Fe ature d Ar ticles

Junkyard Jane: Cr ysta l Anniversar y Festival R eview: S afe way Waterf ront Blues Festival & The Winthrop Blues Festival The Versatilit y of Hamilton L o omis
On the C over : Jun kyard Jane by D an Hill

In This Issue...

Letter from the President 7 There Aint No Cure - Festival List 7 Junkyard Janes Crystal Anniversary 8 Versatility of Hamilton Loomis 10 Festival Preview: Port Angeles 11

2013 International Blues Challenge Randy Oxford Band Dry Side Blues Blues CD Reviews Road Trip: Vancouver

12 13 14 16 17

August Blues Bash Monday Night Madness Calendar Blues on the Radio Dial Jam Guide

18 19 20 21 22

Letter from the Editor

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 were not done yet; make sure you check out page seven, John Millners 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, Seattles 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 Suttons 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 didnt want them to leave and we could all tell that the band didnt want to leave either. If The WIRED! Band hadnt won my heart at the Best of the Blues Awards, they certainly won it during Rain City Blues. What an exceptional experience. So theres my summer Moment with the Blues. And its one that I will always treasure. Until next time, Jesse Phillips, Editor Washington Blues Society Bluesletter

Celebrating 23 Years of Blues

September 2012 Bluesletter
Vol. XXIV, Number IX
Publisher Editor & Art Director Secretary Calendar Advertising Printer Washington Blues Society Jesse Phillips (jesse@jessephillipsdesigns.com) Rocky Nelson Maridel Fliss (mflissm@aol.com) Malcolm Kennedy (advertising@wablues.org) Pacific Publishing Company www.pacificpublishingcompany.com

1989 - 2012

Venue Guide Talent Guide Festival Preview: Dock of the Bay The Story Behind the CD Festival Review: Winthrop Festival Review: Safeway Waterfront

22 23 24 26 28 30

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

On the

Cover:
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.

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, submitters 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 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.

Mission Statement

Washington Blues Society P.O. Box 70604 - Seattle, WA 98127 www.wablues.org

October 2012 DEADLINES:

Advertising Space Reservations: September 5th malcarken@comcast.net Calendar: September 10th calendar@wablues.org Editorial Submissions: September 5th - editor@wablues.org Camera Ready Ad Art Due: September 12th - editor@wablues.org Camera ready art should be in CMYK format at 300 dpi or higher.

Washington Blues Society

Proud Recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award from The Blues Foundation President Vice President Secretary Treasurer (Acting) Editor Music Membership Education Volunteers Merchandise Advertising Downtown Seattle West Seattle Eastside Northern WA Penninsula South Sound Central WA Eastern WA Ballard Lopez Island Middle East Webmaster Web Hosting WBS Logo 2012 Officers Eric Steiner Tony Frederickson Rocky Nelson Chad Creamer Jesse Phillips 2012 Directors Vacant Michelle Burge Roy Brown Rhea Rolfe Tony Frederickson Malcolm Kennedy president@wablues.org vicepres@wablues.org secretary@wablues.org treasurer@wablues.org editor@wablues.org music@wablues.org membership@wablues.org education@wablues.org volunteers@wablues.org merchandise@wablues.org advertising@wablues.org

Advertising Rates:
Graphics: Text: Full Page: Half Page: Back Half Page: Quarter Page: Fifth Page: Business Card: ADD COLOR: 300 dpi PDF, TIF or JPG Plain .txt or Word $260 (8.5 x 11) $150 (8.5 x 5.5) $200 (8.5 x 5.5) $90 (4.25 x 5.5) $65 (4.25 x 3.5) $25 (3.5 x 2) ADD 25%

Weve Got Discounts! 20% off- 12 month pre-payment 15% off- 6 month pre-payment 10% off- 3 month pre-payment Contact: 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

2012 Street Team Tim & Michelle Burge blueslover206@comcast.net Rev. Deb Engelhardt deb@revdeb.com Vacant Lloyd Peterson freesprt@televar.com Dan Wilson allstarguitar@centurytel.net Smoke smkdrms@aol.com Stephen J. Lefebvre s.j.lefebvre@gmail.com Cindy Dyer cindalucy@hotmail.com Vacant Carolyn & Dean Jacobsen cjacobsen@rockisland.com Rock Khan rocknafghanistan@gmail.com Special Thanks The Sheriff webmaster@wablues.org Adhost www.adhost.com Phil Chesnut philustr8r@aol.com

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? Wed like to help. While we cannot predict when or if a review will land in the pages of the Bluesletter, wed 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 Society ATTN: CD Reviews PO Box 70604 Seattle, WA 98027

Next Month

Last Month

LesMerrihew is in awe of the Bluesletter.

Photo by Blues Boss

There Aint No Cure for the

This is a list of Blues Festivals and other Blues related events that Ive 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, Im sure that Ive 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. SEPT 1 BOTHELL BLUES FESTIVAL BOTHELL, WA bothellbluesfestival.com

Summertime Blues
by John Millner

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 SEATTLE, WA bluesforfoodfest.org

SEPT 1 6th. ANNUAL BLUES FOR FOOD FEST

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

President

Letter from the

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

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 Washingtons most picturesque smaller communities in Sunday, July 29th. I know that Nick is a working bluesman, and hes performed at many national and international events like the International Blues Challenge finals in 2011 as Nick Vigarinos 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 1980s, and ever since, hes volunteered to play our events, compete in our blues competitions, and donate a great deal of his time to blues events. This years La Conner Festival of Music and Art featured Duffy Bishop and Chris Carlson as well as a whos 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 Sipss 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 societys 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 dont want to wait another year, so Ill 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, President Washington Blues Society Member, Board of Directors, The Blues Foundation

Junkyard Janes Crystal Anniversary

Photo by Dan Hill

A lot can change in 15 years - guitarist/vocalist Billy Stoops hair is grayer, percussionist/ vocalist Leanne Trevalyans hair is straighter, sax player Sue Orfields hair is longer, and bassist Barbra Blues hair well, Barbs hair hasnt 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 bands 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 ( t he pre fe r re d L at i n te r m ) or C r y st a 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 Janes 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: Its not easy to stay strong and have longevity in this business of music, but thats 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 Janes 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 theyre not really a blues band. We didnt take it personal though. Were not really country either, and

were 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 groups 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 nothat isnt a reference to Billys 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 bands 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. Its 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 Janes indie label. Stoops band Billy Roy Danger

& the Rectifiers formed in Kentucky in 2005 and are best described as red hot and twangy roots rockin mayhem. The Trevalyan Triangle, Leannes labor of love, is more acoustic rock and features the singer songwriters original music. JUNKYARD JANE DISCOGRAPHY F-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 TREVALYAN Dandelion (2009) Half Naked (2006) Open Heart Perjury (2003) BILLY ROY DANGER & THE RECTIFIERS Little Devil (2007) In addition to the songwriting team of Stoops and Trevalyan, Junkyard Janes 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 o n s i n , t e a c h i n g s a x and p e r for m i ng he r or i g i na l compositions with SOB (The Sue Orfield Band), touring with The Tiptons 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 dont think shes 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 theyve 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 clubs grand opening week and has

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 Janes 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 glycerinfree 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

Photo by Tom Hunnewell

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 Businessmans Clubs Summer Party, the bands third year running at this event.

to our fan base that reaches far and wide, but make no mistakeTacoma, Washington is our home. And we say it proudly! For more information visit junkyardjane.com

The Versatility of
Interview and Photos by Suzanne Swanson

Hamilton Loomis

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! Ive always wanted to play with Prince or Stevie Wonderamazing songwriters and musicians.

SS: Having been fortunate enough to be 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

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 dont 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 schoolhe used to say, Kids,

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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: Its 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 dont drink anymore because it drains my energy, and I try to get a lot of sleep. Thats the only way I can perform 100%. If I dont 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 possiblealthough sometimes its the only option, especially if youre 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! Ive listed all my gear on www.hamiltonloomis.com/gear.htm. Recording is always different for me, because theres 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 oftenthe tones are incredibly accurate and the flexibility is amazing. My fave right now is Guitar Rig by Native Instruments. I used it on the Aint Just Temporary CD. On the road, its very different, because you have to trim down your setup to be portable, so Im 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: Its funny, because I find inspiration in everything. My song Workin Real Hard is about being lazy. Wont Get Away sounds like its about losing a lover and winning her back, but its 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 someones lawn, and My Pen is actually about not being able to write a song! You can write about anything, and thats 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 Ill 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.

Festival Preview: Inaugural Port Angeles Blues Festival

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 Womens 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 Womens 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.

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Planning Ahead:
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,

The 2013 International Blues Challenge!

By Joe Whitmer

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

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Randy Oxford Band

Courtesy of the Inland Empire Blues Societys Inside Blues

The

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 Societys 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. Randys 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 bands 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 Societys Inside Blues Bluesletter, and we thank her for her first contribution to The Bluesletter.

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Dry Side Blues

By Jerry Peterson, Vice President

T h e H i s t o r i c Wa l l a c e Festival shares some 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 years festival. Neil and Ramiro played some of their blues standards, including Key t o t h e H i g hw a y a n d Doghouse Blues before we headed to the main stage for Hoodoo Udu. Patrice Thompson-Rose on vocals, Ben Rose on

Inland Empire Blues Society

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 Lets Be Friends, finishing their set with James McMurtrys Im 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 McClintons 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 couldnt 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 Hells Half-Acre in a very boogie-inducing

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 Daleys 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.

Polly and Tim

Too Slim and the Taildraggers

L to R Vyasa Dodson, guitar, Curtis Salgado

Nick Vigarino

Sammy Eubanks and Nick Vigarino

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

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15

Blues Reviews

New Blues that you can Use

The Blues Sheriff New Sheriff In Town Blues 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: isnt it true that his new CD has five songs on it, and that he wrote three of them? Yes it is. Isnt it true that he sings all the songs on this CD? Yes it is ladies and gentlemen. Isnt 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 Roses (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 summers Seattle Blues Cruise hosted by the Randy Oxford Band. - Robert Horn

Tim Too Slim Langford Broken Halo Underworld 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 Nightcats One Wrong Turn Alligator 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 1950s-styled slow dance ballad called Movin Slow. Ricks sly foxguarding-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 Estrins harp and vocals, Kid Andersens rhythmic guitar fills, drummer J. Hansen, and organ from Lorenzo Farrell, who usually plays bass. Estrins 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 Andersens 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 Aint 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

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Blues Reviews

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

Road Trip: Vancouver, British Columbia

Lloyd Jones Doin What It Takes Fresh! from Reference Recordings Lloyd Have Mercy Jones newest CD is a dramatic departure from last years 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 Holmstroms organ, and the background vocals from Terry Evans and La Ronda Steele add nice touches to Lloyds electric guitar. Two well-chosen covers shine brightly: Lloyd Jones does a jaunty version of Lieber-Stollers Ill Be Right On Down, and he offers up some classic Delta notebending on Maceo Merriweathers Worried Life Blues. The sets closer, the infectious Ruby Do will likely be another great singalong at Lloyds festival and club gigs. Lloyds vocals remind me of his friends Tommy Castro and Delbert McClinton (with whom hes 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, Im looking forward to how the worlds blues community will embrace Doin What It Takes, because its a solid blues CD. The music on this CD is refreshing from start to finish, and Natalia Bratslakys interior panoramic photo of the Columbia Gorge captures the lush natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Eric Steiner Editors Note: This month, Lloyd Jones and his band will play Seattles 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 ver y 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.

place called Falconettis, 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!

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

By Joy and Chris

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The August

at the Red Crane

By Robert Horn, Photos by Blues Boss

Blues Bash

2012

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 eras 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 anyones 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 doesnt 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 Aint The Fool, but also did a great job on songs like

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 Vickis lead guitar player for a long time). I really enjoyed Rod Cooks acoustic set.

When it is sunny and 80 degrees in Seattle, it takes something to get people to come indoors.
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 thats one way to keep current on all things blues, too: go to a monthly meeting and youll never know wholl turn up during announcements time. The nights electric act has wanted to do a monthly Washington Blues Bash for a while.

Eric Rice has always said he wanted to play at a meeting of the blues societys 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 Marcos 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

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Something special happened last night in Tacoma. Not that every week night on the local music scene isnt 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 its 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

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 doesnt 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 Id 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

Monday Night Madness

Article and Photos by Blues Boss

19

Calendar
September 1 - Saturday Blackberry 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 Janes 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 Band Bothell Blues Festival, Bothell, 3:00pm September 2 - Sunday Blackberry Festival, Bremerton: Mia Vermillion Band, 5pm Pratt Park, Roots Picnic: Lady A & John Oliver, 5pm September 3 - Monday Blackberry Festival, Bremerton: Mia Vermillion Band, 5pm New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet September 4 - Tuesday New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm September 5 - Wednesday Eddies Trackside, Monroe: Lady A Highway 99: Drummerboy w/Kimball Conant Mr. Villa, Lake City: Annie Eastwood, Bill Chism & Larry Hill - Fugitives Trio, 7pm New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pm Pike Pl. Bar and Grill: John Stephan Band, 6pm September 6 - Thursday Highway 99: Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps Jazz Alley: Bla Fleck & The Marcus Roberts Trio New Orleans: Selbred/Jackson Salmon Bay Eagles: Brian Lee & the Orbiters, 8pm Two Twelve On Central, Kirkland: Annie Eastwood w/ guitarist Bill Chism, 8pm September 7 - Friday Cedar Stump, Arlington:Moon Daddy Band Draft Choice Sports Bar & Grill, Auburn: Tim Turner Band September 7 - Friday (continued) Jazz Alley: Bla Fleck & The Marcus Roberts Trio Rockfish Grill: Billy T band, from Oslo Salmon Bay Eagles: Cory McDaniels & The Gone Johnson Review Ship Canal Grill, Seattle: Chris Stevens & the Surf Monkeys, 8:30pm Sunbanks R&B Festival: Fat Tones Vino Bella, Issaquah, Brian Lee & the Orbiters, 7:30pm Highway 99: Mutha knows best September 8 - Saturday Highway 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: Bla Fleck & The Marcus Roberts Trio Maple Leaf Eagles, Lake City: Swamp Soul Cajun Zydeco Blues Dance Band, 8pm Oxford: Nick Vigarinos Back Porch Stomp Rockfish Grill: Stacy Jones band Scotch & Vine, Des Moines, Brian Lee Trio, 8pm Skagit River Brewery, Mt. Vernon: Dan Duggin w/ Fugitives Larry Hill & Stickshift Annie, 7pm Slaughter House Lounge, Monroe: The Randy Oxford Band, 8pm Sunbanks R&B Festival Westport Dock of The Bay Blues Festival: Mia Vermillion Band, 2pm Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland: Mark Whitman Band, 8:30pm Eddies Trackside, Monroe: Gin Creek. 8:00pm September 9 - Sunday Central, Kirkland: Nick Vigarino Dock Of The Bay Blues Festival, Westport: The Randy Oxford Band, 4pm Jazz Alley: Bla Fleck & The Marcus Roberts Trio Sunbanks R&B Festival September 10 - Monday New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet Triple Door: Buffy Sainte-Marie September 11- Tuesday New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm September 12 - Wednesday Highway 99: Louisiana House Party w/. Troupeau Acadian New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pm Out To Lunch Concert Series, Seattle: The Randy Oxford Band, 12 noon Rockfish Grill: Stilly River Band VinoBella,Issaquah,ChrisStevensSurfMonkeys,7:30pm September 13 - Thursday Highway 99: James King & the Southsiders New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Rockfish Grill: Trish Hatley Salmon 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 Marriott Port Angeles Blues Festival: the West Coast Womens Blues Review Rockfish Grill: Red House Scotch & Vine, Des Moines, Brian Lee Trio, 8pm 13 Coins Restaurant, Seattle: Tim Turner Band September 15 - Saturday Dusty Strings, Seattle: Eric Madis Piedmont Blues Guitar Workshop, 10:30am Dusty Strings, Seattle: Eric Madis Vestapol Bottleneck Slide Workshop, 1:30pm Engels Pub, Edmonds: Moon Daddy Band Highway 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 Oscars Restaurant, Tacoma, Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys, 7pm Pony Keg, Kent: Roaddogz Port Angeles Blues Festival: 1pm - Cruzin Blues, 2:30 - Nick Vigarino 4pm - West Coast Womens Blues Revue 5:30pm - The Strange Tones 7pm - The Delta Rays 8:30pm - The Lloyd Jones Struggle Rockfish Grill: Robbie Laws Terrace Wine Bar, Oak Harbor: Mia Vermillion Solo Show, 7pm Uncle Hals Tug Tavern, Seattle: Tim Turner Band September 16 Sunday September 17 - Monday New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet September 18 - Tuesday New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm September 19 - Wednesday Highway 99: John Scooch Gugno & the 88s Mr. Villa, Lake City: Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill - Fugitives Trio, 7pm New Orleans: Legacy Quartet w/Clarence Acox, 8pm

Blues

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September 20 - Thursday Highway 99: Hot Rod Holmans band H2o, Anacortes: Too Slim & the Taildraggers Madison Pub, Everett: Moon Daddy Band New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Salmon Bay Eagles: Sweet Talkin Jones & the Muscletones Two Twelve On Central, Kirkland: Annie Eastwood w/ guitarist Bill Chism, 8pm September 21 - Friday Elmers Restaurant & Lounge, Burien: Tim Turner Band Highway 99: Matt Schofield Rockfish Grill: Seatown R& B Triple Door: Curtis Salgado September 22 - Saturday Daves of Milton: Alice Stuart and the Formerlys Destination Harley, Fife, Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys, Noon Elmers Restaurant & Lounge, Burien: Tim Turner Band Highway 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-8pm Pony Keg, Kent: Sweet Danny Ray Trio featuring Tommy Cook & Polly OKeary w/Special guest Rafael Tranquilino Repp: Nick Vigarino, solo Salmon Bay Eagles: Cody Rentas band

September 23 - Sunday September 24 - Monday New Orleans: New Orleans Quintet September 25 - Tuesday New Orleans: Holotradband, 7pm September 26 - Wednesday Highway 99: Maria Muldaur & her Bluesiana band Pike Place Bar & Grill at the Market: Stickshift Annie w/the Fugitives, 6pm September 27 - Thursday Highway 99: Maria Muldaur & her Bluesiana band New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet Salmon Bay Eagles: Joe Barton Trio September 28 - Friday Balefire, Everett: Stickshift Annie - Fugitives Trio Highway 99: KEXP Rockabilly Ball Jazzbones, Tacoma, Slide Show w Mark Riley, Brian Lee, Rod Cook & Blues Redemption 8pm Laurelthirst, Portland OR: Alice Stuart solo, 6pm New Orleans: Flexicon w/Thomas Marriott Norms Place, Everett: Moon Daddy Band 13 Coins, Downtown Seattle, Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland, WA: Tim Turner Band, 8

September 29 -Saturday Demetris Woodstone Taverna, Edmonds: Moon Daddy Band Highway 99: Left Hand Smoke Mia Roma, Kenmore: The Vududes Pony Keg, Kent: Sammy Eubanks CD release party Repp, Snohomish: duo w/Steve Flynn, 7pm Rockfish Grill: Coty Rentas Scotch & Vine, Des Moines, Brian Lee Trio, 8pm 13 Coins Restaurant, Seattle: Tim Turner Band Washington Sips, La Conner: Mia Vermillion Solo Show, 7:30pm September 30 - Sunday Jazz Alley: Count Basie Orchestra

Oct
October 1 - Monday Jazz 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 - Thursday New Orleans: Ham Carson Quintet

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Blues on the Radio Dial

PLEASE SEND ANY RADIO UPDATES TO CALENDAR@WABLUES.ORG

Monday

KUGS 89.3FM Bellingham: Highway 61 8:00AM - 10:00AM www.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 Samsons BluesShow 7:00pm - 10:00PM

KPLU 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 KEXP 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

Saturday

Tuesday

KBCS 91.3FM Bellevue: Eh Toi! 11:00PM - 1:00AM www.kbcs.fm - DJ, DJ Marte

Wednesday

KEXP 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 - 10:00PM www.mail@ksvr.org - DJ, Jackson Stewart KSVR 91.7FM Mount Vernon: The Blues Note with Janice 10:00PM - 12:00AM www.janice@ksvr.org - DJ, Janice Gage

Sunday

Thursday

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

Friday

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

Washington Blues Society

Sundays

Blues Jams

Mondays

Alki Tavern: Jam hosted b y Manuel Morais Dawsons, Tacoma: Tim Hall Band, 7pm Castles, Sedro Wolley: Gary Bs Church of the Blues, 6-10pm Eastlake Zoo Tavern: Eastlake Zoo Social Club & Jam featuring the Seattle Houserockers, 7pm Northpoint Tacoma: Loose Gravel & the Quarry, 7pm Pony Keg, Kent: -Rafael Tranquilino Jam Raging River: Tommy Wall Silver Dollar: Big Nasty, 8pm Two Twelve, Kirkland: hosted by HeatherBBlues, 7pm

Caffe Mela, Wenatchee, 7pm (first Mon. of the month) 88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Star Drums & Lady Keys host Blue Monday Jam, 8pm JRs Hideway: Malcolm Clark, 8pm Opal Lounge, South Tacoma Way: Tim Hall, 8pm Oxford Saloon: All ages open jam, 7 11pm Ten Below: hosted by Underground Blues Jam, every 1st Monday of the month, Wenatchee Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland (Totem Lake), HeatherBBlues Acoustic jam, 8pm

Tuesdays

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Barrel Invitational: hosted by Billy Shew, 8pm Dawsons, Tacoma: hosted by Shelley & Jho, 8pm J & M Cafe Jam: May 8 & 22 Tim Turner Pacific Rim Marysville Best Western: Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks, 7 - 11pm Snohomish Spirits & Sports: Sean Denton & friends Summit Pub: Tim Hall & the Realtimes, 7:30pm Wild Buffalo, Bellingham: hosted by Rick Baunach, 6:30 - 9:30pm

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

Washington Blues Society

Peninsula

Al Lago, Lake Tapps (253) 863-8636 2 Wheel Blues Club Tacoma Barnacles Restaurant, Des Moines (206) 878-5000 The Barrel Burien (206) 244-7390

Tacoma, Burien, Federal Way, etc

South Sound

CCs Lounge, Burien (206) 242-0977

Blarney Stone Pub and Restaurant (206) 448-8439 China Harbor Restaurant (206) 286-1688 Dimitrious Jazz Alley (206) 441-9729 x210 EMP Liquid Lounge (206) 770-2777 EMP Sky Church (206) 770-2777 Fiddlers Inn (206) 525-0752 Bellingham, Anacortes, Whidbey Island, etc Grinders (206) 542-0627 China Beach Langley (360) 530-8888 Highliner Pub (206) 283-2233 Just Moes Sedro Woolley (360) 855-2997 Highway 99 Club (206) 382-2171 LaConner Tavern LaConner (360) 466-9932 J & M Cafe (206) 467-2666 Little Roadside Tavern Everson (360) 592-5107 Lock & Keel (206) 781-8023 Old Edison Inn Edison (360) 766-6266 Maple Leaf Grill (206) 523-8449 Rockfish Grill Anacortes (360) 588-1720 Mr. Villa (206) 517-5660 Stump Bar & Grill Arlington (360) 653-6774 New Orleans (206) 622-2563 Watertown Pub Anacortes (360) 293-3587 Paragon (206) 283-4548 Wild Buffalo Bellingham (360) 312-3684 Pike Place Bar and Grill (206) 624-1365 Viking Bar and Grill Stanwood (360) 629-9285 The Rimrock Steak House (206) 362-7979 Salmon Bay Eagles (206) 783-7791 St. Clouds (206) 726-1522 Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park (206) 366-3333 Triangle Tavern (206) 763.0714 Bellevue, Kirkland, etc. Tractor Tavern (206) 789-3599 Central Club Kirkland (425) 827-8808 Triple Door (206) 838-4333 Crossroads Shopping Center Bellevue (425) 644-1111 Damans Pub Redmond Forecasters Woodinville (425) 483-3212 Ice Harbor Brewing Co - Kennewick (509) 582-5340 Raging River Caf & Club Fall City (425) 222-6669 Time Out Sports Bar Kirkland (425) 822-8511 BBQ & Blues Clarkston (509) 758-1227 Vino Bella Issaquah (425) 391-1424 Breadline Caf Omak (509) 826-5836 Wild Vine Bistro, Bothell (425) 877-1334 Club Crow Cashmere (509) 782-3001 Wilde Rover Kirkland (425) 822-8940 CrossRoads Steakhouse Walla Walla (509) 522-1200 Valhalla Bar & Grill, Kirkland (425) 827 3336 Lakeys Grill Pullman (509) 332-6622 Main Street Tavern Omak (509) 826-2247 Peters Inn Packwood (360) 494-4000 Pine Springs Resort - Goldendate (509-773-4434 Rams Ripple Moses Lake (509) 765-3942 Rattlesnake Brewery Richland (509) 783-5747

North Sound

Capitol Theater/Olympia Film Society (360) 754-3635 Cascade Tavern Vancouver (360) 254-0749 Charlies Olympia (360) 786-8181 Cliff House Restaurant Tacoma (253) 927-0400 Destination Harley Davidson Fife (253) 922-3700 Blues Vespers at Immanuel Presbyterian (253) 627-8371 Jazzbones in Tacoma (253) 396-9169 (The) Junction Sports Bar, Centralia (360) 273-7586 Lighthouse Des Moines (206) 824-4863 Maggie OTooles Lakewood (253) 584-3278 Magnolia Caf Poulsbo (360) 697-1447 Mint Alehouse Enumclaw (360) 825-8361 Pats Bar & Grill Kent (253) 852-7287 Pick & Shovel Wilkeson (360) 829-6574 The Pony Keg - Kent (253) 395-8022 Riverside Pub, Sumner (253) 863-8369 Silver Dollar Pub Spanaway (253) 531-4469 The Spar Tacoma (253) 627-8215 The Swiss Tacoma (253) 572-2821 Tugboat Annies Olympia (360) 943-1850 Uncle Sams Bar & Grill - Spanaway (253) 507-7808 Wurlitzer Manor Gig Harbor (253) 858-1749

Eastside

Central & Eastern

Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee (Tomasz Cibicki 509-669-8200)

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

(Lynnwood, Everett, Edmonds, etc.):

North End

Tumwater Inn Restaurant and Lounge Leavenworth (509) 548-4232

Wednesdays

Charlies Olympia: Blues Attitude Damans Pub, 8 PM Dogghouse Tavern, Mt. Vernon Alan: Hatley Trio, 7pm Eddies Trackside Bar & Grill, Monroe: every 1st & 3rd Wed., 8pm Half Time Saloon: Billy Shew & Billy Barner Locker Room, White Center: Michael Johnson & Lynn Sorensen, 8-12pm Madison 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 Brewer Salmon Bay Eagles: Broomdust presents Blues of the Past jam (1st Wed.), 8pm Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland (Totem Lake), HeatherBBlues Acoustic jam, 8pm

Thursdays

Bad Albert Invitational w/Annieville Blues CCs Lounge Burien Club Flight Nightclub w/Cory Wilde, 9pm Conway Pub Dawsons, Tacoma: Billy Shew, 8 pm OCallahans: Tim Hall, 7pm Oxford Saloon: Invitational Jam w/Steve Ater, 8pm Ruston Inn: Loose Gravel & the Quarry, 8pm

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A.H.L. (206) 935-4592 AlleyKattz (425) 273-4172 Annieville Blues (206) 994-9413 Author Unknown (206) 355-5952 Baby Gramps Trio (425) 483-2835 BackGround Noise (425) 931-8084 Back Porch Blues (425) 299-0468 Badd Dog Blues Society (360) 733-7464 Bare Roots (206) 818-8141 Billy Barner (253) 884-6308 Bay Street Blues Band (360) 731-1975 Norm Bellas & the Funkstars (206) 722-6551 Black River Blues (206) 396-1563 Blackstone Players (425) 327-0018 Blues Attitude (360) 701-6490 Blue 55 (206) 216-0554 Blue Healers (206) 440-7867 Blues To Do Monthly (206) 328-0662 Blues Playground (425) 359-3755 Blues Redemption http://www.bluesredemption.com (The) Blues Sheriff (206) 979-0666 Blues to Burn (253) 945-7441 Boneyard Preachers (206) 755-0766/ 206-547-1772 Bill Brown & the Kingbees 206-276-6600 Bump Kitchen (253) 223-4333, (360) 259-1545 Brian Butler Band (206) 361-9625 Charlie Butts & the Filtertips (509) 325-3016 Ellis Carter - 206-935-3188 Malcolm Clark Band (253) 853-7749 Colonel (360) 293-7931 Kimball Conant & the Fugitives (206) 938-6096 Jack Cook & Phantoms of Soul (206) 517-5294 Rod Cook & Toast (206) 878-7910 James Curley Cooke (253)945-7441 Cooke & Green (253) 945-7441 Coyote Blues (360) 420-2535 John Scooch Cugnos Delta 88 Revival (360) 352-3735 Crossroads Band (206) 935-8985 Daddy Treetops (206) 601-1769 Sean Denton Band (425)387-0620 Double Cookin (253) 945-7441 Double Scotts on the Rocks (206) 418-1180 Julie Duke Band 206-459-0860 Al Earick Band (253) 278-0330 Sammy Eubanks (509) 879-0340 Richard Evans (206) 799-4856 Fat Cat (425) 487-6139 Fat Tones (509) 869-0350 Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone (206) 295-8306 Gary Frazier (206) 851-1169 Free Reign Blues Band (425) 823-3561 Fil Gumbo (425) 788-2776 Nicole Fournier & Her 3 Lb Universe (253) 576-7600 Jimmy Frees Friends (206) 546-3733 Charlene Grant & the Love Doctors (206) 763-5074 Paul Green (206)795-3694 Dennis Juxtamuse Hacker (425) 512-8111 Heather & the Nearly Homeless Blues Band (425)576-5673 Tim Hall Band (253) 857-8652 Curtis Hammond Band (206) 696-6134) Ryan Harder (253) 226-1230 Scotty Harris & Lissa Ramaglia/Bassic Sax (206) 418-1180 Terry Hartness (425) 931-5755 Ron Hendee (425) 280-3994 JD Hobson (206) 235-3234 Hot Rod Blues Revue (206)790-9934 Bobby Holland & the Breadline (425)681-5644 James Howard band (206) 250-7494 David Hudson / Satellite 4 (253) 630-5276 Raven Humphres (425) 308-3752 Hungry Dogs (425) 299-6435 Brian Hurst (360) 708-1653 K. G. Jackson & the Shakers (360) 896-4175 Jeff & the Jet City Fliers (206) 469-0363 Junkyard Jane (253) 238-7908 Stacy Jones Band (206) 992-3285 Chester Dennis Jones (253)-797-8937

Talent Guide

Washington Blues Society

Harry The Man Joynes (360) 871-4438 James King & the Southsiders (206) 715-6511 Virginia Klemens / Jerry Lee Davidson (206) 632-6130 Mick Knight (206) 373-1681 Bruce Koenigsberg / the Fabulous Roof Shakers (425) 766-7253 Kolvane (503) 804-7966 Lady A & the Baby Blues Funk Band (425) 518-9100 Brian Lee & the Orbiters www.brianleeorbiters.com Brian Lee Trio (206) 390-2408 Scott E. Lind (206) 789-8002 Little Bill & the Bluenotes (425) 774-7503 Loose Gravel & the Quarry (253) 927-1212 Dana Lupinacci Band (206) 860-4961 Eric Madis & Blue Madness (206) 362 8331 Bill Mattocks Band (206) 601-2615 Albritten McClain & Bridge of Souls (206) 650-8254 Brian Jelly Belly McGhee (253) 777-5972 Doug McGrew (206) 679-2655 Mary McPage Band (206) 850-4849 Miles from Chicago (206) 440-8016 Reggie Miles (360) 793-9577 Michal Miller Band (253) 222-2538 Rob Moitoza / House of Reprehensibles (206) 768-2820 Moon Daddy Band (425) 923-9081 Jim Nardos Boogie Train Blues Band (360) 779-4300 Keith 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) 973-9024 Robert Patterson (509) 869-0350 Dick Powell Band (425) 742-4108 Bruce Ransom (206) 618-6210 Red Hot Blues Sisters (206) 940-2589 Mark Riley (206) 313-7849 Gunnar Roads (360) 828-1210 Greg Roberts (206) 473-0659 Roger Rogers Band (206) 255-6427 Maia Santell & House Blend (253) 983-7071 Sciaticats Band (206) 246-3105 Shadow Creek Project (360) 826-4068 Tim Sherman Band (206) 547-1772 Billy Shew Band (253) 514-3637 Doug Skoog (253) 921-7506 Smoke N Blues Allstars (253) 620-5737 Smokin Jays (425)746-8186 Son Jack Jr. (425) 591-3034 Soulshaker Blues Band (360) 4171145 Star Drums & Lady Keys (206) 522-2779 John Stephan Band (206) 244-0498 Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys (206) 236-0412 Stickshift Annie Eastwood (206) 522-4935 Alice Stuart & the Formerlys (360) 753-8949 Richard Sysinger (206) 412-8212 Annette Taborn (206) 679-4113 Dudley Taft (206)795-6509 Tahoma Tones (253)851-6559 Ten Second Tom (509) 954-4101 Tone Kings (425) 698-5841 Too Slim & the Taildraggers (425) 891-4487 Leanne Trevalyan (253)238-7908 Tim Turner Band (206) 271-5384 T-Town Aces (206)935-8985 Two Scoops Combo (206) 933-9566 Unbound (425)212-7608 Uncle Ted Barton (253) 627-0420 Vaughn Jensen Band -- (509) 554-6914 Nick Vigarinos Meantown Blues (360) 387-0374 Tommy Wall (206) 914-9413 Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks (360) 652-0699 / (425) 327-0944 Charles White Revue (425) 327-0018 Mark Whitman Band (206) 697-7739 Michael Wilde (425) 672-3206 / (206) 200-3363 Rusty Williams (206) 282-0877 Hambone Wilson (360) 739-7740 C.D. Woodbury (425) 502-1917 Beth Wulff Band (206) 367-6186, (206) 604-2829

Festival Preview:

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

Article and Photos by Todd Harrison

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 Saturdays set, and hes 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, Westports 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.

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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. Kings 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. 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 Id love to jam with him again sometime. Well 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 Willies manager. We talked briefly, but it wasnt 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 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 mechanics 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. Atlantas roads were either snowed or iced over, so it wasnt an easy travel day for anyone. When we got to my house, my Tahoe wouldnt 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 couldnt 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 didnt 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

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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

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 didnt 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.

The Story Behind the CD:

Willie Big Eyes Smith & Roger Hurricane Wilson

By Roger Hurricane Wilson

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, Pinetops & Willies 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. Thatll 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

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 didnt hear the sad news until just before they arrived at the festival. It was a sad time, but everybody realized we had to celebrate Willies 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. Willies band did a great set, and bassist Bob Stroger invited me up to play with them in Willies memory. There is healing power in music, and the healing had to begin somewhere. It couldnt 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 Willies 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 Willies 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 cant 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.

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Festival Review: Winthrop 2012

By Rocky Rock Khan Nelson

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. Ive 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 festivals 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 Mitchells 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 eras 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 Societys 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 planners 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 weve 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 its 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 peoples faces as she sang just to them. Chubby Carrier probably came to the event from the farthest away: all the way from Southwestern Louisiana, thats 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? Thats why Im 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 Ive been to events all over the

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world for different aspects of entertainment. The people and spectators at those events, none of them match the group that comes here, theyre just terrific. In that I wish to include those terrific bikers that meticulously keep care of their area. Its 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. Its 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. Id go over to his house and he didnt 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, hed take me into the kitchen and hed have a pot of beans and ham hocks or neck

bones or something cookin on the stove and hed lift up the lid and gosmell that! Id 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 OKeary 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 welldeserved accolades throughout the festival. Sunday gave us a rare treat from Renaissance man Paul Thorn. Buy his new CD and youll 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 nights 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 dont 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. Its a musical journey, and I have a lot of influences and things I draw off of. The musicians Ive listened to, the bands Ive 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

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Festival Review: The 2012 Safeway

Kevin Selfe Jimi Bott Betty LaVette ELvin Bishop

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 years 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 didnt 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 Powells 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.

The Etta James Tribute featured great female vocalists like Lady Kat, Duffy Bishop, LaRhonda Steele, Lisa Mann, Rae Gordon, and Amy Keyes.
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 Ive left out dozens of other performances worthy of international attention, but that cant 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

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Waterfront Blues Festival

By Robert Horn Photos by Tim & Michelle Burge Duffy Bishop Bobby Rush James Cotton

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 years 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 cant 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.

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Non-Profit U.S. Postage Paid Seattle, WA Permit No. 5617

P.O. Box 70604 Seattle, W 98127 A Change Service Requested

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