-1200Lakey’s Grill – Pullman (509) 332-6622Main Street Tavern – Omak (509) 826-2247Peters Inn – Packwood (360) 494-4000Pine Springs Resort - Goldendate (509-773-4434Ram’s Ripple – Moses Lake (509) 765-3942Rattlesnake Brewery – Richland (509) 783-5747Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee (Tomasz Cibicki 509-669-8200)Tumwater Inn Restaurant and Lounge – Leavenworth (509) 548-4232

SeattleBlarney Stone Pub and Restaurant (206) 448-8439China Harbor Restaurant (206) 286-1688Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley (206) 441-9729 x210EMP Liquid Lounge (206) 770-2777EMP Sky Church (206) 770-2777Fiddler’s Inn (206) 525-0752Grinder’s (206) 542-0627Highliner Pub (206) 283-2233Highway 99 Club (206) 382-2171J & M Cafe (206) 467-2666Lock & Keel (206) 781-8023Maple Leaf Grill (206) 523-8449Mr. Villa (206) 517-5660New Orleans (206) 622-2563Paragon (206) 283-4548Pike Place Bar and Grill (206) 624-1365The Rimrock Steak House (206) 362-7979Salmon Bay Eagles (206) 783-7791St. Clouds (206) 726-1522Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park (206) 366-3333Triangle Tavern (206) 763.0714Tractor Tavern (206) 789-3599Triple Door (206) 838-4333

North End (Lynnwood, Everett, Edmonds, etc.):Anchor Pub – Everett (425) 252-2288Balefire – Everett (425) 374-7248Bubba’s Roadhouse – Sultan, (360) 793-3950Canoes Cabaret – Tulalip (888) 272-1111The Conway Muse in Conway (360) 445-3000Demetris Woodstone Taverna, Edmonds (425) 744-9999Diamond Knot Brewery & Alehouse – Mukilteo (425) 355-4488Engel’s Pub – Edmonds (425) 778-2900Historic Spar Tree – Granite Falls (360) 691-6888 Madison Pub - Everett (425) 348-7402Mardini’s – Snohomish (360) 568-8080Mirkwood & Shire Café – Arlington (360) 403-9020North Sound:Star Bar, Anacortes (360) 299-2120 (The) Oxford Saloon – Snohomish (360) 568-3845Prohibition Grille, Everett (425) 258-6100 Stanwood Hotel & Saloon – Stanwood (360) 629-2888Stewart’s – Snohomish (360) 568-4684Timberline Café – Granite Falls (360) 691-7011Tracey’s Place – Everett (425) 259-0811Wicked Rack BBQ – Everett (425) 334-3800

South Sound Tacoma, Burien, Federal Way, etcAl Lago, Lake Tapps (253) 863-86362 Wheel Blues Club – TacomaBarnacles Restaurant, Des Moines (206) 878-5000The Barrel – Burien (206) 244-7390CC’s Lounge, Burien (206) 242-0977Capitol Theater/Olympia Film Society – (360) 754-3635Charlie’s – Olympia (360) 786-8181Cliff House Restaurant – Tacoma (253) 927-0400Destination Harley Davidson – Fife (253) 922-3700 Blues Vespers at Immanuel Presbyterian (253) 627-8371Jazzbones in Tacoma (253) 396-9169(The) Junction Sports Bar, Centralia (360) 273-7586Lighthouse – Des Moines (206) 824-4863Maggie O’Toole’s – Lakewood (253) 584-3278Magnolia Café – Poulsbo (360) 697-1447Mint Alehouse – Enumclaw (360) 825-8361Pat’s Bar & Grill – Kent (253) 852-7287Pick & Shovel – Wilkeson (360) 829-6574Riverside Pub, Sumner (253) 863-8369Silver Dollar Pub – Spanaway (253) 531-4469The Spar – Tacoma (253) 627-8215The Swiss – Tacoma (253) 572-2821Tugboat Annie’s – Olympia (360) 943-1850Uncle Sam’s Bar & Grill - Spanaway (253) 507-7808Wurlitzer Manor – Gig Harbor (253) 858-1749Cascade Tavern – Vancouver (360) 254-0749

North Sound Bellingham, Anacortes, Whidbey Island, etcChina Beach – Langley (360) 530-8888Just Moe’s – Sedro Woolley (360) 855-2997LaConner Tavern – LaConner (360) 466-9932Little Roadside Tavern – Everson (360) 592-5107Old Edison Inn – Edison (360) 766-6266Rockfish Grill – Anacortes (360) 588-1720Stump Bar & Grill – Arlington (360) 653-6774Watertown Pub – Anacortes (360) 293-3587Wild Buffalo – Bellingham (360) 312-3684Viking Bar and Grill – Stanwood (360) 629-9285

Eastside Bellevue, Kirkland, etc.Central Club – Kirkland (425) 827-8808Crossroads Shopping Center – Bellevue (425) 644-1111Damans Pub – RedmondForecasters – Woodinville (425) 483-3212Ice Harbor Brewing Co - Kennewick (509) 582-5340 Raging River Café & Club – Fall City (425) 222-6669Time Out Sports Bar – Kirkland (425) 822-8511Vino Bella – Issaquah (425) 391-1424Wild Vine Bistro, Bothell (425) 877-1334Wilde Rover – Kirkland (425) 822-8940Valhalla Bar & Grill, Kirkland (425) 827 3336

Peninsula Clearwater Casino – Suquamish (360) 598-6889Destiny Seafood & Grill – Port Angeles (360) 452-4665 Halftime Saloon – Gig Harbor (253) 853-1456Junction Tavern – Port Angeles (360) 452-9880Little Creek Casino – Shelton (360) 427-7711Seven Cedars Casino – Sequim (360) 683-7777Siren’s – Port Townsend (360) 379-1100Upstage – Port Townsend (360) 385-2216

WednesdaysCharlies Olympia: Blues Attitude Conor Byrne: Broomdust presents Blues of the Past Jam (1st Wed)Daman’s Pub, 8 PMDogghouse Tavern, Mt. Vernon Alan: Hatley Trio, 7pmEddie’s Trackside Bar & Grill, Monroe: every 1st & 3rd Wed., 8pmHalf Time Saloon: Billy Shew & Billy BarnerLocker Room, White Center: Michael Johnson & Lynn Sorensen, 8-12pmMadison Pub, Everett: hosted by Unbound w/special guests 7:30pm Feb 1 - Billy Stoops Feb 8 - Billy Stapleton & Dick Powell Feb 15 - el Colonel Feb 22 - Rod Cook Feb 29 - Teri Ann Wilson & Suze Sims

ThursdaysBad Albert Invitational w/Annieville BluesCC’s Lounge BurienClub Flight Nightclub w/Cory Wilde, 9pmConway PubDawson’s, Tacoma: Billy Shew, 8 pmO’Callahan’s: Tim Hall, 7pmOxford Saloon: Invitational Jam w/Steve Ater, 8pmRuston Inn: Loose Gravel & the Quarry, 8pm

Washington Blues Society

Venue Guide

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David Vest performing at the closing of the Yale, Nov 11-2011, behind him is Russell Jackson, former bass with BB King

The Keyboard Extravaganza Band, from left; David Vest, John Lee Sanders, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Russell Jackson, Dalannan Gail Bowen, Willie McCalder, Mike Van Eyes, and Loren Ektin. (Photos by Suzanne Swanson)

David Vest & The Keyboard

Extravaganza Band

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David Barker on keys and guitar, Jerry Wainhouse on drums, Don Swensen on bass, Debbie Myre on lead vocals, and , Bass: Don Swensen, Lead Vocals: Debbie Myre, Guitar/Keys: Kent Beatty on guitar and keyboards. (Photo by: Karl Fortner)

Last November’s book signing with Holger Peterson (Stony Plain Records), and Terry David Mulligan (DJ/VJ Radio & TV Personality), with entertainment by the ever wonderful Roy Forbes (BIM & UHF), was a marvelous evening... Music folks like the great Bruce Allen, Clyde Roulette, Elaine Bomberry, Murray Porter, RB Murray and many others showed up for the interview/promotion followed by questions and answers with Holger. Frankly, it was one of the best evenings for me. AnytimeI have the opportunity to listen to ‘Blues Music Tales’ and chat with industry friends I’m in ‘hog heaven’, as we say in Texas. Special thanks to People’s Co-op Book Store, 1391 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, for hosting this exciting event. – Suzanne Swanson

Holger Petersen with Elaine Bomberry and

Murray Porter

Holger Petersen with Terry

David Mulligan

Holger Petersen with Bruce Allen

Holger Petersen with Slidin’ Clyde Roulette

Holger Peterson Book Signing

Mojo Overload:

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CalendarBlues

February 1 - WednesdayJazz Alley: Kim Wilson’s Blues AllstarsHighway 99: DrummerboyMr. Villa, Lake City/Seattle: Kimball & the Fugitives w/Stickshift Annie Trio, 7pmNew Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm

February 2 - Thursday Bad Alberts, Ballard: Bill Chism Trio w/ Annie Eastwood, 5:30pmHighway 99: Red HouseJazz Alley: Peter WhiteNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Orcas Landing, Hillman City: Gin CreekSalmon Bay Eagles: Bare Roots

February 3 - FridayBalefire Bar:  RAVIN’WOLFHighway 99: “Slide Monsters” w/Brian Lee, Mark Riley, Rod Cook & the Orbiters! 8pmJazz Alley: Peter White New Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas Marriott Mix, Seattle: Stacy Jones Band, 8pmUpstage: Kim Wilson & the Blues Allstars

February 4 - SaturdayHighway 99: Lloyd Jones StruggleJazz Alley: Peter WhiteRockfish Grill: Mark DuFresneRumor Mill, Friday Harbor: RAVIN’ WOLF, 7:30pmSalmon Bay Eagles: Larry & the LizardsTriple Door: “Soul Salvation” w/Ruthie Foster & Paul ThornYuppie Tavern, Kirkland: Brian Lee & the Orbiters, 8pmMochoacan: Alice & The Formerlys, 8pm

February 5 - SundayBlue Moon: Gin CreekJazz Alley: Peter WhiteLighthouse Des Moines:  Tim Turner Band

February 6 - Monday88 Keys: Blues to Do TV: Ron Hendee Band, Stardrums & Ladykeys host jam New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

February 7 – TuesdayRockin’ M Barbecue, Everett: Gin Creek, 8pmNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pmYuppie Tavern,Totem Lake: HeatherBBlues, 8-11pm

February 8 - WednesdayHighway 99: Folichon New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm

February 9 - ThursdayBad Alberts, Ballard: Bill Chism Trio w/ Annie Eastwood, 5:30pmHighway 99: James King & the Southsiders Jazz Alley: Tower of PowerNew Orleans: Selbred/Jackson QuintetOrcas Landing, Hillman City: Gin CreekSalmon Bay Eagles: Town Hall Brawl

February 10 - FridayBalefire, Everett: Kimball & the Fugitives w/ Stickshift Annie TrioCentury Link Field, for Nick of Time Foundation: DrummerboyElmers Pub, Burien: Tim Turner BandHighway 99: Nathan JamesJazz Alley: Tower of Power Mel’s Old Village Pub: Mark Whitman band Oxford Saloon: Stacy Jones BandRockfish: RAVIN’WOLFRepp, Snohomish: Alice & the Formerlys, 6:30pm

February 11 - SaturdayElmers Pub, Burien: Tim Turner Band Highway 99: Karen LovelyHorseshoe Saloon, Woodinville: Antoinette & MotherSpongeJazz Alley: Tower of Power Oxford Saloon: Stacy Jones BandRestaurante Michoacan, Seattle: the Vududes, 8pmScotch & Vine, Des Moines: Brian Lee Trio, 7pmSnoqualmie Brewery: RAVIN’WOLFTug Inn (W. Seattle) Mary McPage & the Assassins

February 12- SundayCentral Club, Kirkland: John Stephan Band, 8:30 pmHD Hotspurs Kent: Maia Santell & House BlendJazz Alley: Tower of PowerMadison Pub: Mark Whitman band, 8pm

February 13 - Monday88 Keys: Blues to Do TV: Rafael Tranquilino, The Cody Rentas Band hosts jamNew Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

February 14 - TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pmRed Crane: WBS BluesBash, Mary McPage & the Assassins

Rockin’ M Barbecue, Everett: Gin Creek, 8pmYuppie Tavern,Totem Lake: HeatherBBlues, 8-11pm

February 15 - WednesdayHighway 99: the Titans of Twang, Kim Fields & Lisa TheoMr. Villa, Lake City/Seattle: Kimball & the Fugitives w/Stickshift Annie Trio, 7pmNew Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm

February 16 - ThursdayBad Alberts, Ballard: Bill Chism Trio w/ Annie Eastwood, 5:30pmHighway 99: Hot Rod Holman’s Blues bandNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Orcas Landing, Hillman City: Gin CreekSalmon Bay Eagles: Brian Lee & the OrbitersBrad’s Swingside Cafe: Alice & the Formerlys, 7pm

February 17 - FridayCee Cee’s Lounge: Mark Whitman band Highway 99: FatTones & James King & the SouthsidersNew Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas MarriottNorm’s, Everett: Mary McPage & the AssassinsOlympic Peninsula Dance, Port Townsend Elks: Kimball & the Fugitives w/ Stickshift Annie, 8pm Repp:RAVIN’WOLF, 6:30pmO’Callahans, Vaughn: Alice & the Formerlys, 8pm

February 18 - SaturdayBrick, Roslyn: Stacy Jones BandCee Cee’s Lounge: Mark Whitman band, CD Release Party, woowhoEngel’s Pub: Mary McPage & the AssassinsHighway 99: Randy Oxford Band w/ special guest Christine Havrilla, 8pmKSER FM 90.7 Unplugged Broadcast, Everett: the Vududes, 11pm Oly’s Dance Studio, Everett: Soul Saturday’s- Mardi Gras Celebration Soul Revival Dinner, Dancing & Show w/Star Drums & Lady Keys, R&B music & Dancers from Oly’s Dance StudioRocksport: CHILD reunion w/ Tim TurnerSlim’s Last Chance Chili Shack & Watering Hole: Gin Creek

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Mark Dufresne Male Vocalist Award:_______________________________Blues Female Vocalist:_______________________________Electric Blues Guitar:_______________________________Slide Blues Guitar:_______________________________Blues Bass:_______________________________Chris Leighton Blues Drummer Award:_______________________________Blues Horn:_______________________________Paul Green Blues Harmonica Award:_______________________________Blues Piano / Keyboard:_______________________________Acoustic Blues Guitar:_______________________________Blues Act:_______________________________Traditional Blues Act:_______________________________Solo/Duo Blues Act:_______________________________New Blues Band:_______________________________

2012 Washington Blues Society Best of the Blues Nomination Ballot! You Must Be a Member of the Washington Blues Society to Nominate! All Ballots Must Be Received at our PO Box or by a Board Member No Later Than Wednesday February 15th. Nominations received after February 15th won’t be counted. Please Mail Your Nomination Ballot to: WBS, PO Box 70604, Seattle, WA 98127

Blues Performer:_______________________________Blues Songwriter:_______________________________Washington Blues Recording:_______________________________Blues Club:_______________________________Blues Writer:________________________________Blues Image:_______________________________Blues Graphic Artist:_______________________________Blues DJ:_______________________________Keeping the Blues Alive Award:_______________________________Lifetime Achievement Award:_______________________________Washington Blues Society Hall of Fame:_______________________________Non-Festival Blues Event:_______________________________Blues Festival:_______________________________Open Blues Jam:_____________________________

Blues Ballot

Februaryr 19 - Sunday Blues Vespers, Immanual Presbyterian Church, Tacoma: Too Slim & the Tail Draggers, 5pmHD Hotspurs Kent: Cold ShotLighthouse Des Moines:  Tim Turner Band

February 20 - Monday88 Keys: Blues to Do TV: Mardi Gras Week with Randy Norris & Full Degree, CD Woodbury Band hosts jam New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

February 21 - TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pmYuppie Tavern,Totem Lake: HeatherBBlues, 8-11pm

February 22 - Wednesday Highway 99: Little Ray & the Uppercuts, the Wild Snohomians feat. Jenny ONew Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm

February 23 - ThursdayBad Alberts, Ballard: Bill Chism Trio w/ Annie Eastwood, 5:30pmHighway 99: Kathi McDonald bandNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Orcas Landing, Hillman City: Gin CreekSalmon Bay Eagles:  Blue Magic w/sp. Guest AEK

February 24 - FridayHighway 99: Lee Oskar & Friends New Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas MarriottSunnydale Tavern, SeaTac: Tim Turner BandTalarico’s, W. Seattle: Heather & the Nearly Homeless Blues Band, 9-12pmTractor: Drummerboy w/Madman SamVino Bella, Issaquah: Astrocats, 7:30pmLaurelhurst Public House: Alice & the Formerlys, 6pm

February 25 - SaturdayDantes, Portland: Drummerboy w/ Madman SamDestination Harley, Fife: Mark Whitman Band, 11:30am HD Hotspurs Kent: Maia Santell & House BlendHighway 99: Doctorfunk Rockfish Grill: Stacy Jones Band Scotch & Vine, Des Moines: Brian Lee Trio, 7pmThird Place Books, Lk. Forest Park:  Kimball & the Fugitives w/ Stickshift Annie & Dan Duggin, 7:30pmUpstage: Alice & the Formerlys, 8pm

February 26 - SundayHighway 99: Dwight “Black Cat”, Carrier & Ro’ Dog

February 27 - Monday88 Keys: Blues to Do TV: Swamp Dogs, Dirty Rice hosts jam New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

February 28 - TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pmYuppie Tavern,Totem Lake: HeatherBBlues, 8-11pm

February 29 - Wednesday Highway 99: TimmonsWall band NewOrleans: Legacy Quartet w/ Clarence Acox, 8pm

March 1 - Thursday New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet

March 2 - Friday New Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas Marriott

March 3 - SaturdayIsland Music Center, Bainbridge Island: Julie Duke Band, Peter Spencer & Swamp Blues Jump Blues, 7:30pm For info please call 206-780-6911 or email info@islandmusic. org. www.islandmusic.orgNew Orleans: Brian Lee & the Orbiters

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage Paid

Seattle, WAPermit No. 5617

P.O. Box 70604Seattle, WA 98127

The WBS is a proud recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award

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