Fe ature d Ar tic le sJunkyard Jane: Cr ystal Anniversar y

Festival Review: Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival & The Winthrop Blues Festival

The Versatilit y of Hamilton L o omis

On the C over : Junkyard Jane by Dan Hil l

2

Letter from the Editor

Letter from the President 7There Ain’t No Cure - Festival List 7Junkyard Jane’s Crystal Anniversary 8Versatility of Hamilton Loomis 10Festival Preview: Port Angeles 11

2013 International Blues Challenge 12Randy Oxford Band 13Dry Side Blues 14Blues CD Reviews 16Road Trip: Vancouver 17

August Blues Bash 18 Monday Night Madness 19Calendar 20Blues on the Radio Dial 21Jam Guide 22

In This Issue...

Summer begins its winding down, teasing us with warm afternoons, soft breezes and the Northwests’ gorgeous sunshine. And yet, we begin to slowly prepare for its inevitable decline; students are gearing up for school, the evenings are getting shorter and the mornings are getting darker.But we’re not done yet; make sure you check out page seven, John Millner’s listing of September Festivals - there is still blues to be had. This month, I was lucky enough to be front and center during the first night of Rain City Blues, Seattle’s own Blues Dance Exchange, in its

inaugural year. The woman who runs the event, Ms. Carly Slater, is not just a friend of mine, she is a treasured colleague and I was

honored to be a part of this event. The WIRED! Band started the weekend off with a bang. I cannot even express to you the experience of dancing to The WIRED! Band! It was exquisite, to say the least. I have been dancing blues for nearly four years and I have never experienced a band that plays to the dancers, for the dancers and with the dancers.In Kevin Sutton’s version of the Cab Calloway Classic, “Minnie the Moocher”, Kevin Sutton and Bass player Keith Bakke literally walked among the dancers, while the whole crowd sang along

to “Ho-dee ho-dee ho...Hi-dee hi-dee hi-dee hi!” in a never ending circle. It was amazing. The dancers didn’t want them to leave and we could all tell that the band didn’t want to leave either. If The WIRED! Band hadn’t won my heart at the Best of the Blues Awards, they certainly won it during Rain City Blues. What an exceptional experience.So there’s my summer “Moment with the Blues”. And it’s one that I will always treasure.

Until next time,Jesse Phillips, Editor

Washington Blues Society Bluesletter

3

Celebrating 23 Years of Blues1989 - 2012

September 2012 BluesletterVol. XXIV, Number IX

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, Jerry Peterson, John Millner, Suzanne Swanson, Rocky Nelson, Joe Whitmer, Todd

Harrison, Roger “Hurricane” Wilson, Joy and Chris

Contributing Photographers: Jerry Peterson, Eric Steiner, Dan Hill, Suzanne Swanson, The Blues Boss, Todd Harrison, Tim and Michelle Burge, Tom Hunnewell

Cover Photo: Junkyard Jane by Dan Hill

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 2012

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

Junkyard Jane by Dan Hill

Dan Hill is a Tacoma music lover who has enjoyed performances by bands from Old Town to downtown to as far away as Olympia. Feeling the music and interpreting same visually is what he aims for, as well as attempting to give something back, through his photos, to artists he enjoys so much.

On the Cover:

Venue Guide 22Talent Guide 23Festival Preview: Dock of the Bay 24 The Story Behind the CD 26Festival Review: Winthrop 28Festival Review: Safeway Waterfront 30

4

5

6

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

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

2012 DirectorsMusic Vacant 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

2012 Street TeamDowntown Seattle Tim & Michelle Burge blueslover206@comcast.netWest Seattle Rev. Deb Engelhardt deb@revdeb.comEastside VacantNorthern WA Lloyd Peterson freesprt@televar.comPenninsula Dan Wilson allstarguitar@centurytel.netSouth Sound Smoke smkdrms@aol.comCentral WA Stephen J. Lefebvre s.j.lefebvre@gmail.comEastern WA Cindy Dyer cindalucy@hotmail.comBallard VacantLopez Island Carolyn & Dean Jacobsen cjacobsen@rockisland.comMiddle East “Rock Khan” rocknafghanistan@gmail.com

Special ThanksWebmaster The Sheriff webmaster@wablues.orgWeb Hosting Adhost www.adhost.comWBS Logo Phil Chesnut philustr8r@aol.com

October 2012 DEADLINES:Advertising Space Reservations: September 5thmalcarken@comcast.net

Calendar: September 10th calendar@wablues.org

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

Camera Ready Ad Art Due: September 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: $260 (8.5” x 11”)Half Page: $150 (8.5” x 5.5”)Back Half Page: $200 (8.5” x 5.5”)Quarter Page: $90 (4.25” x 5.5”)Fifth Page: $65 (4.25” 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

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

7

Hi Blues Fans! I wanted to take a moment to thank one of our longest-serving bluesmen in our community. I wanted to thank Nick Vigarino for his decades of dedication to the blues, and I want to bring readers back to the 2012 La Conner Festival of Music and Art in one of Washington’s most picturesque smaller

communities in Sunday, July 29th.

I know that Nick is a working bluesman, and he’s performed at many national and international events like the International Blues Challenge finals in 2011 as Nick Vigarino’s Back Porch Stomp. This month, I wanted to let readers know that he was there at the creation of the Washington Blues Society in the 1980’s, and ever since, he’s volunteered to play our events, compete in our blues competitions, and donate a great deal of his time to blues events.

This year’s La Conner Festival of Music and Art featured Duffy Bishop and Chris Carlson as well as a “who’s who” of blues talent at Maple Hall. Suze Sims was a guest vocalist with Duffy, and Terry Nelson joined Nick on keys, Raven played sax, and the engine room of Chris Leighton and Rob Moitoza kept things moving along. The day also featured classical and jazz guitarist Rich Rorex with the Jazz Explosion. There was wearable blues art from Dennis Hacker, a number of distinctive blues portraits from Phil Chesnut, and Willow brought a colorful collection of musical notes and jewelry. BBQ Schacht was there with a smoker, and Washington Sips’s selection of wine and beer was diverse and refreshing.

As the evening progressed, I noticed that more and more local residents joined the audience. I recognized Mayor Ramon Hayes from the stage as I talked about the Washington Blues Society, and I was pleased that more than a few audience members applauded when I mentioned the famous Owl Tavern in Ballard as one of the blues society’s initial incubators of local blues talent. Nick Vigarino was there, too, back in the day. After I left the stage, I told the Mayor that we needed venues like Maple Hall for live music, and events like the La Conner Festival of Music and Art throughout the year featuring local artists and local musicians.

I was heartened by Mayor Hayes’ enthusiastic response. “Eric,” he said as he looked at the nearly-filled room. “Working together, we can make it happen.” I hope that Nick Vigarino will consider inviting his friends next year – wait, I don’t want to wait another year, so I’ll say “next time” - to showcase the gem that is Maple Hall and downtown La Conner, Washington.

Until next month, please go see some live blues!

Eric Steiner, PresidentWashington Blues Society

Member, Board of Directors, The Blues Foundation

Bob Horn talks with legendary bluesman Charlie Musselwhite at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival. We’ll also have a review of 2012’s Taste of Music in Snohomish and the Mount Baker Rhythm and Blues Festival at the Deming Log Show Grounds!

LesMerrihew is in awe of the Bluesletter.

Photo by Blues Boss Lett

er f

rom

the

Pres

iden

t There Ain’t No Cure for the

SEPT 1 – BOTHELL BLUES FESTIVAL BOTHELL, WA bothellbluesfestival.com

SEPT 1 & 2 – BEAUMONT BLUES FESTIVAL BEAUMONT, ALBERTA beaumontblues.net

SEPT 1 – 3 - VANCOUVER ISLAND BLUES BASH VICTORIA, BC jazzvictoria.ca/blues-bash

SEPT 1 – 3 – BUMBERSHOOT SEATTLE, WA. bumbershoot.org

SEPT 1 – 6th. ANNUAL BLUES FOR FOOD FEST SEATTLE, WA bluesforfoodfest.org

SEPT 7 – 9 – DOCK OF THE BAY BLUES FESTIVAL WESTPORT, WA westportblues.com

SEPT 6 – 9 – SUNBANKS BLUES FESTIVAL ELECTRIC CITY, WA sunbanksfestival.com

SEPT 15 – LEAVENWORTH BLUES, BREWS & BBQ LEAVENWORTH, WA leavenworthblues.com

SEPT 21 – 23 – CHOWDER, BLUES & BREWS FLORENCE, OR florencechamber.com/chamber/chowder-blues-brews

This is a list of Blues Festivals and other Blues related events that I’ve just finished compiling. The dates listed are for 2012 ONLY and were accurate as of 5/22/2012. All of

the web addresses were tested and working on that date also. PLEASE call or e-mail in advance of travel to check for any changes.

As impressive as this roster appears, I’m sure that I’ve missed a few. This was meant to cover British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon. If you have info on other events in those locations, please email it to me at: thebluez@gdicom.net .

Note: Any event with “???” at the end of the listing ARE NOT CONFIRMED.

by John MillnerSummertime Blues

Next Month

Last Month

8

A lot can change in 15 years - guitarist/vocalist Billy Stoops’ hair is grayer, percussionist/vocalist Leanne Trevalyan’s hair is straighter, sax player Sue Orfield’s hair is longer, and bassist Barbra Blue’s hair… well, Barb’s hair hasn’t changed a bit. Along with current drummer Trevor Cutler, Junkyard Jane is about to embark on their 15 year anniversary mini-tour with the aforementioned founding members. The band’s original drummer Chris Leighton will join the quintet for the final show of the tour at The Sunbanks Festival.

Leanne: After a minimal amount of research on the web, I discovered this is our Quindecennial ( the preferred L at in term) or Cr ysta l Anniversary. Had I known that our 10 Year Reunion was actually our Tin Anniversary, (seriously) we could have had a lot of fun with that!

This Bluesletter cover is a fast-forwarded recreation of Junkyard Jane’s first photo shoot (circa 1998). The chosen picture was actually an outtake, but never afraid to shock and surprise, this whimsical bunch of blues misfits decided to use it as their promo shot. Since bamboozling their way into the Pacific Northwest music scene in 1997 and playing their own mishmash of melodious styles, the group has released seven studio recordings of all-original tunes, as well as one live album commemorating their “Tin Anniversary”.

Billy: “It’s not easy to stay strong and have longevity in this business of music, but that’s where the entertainment value of what we do shines through. Every show is a party, and has and always will be a group effort - a creative musical environment.

Their bio begins: This four-headed love child named Junkyard Jane rose by night in the tide flats of Tacoma, Washington from a deadly mephitic brew of blues, swamp gas, rockabilly, old engine parts, country, motor oil, folk, funk and used kitty litter. Like all true originals, they display a Creole blend of influences that they affectionately call “Swampabilly Blues”.

Junkyard Jane’s briefcase fulla blues kudos from the last decade and a half includes Washington Blues Society BB wins for Best New Band, Best Band, Best Pacific Northwest Recording, and Entertainer of the Year, not to mention awards in just about every individual category. Trevalyan, Stoops, and Barbra Blue are also Tacoma Summy Award recipients for Blues Performer of the Year. Leanne: I remember sitting in the theatre at the Cascade Blues Associations Muddy Awards where Junkyard Jane was nominated for Best Regional Band. As the nomination list was announced, someone at our table who was unaware of our presence said ‘they’re not really a blues band’. We didn’t take it personal though. We’re not really country either, and

we’re not really rock, or funk, or...

The inaugural Washington band to head to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Junkyard Jane made it to the finals in the group’s first and only trip there in 2001. Among the little known facts in the history of JJ, they are also proud B.E.A.M. Grant recipients (Benefiting Emerging Artists in Music). And no…that isn’t a reference to Billy’s love for bourbon.

Junkyard Jane has had a place to call home both East and West of the Mississippi, as they landed in Stoops’ hometown of Louisville, Kentucky in 2003 for a four year stint. The plan to relocate was initially for marketing purposes and to broaden their fan base, but suffice to say the move influenced the band’s sound to a more edgy, rootsy, Americana style.

Billy: While most of our success has been in the blues community, no genre is left out when it comes to creating new music and writing new songs. The influences that we bring to the table individually and as an ensemble are endless and give us the opportunity to go anywhere we feel. It’s all about the groove…and some pretty fun collaborative songwriting.

This overflowing creative environment has spawned side projects that make up the Frogimo Records family - Junkyard Jane’s indie label. Stoops’ band Billy Roy Danger

Junkyard Jane’s Crystal Anniversary

Photo by Dan Hill

9

& the Rectifiers formed in Kentucky in 2005 and are best described as “red hot and twangy roots rockin’ mayhem”. The Trevalyan Triangle, Leanne’s labor of love, is more acoustic rock and features the singer songwriter’s original music.

JUNKYARD JANE DISCOGRAPHYF-Bombs + Love Letters (2011)

10 Year Reunion (2007)Rooster Hooch (2004)

Leftovers (2002)Ductape & Sagebrush (2002)

Swampabilly Snake Oil Freakshow (2001)Milkin’ the Frog (1999)

Washboard Highway (1998)

LEANNE TREVALYANDandelion (2009)Half Naked (2006)

Open Heart Perjury (2003)

BILLY ROY DANGER & THE RECTIFIERSLittle Devil (2007)

In addition to the songwriting team of Stoops and Trevalyan, Junkyard Jane’s current line-up includes the rhythm section of bassist Lissa Ramaglia, and the phenomenal Trevor Cutler on drums. For certain shows and festivals, the ensemble performs as a five-piece with one of several great horn players including Jim King, Scotty Harris, and Tom Mazzuca.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Sue Orfield, saxophone: Residing i n Wi s c on s i n , t e a c h i n g s a x and per forming her or ig ina l compositions with SOB (The Sue Orfield Band), touring with The Tipton’s Saxophone Quartet.

Randy Oxford, trombone: Fronting his Pacific Northwest-based group The Randy Oxford Band, jam host on The Legendary Blues Cruise.

Jim King, saxophone, harmonica: After several years with Becki Sue and Her Big Rockin’ Daddies, fronting his own band James King and the Southsiders.

Barbra Blue, bass: Working a day job with benefits while continuing to buy new bass gear. We don’t think she’s done:)

Darin Watkins, drums: Performs with Tacoma

singer/songwriter Vicci Martinez, finalist on the singing competition show The Voice.

Chris Leighton, drums: Doing session work and live performance with a variety of Northwest artist.

Alex Featherstone, bass: Living in Louisville, KY with two new additions to his family, spanking the bass with funk band V Groove.

Tom Sunderland, drums: Living the dream as a homeowner in Louisville, Kentucky, anxiously awaiting the sale of said home to move back to the Great Northwest.

Billy: We have been very fortunate over the last 15 years to have worked with such an awesome caliber of musicians. The mark that they have left on our sound and the culmination of musical styles that they’ve brought to the table continues today. The 15 year festivities will kick off in their hometown of Tacoma with a show at Jazzbones on August 31st. Junkyard Jane helped break in the venue with a performance back in 1999 during the club’s grand opening week and has

been a mainstay there ever since. They will follow up with a headlining set at the Blues for Food Festival in Seattle on September 1st in Magnuson Park. The gang will then head east to the beautiful Notaras Lodge in Soap Lake on September 2nd for the Businessman’s Club’s Summer Party, the band’s third year running at this event.

Junkyard Jane’s The week will culminate with a performance at The Sunbanks Music Festival on September 8th for the finale of the “Crystal Anniversary Tour.” Among Junkyard Jane’s first gigs ever was a trip to Sunbanks in September of 1997 in which Billy Stoops was also asked to emcee. He has since become the festival director with music partner Leanne Trevalyan assisting with duties behind the scene.

While Tim “Too Slim” Langford may have his own “Essies South American Style Sauce” - Junkyard Jane distributes their own personal lubricant labeled “Junkyard Lube”. For some reason this is not surprising. This “glycerin-free lube is odorless, tasteless, non-greasy, latex compatible and totally safe.” You can find it at their shows and on-line.

Leanne and Billy: The support that we have gotten from the Northwest music community over the years - the Washington Blues Society, the Cascade Blues Association, the South Sound Blues Association, and the Boise Blues Society - has been great. The Walla Walla Blues Society even adopted us. We have actual papers to prove it! Mostly, we owe our success

to our fan base that reaches far and wide, but make no mistake…Tacoma, Washington is our home. And we say it proudly!

For more information visit junkyardjane.com

Photo by Tom Hunnewell

10

from the music legends, but it was definitely a crossroads, and I know I chose the right path.

SS: What would you like your fans to know about Mr. Bo Diddley that they may not already know?

HL: Many people don’t realize that Bo was a philanthropist… he did a lot of charity work, gave back to his community, and routinely did concerts for schools and the underprivileged. He was an advocate for keeping kids off drugs and excelling in school…he used to say, “Kids,

Fellow Texan Hamilton Loomis has been practicing his craft on guitar most of his young life. Ever versatile with other instruments, Hamilton creates his special blend of tones and nuances in exceptional, crowd-pleasing shows. We talked before his second appearance at the Mount Baker Rhythm and Blues Festival.

SS: You have played with some amazing blues talents over the years. Is there anyone special, in your mind that you would like to share a stage with now?

HL: There are too many to name! I’ve always wanted to play with Prince or Stevie Wonder…amazing songwriters and musicians.

SS: Having been fortunate enoug h to b e schooled by music legends of our generation, is there a particular incident during the early years that impacted on you and was like ‘a light bulb’ going off in your head that made it all come together for you?

HL: When I was 11, I sold my dirt bike and bought a 4-track recorder, and that was definitely a “light bulb”… it was significant because it was as if I was getting rid of my “childhood hobbies” and moving on to my profession and biggest passion, music. This was, of course, before I got to learn

The Versatility of Interview and Photos by Suzanne Swanson Hamilton Loomis

11

The Snohomish Artist Guild invites Washington Blues Society Bluesletter readers to the first Port Angeles Blues Festival at the Clallam County Fair Grounds, Friday and Saturday September 14th and 15th. The festival begins on Friday night at 7:00 PM, and continues from Noon to 10:30 PM on Saturday.

Richard Allen and the Louisiana Experience kick off the Friday night dance, followed by the West Coast Women’s Blues Revue. The Revue features the legendary Alice Stuart from Olympia, Lady A and Vicki Stevens from Tacoma, and Teri Anne Wilson.

On Saturday, Cruzin’ Blues plays at 1:00 PM, followed by Nick Vigarino from 2:30 to 3:30 PM. The West Coast Women’s Blues Revue returns to the stage from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by an energetic set from The Strange Tones from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The Delta Rays shine from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM and rounding out the festival is The Lloyd Jones Struggle from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

Camping is available at the Clallam County Fairgrounds – for more information, please call (360) 417-2551. Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com, and in Port Angeles at Port Books and News at 104 East First Street, and in Sequim at Pacific Mist Books at 121 West Washington Street. For more Information call Cliff Verhoeff of the Snohomish Artist Guild at (425) 303-1848.

Festival Preview: Inaugural Port

Angeles Blues Festival

do something constructive, not destructive.”

SS: Is this sense of responsibility that which propels you to play as strongly as you do and create something bigger than yourself?

HL: What propels me, is knowing that I can reach people with music. The #1 best thing about making music is that you can make a connection with people. I love interacting with the audience, and I feel joy making music… hopefully, that joy transcends into the people who are listening and watching.

SS: You have received a lot of recognition from your peers. How has this affected your goals for the next five to ten years?

HL: It’s very satisfying to know that your peers recognize and respect you. However, recognition from fans and music lovers and hearing from them how music soothes, heals, or satisfies them, drives me to get bigger and better known so that I can continue to reach more and more people.

SS: I remember the road being tough sometimes. How do you keep the momentum up and what is your favourite food on the road?HL: It is definitely tough, but I love it. I don’t drink anymore because it drains my energy, and I try to get a lot of sleep. That’s the only way I can perform 100%. If I don’t get a good sleep I get hoarse, and I get fatigued pretty easily. I think coffee is my best friend on the road. We also try to avoid fast food as much as possible…although sometimes it’s the only option, especially if you’re in a hurry.

SS: There are those who really care what you use for gear and why you chose it. What gear do you usually have on the road? Is it any different from recording?

HL: I am such a gear-head! I’ve listed all my gear on www.hamiltonloomis.com/gear.htm. Recording is always different for me, because there’s so much room for experimentation. I do a lot of recording at home, because there I have different guitars, original Rhodes and Wurlitzer pianos, and a real rotating Leslie cabinet for different tones. For guitar, I also use software instead of amps often…the tones are incredibly accurate and the flexibility is amazing. My fave right now is “Guitar Rig” by Native Instruments. I used it on the “Ain’t Just Temporary” CD. On the road, it’s very different, because you have to trim down your setup to be portable, so I’m kind of a “one guitar” kind of guy on stage.

SS: For you, what is the process in writing a tune that best suits you? Where do you find

the inspirations? Is it hard to find the time during your hectic schedule to find that quiet time to compose?

HL: It’s funny, because I find inspiration in everything. My song “Workin’ Real Hard” is about being lazy. “Won’t Get Away” sounds like it’s about losing a lover and winning her back, but it’s actually about my Dad selling his bass guitar 30 years ago, and my Mom missing it, so he bought it back. “Stuck in a Rut” was inspired by getting my vehicle stuck in someone’s lawn, and “My Pen” is actually about not being able to write a song! You can write about anything, and that’s what fun about it is! That being said, it is difficult to write on the road, and to find that quiet time, because I do need that in order to write. I just find it when I can, and I always keep a pen handy just in case something hits me when I least expect it.

SS: Tell us about your latest product and do you have something planned in the not too distant future?

HL: Well, we shot a live DVD to be out in 2012, but I have been working on a new studio CD, so I’ll have lots of new stuff !

SS: Who are your band members? I am impressed with how you all work together as a unit.

HL: The band members are: Kent Beatty, from Baton Rouge is a bass guitar virtuoso, student of bass god Victor Wooten. Ryan Cortez of Houston grew up playing gospel, combined with rhythm & blues, and is one of the most sought-after drummers on the Gulf Coast. The newest member is Fabian Hernandez, from Austin, Texas.

When speaking with Loomis he indicated that his hope is to return to the Pacific Northwest in 2013 as he has made close ties with many fans, and friends.

HL: “It is a beautiful area of the United States. ..We always feel comfortable which makes us kick it up a notch, “ he chuckled.

Having performed three August dates in the Pacific Northwest, Portland (Duff ’s Garage), Seattle (Highway 99 Club), and Bellingham, (Mount Baker R&B Festival); Loomis impressed his audience at Mt Baker by jumping off the stage to walk through the throng while continuing to play his guitar.

12

The dates for the 2013 International Blues Challenge (IBC) will be January 29 - February 2, 2013. The competition will be held in Memphis, Tennessee in the Beale Street Historic District.

Hotel information will be posted on the IBC page September 1. Tickets will be available on October 1.

IBC will begin Tuesday Night (Jan 29) with the FedEx International Showcase. Wednesday and Thursday night (January 30-31) quarter finals will be conducted. Youth Showcase and Semi Finals will be held Friday night (Feb 1). Saturday (Feb 2) IBC will conclude with Finals in the beautiful Orpheum Theater

During the hours of 6am and 11pm minors under the age of 18 are allowed within the Beale Street Historic District, without being accompanied by a parent or guardian. Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to enter the Beale Street Historic District after 11pm unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian,

or going to a destination point like the New Daisy Theatre.

Act registration will begin in September; watch your (public) email account. You wil be notified the codes have been sent. This is what your acts will need for registration: 300 dpi photo, 600 character bio (with out counting the spaces) and contact information for both the act and the affiliate. More information will be available as we get closer.

Affiliates in Canada and the United States must conduct an open, judged live music competition. Affiliates in these two countries may not appoint an act to enter in the competition.

Definition of a Youth Act - any act that all members are under the age of 21 at the time of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. PLEASE NOTE: Youth acts can be appointed by the board of an affiliate. A competition is not required.

Keeping the Blues Alive Awards nominations must be in the office by September 30!

Best Self Produced CD competition submission deadline is November 1, 2012. All entries MUST be in the office by the deadline. BSPCD rules can be found at BLUES.ORG.

It takes an army of volunteers to organize an event of this size. There is no better way to understand the complexities of the IBC than to work with our team of experienced volunteers. If Washington Blues Society members are interested in volunteering please send me an email!

Sometimes we forget that we have new officers and new affiliates. If you have questions, please email me! I either have the answer or will direct you to an affiliate that is doing, has done or is about deal with the same issue!

Bottom line is: if you have IBC questions, want volunteer, need more information, email Joe Whitmer at joe@blues.org

Planning Ahead:The 2013 International Blues Challenge!

By Joe Whitmer

13

Randy Oxford, trombonist and “Blues Performer of the Year,” and notorious “wild man” has been honored more than twenty five times since returning to his home state of Washington 20 years ago, following a European tour of duty with the U.S. Army Band. He has won multiple “Best Horn” awards, “Entertainer of the Year,” “Keeping the Blues Alive,” and induction into the Washington Blues Society’s Hall of Fame. He has played with some of the best blues bands in this area, including Little Bill and the Blue Notes, Fat Cat, and Junkyard Jane. His own band, The Randy Oxford Band, has been tapped three times by northwest blues associations to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. In 2011 The Randy Oxford Band earned a spot at the finals where they placed among the top 8 bands of the hundreds that competed from around the world. Randy’s success at the IBC, plus his legendary reputation as a jam host on the Legendary Blues Cruises, has resulted in many high profile festivals and shows in top clubs.

With his trombone as a lead instrument, Randy invents a pathway through chord progressions, sometimes mimicking the guitars around him, and then taking them with him on one of his wild rides. His tone has been admired by many in the business, but in addition he knows how to rip a sound or turn it into an animal call. Randy has appeared on more than 30 CDs including six of his own. Randy insists that “Memphis to Motown” is his best yet.

On vocals, Jada has powerful delivery. Her early years included gospel, and at age 14 she was in the recording studios. In 2008 she was told to check out the Randy Oxford Jam where she impressed him with her unique dusky voice. Since joining the band she has continued to impress live audiences and has taken to writing some of the material the band performs.The band’s two seasoned guitarists come from opposite sides of the planet. Manuel Morias was born raised Portugal and Randy Norris is from Kansas. Continuing with a flair for the international, Farkho is from Uzbekistan where early on he played bass in a rock band with his brother. At 19 he won the green card lottery, which is one way 50.000 of the millions who want to come here immigrate to the U.S. First in New York and then in Seattle he pursued his music career. Randy happened upon him and fell in love with the way he plays the bass.

Richard Sabol is an animal on the drums with impressive double kick drum work and a solid groove, combined with skillful entertaining energy. He grew up in Newport, Rhode Island with Jazz and Blues all around him. He now has over 30 years in the business of recording as well as a long list of big name bands with whom he has shared the bill. Percussionist LA Smith has been in New York clubs since age 17 and whether playing Cubin, Latin, Rock & Roll, Jazz or Blues, his unique rhythmic style adds another dimension to this band. Be sure to make it a point to see this great band at Bronze and Blues. A complete list of venues they will play is available on the web under Randy Oxford Band.

Anita Royce is the Editor of the Inland Empire Blues Society’s Inside Blues Bluesletter, and we thank her for her first contribution to The Bluesletter.

Randy Oxford BandThe

Courtesy of the Inland Empire Blues Society’s Inside Blues

14

T he His tor i c Wa l l a c e Fe s t i v a l s h a r e s s o m e similarities with the party it replaced in Ritzville. It takes place in a small town along I-90 on the second Saturday in July, the organizers block off potions of the downtown streets for the festival, local businesses aim to please the festival patrons, and the music lineup is impressive. Things are a little different in Wallace, however – they have a ‘red cup’ rule, which means that if you are drinking from a red cup, you can go anywhere in town with it. The ‘Wetter the Better’ crowd really seemed to appreciate this arrangement.

Saturday, July 14th started out with the Doghouse Boyz at the Smokehouse Barbeque, one of the two indoor venues at this year’s festival. Neil and Ramiro played some of their blues standards, including “Key t o t h e Hi g hw ay ” an d “Doghouse Blues” before we headed to the main stage for Hoodoo Udu. Patrice Thompson-Rose on vocals, Ben Rose on

electric guitar and Hawaiian lap steel, Brion Foster on bass and Flor Sanchez on drums set the place on fire early, and the folks on the elevated section of I-90 behind the stage must have been wondering why smoke was rising from beneath the freeway. The Pat Coast Band kept things burning with their originals “Dangerous Kind,” “Talk, Talk, Talk”, “Good Night For the Blues” and “Let’s Be Friends,” finishing their set with James McMurtry’s “I’m Not From Here.”

We then headed over to the Red Light Garage to catch a few songs from Anita Royce and the High Rollers, featuring 19 year-old guitar phenomenon Forrest Govedare, getting back to the main stage in time to party with the Fat Tones. Their set included a few new cover tunes, including Delbert McClinton’s “Why Me?” and Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing,” and the crowd responded in the usual manic fashion to “Illustrated Man”. Right as the Tones’ set ended a brief shower dampened the venue, but not the spirits of the attendees, and Nick Vigarino followed with some of his impressive slide guitar and vocal work. You couldn’t tell that headliner Curtis Salgado was scheduled to undergo lung surgery in a few days – his hard-hitting vocals did not appear to be affected.

Too Slim and the Taildraggers started their set with one of my favorites, “One More Gallon of Gasoline” from their 1996 release “Swamp Opera”, and had all of downtown Wallace requesting an encore after “Flatback Flathead,” to which they responded with “Hell’s Half-Acre” in a very boogie-inducing

Dry

Sid

e Blu

es

B

y Je

rry

Pete

rson

, Vic

e Pr

esid

ent

In

land

Em

pire

Blu

es S

ocie

ty

set. The festival ended as it started on Friday night: with our own Sammy Eubanks. Sammy saw Nick Vigarino in front of the Red Light Garage, invited him to the stage, and the crowd was treated to some spontaneously wild and magnificent blues music. I want to extend a big thank-you to festival organizer Craig Heimbigner for putting together an outstanding show.

Sunday night is still blues jam night in Spokane, even though our celebrated host ‘Reverend’ Gary Yeoman has been sidelined due to injuries sustained in a run-in with a deer on his motorcycle. On Sunday, August 5th, we had a visitor who once again proved the old jam axiom “you never know who is going to show up,” as Washington Blues Society Songwriter and Performer of the Year Kevin Sutton of the WIRED! Band appeared at Daley’s Cheap Shots with his lovely wife Leah. His stage presence, vocal prowess and guitar skills had the crowd wondering where this guy came from, but when he left the microphone and began belting out songs while standing on a chair, the attendees were convinced that we had someone special in our midst. I told everyone that would listen that this guy fronts the Seattle-area blues band that won the 2012 International Blues Challenge competition in Memphis, and since the blues is an original American art form, and these cats were judged to be the best in America, we were in the presence of one of the very best blues musicians in the world. I received no arguments to that bit of logic. I want to thank Kevin for coming by, and we hope to see him and his lovely wife again anytime.

L to R Bob Ehrgott( bass), Bobby Patterson, guitar of the fabulous Fat Tones

Sammy Eubanks and Nick VigarinoNick Vigarino

Too Slim and the TaildraggersPolly and Tim L to R Vyasa Dodson, guitar, Curtis Salgado

15

16

12 3

Blues ReviewsNew Blues that you can Use

The Blues SheriffNew Sheriff In TownBlues County Records

The Blues Sheriff is a former editor of The Bluesletter and the creator of the Washington Blues Society website. He is also a blues musician. The Sheriff plays guitar, writes songs, and sings. I present exhibit A in evidence to the court of public opinion: isn’t it true that his new CD has five songs on it, and that he wrote three of them? Yes it is. Isn’t it true that he sings all the songs on this CD? Yes it is ladies and gentlemen. Isn’t it true that this CD was recorded at Blissman Studios and at the Tractor Tavern? Yes it was, and I have witnesses. Accompanying the Blues Sheriff are accomplices in the “Witness Protection Program,” such as Billy ‘the Pocket’ Barner on drums, Joe Hendershot on bass, Brian Lee on guitar, and Doug Skoog on piano. They seem to be unafraid that their names will be printed in The Bluesletter. Ladies and gentlemen, I contend that the vocals on “I Should Have Known”, “Start It Up,” “My Baby” are especially top notch. I am unaware of any evidence to the contrary. The Blues Sheriff plays guitar, and invited the award-winning Brian Lee to play some slide guitar as well as play Mike Rose’s (AKA Blues Sheriff ’s) guitar. Yes, I faced the music and started singing his name like a bird. Not much interrogation was needed. The Blues Sheriff performs primarily in the South Sound, but there have been “Blues Sheriff Sightings” at the monthly Blues Bash at the Red Crane, and on this summer’s Seattle Blues Cruise hosted by the Randy Oxford Band. - Robert Horn

Tim “Too Slim” LangfordBroken HaloUnderworld Records

“The power in his playing is comparable to the way a blade cutes rows into a field; his music is informed and defined by the immediacy of touching a string and the knowledge of how it effects the air around it.” Robert Gordon described an early recording of Muddy Waters eloquently, but he could have been talking about the new CD from Tim “Too Slim” Langford. Veteran bluesman “Too Slim” has stepped away from his role of leading the high powered “Tail Draggers,” and performs all the instruments on the 11 original tracks, including acoustic guitars, bass, dobro, ukulele, harmonica, and programmed drums. The songs of personal reflection from some 26+ years on the road were recorded intimately by the legendary Conrad Uno (Mudhoney, Young Fresh Fellows) at his Egg Studios in Seattle. Every songwriter will identify with the poignant “Three Chords,” and its lament of the artistic process; every musician who has ever played in a dive bar knows Too Slim is preaching to the choir on the evocative “40 Watt Bulb.” Everyone should give a hard listen to the tale of our times “Shakin’ a Cup,” masterly played on acoustic with surprising harmonica back up. Too Slim shows off his award winning slide chops on the Delta blues classics “You Hide It Well,” and “Long Tail Black Cat,” then turns a corner on ukulele for the sweet Hawaiian-styled “Princeville Serenade.” Too Slim gets personal with a tribute to his better half on “North Dakota Girl,” and also honors his grandparents with the Dylan-esque “Gracie.” Few artists will take the risk to step away from a strong band and make a true solo album. With Broken Halo, Tim “Too Slim” Langford has done it and come away with what may be his finest achievement yet. - Rick J Bowen

Rick Estrin & The NightcatsOne Wrong TurnAlligator Records

The second Rick Estrin and the Nightcats CD on Alligator Records pushes the boundaries of the blues and includes surf music, jump blues, reggae, Booker T. & the MGs-influenced soul, and a wonderful 1950’s-styled slow dance ballad called “Movin’ Slow.” Rick’s sly fox-guarding-the-hen-house vocals and dynamic harp work flash in all the right ways here, which is a compliment. Little Walter would have smiled. The CD showcases Estrin’s harp and vocals, Kid Andersen’s rhythmic guitar fills, drummer J. Hansen, and organ from Lorenzo Farrell, who usually plays bass. Estrin’s calling card is his humorous, show-stopping story songs like “(I Met Her On the) Blues Cruise,” where he drops names of many of his fellow blues cruise musicians. His chops ring strong and clear on “Broke and Lonesome.” Yes, he is a master of the double entendre and a flamboyant frontman, but he really delivers. Kid Andersen’s seven minute “The Legend of Taco Cobbler” shifts and changes into several genres, and there is a rocking, and some might consider mean, tune by J. Hanson, “You Ain’t The Boss of Me.” Estrin is so excellent here he could carry an entire set solo, on One Wrong Turn, here he has great support of bandmates who know what they are doing. One Wrong Turn is a solid follow-up to Rick Estrin and the Nightcats’ debut on Alligator Records, Twisted. – Suzanne Swanson

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

Blues you can use.Blues Reviews

17

4Lloyd JonesDoin’ What It TakesFresh! from Reference RecordingsLloyd “Have Mercy” Jones’ newest CD is a dramatic departure from last year’s excellent solo CD on Underworld Records, Highway Bound: Traditional Folk Blues. This CD showcases Lloyd with a full band including the Atlas Horns on 10 very strong blues (and R & B) songs. The opening “Bend in the River” is fueled by Lousiana funk and Glen Holmstrom’s organ, and the background vocals from Terry Evans and La Ronda Steele add nice touches to Lloyd’s electric guitar. Two well-chosen covers shine brightly: Lloyd Jones does a jaunty version of Lieber-Stoller’s “I’ll Be Right On Down,” and he offers up some classic Delta notebending on Maceo Merriweather’s “Worried Life Blues.” The set’s closer, the infectious “Ruby Do” will likely be another great singalong at Lloyd’s festival and club gigs. Lloyd’s vocals remind me of his friends Tommy Castro and Delbert McClinton (with whom he’s sailed on seven blues cruises). Lloyd joined Castro and Jimmy Hall on the magical 2003 Telarc CD, Triple Trouble. Lloyd Jones has a shelf (read: big bookcase) of well-deserved blues awards, including 30+ Muddy Awards from the Cascade Blues Association, B.B. Awards from the Washington Blues Society, and the Northwest Area Musicians Association considered his 1999 release, Small Potatoes, Blues Album of the Year. Well, I’m looking forward to how the world’s blues community will embrace Doin’ What It Takes, because it’s a solid blues CD. The music on this CD is refreshing from start to finish, and Natalia Bratslaky’s interior panoramic photo of the Columbia Gorge captures the lush natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. – Eric Steiner

Editor’s Note: This month, Lloyd Jones and his band will play Seattle’s Jazz Alley on the 10th and the inaugural Port Angeles Blues Festival on the 15th to promote Doin’ What It Takes!

My trip to Vancouver, British Columbia was one of the first times that I went without a plan for music entertainment. I usually go to festivals that are planned out for me. Those who know my guy Chris, know that he has to dance or he will get grouchy. We dance swing, blues, salsa, zydeco and some tango, but we always gravitate to blues music.

So we started out by asking our famous blues traveler, Washington Blues Society President Eric Steiner, who in turn hooked us up with the White Rock Blues Society. We received very helpful information from a couple of very nice people named Sue and Mario. We then did our own research and found it quite difficult to find live music at all.

OK, there probably is live music but not our type and not on this weekend in February of this year. Plus, the venues seem to use concert style seating (read: no dancing). Many of the places had DJs that spun hip hop.

We asked local people when we walked around, and ate our way across downtown Vancouver, catching great views of the mountains, but they all said that

the main blues venue was closed up. The Yale is closed for renovation and this was the main blues venue in town. So, I asked myself, where do the blues musicians go to now?

According to Mario, There was blues on Friday at the Fairview, which we missed since we got there too late on Friday. We went to scope out the Dockside Lounge which has a Sunday brunch featuring Blues and Jazz. Nice place but nowhere to dance. There was blues at Slovenian Society Hall in Burnaby and another

Road

Tri

p: Va

ncou

ver,

Briti

sh C

olum

bia

By Jo

y an

d Ch

ris

place called Falconetti’s, but we had no car and decided to stay in town.

By the way, we had no car because we took the train like we do to go to the waterfront festival in Portland. We love not driving. Also, we had new friends, a couple who lived in town and insisted on showing us around. Really learned a lot from them about the town. Coincidentally, one of our new friends is an entertainment lawyer. They took us to hear some fabulous jazz (no dancing) at the Cellar Jazz Club. At our hotel - the Sandman Hotel - we looked up many venues from our computer and from the local entertainment magazine called Georgia Straight and did not find what we wanted within our time constraint. We stopped in several venues to find some of them crowded with no dance floor. Some had good music but we kept up the search until we found the perfect place - the Railway Club. It was just our type of club: old, dark, cheap, and it had a small dance floor. It had a blues feel to it. They had a type of jam going on so we heard blues, country blues and good old rock and roll. There were a number of great musicians participating in the jam, and the audience was very intensely watching and listening to every move the musicians made as if they were starved for live music (we were, too). Our friends, who had driven us around, were happy to just sit in the back of the bar and watch hockey from the TV. And by the way, Canadians are huge fans of Hockey. We ended up at the main hotel across from a big Hockey stadium and they had a game on that was similar to our Super Bowl football event. We believe that this hockey game dominated the entire Vancouver scene. The bartender at our hotel said that we should not be around before or after the game if we did not like crowds.

Every bar we entered along our journey had several screens playing hockey games.

So to sum it all up, we had a great time exploring, meeting people, eating great food, and hearing fabulous music. Thanks to all who helped us out in Vancouver!

18

“Key To The Highway” and “Come On In My Kitchen.” He did songs by great songwriters like Robert Johnson, Buddy Holly, and Rod Cook. He used two different guitars including the Dobro that has a sound that Rod can do some amazing stuff with. There are reasons Bluesboss says Rod is the best guitar player in the state of Washington. His vocals were better than good, and I always thought that Vicki Martinez should have had Rod sing more (he has been Vicki’s lead guitar player for a long time). I really enjoyed Rod Cook’s acoustic set.

During the break between sets, there were announcements of events coming up and many CDs raffled off by Washington Blues Society President Eric Steiner and Volunteer Director, and former President, Rhea Rolfe. Eric also talked a little about the Musicians’ Relief Fund, which I sure think is a great thing to build up to help Washington blues musicians in need. I was particularly impressed that Eric and Rhea raffled off 13 new blues CDs and two blues festival t-shirts from the stage. John “Scooch” Cugno talked about his upcoming gig at the Highway 99 Blues Club, and Zab talked about the upcoming Salmon Bay Eagles Day of the Dead party in the Fall – and that’s one way to keep current on all things blues, too: go to a monthly meeting and you’ll never know who’ll turn up during announcements time.

The night’s electric act has wanted to do a monthly Washington Blues Bash for a while.

When it is sunny and 80 degrees in Seattle, it takes something to get people to come indoors. Something did get people indoors during the evening hours of August 14, 2012. It was the monthly blues bash of the Washington Blues Society. In fact, some people who have not been in the same room for a while were among those who came inside.

A big enough group of the 2002 and 2003 Board of Directors of the Washington Blues Society showed up! It could have been a formal quorum to pass Board of Directors resolutions (like abolish the calendar and have fun with the 2012 decisions not yet made). Mike Rose (The Sheriff of Blues County), , Mary McPage, Dennis Z (The Z is followed by the alphabet so he is better known as “Zab”), and me were from that era’s Washington Blues Society Board of Directors. Bluesboss even took a picture of us that night, and I resisted the temptation of putting devil horns via two fingers above anyone’s head like I did in school pictures as a kid.

The talent on stage was amazing. BB Award winning guitarist, and a good singer, (he doesn’t know he is a good singer, so I guess it is a secret) Rod Cook opened the show. He did a number of original songs like “I Ain’t The Fool,” but also did a great job on songs like

at the Red CraneBy Robert Horn,

Photos by Blues Boss

The August 2012 Blues Bash

Eric Rice has always said he wanted to play at a meeting of the blues society’s general membership. He performed at the Holiday Party in 2011, and he got to play at a monthly blues bash in August! He is a good guitar player and singer and proved it. He was with substitute bass player Don King and Keylin Mayfield on drums. Keylin can sing, and when Eric and Keylin sang in harmony it was very impressive. I loved the harmony on “Wang Dang Doodle” as well as other classic blues songs that night. Songs like “Natural Ball” and “Mercury” are among the great songs Eric Rice performs very, very well. When you go catch his act, you get treated to some wonderful stuff each time. The Dirty Rice Band holds court at Marco’s Supper Club in Lynnwood on Sunday nights, and I highly recommend this additional opportunity to see this band live.

The music heard at the August Blues Bash went deep inside. It went past the mind to the gut, the heart, and the soul. Those who have a gut, a heart, and a soul know what I am talking about, and why this music is a necessity to hear and feel. Some got on the dance floor as well because moving to it also seems like a necessity to many of us. This type of blues magic, performed live, happens on the second Tuesday of every month, thanks to Washington Blues Society musicians who volunteer their time in an acoustic and electric set, and I highly recommend that every Bluesletter reader join us at our monthly meetings. Not a member? Not a problem. Everyone, of all ages, is welcomed! See you at the Red Crane on the second Tuesday for a great live blues music experience!

Inset Photos: 2002 and 2003 WBS Board Members; Rod Cook

When it is sunny and 80 degrees in Seattle, it takes something to get

people to come indoors.

19

Something special happened last night in Tacoma. Not that every week night on the local music scene isn’t special in some way, but last night was different. Monday nights’ at the Swiss Tavern have always been pretty much dedicated to local blues bands. And they generate a tidy little appreciative audience. Last night brought out a larger than usual crowd for Rod Cook & Toast with special guest Sue Orfield. Sue was in town for, among other things, the 15th anniversary of Junkyard Jane.

I always try to catch Rod Cook & Toast (Chris Leighton on drums – Jon Bayless on bass and vocals) whenever I can. It certainly is not totally blues, but always top-notch music. Toast is one of the finest trios in the Pacific Northwest. Throw in Sue Orfield, and, well I had to be there.

Immediately that “special vibe” surfaced when the first five audience members I ran into

were other local musicians – Les Merrihew (visiting from his “retirement” to Arizona), Doug Skoog, Dean Reichert, Leanne Trevalyan and Billy Stoops. When other musicians come out to listen to their peers you just know it’s going to be good. Joining the audience shortly thereafter were super fans Reverend Dave Brown and his lovely better half and the late arriving Mark Riley. Add another forty locals or so and there was a nice little “house” to play to.

Then special guest number two walked in with his gear. Jay Mabin. Now almost everyone knows that I pick on harmonica players, so listen up! Jay Mabin is a monster on the chromatic. Incredible tone. Wonderfully melodic. There, I did it. I gave props to a harmonica player. That actually felt pretty good!

The anticipation was palpable. But, when the music finally started (there was a “lateness issue” involving Jon Bayless, but that is another

Monday N

ight M

adness

Article and Photos by Blues Boss

story) it did not disappoint. The opening set was awesome. It was five excellent musicians with their “ears on” coming together and filling the room with some fantastic music. As an avid fan it doesn’t get much better than that. Jay had to leave for an early wake up on Tuesday, so Mark Riley was invited up.

It was a late drive home for sure, but I’d make that drive anytime to hear music like that! Cream of the crop players playing “together”. That is SPECIAL.

Photos, Left to Right: ChrisLeighton, Jay Mabin, Jon Bayless, Rod Cook, SueOrfield

20

September 1 - SaturdayBlackberry Festival, Bremerton: Mia Vermillion Band, 5pm Blues for Food, Magnussen Park, Seattle: 12:00 - Lil Bill Trio, 1:30 - Stacy Jones Band 3:00 - Ben Rice, 4:30 - Lady A & the Baby Blues Funk Band 6:00 - Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps 7:30 - Junkyard Jane’s 15 year Anniversary Party w/ Sue Orfield Destination Harley, Fife: Mark Whitman Band, 12pm Highway 99: Texas Blues Guitar Summit, featuring David Brewer Tom “T-boy” Boyle & Tim “Stoopdown” Sherman New Orleans: Nick Vigarino Rockfish Grill: Blues Redemption Rockin’ M’ BBQ, Everett: The Randy Oxford Band Twin Tee Pees, Duvall: Tim Turner BandBothell Blues Festival, Bothell, 3:00pm

September 2 - SundayBlackberry Festival, Bremerton: Mia Vermillion Band, 5pmPratt Park, Roots Picnic: Lady A & John Oliver, 5pm

September 3 - Monday Blackberry Festival, Bremerton: Mia Vermillion Band, 5pmNew Orleans: New Orleans Quintet September 4 - TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm

September 5 - Wednesday Eddie’s Trackside, Monroe: Lady A Highway 99: Drummerboy w/Kimball ConantMr. Villa, Lake City: Annie Eastwood, Bill Chism & Larry Hill - Fugitives Trio, 7pm New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pmPike Pl. Bar and Grill: John Stephan Band, 6pm

September 6 - ThursdayHighway 99: Teresa James & the Rhythm TrampsJazz Alley: Béla Fleck & The Marcus Roberts TrioNew Orleans: Selbred/JacksonSalmon Bay Eagles: Brian Lee & the Orbiters, 8pmTwo Twelve On Central, Kirkland: Annie Eastwood w/ guitarist Bill Chism, 8pm

September 7 - FridayCedar Stump, Arlington:Moon Daddy BandDraft Choice Sports Bar & Grill, Auburn: Tim Turner Band

CalendarBlues

September 7 - Friday (continued)Jazz Alley: Béla Fleck & The Marcus Roberts TrioRockfish Grill: Billy T band, from OsloSalmon Bay Eagles: Cory McDaniels & The Gone Johnson ReviewShip Canal Grill, Seattle: Chris Stevens & the Surf Monkeys, 8:30pmSunbanks R&B Festival: Fat TonesVino Bella, Issaquah, Brian Lee & the Orbiters, 7:30pmHighway 99: Mutha knows best

September 8 - SaturdayHighway 99; House of Bourbon “Preachin’ the Blues” feat. Son Jack Jr.’s Delta hothouse & the Total Experience Gospel Choir w/special guest Jimmy D Jazz Alley: Béla Fleck & The Marcus Roberts TrioMaple Leaf Eagles, Lake City: Swamp Soul Cajun Zydeco Blues Dance Band, 8pmOxford: Nick Vigarino’s Back Porch StompRockfish Grill: Stacy Jones bandScotch & Vine, Des Moines, Brian Lee Trio, 8pmSkagit River Brewery, Mt. Vernon: Dan Duggin w/ Fugitives Larry Hill & Stickshift Annie, 7pmSlaughter House Lounge, Monroe: The Randy Oxford Band, 8pmSunbanks R&B FestivalWestport Dock of The Bay Blues Festival: Mia Vermillion Band, 2pmYuppie Tavern, Kirkland: Mark Whitman Band, 8:30pmEddie’s Trackside, Monroe: Gin Creek. 8:00pm

September 9 - Sunday Central, Kirkland: Nick VigarinoDock Of The Bay Blues Festival, Westport: The Randy Oxford Band, 4pmJazz Alley: Béla Fleck & The Marcus Roberts TrioSunbanks R&B Festival

September 10 - Monday New Orleans: New Orleans QuintetTriple Door: Buffy Sainte-Marie

September 11- TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm

September 12 - Wednesday Highway 99: Louisiana House Party w/. Troupeau Acadian New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pmOut To Lunch Concert Series, Seattle: The Randy Oxford Band, 12 noonRockfish Grill: Stilly River Band Vino Bella, Issaquah, Chris Stevens’ Surf Monkeys, 7:30pm

September 13 - Thursday Highway 99: James King & the SouthsidersNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Rockfish Grill: Trish HatleySalmon Bay Eagles: Star Drums & Lady Keys

September 14 - Friday Highway 99: Three Guitars (Chris Stevens, Brian Butler, Jack Cook), 8pm New Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas MarriottPort Angeles Blues Festival: the West Coast Women’s Blues ReviewRockfish Grill: Red HouseScotch & Vine, Des Moines, Brian Lee Trio, 8pm13 Coins Restaurant, Seattle: Tim Turner Band

September 15 - Saturday Dusty Strings, Seattle: Eric Madis’ Piedmont Blues Guitar Workshop, 10:30amDusty Strings, Seattle: Eric Madis’ Vestapol Bottleneck Slide Workshop, 1:30pmEngels Pub, Edmonds: Moon Daddy BandHighway 99: Puget Sound Throwdown: the T-Town Aces & the Timmons Wall band New Orleans: Stickshift Annie w/the Fugitives & Brian Kent on sax, 8:30pm Oscar’s Restaurant, Tacoma, Chris Stevens’ Surf Monkeys, 7pmPony Keg, Kent: RoaddogzPort Angeles Blues Festival: 1pm - Cruzin Blues, 2:30 - Nick Vigarino 4pm - West Coast Women’s Blues Revue 5:30pm - The Strange Tones 7pm - The Delta Rays 8:30pm - The Lloyd Jones StruggleRockfish Grill: Robbie LawsTerrace Wine Bar, Oak Harbor: Mia Vermillion Solo Show, 7pmUncle Hal’s Tug Tavern, Seattle: Tim Turner Band

September 16 – Sunday

September 17 - Monday New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

September 18 - TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm

September 19 - Wednesday Highway 99: John “Scooch” Gugno & the 88’s Mr. Villa, Lake City: Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill - Fugitives Trio, 7pm New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pm

21

Oct

September 20 - ThursdayHighway 99: Hot Rod Holman’s bandH2o, Anacortes: Too Slim & the TaildraggersMadison Pub, Everett: Moon Daddy BandNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Salmon Bay Eagles: Sweet Talkin’ Jones & the MuscletonesTwo Twelve On Central, Kirkland: Annie Eastwood w/ guitarist Bill Chism, 8pm

September 21 - Friday Elmer’s Restaurant & Lounge, Burien: Tim Turner BandHighway 99: Matt SchofieldRockfish Grill: Seatown R& BTriple Door: Curtis Salgado

September 22 - Saturday Dave’s of Milton: Alice Stuart and the Formerlys Destination Harley, Fife, Chris Stevens’ Surf Monkeys, NoonElmer’s Restaurant & Lounge, Burien: Tim Turner BandHighway 99: Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne New Orleans: Brian Lee & the Orbiters OutlawBikerCustoms.com Grand Opening, Snohomish, 1824 Bickford Ave Ste A: Moon Daddy Band 2pm-8pmPony Keg, Kent: Sweet Danny Ray Trio featuring Tommy Cook & Polly O’Keary w/Special guest Rafael TranquilinoRepp: Nick Vigarino, soloSalmon Bay Eagles: Cody Rentas band

September 23 - Sunday

September 24 - Monday New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

September 25 - TuesdayNew Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm

September 26 - WednesdayHighway 99: Maria Muldaur & her Bluesiana bandPike Place Bar & Grill at the Market: Stickshift Annie w/the Fugitives, 6pm

September 27 - ThursdayHighway 99: Maria Muldaur & her Bluesiana bandNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Salmon Bay Eagles: Joe Barton Trio

September 28 - FridayBalefire, Everett: Stickshift Annie - Fugitives Trio Highway 99: KEXP Rockabilly BallJazzbones, Tacoma, “Slide Show” w Mark Riley, Brian Lee, Rod Cook & Blues Redemption 8pm Laurelthirst, Portland OR: Alice Stuart solo, 6pmNew Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas Marriott Norms Place, Everett: Moon Daddy Band 13 Coins, Downtown Seattle, Chris Stevens’ Surf MonkeysYuppie Tavern, Kirkland, WA: Tim Turner Band, 8

September 29 -SaturdayDemetri’s Woodstone Taverna, Edmonds: Moon Daddy BandHighway 99: Left Hand SmokeMia Roma, Kenmore: The VududesPony Keg, Kent: Sammy Eubanks CD release party Repp, Snohomish: duo w/Steve Flynn, 7pmRockfish Grill: Coty RentasScotch & Vine, Des Moines, Brian Lee Trio, 8pm13 Coins Restaurant, Seattle: Tim Turner BandWashington Sips, La Conner: Mia Vermillion Solo Show, 7:30pm

September 30 - SundayJazz Alley: Count Basie Orchestra

October 1 - MondayJazz Alley: Count Basie Orchestra New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet

October 2 - Tuesday New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm

October 3 - Wednesday New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pm

October 4 - ThursdayNew Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet

22

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, 7pmNorthpoint Tacoma: Loose Gravel & the Quarry, 7pmPony Keg, Kent: -Rafael Tranquilino JamRaging River: Tommy WallSilver Dollar: Big Nasty, 8pm Two Twelve, Kirkland: hosted by HeatherBBlues, 7pm

TuesdaysBarrel Invitational: hosted by Billy Shew, 8pmDawson’s, Tacoma: hosted by Shelley & Jho, 8pmJ & M Cafe Jam: May 8 & 22 – Tim TurnerPacific 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 - 9:30pm

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, WenatcheeYuppie Tavern, Kirkland (Totem Lake), HeatherBBlues Acoustic jam, 8pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blues on the Radio Dial

PLEASE SEND ANY RADIO UPDATES TO CALENDAR@WABLUES.ORG

Washington Blues Society Blues Jams

23

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) 754-3635Cascade 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) 852-7287Pick & 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.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 AttitudeDaman’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 September 5 - Rich Chapman September 12 - Steve Raible September 19 - Christina Porter and Nate Burch September 26 - Johnny BrewerSalmon Bay Eagles: Broomdust presents Blues of the Past jam (1st Wed.), 8pmYuppie Tavern, Kirkland (Totem Lake), HeatherBBlues Acoustic jam, 8pm

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

24

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) 733-7464Bare 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 To Do Monthly (206) 328-0662Blues Playground (425) 359-3755Blues Redemption http://www.bluesredemption.com(The) Blues Sheriff (206) 979-0666Blues to Burn (253) 945-7441Boneyard 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) 853-7749Colonel (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 (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) 250-7494David Hudson / Satellite 4 (253) 630-5276Raven Humphres (425) 308-3752Hungry Dogs (425) 299-6435Brian Hurst (360) 708-1653K. G. Jackson & the Shakers (360) 896-4175Jeff & the Jet City Fliers (206) 469-0363Junkyard 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) 518-9100Brian Lee & the Orbiters www.brianleeorbiters.com

Brian Lee Trio (206) 390-2408Scott E. Lind (206) 789-8002

Little Bill & the Bluenotes (425) 774-7503Loose Gravel & the Quarry (253) 927-1212

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) 793-9577Michal 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

Randy Oxford Band (253) 973-9024Robert Patterson (509) 869-0350

Dick Powell Band (425) 742-4108Bruce Ransom (206) 618-6210

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 (425)746-8186Son 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 & 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

Vaughn Jensen Band -- (509) 554-6914Nick Vigarino’s Meantown Blues (360) 387-0374

Tommy Wall (206) 914-9413Mike 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

25

Picture yourself on the edge of the ocean listening to the surf break against the shore under blue skies. Eagles and pelicans fly above you, and sweet breezes of the fresh ocean air fill your lungs. All of this while listening to top Pacific Northwest and national blues acts in a magical three-day festival. Westport, Washington is the home port of the Dock of the Bay Blues Festival. Westport is a wonderful, picturesque fishing village with many nautical treasures to enjoy. The Dock of the Bay Blues Festival opens at the beautiful Westport Inn in the heart of the marina. It is a weekend of great music and memories with the beautiful Pacific Ocean, friendly restaurants, bustling working docks, and quaint shops only a short walk away. It all makes for an exciting weekend of live blues music.

Festival hosts Mark and Desiree Dodson wanted to share their passion for blues music and their love of the quaint coastal community, so they started the Westport Blues Nonprofit which supports the event. Each year the festival has grown, and this year it is expected to be the best celebration of the blues ever.

The festival is held in a huge tent to temper the rays of the sun. Vendors bring unique items to shop for, as well as food and espresso. The Blues Beer Garden will offer micro brews and locally-produced wines. The festival brings a wide range of blues music to Westport. The popular blues band

Blues Attitude kicks off the festival on Friday night, September 7th, and Blues Attitude is well-known in the Pacific Northwest with their jamming blues. The Tim Hall Band is up next and their set will get blues fans out of their seats and on to the dancefloor.

On Saturday, September 8th the Pleasure Hounds get the party started. Then Mia Vermillion, who has opened for blues legend John Hammond and rocked the main stage at the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival, will bring her fresh unique sound to the stage. Following Mia, the Billy Shew Band keeps the afternoon rocking with their sound rooted in a modern indie groove and spiced with various influences.

Next, the Kim Archer Band takes the stage. Kim brings a raw power-house performance with her guitar in hand. She brings her original songs rooted in old school soul, funk, classic rock, sultry blues and ballads along with her interpretation of many classics.

Colorado bluesman Mr. Spider Murphy closes Saturday’s set, and he’s recognized as the best tenor guitar player in the world. Opening for Randy Travis and touring throughout the states, Spider is a legend in the music world. Spider Murphy is playing the Dock of the Bay Blues Festival during his 2012 West Coast tour.

When the stage closes Saturday night, the Blues Jam and Dance starts at the Coho Hall at the Westport Inn. It will be a night of jamming

and the party will go until the wee hours of the morning.

Andy “Badd Dog” Koch & Catch of the Day kick off the festival on Sunday. Andy Koch is the founder and leader of the Badd Dogg Blues Society, which offers “true blue” blues and intense harp. Joining Andy, Westport’s own Catch of the Day adds their unique harmonic vocal stylings and will show that the blues are alive and well in Westport!

The festival is honored to have Little Bill and the Blue Notes back again this year. The history of this band mirrors the history of American rock and roll. The festival wraps up Sunday afternoon with the Randy Oxford Band burning up the stage. Sexy, funky, cool blues… Randy plays the trombone as a lead instrument, inventing a path through the chord progressions that often sometimes mimics the guitars around him as he takes them on one of his wild ‘bone rides.

A portion of the festival proceeds go to the Westport Blues Nonprofit to support music and arts in Westport, the south beach and Grays Harbor.

The three day festival for all performances and events, including the Blues Jam and Dance, is only $35. One day festival tickets are $18. For ticket and lodging information go to WestportBlues.com or call the Westport Inn at 360-268-0111.

Festival Preview:Westport Dock of the Bay Blues Festival, Sept 7th-9th

Article and Photos by Todd Harrison

26

I first met Willie “Big Eyes” Smith at the Hot Licks Blues Festival in Granville, Ohio in 2007. He was the bandleader for longtime Howlin’ Wolf band member and legendary blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin. Hubert and I had known each other through mutual friends, so he invited me onstage to sit in with him. It was a real treat to be onstage with both Hubert and Willie. Later that night, my band and I were playing the after-festival party, and Willie was hanging out listening. During my usual wireless walk into the crowd, I told Willie he was welcome to jam with us if he felt so inclined. Since he had been working hard earlier in the day, I thought he may just want to sit back with a drink and relax. He did that for a little while, but that relaxation period was short-lived. Not too much later, Willie approached the side of the stage with that “I want to play now,” look in his eye. Clutching his harmonica, he jumped right in like we had known each other for years and started playing the blues. He would get back on the drums for a while, and we would experience that wonderful “Willie Shuffle” he had pioneered for many years with Muddy. We jammed together for about two hours. Willie and I exchanged cards, and I told him I’d love to jam with him again sometime.

“We’ll talk again, I got you in my back pocket,” said Willie.

Willie and I would see each other at many visits to Memphis for the Blues Music Awards and the International Blues Competition. While having breakfast with the late Pinetop Perkins in Clarksdale during the 2008 Blues Music Awards, I met his manager, Patricia Morgan, who was also Willie’s manager. We talked briefly, but it wasn’t until I was on a tour in New York that she invited me to participate in the annual Pinetop Perkins Homecoming in Clarksdale at the Hopson Plantation. I was scheduled to play in nearby Helena, so we planned on it. I mentioned to Pat that Willie and I had played together, and that I was interested in jamming with Willie again. When I mentioned that I thought Willie and I could play together as a blues duo, she liked the idea.

We met up on the road in Tallahassee, and jammed briefly to see where it would lead. It really felt good! I then booked a tour in February of 2009, which took us to Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio. Willie and I had a ball gigging, hanging out, and talking, and he especially liked having breakfast at Cracker Barrel. He told me wonderful stories of his years with Muddy, and we just had a great time. We became close friends. He had a lot of energy for a man in his early 70s, but he was a kid at heart, and full of fun. I had a hard time keeping up with him, even though I was 18 years his junior. We hung out together in Memphis during the Blues Music Awards in 2009

where Willie picked up his 13th statue, and we planned our next tour together. The following December, we were on the road with stops in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio. Bill Wax invited us to be on B.B. King’s Bluesville at the Sirius XM Radio studios and recorded custom tracks for exclusive airplay. At the time, I recorded our live shows, trying to capture the magic we made as a duo. That magic happened on December 11, 2009 at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg, which is the night Live Blues Protected by Smith & Wilson was recorded. It was a sold out show, and the crowd was there for the blues. They hung on every note, and like me, they loved listening to Willie sing and play the harp. It was extra special for me, since I was there onstage singing and playing guitar with

him. When I listened back to the tracks from that night, I finally felt like they had the energy and the result I was looking for. I made a copy for Willie, and he loved it. We were both happy with what we heard, and he, too, wanted to see a CD evolve from it. I just wish he could be here to see it become a reality. Thanks to his family, it has.

In early January of 2010, Willie and his band were heading south for a tour. They drove overnight from Chicago in a blizzard that was hitting the Southeast hard. When I called Willie to check on them, they were fine, but the engine light in his van had come on. I gave him directions to my mechanic’s garage and set up an appointment for him. They met me at the garage, dropped the van, and rode home with me. At the same time, my wife Jolie was fixing breakfast. Atlanta’s roads were either snowed or iced over, so it wasn’t an easy travel day for anyone. When we got to my house, my Tahoe wouldn’t make it up the hill on the ice. Here I was with Willie and the band pushing my car up the incline so we could roll it down my driveway and get in out of the cold. Once everyone got in by the fire, it was all good.

The guys were tired, but they first had a good breakfast thanks to Jolie, and watched some TV. During the afternoon, while they were all comfortable on the couch and easy chairs, a pleasant afternoon fatigue set in and they caught a brief nap. While they slept, I couldn’t resist snapping a couple of photos. I was just glad they could get fed, get a little rest, and get the van fixed before heading out to a gig that night in Atlanta, and then on to Florida and Texas. They made it to their gig in town that night despite the bad roads. I was having trouble just getting around my neighborhood, so I didn’t venture out to jam with the band. That is a decision I regret to this day, but the whole city of Atlanta was a demolition

Willie “Big Eyes” Smith & Roger “Hurricane” Wilson

27

derby due to the icy roads. I was really concerned about these guys getting to the gig and out of town safely, but they had just driven over the mountain between Nashville and Chattanooga at night in a blizzard! Who was I to doubt them?

Willie and I once again kept in touch through the year until we toured again in late 2010. We met in Illinois for a gig there, then on to Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. From there, Willie drove back to Chicago to catch a flight to the West Coast for a gig with Pinetop Perkins.

When he left, he was complaining about a slight pain in his leg. When I asked how bad the pain was, he just blew it off like it was temporary. For some reason, I think it bothered him more than he let

on. I was heading home as I had a couple of gigs in North Carolina before Christmas, and then another year would come to a close. During this year, the CD, Pinetop’s & Willie’s CD, Joined at The Hip, was nominated for a Grammy. Our live CD was in the can pending the outcome of the 2011 Grammys. In February of 2011, I was in my home office watching the afternoon internet feed of the Grammy awards ceremony.

It is amazing how much great music is nominated and awarded in the afternoon that the public does not see on TV. When Joined at The Hip was announced as the winning Traditional Blues CD, I was overcome with emotion to see Willie, 97-year old Pinetop, and Pat Morgan doing the “happy dance” while heading down the aisle to accept the award. What a great life achievement this was for both Pinetop and Willie!

It was good to know that Willie would not just go down in history as a sideman for Muddy Waters, but he would leave this world as an accomplished musician in his own right.

A week or so after the Grammys, I talked to Willie at home. I joked with him that since he had 4 Blues Music Awards and a Grammy that he would be too big now to go out on tour with me.

“That’ll just make it better,” he chuckled, and said he was ready to go on the road at the first opportunity.

That chance was slated for the end of June, 2011. Willie had a short window between tours, so we had five gigs booked. About a week out, Willie told me he was in great pain and had to go to the clinic for treatment right when our tour started. This worried me greatly, since it seemed this was

probably the same pain he experienced back in December. But now it was worse. I had to change gears and carry my own band out on that tour, but I was still worried about Willie. When I found out he was not touring in late summer and fall, I had a very bad feeling. Willie and I were also booked on the same bill, but separately on the Amelia Island Blues Festival in Florida in September. While heading to that festival, I was going to send him a get well card to let him know I was hoping for him to get well. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. I received the news that next morning that on the day Willie was to play the festival, he had passed away in the early morning hours. I was heartbroken, but I had already braced myself to accept the fact that I might be hearing this news soon.

Willie and I knew months before, that we would be on the Amelia Island bill together. He was looking forward to it. Because of his illness and staying behind, his band went on the road with Eddie Taylor, Jr., so they didn’t hear the sad news until just before they arrived at the festival. It was a sad time, but everybody realized we had to celebrate Willie’s life, and carry on as he would want us to. There was a stool on the stage with harps and a mic in memory of Willie during the whole festival. Willie’s band did a great set, and bassist Bob Stroger invited me up to play with them in Willie’s memory.

There is healing power in music, and the healing had to begin somewhere. It couldn’t have been a more perfect time for the healing to begin. The only thing missing was Willie.

A week or so later, I made the 12-hour drive to Chicago for Willie’s visitation and funeral on the South Side. He and I had driven quite a few miles together, so I knew I had to make this trip. It was a very moving and emotional service, and a wonderful tribute to Willie. When they lowered Willie’s casket into the grave, I tossed in one of my “Hurricane” Wilson guitar picks with him. I was fortunate to know and play with Willie, and to be his friend. As I actually said on stage during the recording of our CD, “You can’t make this stuff up.”

Of course, he took much more of me with him that day than just that guitar pick. I will always miss my good friend, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith.

The Story Behind the CD:Willie “Big Eyes” Smith & Roger “Hurricane” Wilson

By Roger “Hurricane” Wilson

28

You could call the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival the “House that Too Slim and the Taildraggers Built.” That, and a whole host of hardworking volunteers dedicated to ensuring a positive experience.

“I’ve been doing this for 25 years …ever since I was 5!” Tim “Too Slim” Langford said to the jammed-packed, raucous crowd Sunday at the festival’s fallback position in the Blues Ranch Beer Garden. “I love you like a dog!” he howled in the clear Eastern Washington night.

The 25th annual Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival started and ended like a scene from Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind.” In spite of the adverse, wild-weather, the all-ages event was well-oiled, professionally staffed, and effectively executed.

Arriving in the WABLUES Bluesmobile with former Madame President and current Volunteer Director Rhea Rolfe, we made camp on Thursday night after a nice leisurely cruise across the stunning North Cascade pass on Highway 20 into the beautiful Methow Valley. The first American western novel, “The Virginian,” was penned in the old mining town of Winthrop, gussied up now to leave nothing to that era’s imagination for the estimated 3,000 plus blues enthusiasts who gathered here throughout the silver anniversary of this great three day musical event. They came from all over to support local valley Methow Valley communities like Mazama, Twisp, and Winthrop for the love of bluesmusic. They also come from Canada, but over two-thirds journeyed to Winthrop from the western half of the Evergreen State.

Friday, the stage was set. A guitar donated by Avalon Music from Wenatchee supported the Methow Valley School District music program with many ticket sales. Port-a-potties, EMT/First Aid, free portable showers (a very nice

touch), campers, bikers, musicians, and vendors rolled in to get ready for another great musical line-up. Volunteers, including the Washington Blues Society’s very own “White Trash Girls,” were out in full force and working hard! The years of experience showed in the production of the event. In the end, they made it a fun, safe, clean, and an impressively accommodating gig.

Then came a small taste of what even seemed to be on the event planner’s radar. With little prior notice, thundershowers and gusts of high winds 50 miles per hour or more tore into the festival grounds owned by Dr. Michael Scott and the home of the festival for the past 19 years. At first blush, it looked like the wheels were going to spin off into the sunset. The place was, to quote McKinley Morganfield, “a-rollin’ and a tumbling” and sent folks scrambling to deal with upended chairs, blankets and booths not securely battened down. Capable stage hands and volunteers quickly recovered the carnage at the main stage and the rest of the grounds.

As luck, fate, and a decision made by town council members would have it, the former downtown “Street Dance” had been moved to the festival grounds this year. For many reasons, it was a good choice. When the evening winds drove everyone to the cover of the beer garden, throngs of cash spending, thirsty patrons crammed into the safety of the professionally assembled tents and boogied to the foot stompin’ music of Duffy Bishop, Too Slim and the Taildraggers and Big Mumbo ‘till the wee hours of the morning. There were more cowboy hats worn there than ever was at an Omak Stampede! It was party time with a capital P and T.

Saturday, Mother Nature provided us with a fabulous “non-eventful” day for the performance on the Main Stage. True Tone provided remarkable sound clarity along with the help

of Great Backline for the main stage. Colin Lake started things out with a nice, casual acoustic set. Then, Big Mumbo, Duffy Bishop, Sugar Blue and Chubby Carrier got the crowd on its feet to welcome headliners John Mayall and Elvin Bishop.

Duffy Bishop worked the crowd from the ground floor in front of the stage.

“Through the years we’ve had such a great time in Winthrop, how could you not?” Duffy confided in me after her show.

“Winthrop is set up by great folks with great musicians and you look around and it’s just heavenly. It makes me so thankful at my age I get to do what I love and thank heaven for blues societies that support the blues and make it possible for all of us to keep doing what we love” cooed Duffy.

Washington Blues Society member Jessie James videotaped Duffy while she was in the crowd, and he said that “it was spectacular to watch the looks on people’s faces as she sang just to them.”

Chubby Carrier probably came to the event from the farthest away: “…all the way from Southwestern Louisiana, that’s a loooong ways my friend,” he said. “I was sitting up on the plane thinking, ‘God we come a long way to play festivals’ but once you get here they embrace you and give you all the love and support. How could you not come to something like this? That’s why I’m here!”

Jim Smith, Board Member of the Winthrop Music Association, thanked the many people whom have given their best to make sure this came off with out a hitch. One such notable gentleman was Dr. Michael Scott. Dr Scott, veteran of World War II in Europe, yet still very spry, said “I’ve been to events all over the

Festival Review: Winthrop 2012By Rocky “Rock Khan” Nelson

29

world for different aspects of entertainment. The people and spectators at those events, none of them match the group that comes here, they’re just terrific. In that I wish to include those terrific bikers that meticulously keep care of their area. It’s a first class organization from the ground up, and that includes people like yourself Rocky.”

“We are proud to play a small part” he said humbly.

John Mayall had a few moments after he signed many autographs at the Washington Blues Society booth.

“I think most of the people from Washington are here today. It’s a great crowd and such a pleasure to play for you today,” said this legendary Bluesbreaker.

Elvin Bishop spent a great deal of time in the booth talking and chatting up the many people who came to have him sign their CDs and vinyl.

“Did you guys have fun?” he asked the long line in front of him. He recognized their appreciation by responding: “thank you, that makes me feel good!”

I asked him later about one of his mentors, the dearly departed Little Smokey Smothers. I wanted to know how Little Smokey influenced Elvin as he was starting out many years ago in Chicago.

In a slow, down-home drawl, Elvin said “man, he was so nice to me and took me under his wing. I’d go over to his house and he didn’t just influence me… he made me learn how to play the shit just exactly right! If I was being hardheaded and he was having trouble teaching me a part, he’d take me into the kitchen and he’d have a pot of beans and ham hocks or neck

bones or something cookin’ on the stove and he’d lift up the lid and go…smell that! I’d say, “That smells great! Can I have some?”

“Smokey would scold me,” Elvin continued. “He said ‘when you learn the damn part you can have some.”

We both shared a belly laugh over his humble musical beginnings. His stage character was a little easier to nail down, and I asked about his wardrobe of bib overalls.

“I wear bibs because I grew up on a farm!” he laughed.

The jam session that night was hosted by one of the most entertaining bass players in the blues business. Polly O’Keary led the beat with great enthusiasm. Lady A provided some MC class and literally the shirt off her back for a fundraiser to benefit the local Cove Food Bank which raised some $1000.00 plus. Concert promoter Peter Dammann lent a lick or two throughout the jam nights. Peter and festival co-producer Erika Olsen received many well-deserved accolades throughout the festival.

Sunday gave us a rare treat from Renaissance man Paul Thorn. Buy his new CD and you’ll see what I mean. We also heard The Taildraggers, Colin Lake, Lionel Young Band, Ruthie Foster, John Nemeth and WBS winners of the 2012 International Blues Challenge, The Wired! Band.

“At noon, I was afraid that everyone would be hung over and back in their tents but the energy was very, very positive,” Wired! drummer Rick “the Stick” Jacobson told me after a long stint signing autographs in the booth. There were “lots of friendly faces and lots of smiles!” That night’s jam was hosted by Wired! and featured John Nemeth and Paul Thorn. To use a metaphor that Elvin Bishop would understand, these

blues folks stayed until the last dog was hung.

Perennial Winthrop favorite Tim “Too Slim” summed it all up for me. He was a pleasure to chat up.

“I remember the excitement of talking about this festival in the very beginning,” he said. “Here we are 25 years later. All those people that did all the hard work, they just gotta be thanked. You have to remember that it takes a lot to put these festivals on and there are so many people behind the scenes that don’t get any credit for it. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!”

It was apparent that he is a real crowd pleaser here. I commented on the sizeable and noticeable fan base that follows the Taildraggers. That he had a new CD out, and that he received a 2012 Blues Music Award nomination, a Washington Blues Society Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award. I asked him how he liked doing what he does.

“I try to stay true to my roots,” Too Slim said. “It’s a musical journey, and I have a lot of influences and things I draw off of. The musicians I’ve listened to, the bands I’ve played in. I try to incorporate all of it, and it just comes out. I love what I do!”

No lack of motivation here. I mentioned that he missed one Winthrop in the last 25. I was still trying to wring yet another quote out of him for the Bluesletter. I asked him what makes him come back to Winthrop, year after year.

He turned to me and smiled.

“I keep coming back because they keep asking me!” laughed Tim.

Many smiling faces attested to that

30

As is often the case, as the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival begins, the clouds part and summer arrives in the Pacific Northwest. That is what happened this past July in Portland, Oregon. This event is not just the music but as an outdoor event, the weather and the venue are also important. Along the west bank of the Willamette River in front of the festival are many boats and people playing in the sun. They frolic to the music.

The music is arguably the best in the world: each year, and being there for the week transports me to another dimension compared to whatever I did before and do after this event. This year’s lineup included 120 bands, and most were acts of national repute. Some years a theme jumps out, like the many young blues musicians moving to Portland one year, and another year there was talk of the Mississippi Stage and the Louisiana stage as many of the bands were from those states. I didn’t discern a clear theme this year, other than the great variety within, and bordering, on the blues. There was traditional Delta Blues, Texas and Chicago Blues as well as some Rock, Funk, Soul, and Zydeco music.

The flood of talent was relentless. All day. All night. All week. Guitar greats and singers and harmonica masters fed the crowd sounds that amazed us. The first day had The WIRED! Band show more people why they won the

International Blues Challenge in Memphis this year. The first day introduced a lot of people to Arsen Shomakhov, and the Lionel Young Band too. Most blues fans already knew Charlie Musselwhite, Curtis Salgado and Too Slim & The Taildraggers, who performed on the first day of the festival. Linda Hornbuckle sang the national anthem, followed by more than ten minutes of fireworks was appreciated by the crowd as well. The afterhours show in The Marriott had Kevin Selfe on stage with Too Slim & the Taildraggers along with Curtis Salgado after Charlie Musselwhite opened the opening night of the festival on Independence Day.

I had the honor of spending an hour with Charlie Musselwhite the next morning, and I met his guitar player after he brought some books from Powell’s Bookstore. Matt Stubbs talked about how much they looked forward to seeing Booker T Jones later that day as well. In addition to Booker T on the keys, David Vest, D.K Stewart, and others showed their stuff that way, too.

The blues cruises were great and one of them on July 5th provided a chance to get a lot of practice swing dancing.. Kevin Selfe and his band were on one deck, and the other two decks aboard had other blues dance bands. Each deck had dance floors, bars, and bands for passengers to have fun overlooking the water, trees and the

mountains outside of the city. Yes, it is true: we were in heaven. We wanted it to last forever.

The Etta James Tribute featured great female vocalists like Lady Kat, Duffy Bishop, LaRhonda Steele, Lisa Mann, Rae Gordon, and Amy Keyes. Betty Lavette and Janice Scroggins also stood out that week.

Great guitarists like Roy Rogers, James Hunter, Kirk Fletcher, Kid Ramos, Steve Miller and Elvin Bishop, and dozens of others, stood out, too. There were great harmonica players like James Cotton, Bill Rhodes, and Charlie Musselwhite. There were great vocal harmonies like done by The California Honeydrops and the Patrick Lamb Band. There were astounding performances by Otis Taylor and his band and Bobby Rush... I know I’ve left out dozens of other performances worthy of international attention, but that can’t be helped in summing up this event. After the sensory overload of the first couple of days, I could barely remember where I was or my favorite performance so far. Ask someone who their favorite band in the world is at 2 PM on

Festival Review: The 2012 Safeway Waterfront Blues FestivalBy Robert Horn Photos by Tim & Michelle Burge

ELvin BishopBetty LaVetteJimi BottKevin Selfe Bobby Rush

The Etta James Tribute featured great female vocalists like Lady Kat, Duffy Bishop, LaRhonda

Steele, Lisa Mann, Rae Gordon, and Amy Keyes.

31

Wednesday, and it is probably not the same band they name at 4 PM on Saturday or Sunday… The senses were overwhelmed in a way that only Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival goers can comprehend.

There were many who loved the big names and the bigger stages, but this year just like other years, there were people who dance to their own drummer off the beaten path. The Front Porch Stage had Zydeco bands from Louisiana that had hundreds of Zydeco dancers spend days and nights there. The Crossroads stage featured workshops where people saw the blues passed down to the future: like when a kid raised his hand, and said he just got a harmonica, and wondered if James Cotton would show him how to use it. Ten minutes later, after the kid played harmonica on stage, I heard people say they wanted to write his name down, because they expected to hear about his greatness in the future. Yes this event is more than a little magical.

To get into the festival people gave two cans of food and ten dollars. That is not a misprint. It is easy to get in. Sometimes in the mid or late afternoon, the audience reaches capacity, so be prepared for crowds of up to 50,000 at a time. Standing in line to get in, or standing still for five minutes inside, provides a treat in itself: the fans are knowledgeable, and you learn things about blues musicians by just overhearing conversations.

This event benefits the Oregon Food Bank, and this year’s totals were $902,000 in donations and 116,584 pounds of food. In addition to great music that is one more reason to be happy to have been there. The event started in the 1980s when the Cascade Blues Association announced the creation of a festival in this park where John Lee Hooker and several local bands would perform. It grew into the monster event it is now with major corporate sponsors having stages named after them. The only downside is the reverse culture shock fans experience upon re-entry from heaven (this event) down to real life back on Earth. Those of us who brought cameras used up batteries and memory cards taking hundreds or thousands of photos, but those images can’t capture the sounds, flavors, and the very soul of what we experienced. They just provide a glimpse of the magic that is the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival.

The 2012 Safeway Waterfront Blues FestivalBy Robert Horn Photos by Tim & Michelle Burge

James CottonDuffy BishopBobby Rush

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

Change Service Requested