Featured Articles

On the Cover: Ian Siegal By Blues Boss

First Responders Enter Highway 99

Blues Cruise: The L egendar y Experience

Welcome Back: Ian Siegal

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Celebrating 23 Years of Blues1989 - 2013

July 2013 BluesletterVol. XXV, Number VII

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

Contributing Writers: Roger Lindgren, Son Jack, Jr., Malcolm Kennedy, Rick Bowen, Robert Horn and Eric Steiner

Contributing Photographers: Blues Boss, Withrop R & B Festival, Mount Baker Blues Festival and Wallace Blues Festival.

Cover Photo: Ian Siegal by Blues Boss

The Bluesletter welcomes stories and photos from WBS members! Features, columns and reviews are due by the 5th 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. If a submitter intends to retain the rights to material (e.g., photos, videos, lyrics, textual matter) submitted for publication in the Bluesletter, or the WaBlues.org website, he or she must so state at the time of submission; otherwise, submitter’s rights to the material will be transferred to WBS, upon publication. 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 2013

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 98127

www.wablues.org

Ian Siegalby Blues Boss

The Blues Boss, a formermember of the Board of Directors of the Washington Blues Society, is one of the Washington Blues Society’s long-time ambassadors. When not taking pictures of blues performers at festivals, clubs, and our monthly “Blues Bashes,”

Dennis Dudley covers the state’s blues scene from his native Tacoma to Mount Baker. He’s a local moderator for the Blindman’s Blues Forum online blues resource launched by the late Billy Allardyce in Scotland, and his blues travels have taken the Blues Boss to Memphis, Scotland, Portland, and London, England.

Blues Boss considers himself “a true blues junkie,” but one of the New Year’s resolutions on the President of the Washington Blues Society for 2013 is getting the Boss Man out to a harp showcase in 2013.

On the Cover:

Letter from the Editor

Festival Preview: Winthrop R & B 28First Responders at Highway 99 30

The Hard Garden Music Project 8Letter from the President 9Legendary Blues Cruise 11Festival Preview: Mount Baker 12Festival Preview: Wallace Blues 13

June Blues Bash 14CD Reviews 16Talent Guide 19Calendar 20Blues on the Radio Dial 22

Jam Guide 22Venue Guide 22NW Music Experience Awards 25Festival Preview: Big Sky R & B 26Welcome Back: Ian Siegal 26

In This Issue...

Summer is officially here - or nearly; Summer in the Pacific Northwest typically lands over the fourth of July weekend. I had a prof tell me once that living in Seattle is “like being married to a super-model who’s sick nine months a year.” But man....summers in Washington are so gorgeous, we almost don’t want to brag about it!

Summers in Washington bring gorgeous weather and amazing blues events! And this summer is no different! We have the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues

Festival, Mount Baker Rhythm and Blues Festival, Westport Blues Fest, the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, and

the Wallace Blues Festival, just to name a few! (*pant, pant, whew!)

So much blues, so little time. And of course there are our regular venues like Highway 99, Salmon Bay Eagles, the New Orleans and the Tractor Tavern (see page 23 for the HUGE list of amazing venues) that each offer phenomenal blues acts on a daily basis.

With so many amazing experiences to be had, better pack your sunscreen and bring extra water bottles to stay hydrated.

So, go out there, scream for your favorite bands, support the events, drink a beer (if you can) and enjoy the experience. The more we’re there, the more we keep them all in business!

See you out there, Jesse Phillips

Editor/Art DirectorWashington Blues Society Bluesletter

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Washington Blues SocietyProud Recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award from The Blues Foundation

2013 OfficersPresident Eric Steiner president@wablues.orgVice President Tony Frederickson vicepres@wablues.orgSecretary Mary McPage. secretary@wablues.orgTreasurer (Acting) Chad Creamer treasurer@wablues.orgEditor Jesse Phillips editor@wablues.org

2013 DirectorsMusic Co-Directors Cherie Robbins & Janice Cleven Gage music@wablues.orgMembership Michelle Burge membership@wablues.orgEducation Roy Brown education@wablues.orgVolunteers Rhea Rolfe volunteers@wablues.orgMerchandise Tony Frederickson merchandise@wablues.orgAdvertising Malcolm Kennedy advertising@wablues.org

2013 Street TeamDowntown Seattle Tim & Michelle Burge blueslover206@comcast.netWest Seattle Rev. Deb Engelhardt deb@revdeb.comNorth Sound Malcolm Kennedy & Joy Kelly advertising@wablues.orgNorthern WA Lloyd Peterson freesprt@televar.comPenninsula Dan Wilson allstarguitar@centurytel.netSouth Sound Cherie Robbins cherieerobins@gmail.comCentral WA Stephen J. Lefebvre s.j.lefebvre@gmail.comEastern WA Cindy Dyer cindalucy@hotmail.comBallard Marcia JacksonLopez Island Carolyn & Dean Jacobsen cjacobsen@rockisland.comMiddle East “Rock Khan” rocknafghanistan@gmail.comEastside Liz Caraway lizcares@juno.com

Special ThanksWebmaster The Sheriff webmaster@wablues.orgWeb Hosting Adhost www.adhost.comWBS Logo Phil Chesnut philustr8r@gmail.comCalendar Maridel Fliss calendar@wablues.org

August 2013 DEADLINES:Advertising Space Reservations: July 5thmalcarken@comcast.net

Calendar: July 10th calendar@wablues.org

Editorial Submissions: July 5th - editor@wablues.org

Camera Ready Ad Art Due: July 12th - editor@wablues.orgCamera ready art should be in CMYK format at 300 dpi or higher.

Advertising Rates:Graphics: 300 dpi PDF, TIF or JPGText: Plain .txt or WordFull Page: $300 (8.5” x 11”)Half Page: $175 (8.5” x 5.5”)Back Half Page: $260 (8.5” x 5.5”)Quarter Page: $100 (4.25” x 5.5”)Fifth Page: $75 (4.25” x 3.5”)Business Card: $30 (3.5” x 2”)ADD COLOR: ADD 25%

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We value your business. Please send all advertising inquriries and ad copy to advertising@wablues.org with a

copy to Malcolm “Yard Dog” Kennedy at malcarken@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

Ad Rates Change-Effective in the July 2013 issue

Due to increased costs in both publishing and postal rates the Bluesletter needs to increase our advertising rates. This is the first increase we have implemented since February 2007 and our costs have gone up several times since then. You can take advantage of our current rates with a discounted pre-paid long term ad commitment. We are willing to negotiate payment terms for long term ads. Please contact me at advertising@wablues.org if you have any questions.

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Hi Blues Fans!

I’m sitting near the window here at the Pony Keg in Kent for our June 16th Washington Blues Society local International Blues Competition. As of press time, Tony Frederickson and other blues society volunteers have hosted local competitions in Spokane (in partnership with the Inland Empire Blues Society) and in Kennewick at the UnTapped Blues and Brews Festival, in partnership with the Walla Walla Blues Festival. On the 23rd of June, next weekend, our local competition in Anacortes will return to H20. I’m heartened at how blues artists statewide have considered these local competitions important enough to enter for the opportunity to perform not only at our International Blues Challenge finals at the Taste of Music in Snohomish in August. The top-scoring solo/duo act and band from our finals will represent the Washington Blues Society at the

2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Over the past four years, the Washington Blues Society has worked hard to reach a statewide audience through local blues competitions in Seattle, Snohomish, Spokane, Kent, and Kennewick. While each competing musician pays an entry fee to perform at cost to be judged by knowledgeable blues fans who use a Blues Foundation scoresheet to judge each act. Acts are judged in blues content, instrumental talent, vocal talent, originality and stage presence: we use the same score sheet that judges use in Memphis, and it’s important to note that the bands are competing against the score sheet and not each other.

In the next issue, we’ll offer up a preview of the finalists who will compete at the 2014 Taste of Music in Snohomish, and I hope that Bluesletter readers will consider including this long weekend of music that begins in the clubs on Friday evening and culminates in our International Blues Challenge finals. We also announce winners of our 2013 fundraising raffle drawing’s top prizes at the end of the International Blues Competition, too.

Until the Taste of Music next month, and many exciting festivals in-between, please bring a friend to a blues event near you. Whether it’s a show at one of the 2013 Best of the Blues-nominated venues like the Highway 99 Blues Club in Seattle, the Rockfish Grill in Anacortes, or the Yuppie Tavern in Kirkland, the musicians and the waitstaff will be glad that you are supporting local, live music.

Until next month, go see some live, local blues!

Eric SteinerPresident, Washington Blues Society

Member, Board of Directors, The Blues Foundation

10 hours a week for 2 straight years. That’s how long it has taken to craft our new sound. It’s so different from anything I’ve done before that I’m not even branding it Son Jack Jr, to avoid confusion. Yeah, it’s that different. In fact if you can imagine a mash up of Fat Boy Slim, North Mississippi Allstars, and Stone Foxes then you’re starting to get the picture.

The new band is called Hard Garden, and consists of me, longtime partner Michael Wilde and veteran Jazz/Funk musician Garrett Williams. I first met Garrett at the CD release party for “Walk The Talk” at the Highway 99 blues club in September 2010. He had just released his first CD and handed me a copy that night. When I finally managed to listen to it I just knew he was the guy. The grooves were simply infectious. It was 6 months before we first got together, but since then the three of us have been musically inseparable.

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The concept behind what we’re doing is to bring forward all that’s appealing about the blues and modernize it by infusing it with elements of EDM (electronic dance music). While we’re not the first to have tried this by a long shot, the difference we’ve aimed for is to create original music that weaves these contradicting strands together tightly from the very start.

Our 3-song EP is reviewed in this issue and should be out by the time you read this. There is also a video featuring the lead track (Dangerous). If you watch it closely you may see a familiar face or two. The songs will be available publicly only as digital downloads from all the usual places and for anyone that is more comfortable with a physical CD we’re making up a limited quantity of those. If you are interested in buying one please send me an email (sonjackjr@sonjackjr.com) and I’ll write you back with price (likely ~$4.99+s&h) and ordering details, which are still being worked out at time of writing.

Next up is that we’re in the final stages of completing the album and this will release in the Fall. We don’t have plans to gig this music but that could all change -- depending on how well the music is received.

I know that at least some of you will not dig it,

and I’m cool with that. Each to his/her own. This project was an itch I had to scratch and I’m glad I did. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve collectively done here and hope it will help spread the Blues to an even wider audience. Sure, it’s risky and could go down as one of the bigger musical non-events of modern times but on the other hand, it could just as easily go the other way. Anyone that knows me will also know that creative re i nve nt i on is important to m e , an d regardless of how it’s viewed, I’m having a ball doing it.

You can hear previews of the EP at our new website www.hardgardenmusic.com - I’d love to know what you think of it.

A wise man once said “The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision”. Feel free to ask how this is working for me in a few months’ time…

Cheers, SJJ

INTRODuCING: ThE hARD GARDEN MuSIC PROJECTby Son Jack, Jr.

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Tony is trying to sell more raffle tickets! I surmise that‘s why he asked me to write an article about the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise. You see Tony Frederickson is the Washington Blues Society Vice President and tireless promoter at festivals.

One of the things he sells are raffle tickets for a Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise (the next two cruises are sold out, so this is a good way to get on the ship). Why did he ask me? I don’t know. Maybe, he asked me because I used to write articles about the cruise many years ago under the pseudonym “Name withheld to protect the Guilty”. I used that pen name for good reason if you ever find one of the old articles. If you haven’t been on the cruise there is a good chance that you know someone that has. Washington has one of the largest contingents on the cruise thanks to Randy Oxford, Tony, and all the cruisers that can’t stop talking about the experience to their friends. What’s so special about the cruise? Well, I mean except the obvious. Cruising in the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera on a luxury liner is an obvious plus. Any blues fan that takes a look at the line up must be seriously impressed. That they charter the whole ship and set their own rules (what rules?) is fun. That it is full of blues fanatics is a plus. That there is music (and food) practically around the clock at multiple venues for seven days and nights is a given. That you don’t have to worry about having to drive after imbibing is good. You can retire to your cabin at any time to find it nicely turned down for you, that’s nice. That you can sign up for exotic excursions at port stops or just sleep in is something to consider. Five star dining experiences, if you want, don’t hurt. Partying with 2000 new best friends is fun. Getting away from gray NW weather into tropical sun can’t help but elevate your mood. All the while listening to the best of the best play blues, doesn’t suck.

But that does not even come close to what the cruise is about. Here in the NW we are blessed with great festivals like Sunbanks, Winthrop, Mt Baker, Waterfront, and many more. If you have been to any of them you know how fun they can be. Mt Baker and Winthrop have organized jams late at night when the music is over on the main stage and many times one of the headliners will sit in. Sunbanks is known for being a great party and friendly. It is more like a reunion, since most people keep their space from festival to festival. Well, the cruise is like these festivals on STEROIDS but with one major difference. I’ll get to the difference later. It is similar to Sunbanks in that most people are veterans but any virgin is made

to feel part of the family from the time they get to cruise hotel. They have late night jams on the ship until wee hours of morning but consisting mainly of headliners and their bands. If you took the main head liners of top ten festivals in US you

would get the Bluescruise lineup. But that is not the difference I’m talking about.

Consider this. For the most part any band that plays festivals or the bluescruise are touring bands. They get to the festival just in time to play, or a couple hours early, maybe hang around for a few hours, catch part of one show before they get on the bus to their next gig. On the Bluescruise they are on the boat for the whole week so they have time to see other shows and an opportunity to jam with others. So they do. All week. Oftentimes, you’ll see headliners sitting in on each other’s show. Combinations you will never see anywhere else. Sometimes the performers want to try something new so they create a show not on the schedule. Like last Jan cruise where the women decided to put on a show featuring all the women on the cruise. It featured Mavis Staples, Debbie Davis, Samantha Fish, Kelly Hunt, Eden Brent, Danielle Schnebeling, Anne Harris, Honey Piazza, Tasha Taylor, Ruth Davies, Washboard Jo, and the lucky rooster on drums Tony Braunagel. What an incredible show and it happened spontaneously. The performers also have an opportunity to hang with their fans and most of them love the interaction. There is no backstage or separate area for performers so there is a lot of fan interaction. Your room might be across the hall from Deanna Bogart and you might get her to wake up your room mate by coming into the room and blowing her sax into his ear. What a way to wake up! Actually happened to a virgin from NW.

Everybody seems to have some memorable story from the cruise. It could be a jaw dropping performance, a new best friend for life, a close encounter with a performer, or a funny story. Like, the fellow who stepped out of his cabin for a smoke. Except he had an inside cabin, the door closed behind him, no key in his pocket since he was stark naked. Forgot what cabin he came from (he wasn’t exactly sober) since they all look the same. That is why you should always decorate your door so you can find your cabin. So he just stood there smoking his cigarette in the hallway. Happened in our Naborhood. Then there are the incredible costumes some people wear. But it doesn’t matter if you do or don’t participate. It is all good.

Hijinks happen. On my first Bluescruise in ’96 I was sitting in a lounge watching Latimore play. I noticed this lady sauntering onto stage left, crossed the stage and shook her topless boobs in front of Latimore’s face. When she finished crossing the stage some stage hands threw a coat over her and hustled her outside. I thought she was in deep doodoo. A couple of minutes later I walked out the same door and there she was with the organizer Roger Nabor laughing like crazy. That’s when I realized the cruise was something special. And No, I’m not going to write about why I used the pseudonym. I really tried to stay under the radar and most of the time my wife and I avoided the “performance awards” that they give for cruiser or performer behavior. Most of the time anyway.

One of the performers likened the cruise to Woodstock - a love in - except set in luxury.Yes, it is a love fest and you are likely to make new life long friends on the cruise but the difference is, that in this “Woodstock”, the performers are part of the crowd and part of the love fest. That is the real difference between the cruise and festivals.

Now, about the raffle tickets. They cost only $20 for a chance to win a cabin for 2 (a $5k value) and they only sell a max of 600 tickets. Lots of other prizes too. Just see Tony or any board member for tickets.

If you are thinking of going on the cruise, be proactive. They sell out fast. The January cruise lately hasn’t gotten to open booking before they sold out (nine months before the cruises). Only the people who pre-booked got on. You can pre-book by putting a refundable deposit down for a cruise before you know the itinerary, the lineup, or cabin prices. When they announce the lineup and prices they will give you a date when you can confirm your reservation and pick a cabin. The cheapest and most expensive cabins go first and people who sailed previously get to pick first. Raffle tickets sound pretty good now, don’t’ they?

The Legendary ExperienceBlues Cruise:By: Roger Lindgren

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In its 18th season, the Mount Baker Rhythm and Blues Festival has won recognition as the Best Blues Festival in the United States at the Keeping the Blues Alive Awards in Memphis in 2013. The winners include all of the musicians, volunteers, sponsors and fans that have contributed their efforts. Fans come from far and wide to attend. It has become a favorite destination for our Canadian neighbors who come south to enjoy the music and finish their “long weekend.” It’s the “vibe” that brought our Keeping the Blues Alive pyramid award home to Bellingham.

From humble beginnings almost two decades ago at a local tree farm, and a move to the Deming Log Show Fairgrounds in 2007, this event has taken on the look and the vibe unequaled by any other. With its beautiful, fully serviced, manicured setting, the Log Show Grounds makes enjoying the blues a pleasant, worry-free experience.

The afterhours jam that follows each day’s main stage show has become a “hit” with the weekend fans. It’s a chance for the “local” musicians to share the jam stage with the talented national and international touring blues acts. To complete the vibe and add that “just like home feel”, a beer garden plus numerous food and crafts vendors cater to every taste. To add comfort, free camping on over 100 acres,

Mount Baker Rhythm and Blues Festival

Festival Preview:

Brings Home Top Honors at the 2013 Keeping the Blues Alive Awards!

portable showers and flush toilets create an easy way to be away from home.

A blues festival wouldn’t be much without a full complement of blues music. Historically, some of the best musicians on the planet have graced our stage. Stellar performances from Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, Jeff Healey, Robben Ford, Leon Russell, Johnny Winter, Average White Band, Canned Heat, Wide Mouth Mason, Shane Dwight, Ana Popovic, Kal David, Dave Hole and many other great International performers have left their mark. The 2013 lineup brings the same intense level of talent.

Beginning Friday evening, August 2nd, the blues kick off with Miles Harris & Blue Youth, (teenage sensations from Skagit), Ayron Jones & the Way and closing, the amazing Anthony Gomes, a favorite with the crowd from 2007. As always, a well planed taste of a great weekend to come.

Saturday morning, August 3rd begins with Gar y “B’s” Church of the Blues, Blues Redemption (2013 International Blues Challenge semifinalists), The Fat Tones, Kal David & the Real Deal (a “Bluesbreaker”, one of John Mayall’s best, featuring Ms. Lauri Bono on vocals), California Transit Authority (Danny Seraphine, co-founder of Chicago goes West)

and an amazing closing performance by Shane Dwight (the Mount Baker crowd loves this guy) and Rock n Roll royalty, Bekka Bramlett. A trip over to the jam would now be a good choice!

There’s a Gospel Hour or so on Sunday morning at nine o’clock, and Rev Deb Engelhardt presides in the jam building. At eleven, the music starts again with The John Stephan Band, The Chris Eger Band, The Wired Band (IBC “winners” 2012), Trampled Under Foot (A sibling trio that won the 2008 International Blues Challenge), Hamilton Loomis (hold on to your seats!). Yes, on to the nightly jam again.

Thanks to one of our great sponsors, Hugo Helmer Music, Biker’s Fighting Cancer raffle off an “autographed” Stratocaster both Saturday and Sunday nights. All of the proceeds go straight into the Community. Good works!

A basic idea in the beginning was to display on stage a sense of how, America’s heritage music, The Blues, has inspired most popular genres of our day. Blending the young talent with the legendary on the Mount Baker stage makes this point. “It’s all good when it’s all good!”

Tickets online at www.bakerblues.com or with cash or check at Avalon Music, Bellingham and Hugo Helmer Music, Burlington.

On July 12th and 13th, Wallace, Idaho will host the second Historic Wallace Blues Festival. This year, the festival has added a Blues Pancake Breakfast featuring The Sara Brown Band on Sunday July 14th from 8AM-11AM, and has expanded from 14 to 21 blues acts. Last year, Inland Empire Blues Society members voted the Historic Wallace Blues Festival as Best Blues Festival in its annual awards celebration.

This year’s Main Stage entertainment will be the high-energy jump blues of Bakin’ Phat at 11AM. Bakin’ Phat are real crowd pleasers: members of the Inland Empire Blues Society have voted this act as Best New Blues Band!

At 1:00 PM, Inland Empire Blues Society Hall of Fame members Big Mumbo Blues Band will take the stage. Later that afternoon, Seth Freeman will bring his unique brand of blues, soul, roots-rock and funk to the festival. In addition to guitar, Seth also plays the drums, bass, lap steel, piano, mandolin, weissenborn and dobro. He’s played with Jonny Lang, Michael Burks, Chris Duarte, and even70’s rockers Black Oak Arkansas.

Nikki Hill takes the stage at five o’clock, and her numerous accolades include a shout-out from the Los Angeles Weekly, which noted that “the fast-rising, hard-charging, 20-something, North Carolina born-and-bred singer Nikki Hill has more than earned her evocative “Southern Fireball” moniker.”

John Nemeth follows Nicki, and he’s fresh from five recent Blues Music Award nominations. He

began his blues career in the Pacific Northwest in Boise, and he’s now an internally-touring act living in Memphis.

The first night’s headliner, British bluesman Ian Siegel, will play at nine o’clock. His last two albums, The Skinny (2011) and Candy Store Kid (2013), received Blues Music Award nominations in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category. An international star, in his own right, Ian’s career includes tours opening for Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings in 2003 and 2004.

This year, the festival has added outdoor stages: one stage on Cedar Street where the Kenny James Miller Band will play on Friday night beginning at nine o’clock. The band will also play again Saturday twice in the early afternoon. Ray Roberson, BZ and Flores will play later on that stage also Saturday.

The other new stage is on 6th Avenue near The Smokehouse BBQ. This stage will feature Laffin’ Bones, Anita Royce & The Highrollers, Caden Davis, Robb Boatsman, Stacy Jones Band and Brother Music.

Sammy Eubanks will return to the Red Light Garage stage on Friday night, and Sammy will host the closing party at this venue on Saturday night. During the day Saturday, Charlie Butts

& the Filtertips, VooDoo Church and The Fat Tones will also perform at The Red Light Garage.

The second annual festival will have a beer garden that is close to the stage and easy access with music played during main stage breaks by The Doghouse Boyz and also Jim Tilden Brown.

As of press time, hotel rooms are sold out in Wallace, but the festival has set up a shuttle to Kellogg, a quick nine-minute trip from the action.

Go to www.wallacebluesfestival.com for schedules and info for rooms, camping and RV’s and everything else. Tickets are available at $25 at The Bronco & Replay Music in Spokane, Long Ear in Coeur d’Alene and at the Wallace Inn, The 1313 Club and Harvest Foods in Wallace. Also tickets on line at www.ticketfly.com and for more information, please connect with the festival on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WallaceBluesFestival

2nd Annual historic Wallace

Blues Festival

Festival Preview:

July 12 & 13

Photos Courtesy of the Mount Baker Rhythm and Blues Festival

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the Blues Award-“nominated nominated slide guitar player. We’ll know if he won before this issue lands in blues society members’ mailboxes.

There are moments when they sounded like they were on the borderline between blues and folk or blues and rock or blues and country. They also did traditional pure blues well.

The dance floor was full all night. Both bands filled it fast and kept it that way. The monthly blues bashes are starting to get known by swing dance enthusiasts as one of the best events of each month. This is fun to watch but if you haven’t taken lessons don’t feel intimidated because there is no law saying you have to do left hand passes and rock steps to get on the dance floor. You are free to do whatever the music makes you do on the dance floor.

The break between the first and second band was filled with some great things. There were some BB Certificates of Nomination handed

out to BB Nominees. There were a lot of CDs raffled off in the free monthly Blues Bash raffle. There were also a lot of announcements about events like the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews festival , which will be held in Des Moines on Saturday August 24th from noon till 8 PM.)

Two acts played the June, 2013 Washington Blues Society Blush Bash that have not appeared in their current line-ups at blues society events. Some of the individual musicians have played for Washington Blues Society membership events, but the mixture of people and act names were new. One can have beef and lettuce in the same meal but that alone doesn’t determine if it is a hamburger, a taco, or a steak delivered after the salad was eaten. The audience had their ears and eyes fed well.

The first act was the duo of Annie Eastwood and Kimball Conant. They are also in the band known as Stickshift Annie. Kimball is a well- respected guitar player whose slide guitar gets a lot of praise. His vocals are good too. Annie is a vocalist who also plays percussion and it was pointed out to me that she is a rare user of the music stand as something she uses the drummers’ brushes on and it has a unique sound. The two of them harmonize very well, and they opened with a song that showed off their harmonic level of greatness. The opening song was “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry” which was made popular by Bob Dylan a long time ago. They then sang some songs by Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and a song that may be the greatest masterpiece Lucinda Williams ever created (“Train Wreck”). Kimball reminded people why he is a Washington Blues Society “Best of

The electric act was next. The Boneyard Preachers have Mike Lynch on vocals and harmonica, Patty Mey on bass, and Conrad Ormsby on drums. They also have two powerhouses on guitars: Tim Sherman and Steve Yonck . Those guitar players got applause all night. The “Okie Dokie Blues,” followed by “That’s Alright,” and later “The Playboy Boogie,” “Spooky Kate,” and the song their band carries the name of all sounded good. These songs combined some originals with some great classics. Introducing each song Mike Lynch told the audience whether they were just transported to Austin, New Orleans or Chicago and nobody doubted where he said they were when he started up the band on each song. The alternating of tempos was perfect. The soulfulness of the vocals and harp, and the power (as well as soulfulness of the guitar playing) show why this is a great band.

Underneath the noticeable greatness of this act are a couple pros with decades of experience

making bands great. Conrad Ormsby and Patty Mey form a rhythm section worthy of national blues acts. This rhythm section takes control of feet and moves you around on the dance floor like they own you and you like it that way. This band needs to be seen as well as heard and I hope they get booked in all

the major blues clubs in America, from the Highway 99 Blues Club in Seattle, to Biscuits and Brews in San Francisco, Knucklehead’s in Kansas City, and Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago.

Boneyard Preachers

The June 2013 Blues Bashat the Red Crane

By Robert Horn, Photos by Blues Boss

The dance floor was full all night. Both bands filled it fast and kept it that way. The

monthly blues bashes are starting to get known by swing dance enthusiasts as one of

the best events of each month.

Annie Eastwood & Kimball Conant

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7Blues ReviewsNew Blues that you can Use

The Chris O’Leary BandWaiting For The Phone To Ring(Fidellis Records/Vizztone)

One of the first things I noticed on Waiting For The Phone To Ring, the new Fidellis Records release by The Chris O’Leary Band, was Chris’ harp playing in harmony with Andy Stahl on tenor sax and Chris DiFrancesco on baritone for “Give It” getting a sound reminiscent of the T-Town Aces. Add to that an engaging rhythm and I was won over immediately. On the slow paced “Louisiana Woman,” Chris’ vocals and excellent tone on the Mississippi tin sandwich remind me of Brian Lee’s “Identity Theft.” The piano and sax driven “Pictures Of You” with its loping beat could be a long lost 1950s rock ballad. The band is hitting on all cylinders for the Texas shuffle “Pockets Are Full” which has a cool hook, slinky guitar solo and smooth vocals. The up-tempo beat of “Trouble” jumps and swings as the baritone sax honks, the tenor answers and the blues harp wails. They pull out a perky New Orleans beat for “Question” which also features Vinny Nobile’s trombone added to the horn section. Vinny also lays down a bone sliding solo on the R&B flavored “History” and Chris cuts loose on a scintillating harp solo on the slithering slow “377-9189.” Waiting For The Phone To Ring closes out with the swinging toe tapping “The Prince” showcasing Chris’ superb vocal talents as well as the horns and Chris Vitarello’s understated chops on guitar. Yes that is three Chris’ in one band. Dave Gross produced the all original 13 song set and handled the engineering, mixing plus plays guitar on a pair of tracks. I truly enjoyed Waiting For The Phone To Ring and recommend you check it out too. Malcolm Kennedy

Make sure you check them out at wablues.org for all the

Blues you can use.Blues Reviews

Sunny CrownoverRight Here Right Now(Blue Duchess Records)

Sunny Crownover was raised in Southern California and her family moved to Texas when she was in her teens. She lived in both Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth before she moved to Massachusetts around 2000 where she rekindled her love of singing. On Sunny’s three previous releases with Duke Robillard (Introducing Sunny & Her Joy Boys, 2009 Stony Plain, Duke’s Stomp! the Blues Tonight, 2009 Stony Plain and Tales From the Tiki Lounge, 2010 Blue Duchess) the vintage material covered was from the 1920s through the 1950s and had been previously sung by the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Hellen Humes and Ivie Anderson. Right Here Right Now features 11 original contemporary blues and R&B songs. Much has been made about difference in Sunny’s vocals in this return to her R&B roots; but to me it is a very natural transition. Maybe that is once again due to how well the song selections fit Sunny. Speaking of which Duke reached out to some local New England song writers for songs and four are on the CD, plus one by long time friend and cohort Al Basile, For the remainder Duke hooked up with noted Nashville tunesmith Gary Nicholson and they co-wrote four tracks plus one each with Gary writing the title track. The horn laden R&B of the opening track, “Oh, Yes I Will” sets the table. The light funk and cool soul along with Duke’s jazzy guitar lines and Sunny’s stellar vocals on “One Woman Man” make this tune standout. Sugar Ray Norcia unleashes some of his superior harp skills on the Chicago style “Love Me Right.” Bruce Bears lights up the ivories for the rollicking and strutting “Cook In Your Kitchen.” On “Warned” the horns of Mike Tucker on tenor, Doug Woolverton and Doug James on baritone guide and punctuate as Duke’s guitar jabs and stings. When every cut is this good it is hard to pick favorites; but I will anyway because the sultry singing and sexually charged lyrics along with Billy Novick’s lyrical clarinet and Bears honky tonk piano are just outstanding on the Nicholson penned “Hi-Heels and Home Cookin’.” I cannot say enough about Sunny Crowder’s impressive vocals throughout Right Here Right Now, she demonstrates why I feel she is easily one of the finest vocalists in the business. Very highly recommended. Malcolm Kennedy

Dennis Gruenling Featuring Doug Deming & the Jewel TonesRockin’ All Day(Backbender Records)

I still have What’s It Gonna Take by Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones featuring Dennis Gruenling on high rotation and then I saw that Badass Harmonica Productions has a new Backbender Records release Rockin’ All Day by Dennis Gruenling featuring Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones with Doug on vocals and guitar, talk about double bonus coverage. The 13 song set features five originals to go along with a selection of great cast covers. “The Rev” is a fast paced original instrumental allowing Dennis to stretch out a bit and Doug takes a solo to spice it up. Some of the covers include Louie Jordan’s “Saturday Night Fish Fry,” Muddy’s “She’s So Pretty, Carl Perkins’ Sun Records hit “You Can Do No Wrong” and “One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer,” first recorded in by Amos Milburn then famously covered by John Lee Hooker and George Thorogood. Other songs of note are Melvin Smith’s obscure R&B hit “It Went Down Easy,” the lone track featuring Dennis on vocals. There is a standup version on Wynonie Harris’ fabulous “Bloodshot Eyes” aka “Don’t Roll Those Bloodshot Eyes.” They save some of the best for last, showing how deep this CD goes, with Deming’s original “Acting Crazy” with sizzling blues harp, solid guitar and expressive vocals. Dennis wraps it up tight with the bubbling rhythm and vibrant harp sound of the original instrumental “Hotso.” I highly recommend both CDs: Doug asks the question What’s It Gonna Take and Dennis answers Rockin’ All Day. Malcolm Kennedy

Little G WeevilThe Teaser(Apic Records)

Little G Weevil, winner of the 2013 International Blues Challenge Solo/Duo completition is in a full band setting for The Teaser. I beg to differ with Little G’s assessment that “Real Men Don’t Dance” the opening track; but I like it anyway: Maurice Nazzaro lays down some greasy blues harp on it, too. The bold sound of “Big City Life” is provided by the thumping rhythm, organ and piercing guitar as Little G sings ‘big city life/you know it ain’t for me/gotta get out of here/I’m taking I-20’ and then goes into a slashing guitar solo. Nazzaro’s harp is back for “Highway 78” which has a hypnotic rhythm and Little G brings a contemporary blues guitar sound to the standout track “Apple Picker.” Little G has some aptly titled tracks like “Back Porch” which is appropriately acoustic and “Dad’s Story” which is a story telling song. Little G stretches out on the fret boards for “8:47” a song of discontent as he sings ‘I ain’t gonna do that thing no more.’ The bouncing groove and stout blues harp of “Liquor Store” also make it stand tall. The acoustic slide work on the final track “Which Way Shall I Go” is done on a Bacon Fat Cigar Box Guitar and provides evidence of his popularity with the IBC judges. There is much to like on the varied offerings to be found on The Teaser and much to recommend it by as well. Malcolm Kennedy

Red Lotus RevueFourteen Stories(Self Released)

The Red Lotus Revue are purveyors of raw, edgy Chicago-style blues with some of the roughhewn sound and energy of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and the British invasion blues of the early 1960s. Named after the venue of their debut gig at the Red Lotus Society in downtown San Diego, this act represented the Blues Lovers United of San Diego at the 2010 International Blues Challenge. The four piece outfit features two guitar players Jimmy Zollo and Pete Fazzini sharing lead and rhythm duties, Kurt Kalker on drums and front man Karl Cabbage on vocals and blues harp with no bass player. The 15 selections on Fourteen Stories are an equal mix of band originals and well picked covers of Johnny Shines, Sonny Boy II, Jimmy Reed, an obscure Howlin’ Wolf song, and “I Ain’t Got You” popularized by Blue Oyster Cult in their pre-arena rock days. On this CD, the songs are delivered with a sparse, stripped-down approach. When Karl covers Sonny Boy or Jimmy Reed, he gets deep inside of their style with the trembling harp solo on Williamson’s “Key To Your Door,” and the crisp, piercing high end harp on

Mark RobinsonHave Axe-Will Groove(Blind Chihuahua Records)

Mark Robinson’s new release Have Axe-Will Groove opens with “Drive Real Fast” as he sings ‘I want a straight stretch of highway, a 350 engine, man I want to drive real fast,’ with Mark’s screaming guitar and TJ Klay’s howling harmonica they clearly set the tone of the album. One of the standout tracks is the swinging sounds of “Cool Rockin’ Daddy” which introduces Ben Graves on alto sax to go along with Mark’s big toned guitar backed by the Shout Chorus and Chain Gang Choir. Mark whips out so slippery slide and Klay brings back his harp a second time for the swaggering “Broke Down.” Mark brings out the slow burn for “Lifetime Prescription” which brings shades of Gary Moore. “Rhythm Doctor” has the percussive piano of Randy Handley and a New Orleans beat. Another standout is “What’s The Matter Baby” this time featuring Raguie Lamontagne on blues harp to go along with Mark’s spicy guitar all over a Hammond organ wash provided by Michael Webb. My favorite cut is the slow brooding “Blue Moon Howl.” Mark uses echo to good effect on his guitar solo as he makes his guitar growl, moan and cry. Throughout the ser the guitar is never over bearing, a few times the vocals are reaching and sometimes the lyrics are a bit lacking; but this is made up by the quality musicianship. Malcolm Kennedy

Nathan James & the Rhythm ScratchersWhat You Make Of It(Delta Groove Music)

When I think of traditional blues trios, I don’t think that the Rhythm Scratchers are a typical blues trio. A power trio, they decidedly are not. On What You Make Of It, they put in a little of everything including the kitchen sink (speaking musical styles here), since they already have the washboard on Nathan’s homespun guitars. Yes that’s right, a travel size washboard with a hand carved and fretted neck that he calls the Washtar Gitboard complete with LED lights he learned how to install from Super Chikan. Add to that his three stringed Tri-tar with an axe handle neck and the baritone Washtar, Bari-tar and you have a unique blend. Make no mistake: this is no novelty act. Nathan did a three and a half year stint with James Harman (who sings and plays harp here on “Rhino Horn”) and Nathan has worked with a lengthily list of blues’ finest. Nathan worked solo and then formed a duo with vocalist and harp man Ben Hernandez; they won the 2007 International Blues Challenge Solo/Duo competition. I like the distorted tone he gets from his Bari-tar on the slow paced “Later On,” a Jimmy McCraklin song done with a 1950s feel and a high power solo. I particularly enjoyed “Make It Your Own” a tune inspired by his fellow musician the late Steve White. Bassist Troy Sandow adds some impressive reed bending high end harp work while drummer Marty Dodson keeps the meter. Nathan plays slide on his Tri-tar on the instrumental “Blues Headache” which again features Troy’s skillful harp playing. From an old-timey song featuring acoustic Resonator guitar and kazoo, to soul drenched 1960’s R&B replete with horns, edgy Hill Country blues with chromatic harp to a Cajun fiddle tune or a straight up harp driven blues What You Make Of It has it all and it is all done well. Malcolm Kennedy

the sensational slowed down version of Reed’s classic “Honest I Do.” Karl gets big time harp tone on “Homebody” an original he penned with Zollo. You won’t find blazing guitar histrionics or harp solos overflowing with speed notes; but you will find an abundance of quality playing in an ensemble style, The barn burning double 4/4 Cabbage/Zollo original “River” features storming harp and cutting slide work. The album closes out with “Santee” which has the pace, rhythm and feel of Robert Johnson’s “Red Hot” followed by a bonus alternate version. Check out Fourteen Stories and the four songs on their Myspace page too. Highly recommended. Malcolm Kennedy

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Richard Allen & the Louisiana Experience/Zydeco Trio/Solo Piano (206) 369-8114AlleyKattz (425) 273-4172AEK Abdelkder (425)232-8569Annieville 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) 733-7464Bare Roots (206) 818-8141Billy 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 on Tap: 206 618-6210Blues To Do Monthly (206) 328-0662Blues Playground (425) 359-3755Blues Redemption http://www.bluesredemption.comBlues County Sheriff (206) 979-0666Blues to Burn (253) 945-7441Blutopia (425)269-3665Boneyard Preachers (206) 755-0766/ 206-547-1772Bill 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) 853-7749Kimball Conant & the Fugitives (206) 938-6096Jack Cook & Phantoms of Soul (206) 517-5294Rod Cook & Toast (206) 878-7910ZCoyote Blues (360) 420-2535John Scooch Cugno’s Delta 88 Revival (360) 352-3735Daddy 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) 278-0330el Colonel (360)293-7931Sammy 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) 788-2776Jimmy Free’s Friends (206) 546-3733Gin Creek (206) 588-1924Paul Green (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)790-9934Bobby Holland & the Breadline (425)681-5644James Howard band (206) 250-7494Raven Humphres (425) 308-3752Hungry Dogs (425) 299-6435Brian Hurst (360) 708-1653K. G. Jackson & the Shakers (360) 896-4175Jeff & the Jet City Fliers (206) 469-0363Vaughn Jensen Band (509) 554-6914Stacy Jones Band (206) 992-3285Chester Dennis Jones (253)-797-8937Harry “The Man” Joynes (360) 871-4438Junkyard Jane (253) 238-7908

James King & the Southsiders (206) 715-6511Virginia Klemens / Jerry Lee Davidson (206) 632-6130

Mick Knight (206) 373-1681Bruce Koenigsberg / the Fabulous Roof Shakers (425) 766-7253

Kolvane (503) 804-7966Lady “A” & the Baby Blues Funk Band (425) 518-9100

Brian Lee & the Orbiters www.brianleeorbiters.comBrian Lee Trio (206) 390-2408

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

Dana Lupinacci Band (206) 860-4961Eric Madis & Blue Madness (206) 362 8331

Bill Mattocks Band (206) 601-2615Albritten McClain & Bridge of Souls (206) 650-8254

Brian “Jelly Belly” McGhee (253) 777-5972Doug McGrew (206) 679-2655

Mary McPage Band (206) 850-4849Miles from Chicago (206) 440-8016

Reggie Miles (360) 793-9577Rob Moitoza / House of Reprehensibles (206) 768-2820

Moon Daddy Band (425) 923-9081Jim Nardo’s Boogie Train Blues Band (360) 779-4300

Keith Nordquist (253) 639-3206Randy Norris & the Full Degree (425) 239-3876

Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely (425) 239-3876/(425) 359-3755Randy Oxford Band (253) 973-9024

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

Bruce Ransom (206) 618-6210Red Hot Blues Sisters (206) 940-2589

Mark Riley (206) 313-7849RJ Knapp and Honey Robin Band (206) 612-9145

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

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

Sciaticats Band (206) 246-3105Scratchdaddy Blues (425)210-1925

Shadow Creek Project (360) 826-4068Tim Sherman Band (206) 547-1772

Billy Shew Band (253) 514-3637Doug Skoog (253) 921-7506

Smoke N Blues Allstars (253) 620-5737Smokin’ Jays (425)746-8186Son Jack Jr. (425) 591-3034

Soulshaker Blues Band (360) 4171-145Billy Spaulding (206) 310-4153

Star Drums & Lady Keys (206) 522-2779Steal Thunder (360)403-1048

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

Stickshift Annie Eastwood (206) 522-4935Alice Stuart & the Formerlys (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) 891-4487Leanne Trevalyan (253)238-7908Tim Turner Band (206) 271-5384

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

Unbound (425)212-7608 Uncle 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) 327-0944

Charles 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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910

11George Kirby Jr.Six Pack(Self Released)

George Kirby, Jr’s new release got its name by being a six song EP. I think that having an EP is an excellent way to have a promo pack and something to sell for an easy price at gigs. Kirby wrote four of the tracks, one is by piano, organ and accordion player Neil Thomas and the last is a cover of Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” performed primarily acoustically on guitar, Dobro and banjo, with “talk-singing” as you have never heard this song rendered before. The mellow blues based rock of “Something I Can’t Find” sounds as if it could be a long lost Allman Brothers tune. Phil Wiggins adds his bluesy harp and supporting vocals to “You Never See The Hand Throw The Stone” the one full on blues song on Six Pack. The other three cuts, two of Kirby’s and Thomas’ fall into the singer-songwriter vain and the violin, mandolin and accordion give “When the People Sang” a touch of country. Malcolm Kennedy

Dave Widow & the Line UpWaiting For The World To End(Widow/Mallaber Productions)

In “Bluesman,” the opening track of Waiting For The World To End by Dave Widow & the Line Up, is a straight up mid tempo blues. Dave sings that he is a blues man working in a blues band, that they all dig rock and

...More Reviewsroll; but their first love is the blues. What I found on the rest of the album was just about everything but blues, although much of it

does have blues undertones. There is rock both mellow and full tilt, funky R&B, danceable blues rock with a touch of funk, singer-songwriter fare and soul blues; but not much straight up blues. “Reach Out” is a mellow pop ballad with some bluesy guitar, “Wait On Your Love” is soul blues al a Curtis Salgado, and the aptly named “Baby Wants to Rock” is a rocker. My favorite track is the piano and horn driven mellow blues shuffle “Piss You Off ” as Dave sings ‘what did I do to piss you off this time?’ which also features some tasty guitar licks by Dave. “Leave a Piece Of Me” has kind of a Rolling Stones/Black Crowes groove going that works well. Tracks like “Nothin’ On You,” “I Look For Things Like That” and “Second Hand Love” are all likely to fill the dance floor while “Wait On Love” is sure to get the couples grinding on the dance floor. Malcolm Kennedy

Too Slim and the TaildraggersBlue Heart(Underworld Records)

The first four bars of the opening “Wash My Hands” announce the return of Too Slim and the Taildraggers with a muscular 1-2-3 punch of gritty guitar, snapping snare drum, and thundering bass. Recorded in Too Slim’s new Nashville home, Blue Heart is the follow-up to Shiver ; the 2012 Blues Music Association nominated Blues Rock Album of the Year and his much-lauded solo album Broken Halo. The 11 song set, produced by award-winning Tom Hambridge, feature his skills on both sides of the glass, as he does great work in the drum chair and at the mixing desk, showing us exactly why he is in high demand. The other guest musicians include Reese Wynans (Stevie Ray Vaughn) on B3, Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie) vocals and harmonica, Rob McNelley (guitar), and Tommy MacDonald (bass). The nine new compositions show off Too Slim’s formidable songwriting skills alongside his well-known guitar work on this his 12th studio album. Standouts among the southern fried roots and blues are the swampy shuffle of the title track and the rock redemption of “When Whiskey Was My Friend.” Langford hands over the vocals to Jimmy Hall who shines on the soul ballad “Good To See You Smile Again,” trading sweet guitar leads with him while Reese Wynans lays down the classic Hammond organ that he is famous for. A

Too Slim record wouldn’t be complete without a slide guitar feature and so for this one he chose “Preacher,” from fellow bottleneck man Ross Simmons, adding 1000 watts of power to this tale of fire and brimstone. After all the rocking out, Too Slim ends with the acoustic-based, world music-infused “Angels Are Back,” hinting that he may have even more up his sleeve. Only time will tell. Rick J. Bowen

Ron HackerLive In San Francisco(Hacksaw Records)

Ron Hacker has been a fixture of the Bay Area blues scene for nearly 40 forty years. For his 10th release, simply titled Live in San Francisco, he and his trio The Hacksaws and caught doing what they do best, laying down some serious deep delta blues grooves, and slide guitar perfection. The 10-song set was recorded at the famed Biscuits and Blues club on one magic night in November of 2011. Hacker begins solo on the Sleepy John Estes classic “Ax Sweet Mama,” and proudly declares “I never saw no whiskey, but the blues made me sloppy drunk,” and then offers a master class on slide guitar playing, setting the tone for the joyous night ahead. Hacker is joined by the astute rhythm section of Steve Ehrmann on bass and drummer Ronnie Smith who play just what is need to push the songs along never stepping on the thematic lines Hacker weaves into each song. The trio covers the gamut of styles from two beat stomps, shuffles and upbeat boogie, on classic covers such as “Baby Please Don’t Go, “Statesboro Blues” and “Death Letter.” Hacker throws in a couple of originals, including a charming tale about his son “My Bad Boy,” and the wild ways of his first wife on the jumpin’ “Two Timin’ Woman.” All the tracks feature not only Hacker’s mastery of the slide guitar but his easy narrative vocal style that draws the listener into the authenticity of his blues and soul story telling. After explaining how he got permission from the man himself, Hacker closes the show with a frenzied 9-minute cover John Lee Hooker’s “House Rent Blues,” leaving nothing but sawdust and echoes in his wake. Serious blues fans need to add this one to their collection. Rick J. Bowen

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July 29 - Monday88 Keys, Blues To Do TV: Waldo’s North, Lynnwood: Stacy Jones Band

July 30 - Tuesday Crossroads Center Farmers Market, Bellevue: Eric Madis 1-6 pmJazz Alley: Bill Evans SoulgrassLocol Seattle, Seattle: Mia Vermillion, 7:30pmNew Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

July 31 - Wednesday88 Keys: Blues on Tap, 8pmEngels Pub: Nick Vigarino Meantown Blues, 8pmJazz Alley: Bill Evans SoulgrassNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pmPike Pl. Bar & Grill, John Stephan Band, 6pmRoyal Lounge, Olympia: The Eclectic Soul Project, 7:30pm

August 1 - Thursday Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle: Brian Lee & the Orbiters, 8 pmJazz Alley: Bill Evans SoulgrassNew Orleans: Selbred/Jackson

August 2 - FridayNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Mt. Baker Rhythm & Blues Festival in Demming Washington

August 3 - Saturday Johnny’s Dock, Tacoma: Steve Cooley & the Dangerfields, 5pmSwedish Culture Center, Seattle: Dance w/Brian Lee & the Orbiters, 7:30pm Mt. Baker Rhythm & Blues Festival in Demming Washington

August 4 - SundayDB Cooper Music Festival, Medicine Creek Winery, Olympia. $20 all day/$15 Blues 7:30 pm: Clay Swafford and Billy Flynn, Mudcat opens

Aug

CalendarBlues

July 6 - Saturday (continued)South Sound BBQ Festival, Huntamer Park (Woodland Square Loop), Lacey 11amWashington Sips, La Conner: Mia Vermillion, 7:30pm

July 7 - SundayConway Muse: Nick Vigarino’s Meantown Blues, 8pmWoodland Park ZooTunes, Alice opens acoustic for Huey Lewis & The News, 7pm Red Dog Saloon, Port Orchard, Steve Cooley and the Dangerfields, Jam, 7pm

July 8 - Monday88 Keys, Pioneer Square, Blues To Do TV: pianiozilla lllNew Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

July 9 - TuesdaySea-Tac Airport Central Terminal: Alice Stuart, Solo, 10amTriple Door: “House of Bourbon” Featuring Delta Hothouse/Son Jack Jr . Ian Siegal & guests Experience Gospel Choir

July 10 - Wednesday 88 Keys: Blues on Tap, 8pmEngels Pub: Granite Reign, 8pmHighway 99: High and Lonsome bandNew Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pm Royal Lounge, Olympia: Alice Stuart & the Last Few Good Men, w/Steve Flynn, 7:30pm

July 11 - ThursdayJazz Alley: John MayallNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Highway 99: James King & the SouthsidersSalmon Bay Eagles: 8pm ~ Randy Norris/Jeff Nicely~ 10pm Mark Riley/Dean Richert

July 12 - FridayBake’s Place, Bellevue: Kalimba, 8pmEngels Pub: Astro CatsFairhaven Park in Bellingham: Nick Vigarino, Juliette Zentelis Memorial. 5 pmHighway 99: DoctorfunkJazz Alley: John MayallLittle Roadside Tavern, Deming: Nick VigarinoMatch Coffee & Wine, Duvall: Annie Eastwood, Kimball Conant, Larry Hill - Fugitives Trio, 7:30pm Repp, Snohomish: Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely, 6:30pm

July 13 - Saturday Bake’s Place, Bellevue: Kalimba, 8pm Barrel: Mary McPage & the AssassinsConway Muse: Mark Dufresne Band, 8pmEngel’s Pub: CD Woodbury BandHighway 99: Duffy BishopJazz Alley: John MayallJohnny’s Dock, Tacoma: Steve Cooley & the Dangerfields, 5pmOld Town Blues Fest, Old Town Music Society: Steve Cooley & the DangerfieldsRockfish, Anacortes: Alice Stuart & the FormerlysTriple Door: Commander CodyWallace Blues Festival, Wallace Id: Stacy Jones Band, 8pm, Ian Siegal 9pmWashington Sips, La Conner: Songwriter Showcase w/Mia Vermillion, Gary Baugh, Omhara Grace & Ford Geeseback, 7pm

July 14 - SundayJazz Alley: John Mayall

July 15 - Monday 88 Keys, Blues To Do TV: Nolie DurhamJazz Alley: Albert LeeMr. Villa, Lake City/Seattle: Annie Eastwood, Kimball Conant, Larry Hill - Fugitives Trio, 7pm Port Gardner Winery, Everett: “Mighty Mouth Blues” Presents an Siegal, 8pm

July 16 - TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm

July 17 - Wednesday 88 Keys: Blues on Tap, 8pm Engels Pub: Lone State, 8pmHighway 99: Dirty RiceNew Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pmRoyal Lounge, Olympia: The Eclectic Soul Project, 7:30pm

July 18 - ThursdayHighway 99: Rosie Ledet & the Zydeco PlayboysNew Orleans: Ham Carson QuintetSalmon Bay Eagles: Boneyard Preachers

July 19 - Friday Engels Pub: Fat Tones Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek: Annie Eastwood w/guitarist Bill Chism, 7pm Conway Muse: Tommy Castro & the Painkillers, 8pmHighway 99: Peter Karp & Sue Foley

July 19 - Friday (continued)Repp, Snohomish: Nick Vigarino, 6:30pmWinthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival

July 20 - SaturdayBake’s Place, Bellevue: Gypsy Soul, 8pm Brick Saloon, Roslyn: Stacy Jones Band Crossroads Center Farmers Market, Bellevue: Eric Madis 1-6 pmEngels Pub: Wired! BandHighway 99: Hank Shrieveband, Paul Green & Jay MabinIce Harbor Brewery, Kennewick: Mary McPage & the Assassins Port Gardner Winery, Everett: Annie Eastwood w/guitarist Bill Chism, 7pm Scotch & Vine, Brian Lee Trio, 8pmSlider’s, Carnation: Eric Madis & Blue Madness, 8 pmSequim Lavender Festival, Main Stage, Sequim: Soulshaker Blues Band, 2pmWinthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival

July 21 - Sunday Bill’s Place, Yakima: Stacy Jones Band 6pm Tommy Castro 7pmBite of Seattle, Alley Stage: Stickshift Annie w/ Kimball & the Fugitives, 4:30pm Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival

July 22 - Monday 88 Keys, Blues To Do TV: New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

July 23 - TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pmSea-Tac Airport Central Terminal: Alice Stuart, Solo, 10am

July 24 - Wednesday 88 Keys: Blues on Tap, 8pmEngels Pub: Marlin James Band, 8pmMadison, Everett: Nick Vigarino, 7:30pmNew Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pmPike Place Bar & Grill at the Market: Stickshift Annie w/Kimball & the Fugitives, 6pmSteel Lake Concert in the Park, Federal Way: Alice Stuart & the Formerlys, 7pm

July 25 - ThursdayAmy’s On The Bay, Pt Orchard:Alice Stuart, soloHighway 99: Jeffery Broussard & the Creole CowboysInterbay Jazz On The Green, Magnolia: Stickshift Annie w/Kimball & the Fugitives, 5:30pmNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Salmon Bay Eagles: Blues on Tap

July 26 - Friday Bake’s Place, Bellevue: Seatown Rhythm & Blues, 8pmConway Tavern: Nick VigarinoDeLancey’s On Third, Renton: Stickshift Annie w/ Kimball & the Fugitives, 8:30pmEngels Pub: Highway 91st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, Mount Vernon: Mia Vermillion, 8pmHighway 99: Junkyard Jane & Billy D & the HoodoosJazz in the Valley Festival @ Prosody Events center, Ellensburg: Stacy Jones Band , 9pmWorld of Beers: Mary McPage & the Assassins

July 27 - Saturday Arts In Action, Main Stage, Sequim, Soulshaker Blues Band, 4pmBake’s Place, Bellevue: Ventura Bellevue 6th Street Fair: Stickshift Annie w/ Kimball & the Fugitives, 2pm Conway Muse: Curtis Hammond Band, 8pmEngels Pub: Tweety & the Tom CatsHighway 99: Brian Lee & the Orbiters with Boneyard Preachers, 8pmLuxe Ultra Lounge: Mary McPage & the Assassins Old Edison Tavern, Bow/Edison: Nick Vigarino, 8:30pmRenton River Days Festival, Renton: Mia Vermillion Trio, 10:30am Wild Hare: Boneyard Preachers

July 28 - SundayCentral Club, Kirkland, Brian Lee & the Orbiters, 8:30pm Granite Falls Eagles: Nick Vigarino, 5:30pmTriple Door: Brian Nova’s All Star Big Band

July 1 - Monday 88 Keys, Pioneer Square, Blues To Do TV: Jam Host Jam

July 2 - TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm

July 3 - Wednesday 88 Keys: Blues on Tap, 8pm Engels: Mary McPage & the AssassinsNew Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pmPike Pl. Bar & Grill, John Stephan Band, 6pmRoyal Lounge, Olympia: Alice Stuart & The Last Few Good Men, w/guest, 7:30pmWaterwheel Lounge, Ballard: Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill & Tom Brighton w/guitarist Bill Chism, 7pm

July 4 - Thursday happy 4th of July Everybody! BE SAFE

Ft. Dent Family 4th of July, Tukwila: Mark Whitman band, 4:30pmNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Salmon Bay Eagles: All Stars No StripesWashington Sips (solo) LaConner: Nick Vigarino, 8pm

July 5 - FridayBake’s Place, Bellevue: Carlos Cascante & Tumbao, 8pm Engels Pub: Tim Turner BandElliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek: Annie Eastwood w/guitarist Bill Chism, 7pmHighway 99: Smoking BillMedicine Creek Winery, Olympia: Mia Vermillion, 5pmRepp (solo) Snohomish: Nick Vigarino, 6:30pmUnder the Red Umbrella,Everett: Randy Norris &Jeff Nicely, 7pmYuppie Tavern, Kirkland, Brian Lee Trio, 8:30pm

July 6 - SaturdayBake’s Place, Bellevue: Doctorfunk, 8pmConway Muse: Nick VigarinoEngels: Moon Daddy BandHeart of Anacortes Concert series, Anacortes: Stacy Jones Band, 6pm3rd Annual Goatalympics at the Evergreen ‘ Fair Grounds, 10-5pm Two Twelve On Central, Kirkland: Annie Eastwood w/guitarist Bill Chism, 8pmManchester Pub, Port Orchard, Steve Cooley and the Dangerfields, 9pm

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SundaysAlki Tavern: Jam hosted b y Manuel MoraisDawson’s, Tacoma: Tim Hall Band, 7pmCastle’s, Sedro Wolley: Gary B’s Church of the Blues, 6-10pmEastlake Zoo Tavern: Eastlake Zoo Social Club & Jam featuring the Seattle Houserockers, 7pmPony Keg, Kent: Rafael Tranquilino JamRaging River: Tommy WallSilver Dollar: Big Nasty, 8pm Two Twelve, Kirkland: hosted by HeatherBBlues, 7pm

TuesdaysBarrel Tavern: hosted by Doug McGrew, 8pmDawson’s, Tacoma: hosted by Shelley & Jho, 8pmElmer, Burien: hosted by Billy ShewEngels Pub, Edmonds: Jam Session with Lou & Don, 8pmJ & M Cafe Jam: Pacific Rim Marysville Best Western: Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks, 7 - 11pmSnohomish Spirits & Sports: Sean Denton & friendsSummit Pub: Tim Hall & the Realtimes, 7:30pmUncle Thurms, Tacoma: Blenis, Ely Band, 7:30pmWild Buffalo, Bellingham: hosted by Rick Baunach, 6:30 - 9:30pm

MONDAYKSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon / KSVU 91.9FM Hamilton –Blues in the Night (automated) 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM Monday through Friday www.ksvr.org – DJ, Janice Clevin Gage

KUGS 89.3FM Bellingham: Highway 61 8:00AM - 10:00AMas.wwu.edu/kugs/ - DJ, Chalkie McStevenson

Mighty Mouth Blues on NWCZ Radio - www.nwczradio.com - Monday 8:00-11:00PM Pacific

TuESDAYKAOS 89.3FM Olympia: Blues On Rye 1:00PM - 3:00PM www.kaos.evergreen.edu - DJ, Val Vaughn

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

KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon / KSVU 91.9FM Hamilton - The Blues Note with Janice 8:00PM - 10:00PM www.ksvr.org - DJ, Janice Cleven Gage

KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon / KSVU 91.9FM Hamilton - Lester’s Blues Tour 10:00PM -Midnight www.ksvr.org - DJ, Les Anderson

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

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

SATuRDAYKAOS 89.3FM Olympia: Blues For Breakfast 8:00AM - 10:00AM www.kaos.evergreen.edu - DJ, Jerry Drummond

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

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

KBCS 91.3 FM Bellevue College: Living the Blues 8:00 PM – 10 PMwww.kbcs.fm – DJ Kevin Henry, Kevin Morris, Oneda Harris,Winona Hollins-Huage

KPBX 91.1FM Spokane: Backwater Blues Hour 10:00PM - 11:00PM www.kpbx.org - DJ, Frank Delaney

KPBX 91.1FM Spokane: Beal Street Caravan 11PM-12AMwww.kpbx.org - DJ, Pat Mitchell

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

KSER 90.7FM Everett: Blues Odessey 9:00PM - 11:00PM www.kser.org - DJ, Leslie Fleury

SuNDAYKBCS 91.3FM Bellevue: Beal St. Caravan 5:00AM – 6:00AMwww.kbcs.fm

KEXP 90.3 Seattle: Preaching the Blues 9:00AM - NOONwww.kexp.org DJ, Johnny Horn

KUGS 89.3 FM Bellingham: Exposure NOON – 2PMwww.kugs.org

KYRS 92.3 FM Spokane: Blues Now and Then 6:00PM - 8:00 PMwww.kyrs.org - DJs 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.kwcwradio.tumblr.com - DJ, “Biggdaddy” Ray Hansen and Armand “The Doctor” Parada

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

Blues on the Radio Dial

PLEASE SEND ANY RADIO UPDATES TO CALENDAR@WABLUES.ORG

Washington Blues Society Blues Jams

Central & Eastern BBQ & Blues – Clarkston (509) 758-1227Breadline Café – Omak (509) 826-5836Club Crow – Cashmere (509) 782-3001 CrossRoads Steakhouse – Walla Walla (509) 522-1200Ice Harbor Brewing Co - Kennewick (509) 582-5340 Lakey’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 (Prohibition 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) 246-5488CC’s Lounge, Burien (206) 242-0977Capitol Theater/Olympia Film Society – (360) 754-3635Cascade Tavern – Vancouver (360) 254-0749Charlie’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) 852-7287rrPick & Shovel – Wilkeson (360) 829-6574The Pony Keg - Kent (253) 395-8022Riverside 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) 858-1749

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.Bake’s Place - Bellevue (425) 454-2776Central Club – Kirkland (425) 827-8808Crossroads Shopping Center – Bellevue (425) 644-1111Damans Pub – RedmondForecasters – Woodinville (425) 483-3212Raging River Café & Club – Fall City (425) 222-6669Rockin’M BBQ, Golf Range & Lounge - Everett (425.438.2843)Time Out Sports Bar – Kirkland (425) 822-8511Top Shelf Broiler & Tervelli Lounge - Kirkland (206) 239-8431Vino Bella – Issaquah (425) 391-1424Wild Vine Bistro, Bothell (425) 877-1334Wilde Rover – Kirkland (425) 822-8940Valhalla Bar & Grill, Kirkland (425) 827 3336Yuppie Tavern - Kirkland (425) 814-5200

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 AttitudeDaman’s Pub, 8 PMDogghouse Tavern, Mt. Vernon Alan: Hatley Trio, 7pmEddie’s Trackside Bar & Grill, Monroe: every 1st & 3rd Wed., 8pm88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Blues on Tap, 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 July 3 - Kevin Sutton July 10 - el Colonel July 17 - Sean Denton July 24 - Nick Vigarino July 31 - Roger EndersOxford Saloon, Snohomish: hosted by Rick J Bowen, Rob Baker, Scott Lind, All Ages Open Jam 7-11pmSalmon Bay Eagles: Broomdust presents Blues of the Past jam (1st Wed.), 8pmYuppie Tavern, Kirkland (Totem Lake), HeatherBBlues Acoustic jam, 8pm

ThursdaysBad Alberts: Invitational w/Annieville BluesBarrel Tavern: hosted by Tim Turner, 8pmClub Flight Nightclub: w/Cory Wilde, 9pmConway PubDawson’s, Tacoma: Billy Shew, 8 pmEddie’s Trackside, Monroe: Tommy Cook, Patrick McDanel & Teri Anne Wilson, 8:30pmO’Callahan’s: Tim Hall, 7pmOxford Saloon: Jam Night w/ CD Woodbury, Don Montana, & Mike FishTop Shelf (formerly Olive You), Kirkland: hosted by Chester Dennis, 8pm

FridaysNew Orleans Restaurant: All Star Jam, hosted by Leslie “Stardrums” Milton & Lady Keys, 7pm (1st & 3rd fri.’s)

Washington Blues Society

Venue Guide

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, 8pmOpal Lounge, South Tacoma Way: Tim Hall, 8pmOxford Saloon: All ages open jam, 7 - 11pmTen Below: hosted by Underground Blues Jam, every 1st Monday of the month, Wenatchee

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The biggest event of the year for Songwriters in Seattle is coming up on August 24th – the “Annual SiS BBQ & 1st NWME Awards.” The event will be held in Kirkland 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM - for more details please visit: www.meetup.com/SongwritersInSeattle/events/122439032/.

The awards consist of recognitions in 10 categories, with five finalists from each category. The five finalists will be presented to a select voting group consisting of Songwriters in Seattle and Northwest Music Experience leaders, donors, and other VIPs, and this group will select a single winner from each category.

The awards and associated prizes will be presented at the August 24th event along with performances from artists invited based on their award song submissions. We invite Washington Blues Society members and artists to submit songs for consideration. As of Bluesletter press time, the blues category is currently wide open!

SiS is now accepting submissions for award consideration (deadline July 26th) on the NWME website: http://nwmusicexperience.org/2013awardsubmission/

See official award rules and guidelines here: http://nwmusicexperience.org/2013awardsubmission/officialrules/

Save the DateSongwriters in Seattle is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with over 900 members that runs roughly 10 events for musicians every month around the Pacific NW region. Workshops, seminars, showcases, networking and business learning, collaboration, critiques, and informal jam sessions are all a part of the group’s dynamic calendar. Under the Songwriters in Seattle umbrella, Northwest Music Experience Awards is a flagship event bringing the diverse songwriting community together to honor the talent of the region. Working together both creatively and in the music business, Songwriters in Seattle strives to grow the musical opportunities and public support structure for the creative community. If you are a musician, we offer growth for all levels and goals whether you are looking for help with songwriting, need to expand your contacts, seeking technical expertise, or wanting more exposure for your music. For the public that seeks new music from local artists, we offer a broad range of live events, recordings, and podcasts that showcase the amazing talent of our region, some of which may have otherwise gone unnoticed or unheard.

The goal of Songwriters in Seattle is to build a creative community in Seattle that rivals nationally-renowned music cities such as Nashville and Austin. The all-volunteer nonprofit organization aims to create an environment

that supports and nurtures talent, both in showcasing the best of its members as well as developing those who desire to improve. Through the volunteer efforts of members helping members, Songwriters in Seattle seeks to provide uplifting experiences, and hopes that the public will respond in kind. The Northwest Music Experience will celebrate one of the most creative, diverse, and accomplished musical communities in America.

Songwriters in Seattle began in six years ago by a few musicians with a need to connect with like-minded independent songwriters and learn from each other’s’ experiences. As it grew, this new creative organization began to meet at the Alibi Room in Seattle for a monthly get together over beer, pizza, and guitars, playing our songs for each other, and networking with other songwriters. Soon after, Songwriters in Seattle began to showcase local talent at various venues and running monthly workshops. These efforts have resulted in increased collaboration, song placement on TV/radio, and growth in a variety of ways has been the result for many members of the group. In 2011, Songwriters in Seattle incorporated as 501(c)(3) charity in order to reach larger goals and have an even greater impact.

Songwriters in Seattle to Host Inaugural Northwest Music Experience Awards!

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British blues artist Ian Siegal has been called “one of the most gifted singers and songwriters in contemporary blues” by the popular and influential British Mojo Magazine. I also like to call him a few other choice things (some definitely not suitable for printing in the family-friendly Bluesletter), including my friend.

I was introduced to Ian Siegal’s music back in 2004 by internet friend (and British blues artist) Tim Aves. I instantly became a big fan of both

his songwriting and singing. When I heard that he was coming to the Pacific Northwest to play at the 2006 Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, I immediately contacted his record company and volunteered any help I might be able to provide. Close to his arrival, I got the news he needed a band (he had originally planned on bringing his, but that fell through three weeks before the Oregon gig). Thankfully, the Mark Riley Trio came to the rescue. The results of this “mini-tour” included six stellar performances in six days, including a rousing set at the Safeway Waterfront Rhythm and Blues Festival before 25,000 blues fans. Ian was one of the big “hits” of his day at the festival along the Willamette River in Downtown Portland.

Over the years I have kept in touch with Ian. I caught up with him during my vacation in 2009 where he headlined a blues festival in Scotland. We also reconnected at last year’s Blues Music Awards in Memphis, and Ian is the only British blues artist nominated for a Blues Music Awards over the past two years. He was nominated in the the contemporary blues album category for both his successful albums: “The Skinny” and “Candy Store Kid”.Jump ahead to 2013, Ian Siegal is back. Back in the Pacific Northwest for a brief tour and visit. It’s sort of a mix of playing music and just playing- as in vacation.

Ian will be performing around the area from July 6th through July 15th and his itinerary includes the Triple Door on July 9th. He’s part of a show billed as “Saint and Sinner,” hosted by the House of Bourbon, and featuring Delta Hothouse and the Total Experience Gospel Choir). This will be Ian’s Triple Door debut, and it promises to be a musically diverse evening of music.

On July 13th, Ian will play the second annual Wallace Blues Festival on July 13th (for you Drysiders), and the inaugural festival received the Best Blues Event Award from the Inland Empire Blues Society last year. This four-stage festival also features John Nemeth, Nikki Hill and Seth Freeman as headliners, in addition to Siegal.

Ian’s last stop in the Evergreen State is on July 15th at the new Washington Blues Society – Mighty Mouth Blues venue in Everett at the Port Gardner Winery. Each ticket includes an intimate evening of music with less than 60 seats, a world-class BBQ meal, and music by Ian Siegal. Last month’s featured a nearly sold-out show with The Love Dogs, on tour from the Massachusetts.

Check the Bluesletter calendar for times and places. Come out and catch a true bluesman in action. You won’t be disappointed.

Ian Siegal: Welcome Back to the

Pacific Northwest!

By Blues Boss

The Big Sky Rhythm and Blues Festival returns to Noxon, Montana, on August 3rd and 4th. Located on the banks of the Clarke Fork River, and nestled in the tall mountain peaks of western Montana, makes for a rare and beautiful setting for this music festival.

The Big Sky Rhythm and Blues Festival in the quaint little town of Noxon, (just 2 hours Northeast of Spokane) has grown by leaps and bounds over the past three years. This year’s festival lineup is as diverse as the surrounding terrain itself.

Bonnie Raitt’s brother David Raitt and his Baja Boogie Band are back by popular demand sharing the stage with the diversity of Junkyard Jane, Stage Coach Nettie and the Wolf Tones,

The Randy Oxford Band, RJ Knapp and Honey Robin, The Coyote Kings with “Mush” Morgan, Michelle Taylor and the Blues Junkies, The Rafael Tranquilino Band, and closing out the festival on Sunday, The Big Sky Big Jam with international jam host Randy Oxford and many world-class, surprise special guests.

There is also a pre-party on Friday, August 2nd at the nearby Naughty Pine Saloon in Trout Creek, hosted by promoter Lorne Riddell and performers RJ Knapp and Honey Robin. Shuttle service from the festival site to and from the pre-party is provided.

There is unlimited camping and RV spots on site with plenty of great food and beverage vendors. Swimming, boating, hiking and more

are all on-site as well. Festival attendees are welcome to arrive on Friday August 2nd and stay through Monday August 5th.

Discounted Camping is $25.00 in advance and a discounted full weekend pass is $50.00 in advance on line.

Tickets and more information at www.bigskyblues.com. The Big Sky Blues Festival is presented by Buzz Productions and Oxford Entertainment, LLC. For more information: call or email Buzz Productions at (406) -827-4210, bigskybluesfestival@gmail.com, or Oxford Entertainment, LLC, at (253) 973-9024, oxfordentertain@aol.com.

FESTIVAL PREVIEW:4th Annual Big Sky Rhythm and Blues Festival

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Located at the Blues Ranch on the Methow River in the resort town of Winthrop, Washington, the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival is a three-day event packed full of exciting national and regional entertainment for all ages. There is on site camping, food and craft vendors, portable showers, and a beer garden. The Blues Ranch is the perfect setting for one

of Washington’s greatest blues festivals. The Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival is the largest and longest running festival in the state of Washington. Over seventy-five thousand people have attended this event in the past twenty-four years. Past festivals have featured such national artists as Jimmie Vaughan, Booker T., Commander Cody, Little Feat, Mavis Staples,

Bo Diddley, JJ Cale with Christine Lakeland, Bobby Rush, Susan Tedeschi, Koko Taylor, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tower of Power, Delbert McClinton, Elvin Bishop, Little Milton, Tommy Castro, Eric Burdon, Chubby Carrier, Charlie Musselwhite, The Blasters, Buckwheat Zydeco, James Harman and many others. The festival has rightfully become a destination

event with fans traveling from all over the world to enjoy and celebrate the Blues.

This year’s festival is scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 19, 20, 21, 2013. We will kick things off FRIDAY night with a JAM ONSITE AT THE BLUES RANCH in the Beer Garden until 2 a.m. Saturday and

Sunday’s music begins at 11 a.m. and ends each night with electrifying blues jam sessions in the beer garden. A state of the art sound and lighting system will be provided to ensure the very best sound and entertainment.

The Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival is brought to you by Winthrop Music Association

(WMA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All board members, staff and volunteers pride themselves in providing the very finest in rhythm & blues entertainment each year. We look forward to another great year and hope to see YOU at the 26th Annual 2013 Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival!!

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FESTIVAL PREVIEW:The 26thAnnual Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival

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On Saturday June 8th some firsts happened at the Highway 99 Blues Club along Seattle’s waterfront: I never saw a pipe and drum act open at a blues club before. Jeff Hayes spent years as a firefighter and is a drummer. He invited some friends who are firefighters with bagpipes. The Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums got a standing ovation coming and going. They stuck around to see some of the other acts, too.

The Muddy Sons consists of Jeff Hayes and Madman Sam and that was the second act. Madman Sam sang original blues songs and his guitar style reminded some of Muddy Waters. He brought CDs, too and they went for a mere $15 each.

Another first for me was having a “country soul band” perform. The Modern Relics know Jeff Hayes and he invited them up to the blues stage. He played drums for them, too. The vocals were good, and I hope that this band will be working around town honing their country blues craft. Later, the front man for Modern Relics spent a fair amount of time talking to the blues guitarists that performed that night, and there was a lot of artistic and technical common ground. That was after the two singers from the Modern Relics spent some time on the dance floor while the last act brought down the house.

Jeff was on drums again when he brought a multiple BB Award winner, Tom Boyle, to the stage to play guitar. He then brought Ben Rice up to play the other guitar. Ben Rice is a young blues guitar slinger with a huge reputation in Oregon as a rising star. The bass player was also a professional level musician from Portland. The headliner then took control of the microphone: the Grammy-nominated, multiple Washington Blues Society “Best of the Blues Award” winning singer-songwriter-harmonica

FIRST RESPONDERS ENTER SEATTLE’S hIGhWAY 99 BLuES CLuB

player who toured the world with Roomful of Blues is back in town. Mark Dufresne hit the notes all over the place, entertained the crowd with humorous song introductions and stories, and put on a world class show. He’s won the Best of the Blues Male Vocalist Award so many times, the blues society renamed this award in his honor.

One of the things so impressive about this event was how the final act had never played together before but nobody would have known that. Great musicians at this level can say a few words and give a few looks to each other and all nod their heads and do someone’s original song perfectly or innovatively without a drop of sweat falling. Mark Dufresne did a lot of original songs and at moments paused to look at Ben Rice and Ben knew it was time to do a great guitar solo that fit the song. He would do that with Tom also and while Tom has heard Mark Dufresne before they were in what Mark referred to as “rival bands” (but don’t get the idea that musicians put emotional animosity in that because most all of them like and respect one another.) I asked Tom afterwards how it went with another guitar monster on stage and he said it went great.

When the show ended the crowd wanted a lot more. This was a great event that Jeff “Drummerboy” Hayes put together. It was good to have firefighters there because the dance floor almost caught fire from the friction of flaming feat dancing, and the fire coming out of Mark Dufresne’s harmonica could have set a roof on fire.

by Bob Horn

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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