Volume 21 Number 4 September/October 2018

YOUR SOURCE FOR THE BLUES IN WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

INSIDE
P.2 Board/Prez letter
Get Your Blues Camp On!
P.3 Camping With The Blues
P.4 James/Alligator/
Weird Dragon
P.5 Palladium/ Middletons
P.6 Camping With The Blues
P.7 Dunedin Wines The Blues
P.8-9 Blues Stalker/V Ginty
P.10 Southern Avenue/
GoTonight/SBS Board
P.11 Blues Bash At The Ranch
P.12 South Of The Bridge,
EG Kight
P.13 Slim, BBB, Replay
P.14-15 SBS Calendar
P.16-20 CD Reviews
P.20 Liz & Doc/Blue Rooster/
Manatee/Dan On Drums
P.21 Blues Buffet
P.22 Crackercaster
P.23 Keiths/Ella’s/WMNF
Pat Smoot
P.24 Dunedin Wines The
Blues/Jams
P.25 Band Directory
P.26 Seminole/Blues On
The Radio/Stevie B’s
P.27 Membership/Deadlines
P.28 Bradenton Blues
GREENFIELD, IN
PRESORTED STD

PERMIT NO. 67
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID

DP# 21949_ThompsonMark_0818

The Suncoast Blues Society is a 501C(3) Non-Profit Organization

2004 KBA Award Winner - Blues Organization of the Year
A Few As always, a huge thank-you to everyone who came out
to support the event. Your participation made it a truly
special day.
Words At the July Board meeting, I informed the Board of my
decision to not put my name up for consideration for the
With upcoming election for the 2019 Suncoast Board of Directors.
There are a number of considerations that factored into
Mark my decision. Over the last twenty years, I have been on the
Board of Directors for one of two Societies for all but nine

Thompson months, when I first moved to Florida. For fifteen of those

Congratulations to the two acts selected to represent
the Suncoast Blues Society at the 2019 International Blues
Challenge in Memphis! Victoria Ginty & Ladyhawke were
the judges’ choice in the Band category, and Jamie & Royce
were picked in the Solo/Duo category.
Kudos to the current Suncoast Board members for
coordinating the event, which went off without a hitch, and
even finished well ahead of schedule, a truly memorable
outcome! Thanks also to Backline Superstars who supplies
all the gear for the bands!
Our five judges – Kat Crosby, P.W. Fenton, Velma Glover,
Verdun “Dooner” Manross, and Jeff Plunkett – did an
outstanding job of assessing every act to arrive at the final
decisions. We also thank the Dukes of Juke, Phil Coale, the
Memphis Rub Band, Bear & Robert, and the Jason Haram
Band for being a part of the event. As usual, Tom White and
the great staff at Skipper’s Smokehouse kept the food and
drinks flowing smoothly.
Twelve Bar Rag, a bi-monthly publication of the
Suncoast Blues Society, Inc.
P.O. Box 4232, Tampa, FL 33677
info@suncoastblues.org • www.suncoastblues.org
Board of Directors 2018
Mark Thompson-President, Entertainment
mark@suncoastblues.org
414-416-1884
James Randolph-Vice President, Grants
jamesrandolph@verizon.net 813-681-2099
Cheryl Spradling-Merchandise
cherylspradling@yahoo.com
Terri O’Brien – Treasurer
Tobrien4260@gmail.com
Warren McDougle-Secretary, Public Relations
mcdougle.warren50@gmail.com
George Willett-Newsletter, Website, Updates
george@suncoastblues.org
twenty years, I have served as the President. It is now time
for someone else to step up and assume a leadership role.
Additionally, my wife and I are starting to plan some trips
to far-away places that we have long dreamed of visiting. It
is easier to plan excursions when your schedule is free of
other responsibilities.
And in the last year, I have become increasingly aware of
my own sense of mortality. Most of my life is in the rear
view mirror, and I now have a greater appreciation for
whatever time I have left in this world.
The final consideration was the simple fact that music was
becoming more of a chore than the fun it should be. Over
the years, I have been known to take on lots of projects
and responsibilities without considering the impact on
my personal and family life. The combination of serving
as the Suncoast President, serving a term of the Blues
Foundation Board of Directors, and writing for Blues Music
& Blues Blast Magazines plus reviews for the Chicago Blues
Guide website was taking some of the joy out my musical
experiences, which at times felt more like work than
anything else. Music has been an extremely important part
of my life. It is time to recapture the joy, inspiration and
wonder that it can generate for me.
I hope that many of you will give strong consideration to
adding your name to the list of candidates for next year’s
Board of Directors. The Suncoast membership deserves a
group of talented and committed blues fans to choose from
in the upcoming election. (Once the election for the 2019
Board of Directors is completed, the new Board members
will meet to select the officers for next year).
It is an exciting time of the year. Soon, the temperatures
will become more moderate. The festival season will
kick off with the annual Camping with the Blues fest in
Brooksville, FL later in October. The Bradenton Blues
Festival is on track to set a new record for the earliest sell-
out for ticket sales. And looking further down the road, the
Tampa Bay Blues fest just announced another star-studded
line-up for next year’s three-day affair. And be watching for
information on a festival at Sertoma Ranch in Brooksville,
FL that will be held in place of the Suncoast Blues fest in
Sarasota.
That’s it for now. Thanks for your support of SBS and all of
the incredible live music in our area. You can be sure that
the musicians certainly appreciate the support!
Mark T.

“Coach” Len Lomas-Membership

coachlenlomas@aol.com
South of the Skyway Ambassador
Lafayette Reid
Would You Like To
12 Bar Rag Editor
George Willett-george@suncoastblues.org
Volunteer for
12 Bar Rag Layout/Art Direction
Franc Robert-frobertillustration@outlook.com
the SBS?
Fundraising: mark@suncoastblues.org
© 2018 by the Suncoast Blues Society, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of
this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission Merchandise:Cheryl@suncoastblues.org
of the SBS. The SBS is not responsible for the views and opinions expressed by
individuals, who are solely responsible. Printed in the USA.

2 12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society

 Checking In With James
Hear Yee, Hear Yee, Hear Yee!
As one of several SBS Town Criers, every SBS board
member is tasked “At every opportunity, sharing the
good news about the many activities we’re involved
in”. Last Twelve Bar Rag, I asked “Did you attend SBS
21st Anniversary Party opening with appetizer David
Julian Band, entree Blind Bryan Lee & Crew, and dessert
delivered by Betty Fox Band with horn section included”.
This edition this question is: “How ‘bout 2108 IBC held at
Skipper’s Smokehouse”?
We were entertained by a total of seven bands and solo
/ duo artists. Another “Rag” contributor will cover the
results. Even the usual late July afternoon thunderstorms
cooperated. A fine Sunday afternoon of musical
entertainment was enjoyed by everyone. Our next planned
summer event is on Sunday, August 26th the annual
Beach Bash from 1pm – 6pm at Treasure Island’s Lion’s
Club Beach House (9300 Gulf Blvd Treasurer Island)
You’ve read from me “It takes 47 repetitions of the same
activity for it to become a habit” – 38 more times for you
to read that comment and commit to supporting SBS hard
working member musicians. One fact remains. When it
comes to live blues music options, Tampa Bay venues keep
you busy!
Members have been busy planning community entry
points and ways of exposing new audiences to historically
American form of music - Blues. Thanks to member
musician, Bodie Valdez a new and budding partnership is
developing with State College of Florida – Bradenton.
4 12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society
Blues in the Schools – Schools are opening which
will provide opportunities for you and SBS board
members to engage and determine how we might deliver
BITS performances at more school locations. If you’re
interested in coordinating a neighborhood BITS event,
please contact jamesrandolph@verizon.net
Blues in the Library – Sarasota County Libraries’
patrons enjoyed five BITL(s) from July 17th – July 24th
performed by Steve Arvey, George Worthmore, RJ
Howson, Nat Langston, and Bodie Valdez. Hillsborough
County Library - Jan Platt Branch in South Tampa has
confirmed 4 BITLs in September, October, and December.
Again, SBS will partner with Manatee County Libraries
for another “Week of Blues” leading into December’s
Bradenton Blues Festival. Keep an eye on Wednesday
weekly Blooze Nooze Update email for locations and
times. To Schedule Tampa Bay Area BITL, please contact
jamesrandolph@verizon.net
Blues in the Community – SBS has been invited to
provide musicians at Bradenton’s Farmers Market in
October and November, and I’ve already mentioned the
Suncoast Blues Society “End of Summer Beach Bash”.
We’re looking for refreshment donors. Two have stepped
forward. It’s time to bring more SBS blues sponsored
music to our non-traditional locations. Please contact
jamesrandolph@verizon.net to discuss possibilities.
The only way the “uninformed” remains uniformed is
we aren’t informing them. Don’t be caught being selfish.
Spread the “Blues is Alive” message… JMR
Buy - Sell
Trade - Repair
Lessons
(813) 651-1246
Lesson Packages Available
Vocal & Piano
Guitars - Bass - Amps
Banjo - Violin - Viola
Custom Paint Jobs
www.weirddragonmusic.com
723 Lumsden Rd. Brandon Fl, 33511
 That’s right, all card-carryin’
SBS members receive 15% OFF
ALL services – for savings worth
hundreds of dollars a year.
We know that maintenance costs on your car or
truck can make you cry the Blues. But Middleton’s
AutoCare can help ease your Blues, by making auto
repairs a little more affordable.

TRUST. In a business where quality and trust mean

everything, Middleton’s delivers. Just ask around.
Many of our customers have relied on Middleton’s

SBS
AutoCare for over 25 years.

CONVENIENCE. Our FREE shuttle to and from your

members – home or work lets us service your vehicle while you

don’t need it. And have it ready for you when you do.

Get a Cool 15% Off Got questions about the Suncoast

1 5
Blues Society 15% discount? Want
ALL Parts and Labor! to schedule an appointment?
Email us, or give us a call! SB
%
S Member
Discount
MIDDLETON’S 727.822.5820
AutoCare middletonsautocare@yahoo.com

Automotive service so good, we put our family name on it 2740 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street N. • St. Petersburg, FL

Now through Sept. 15th

PAL_SOS ad 2.indd 1 7/30/2018 12:37:11 PM

 Camping With The Blues – October 19-October 21, 2018 12:15pm - Amanda Fish Band
Camping with the Blues is NOT just a camping event... 1:30pm - Tas Cru & His Band of Tortured Souls,
camping is optional. You can purchase single day tickets for
2:45pm - Brandon
Friday, Saturday or Sunday, or buy the weekend pass, and
Santini, Jam to follow.
parking is free! If you need hotel accommodations, there
are several located near exit 293 (Blanton RD.) off I-75. Things you should
know about Camping
With a stellar lineup each day, phenomenal music fans,
With The Blues:
a covered stage and pavilion area for seating, permanent
bathrooms and showers, picnic tables, nightly jams around Be sure you bring your
the camp fires, family and dog friendly, fantastic vendors, chairs, and if you’ll be
oak trees galore… This is one fall weekend getaway you do there at night, maybe a
not want to miss. flashlight.
Oh, and a lot music! Don’t forget music! If tent or car camping is
your thing or if you have
a self-contained unit, we
have plenty of space for
you…but we urge you to make arrangements now. If you
don’t own an RV or Camper but would like to camp in a self-
contained unit, call Marcia Jones at 352-428-8118 and she
will assist you with a rental. Quiet generators, rated 70 db
or less, are allowed. (No commercial generators.)

Friday Oct 19th

4:00pm - Campers Acoustic Jam, 5:00pm - Brody Buster,
6:15pm - L C Williams and the Driver,
7:30pm - Duffy Bishop,
If you are planning to come in to in camp early, you can
8:45pm - J P Soars and the Red Hots…Jam to follow prepay now for Thursday night camping. Save time and do
it before you arrive.
Saturday Oct 20th
Advanced tickets sales will end on October 16th, so buy
11:00am - Campers Acoustic Jam
them now and save.
12:00pm - Scott Ellison Band
Due to overcrowding at the campsites, only one vehicle is
1:15pm-Packrats Smokehouse allowed per site. There is plenty of free parking at the front
2:30pm - Prestage Brothers gate.

3:45pm - Gracie Curran & the High Falutin’ Band
5:00-6:00 - Dinner Break
6:00 - Beautiful Bobby Blackman
7:30pm - Dirty Red and the Soul Shakers
Don’t forget to bring your instruments to join us every
day for the Campers Acoustic Jam. You don’t have to be a
camper to join in the fun! Open to all.
The Sertoma Youth Ranch is located at 85 Myers Rd,
Brooksville, FL 34602.

9:00pm - Mark May Band, Jam to follow Follow I-75 N to exit 293 (Blanton Rd) in Pasco County.

Sunday Oct 21st So circle October 19-October 21, 2018 on your calendar,
You’re gonna have fun!
10:00am - Campers Acoustic Jam, 11:00 - Blues Doctors,

6 12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society

12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society 7
 The Blues Stalker
Believe!
Keeshea Pratt is living proof that a positive attitude and
belief in one’s own talent and passion can take you all the
way to the top. The Houston Blues Society sponsored the
Keeshea Pratt Band that earned top bragging rights at the
34th annual Memphis-based nonprofit Blues Foundation’s
International Blues Challenge. Her eight piece band competed
in the four day challenge against 230 blues acts from around
the U.S. and the world and walked away with the top honors
A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Keeshea sang her first solo
in church at the age of six. Later after performing regularly
as an adult on the local Jackson blues scene, she moved
with her husband and two daughters to Houston, Texas in
2011 and put her musical career on hold for seven years.
Fortunately for her fans, she responded to a plea by bassist
and producer Shawn Allen to start performing again with
the goal of competing in the International Blues Challenge.
Assembling a stellar eight piece band only eight months prior
to competing, the band took no mercy on the competitors as
their bold, brassy artistry was showcased and wowed the
judges with an eclectic mix of soul, blues, and r&b. Their
debut disc of all original music “Believe” was released the
end of May and is charting high and reaping praise from
listeners and critics worldwide. A cross-country summer and
fall festival tour is booked solid.
The Keeshea Pratt Band was recently honored in Houston
with the designation of Keeshea Pratt Day with a special
presentation by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and other
elected officials and guests. To be honored in the global
8 12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society
blues music competition and also be honored with a day in
one’s honor is quite an accomplishment. It shows you what is
possible if you “BELIEVE.”
BS: Your band has been together for only about ten months
yet they seem to have been born playing together. How did
you put together such a tight, winning ensemble that is capable
of showcasing your amazing vocals and excelling in so many
genres?
KP: The band amazes me! They have met every challenge
placed before them. I have to credit them for their dedication
and drive. It takes so much more than talent to achieve what
they have been able to achieve. It’s not always about the best
this or that but how each musician can bring about the best
in the others. And that’s what this group does.
BS: You guys just performed at the 35th annual Chicago Blues
Festival. Was that your first time and what was that experience
like for you and your band?
KP: I was here in 2009 with Jerekus Singleton. I had the
opportunity to be a featured artist when he was at the
festival. But to return to the festival with my band was
exciting. It was a wonderful experience to come here with my
band. We were blessed to have this opportunity.
BS: There are certain artists like Bobby Rush that have a
special talent for connecting with a live audience. You possess
that talent. Do you think that can be developed in an artist or is
it a natural part of certain artist’s personality?
KP: There are definitely things a person can learn to help
them connect with the audience. When I talk to young
performers, I talk to them about some of those things...like
making eye contact with their audience, showing emotion
in your music...that kind of thing. However, there are some
like Bobby where it’s just natural to them. Bobby Rush and I
have a great love for people. I think that is a lot to do with it
(laughing out loud) Monte
Would You Like To
Volunteer for
the SBS?
Fundraising: mark@suncoastblues.org
Merchandise:Cheryl@suncoastblues.org
Events:csewer@hotmail.com
 BS: Did you and Bobby Rush know each other in Jackson, your heart. What part does it play in your current life?
Mississippi? Didn’t he encourage you early in your career?
KP: Gospel is ever present in my life. It was the first music I
KP: Yes. We knew each other in Jackson. He has always and heard or sang. I still sing it.
still encourages me concerning my career and also life.
BS: Most music lovers put on music to enjoy in their down
BS: Your bass player, Shawn Allen, was responsible for time. Who are you currently listening to?
bringing you back into the music industry after a break from
KP: I am listening to KoKo Taylor, Etta James and Nancy
performing and for getting you to perform in the International
Wilson. The power KoKo yields in her voice is amazing.
Blues Challenge.
Etta has so much heart, and pain - the emotion in her voice.
You told him, “I’ll compete and then I’m done.” How do you Nancy- is phenomenal. Her voice is smooth and clear.
feel about that statement now and how did winning the IBC
BS: Recently the mayor of Houston honored you and your
change your life?
band with the designation of “Keeshea Pratt Day” and a big
KP: Monte (laughing out loud) I think it’s a woman’s celebration. Can you tell the readers about that and how
prerogative to change her mind. But seriously, I made that special that it was for you?
KP: It brought tears to my eyes. For the Mayor of one of the
largest cities in the U. S. to honor us this way. I still have to
pinch myself. I am from Jackson, MS and moved to Houston
a few years ago. I am speechless with how this city has
embraced me.
BS: After such a busy tour schedule of top blues festivals
across the U.S., are there any plans for the Keeshea Pratt Band
to invade Europe? Blues fans there shouldn’t miss out of this
special treat.
KP: We will see. You never know where the Keeshea Pratt
Band will pop up. But you can keep tabs on us on our
Facebook page or go to our website.
BS: Having had a special day designated in your honor by the
city of Houston and being named the best in the world in blues
competition so far in 2018, what goals await the Keeshea Pratt
Band?
KP: We would definitely like to tour Europe, release a
statement before this band was formed. Once the band came second album and a Grammy nod would be great!
together and I came to know and love these people. Once I
saw how much they believed in me, in us-The Keeshea Pratt
band and I saw the dedication to the process-I knew this
was something special. I knew we were something special.
It changed my life in a lot of ways. Winning the IBC set me
back on my path and gave me a second chance to live my
dreams...fulfill my destiny and walk in my purpose.
BS: Speaking of Shawn Allen, he wrote or co-wrote all of
the songs on “Believe.” How important is it to have such an
amazing songwriter and musical director performing on the
same stage with you?
KP: Shawn Allen is truly something. He’s our not so secret
“secret weapon”. He has a wealth of knowledge that he
brings. He has been in the music industry for a number of
years so it’s definitely a benefit to have him on stage.
BS: As a winner, what advice would you give to future
competitors at the IBC?
KP: The advice I would give future competitors is to pick the
right people. The process for competing in the IBC involves
a lot of time and hard work and you need to have people
who are just as dedicated to the process as you. The other
is don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the process, meet "This sultry torch singer, accompanied by her band
people, listen to the other bands. Whether you win or lose
Ladyhawke, takes listeners through an inner storm,
it’s a life changing experience.
to it's eye, and out again. Her voice is like a piña
BS: Early in your career you performed mainly in clubs and colada: sweet and refreshing, but don’t forget the
lounges. Now, your tour schedule is booked with major blues
festivals all over the USA--from Chicago to Telluride and Las hot sting of rum beneath. Soul blues fans, if you
Vegas. How is it different to perform in front of thousands of have not listened to Victoria Ginty’s latest, you
adoring fans? have Unfinished Business!"
KP: The energy. Definitely the energy. There’s a much
- Rainey Wetnight, Blues Blast Magazine (Jul 12, 2018)
more intimate feel in clubs and lounges. You can see and
touch your audience. At some of festivals you don’t have the Amazing reviews are pouring in on this album! Get your
opportunity to be that close to your audience. It makes it a copy now! www.VictoriaGinty.com, FB /ladyhawkeband
little more of a challenge to connect with them. But there’s so
much energy at the larger clubs and festivals.
BS: I know that gospel music has always been very dear to

12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society 9

 WMNF & SBS Present: today’s music.

Southern Avenue & Then there’s hometown favorites, the Sugar and Spice
Revue! Sisters Myra “Sugar” Glover and Velma “Spice”
the Sugar & Spice Revue Glover front the band with powerful, gospel-tinged, blues
drenched vocals. Since their 2nd place finish at the 2017
On Sunday, September 23. WMNF and the Suncoast Blues International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, Sugar and
Society are proud to Present: Southern Avenue, plus the Spice have been Bluesin’, Rockin’, and Funkin’ it up at some
Sugar and Spice Revue…Two great soulful bands! of the hottest Festivals and club stages in the Central
Southern Avenue‘s concert for WMNF last year was a Florida area.
knockout and a revelation! The deeply soulful Memphis As little girls Sugar and Spice learned to sing at the feet
band playing fiery guitar-led soul rock, with punchy horns, of their mother, the late Loretta Glover, a Florida R&B/Soul
hard-shuffling and Blues legend. On Sunday mornings, spirited shouts,
beats, sparkling singing, and hallelujahs emanated from a small church
ballads and barroom house where the Glover family worshiped, and Sweet
throwdowns was Loretta sang up praises.
a huge and happy
surprise. We Together Sugar and Spice’s style incorporates the
witnessed a young movements of Rock-n-Roll, the spirit of Gospel and the
yet seasoned group true essence of Funk and Soul. The players providing
of artists who have the rhythm, are all road-tested pros with Blues, Soul and
taken everything Gospel chops. Whether performing their originals or tasty
Memphis has to give, classics, the Sugar and Spice Revue packs passion into
rubbed their own every performance. Part Saturday night juke joint holler,
magic on it, and are part Sunday morning Hallelujah, the Sugar and Spice Revue
delivering it to us in will move you to your feet and touch your musical soul.
a deep-dish serving. It’s not Blues, Soul, Gospel or R&B. It’s You can get a taste this “Soulful Total Immersion” on
all of the above, blended in such a way to create its very Sunday, September 23rd at Skipper’s Smokehouse (910
own category. Skipper Rd. in Tampa.)
The entire band is talented…but nobody could take WMNF Ticket Purchasing Information: You can purchase
their eyes off the young lead singer Tierinini Jackson. It advance tickets online at wmnf.org/events by calling the
was like seeing a young Tina Turner, singing and dancing station during business hours at 813-238-8001. Tickets are
with soulful abandon. You can easily imagine “Southern also available in person at Skipper’s Smokehouse or other
Avenue” as a house band in their native Memphis or in WMNF ticket outlets.
Muscle Shoals in the glory days of the Sixties, sent back to
the future to save us from the inauthenticity of so much of Showtime is 6:00-9:00 pm

SBS Joins Forces With GoTonight WANTED: Candidates for

In the ongoing struggle to maintain an up-to-date (and
complete as possible) music calendar, your Suncoast Blues
SBS Board of Directors
Suncoast Blues Society elections for our Board of
Society has joined the family of GoTonight subscribers!
Directors for 2019 will be coming up in November. We will
Since the demise of our old website and calendar system it be announcing full details via email to members, but we will
has been an uphill battle to try and keep you informed! We once again conduct on-line voting and announce the new
are using calendar software from Weebly which is ideal for Board members at our December Holiday Party.
our needs and even includes maps!
We have seven board positions to fill. Board members help
The ongoing conduct the business of operating the Society. Candidates
problem has must be a current SBS member who is willing and able to
been content. attend meetings plus work at our events, festivals and other
Since we SBS sponsored shows throughout the year.
“dropped the
The Suncoast Blues Society membership deserves a group
ball” a couple
of talented and committed blues fans to choose from in the
of years ago it
upcoming election. Once the election for the 2019 Board of
has been hard for musicians to show much faith in us. Go
Directors is completed, the new Board members will meet to
Tonight is now sharing listed Blues events with us and we’re
select the officers.
putting musicians in touch with them. It works out to be a
“2 for 1” deal! Our new alliance with Go Tonight simplifies The Board has four regular quarterly meetings per year
“Blues Browsing” for everyone. but we conduct discussions and votes via email as well.
Each board member will be assigned specific duties
If musicians are on the SBS list of artists which we track,
according to desire and ability. In other words, being a
then, Go Tonight will pull their show dates and give all of
board member is not all riches and glory! The general
them to the us in spreadsheet form. They then will appear
membership elects the board of directors then the new
on our website and newsletters.
board elects officers and assigns duties at the subsequent
If you are wondering if the Blues Society is tracking your meeting.
bands’ shows, then please email us and ask to be on the list.
If you are interested in becoming a Director for SBS, please
We do have periodic publication deadlines for the Twelve email Mark at: mark@suncoastblues.org to throw your hat in
Bar Rag, a bi-monthly paper publication that is mailed to the ring or for more information on being a Board member.
our members and also is available at locations around the
Nominations will be accepted through October 31, 2019.
Suncoast area. We also list weekly event schedules in the
Candidates should send in a brief biography along with a
Weekly Update email and on our website. The SBS serves
photo and a statement explaining why they want to be an
100’s of members and we work hard to promote Blues to
SBS Board member.
a variety of audiences through their Outreach Programs:
Blues in the Library, Blues in the Community and Blues in
the Schools.

10 12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society

 South Of The Bridge
During the hot summer months the touring Blues artists
don’t often come to Florida to perform, and many Florida
artists head North and West to play the array of summer
Blues Festivals. Well, the blues fans south of the bridge tend
to follow them. Several local folks went to the Waterfront
Blues Fest in Portland Oregon, and Paul Benjamin’s North
Atlantic Blues Festival, in Rockland Maine, was well
attended by Suncoast locals. The Heritage Blues Festival
in Wheeling WV always attracts many of our friends, too,
including this writer.
When everyone returns from these events they need to
get together and talk about which artists need to be invited
to Florida.
In support of the Blue Rooster we had better mention
some upcoming shows. In August we got to see TC Carr,
Betty Fox, welcomed fellow “Camping With The Blues”
buddy Stephanie Price and sTonefish, and got to see Doug
Deming back from his tour behind the new CD.
An Intimate Evening with EG Kight at Veterans’ HEAT Factory
Friday, September 28 is your chance to enjoy an intimate
acoustic show with Singer/Songwriter, EG Kight:
In the mid 90’s, shortly after hearing Koko Taylor, critically
acclaimed singer/songwriter EG Kight transitioned from
performing as a country singer to touring as a full-fledged
blues/roots artist. With her rich vocals, well-crafted songs,
and inimitable sense of humor, she has since entertained
on stages around the world. Through the years Kight has
developed a sound that transcends musical boundaries,
with a unique blend of blues, country, americana, southern
rock, jazz, gospel, and funk. Her music appeals to the
masses, no matter their taste, and she has brought her
diverse musical menu to various clubs, theaters, festivals,
and corporate events, even appearing on such mainstays as
“Nashville Now” and NPR’s “A Prairie Home Companion”.
12 12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society
In September the Rooster brings us Selwyn Birchwood on
Saturday Sept. 1, Damon Fowler’s long-awaited CD release
party on the 13th, and the Ghost Town Blues Band’s return
on the 20th. Then we get a little Johnny Rawls, and Lauren
Mitchell followed by Sugar and Spice.
On October 18th its back to the Rooster to see 2018 IBC
winner Keeshea Pratt. Don’t miss this high energy show!
On October 19-21 let’s head to Camping with the Blues!
Three days of great Blues featuring headliner Mark May.
Hot Flash—Steve Arvey has been working diligently to
keep the blues alive in Bradenton. He is in the process of
putting together some “Steve Arvey’s Blues Buffet” events
to be held at the Bradenton Women’s Club (1705 Manatee
Ave W, Bradenton). He has purchased an ad in this edition
of the 12 Bar Rag, so refer to it and we will try to keep you
further posted via the Weekly Update email blasts.
-Lafayette Reid
Ms. Kight will appear in fundraiser for Veterans’ Heat
Factory (“VHF”), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving
the American Veterans community. Their programs are
designed to help veterans of all discharge statuses in need.
We can all agree veterans have placed their lives on the
line for the safety of our country. Many Veterans who offer
their service come back home different than when they
left, and an increasing number of veterans are plagued with
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Veterans need to
learn and have skills to heal and cope with PTSD to find
their “new normal” and understand they are NOT alone.
H.E.A.T.’s goal is to assist and support them in this effort.
Seating will be limited, so get your tickets in advance at
the following link; PayPal.me/bluesshooter. Showtime is
7:00pm
Veterans’ HEAT Factory is located at 16230 Aviation Loop
Dr., Brooksville, Florida 34604 (Although the event is
indoors, please bring a chair. Beverages will be available
for a small donation.)
 G U I TA R S T O R E

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12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society 13

 Music Calendar Sept-Oct 2018
Saturday, September 1
RJ Howson - Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse, Sarasota 6:00pmRick
Hatfield - Happy’s Bayou Bites, Dunedin 6:00pm
Selwyn Birchwood Band - The Blue Rooster, Sarasota 7:00pm
Jimmy Griswold - Angry Pepper Taphouse, Seminole 7:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt Band - Bumpa’s Fish Shack, Trpn Sprngs, 7:00pm
Memphis Rub Band - Mattison’s Riverwalk, Bradenton 7:00pm
Ari and the Alibis - Manatees On The Bay, Gulfport 7:30pm
Dreamfire Band - Rick’s on the River. Tamp. 7:00
LC Williams & the Driver – Snappers, Palm Harbor, 8:30pm
Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - Englewood’s on Dearborn, Englwd 7:00pm
Backtrack Blues Band - w/ Greg Billings Band - Madeira Magic
Sunset Blues Cruise, Madeira Beach, 6:00pm
Sunday, September 2
Phil Coale - Irish 31, Westchase, 11:00am
ColdIron - Rhythm-n-Brews, Zephyrhills, 3:00pm
The Mudds - The Club at Candler Hills, Ocala, 5:00pm
Monday, September 3
TC Carr & Bolts of Blue - Ka’Tiki 6:00pm
Tuesday, September 4
Jimmy Griswold - Ka’Tiki, Treasure Island,6:00pm
Wednesday, September 5
Jimmy Griswold - Miss Vicki’s on the River, Holiday 4:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt - Ferg’s Sports Bar, St Pete 5:00pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - The Hanger, St. Pete, 6:00pm
Thursday, September 6
The Divebombers - Westfield Siesta Key, Sarasota 5:00pm
Schmidt’s and Giggles – Gators, Treasure Island,5:00pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues – Rhythm & Brews, Zephyrhills, 8:00pm
Rusty & Laurie Wright Duo - Lansdowne Street Pub, Bonita Springs 6:00pm
Friday, September 7
The Mudds - Whispering Oaks Winery Steak Night, Oxford 6:00pm
Charlie Morris Band - Sunset Grill @ Little Harbor, Ruskin 6:00pm
Laurie & Rusty Wright - Grove Roots Brewing Co, Winter Haven 7:00pm
Selwyn Birchwood Band – Palladium Theatre, St. Pete 8:00pm
Bobby Messano - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 8:00 pm
Ari and the Alibis - Made In Italy, Venice 8:30pm
Blue Lightning Band - Bauser’s, Dunedin 10:00pm
Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - Tiki Hut Bar at Dolphin Key, Cpe Crl 6:30pm
Saturday, September 8
Blue Lightning Band - Bauser’s, Dunedin, 10:00pm
LC Williams and the Driver - Happy’s Bayou Bites, Dunedin, 1:00pm
Jimmy Griswold - Sea Sea Riders, Dunedin, 6:00pm
The Divebombers - Caddy’s at the Pointe, Bradenton, 6:00pm
Victoria Ginty & Ladyhawke - Firehouse Cultural Center, Ruskin, 7:00pm
Ari and the Alibis - Blue Rooster, Sarasota, 7:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt Band – Shrimpwrecked, Tarpon Springs, 7:00pm
Backtrack Blues Band - Ka’Tiki, Treasure Island, 7:00pm
Phil Coale - Irish 31 Hyde Park, Tampa, 7:00pm
Selwyn Birchwood Band - Palladium Side Door, St. Pete, 8:00pm
Charlie Morris– Salty Shamrock, Apollo Beach, 7:00pm
Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - Big Blue Brewing, Cape Coral, 9:00pm
Sunday, September 9
ColdIron - Rhythm-n-Brews, Zephyrhills 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Champ - Hurricane Charley’s, Punta Gorda 1:00pm-5:00pm
Monday, September 10
Laurie & Rusty Wright Duo - South Street City Oven & Grill Naples, 6:00pm
TC Carr & Bolts of Blue - Ka’Tiki, Treasure Island 6:00pm
Wednesday, September 12
Brian Leneschmidt – Chattaway, St. Pete 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - The Hanger, St. Pete 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday, September 13
Brian Leneschmidt – Fins, Palm Harbor 7:00pm
Phil Coale - Irish 31 Hyde Park, Tampa 7:00pm
Damon Fowler Group CD Release Party - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 7:30 pm
Rusty & Laurie Wright Duo - Lansdowne Street Pub, Bonita Springs 6:00pm
Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - The Blue Turtle, Pnta Grda, 6:00pm
Friday, September 14
Backwater Blues Band – Rick’s On The River, Tampa,7:00am
The Mudds - Whispering Oaks Winery Steak Night, Oxford, 6:00pm
Memphis Rub Band - Mattison’s Riverwalk, Bradenton, 7:00pm
Rick Hatfield - Angry Pepper Taphouse, Seminole 7:00pm
Ari and the Alibis - Motorworks Brewing, Bradenton 7:30pm
Charlie Morris – Siesta Key Oyster Bar, Sarasota 8:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt - Stirling Wines, Dunedin 7:30pm
Laurie & Rusty Wright Duo - Darwin Brewing Co, Bradenton 7:30pm
Sean Chambers Band - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 8:00pm
14 12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society
Jimmy Griswold - The Galley, St. Pete, 9:00pm
Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - Bert’s Bar, Matlacha, 7:30pm
Saturday, September 15
Backwater Blues Band – Caddy’s On Central, St. Pete 6:00pm
Bodie Valdez - Peggy’s Corral, Palmetto 2:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt Duo - Marker 8, Dunedin 4:00pm
Patty Sanphy - Sages West Bay Bistro, Largo 5:30pm
Victoria Ginty & Ladyhawke - Motorworks Brewing, Brdntn 7:00pm
Laurie & Rusty Wright Duo - Swan Brewing Co, Lakeland 7:00pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - Pesky Pelican, St. Pete 7:30pm
Backtrack Blues Band - The Blue Rooster, Sarasota 8:00pm
Jimmy Griswold - Copper Mug, Clearwater,8:00pm
Lauren Mitchell - Palladium Theater, St. Pete 8:00pm
Eric Lindell CD Release Party – Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa 8:00pm
Ari and the Alibis - Blur Nightclub, Dunedin 9:00pm
Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - Paradise Grill, Nokomis 6:30pm
Sunday, September 16
The Mudds - Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill, Weirsdale 2:00pm
ColdIron - Rhythm-n-Brews, Zephyrhills 3:00pm
Bryan Lee & Six String Therapy - Ella’s Americana Café, Tampa, 4:00pm
Monday, September 17
TC Carr & Bolts of Blue - Ka’Tiki, Treasure Island, 6:00pm
Wednesday, September 19
Brian Leneschmidt - Ferg’s Sports Bar, St. Pete 5:00pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - The Hanger, St. Pete 6:00pm
TC Carr & Bolts of Blue - Hideaway Café, St. Pete 7:30pm
Thursday, September 20
Blue Lightning Band - Biff Burger, Dunedin, 7:00pm
Jimmy Griswold - Stirling Wine, Dunedin, 7:00pm
Ghost Town Blues Band - Blue Rooster, Sarasota, 7:30pm
Brian Leneschmidt - Bauser’s, Dunedin, 9:00pm
Woody Woodcasters - WEDU-TV ArtsPlus show, 8:00 pm
Rusty & Laurie Wright Duo - Lansdowne Street Pub Bnta Sprngs 6:00pm
The Mudds - Chamber Mixer @ Seven Rivers Pres. Church, Lcnto, 5:00pm
Friday, September 21
Coco Montoya, The Attic, Tampa, 9:00pm
The Mudds - Whispering Oaks Winery Steak Night, Oxford 6:00pm
Memphis Rub Band - Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub, Bradenton 6:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt Duo - Rum River, Port Richey, 6:00pm
Kat Crosby Band - Pop’s Sunset Grill, Nokomis, 6:30pm
Charlie Morris– Hideaway Cafe, St Pete 8:00pm
TC Carr & Bolts of Blue - Manatees on the Bay, Gulfport 7:30pm
Ari and the Alibis - Caddy’s at the Pointe, Bradenton 8:00pm
Laurie & Rusty Wright Duo - 7th Avenue Social, Naples 8:00pm
Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - Tiki Hut Bar at Dolphin Key, Cpe Crl, 6:30pm
Saturday, September 22
Gina Sicilia w/ Lauren Mitchell - Hideaway Café, St. Pete 6:00pm
Ari and the Alibis - Caddy’s On The Beach, Treasure Island 6:30pm
Dreamfire Band - Captain Bill’s Beach Kitchen, Trsre Islnd 6:30pm
The Divebombers - JR’s Old Packinghouse Café, Sarasota 7:00pm
Memphis Rub Band - Mattison’s Riverwalk, Bradenton 7:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt Band - Jack Willie’s, Oldsmar 7:00pm
Charlie Morris– Swordfish Grill, Bradenton 7:00pm
Backtrack Blues Band - Rhythm & Brews, Zephyrhills 8:00pm
Betty Fox Band - Catherine Hickman Theatre, Gulfport, 8:00pm
Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - Leroy’s Southern Kitchen, Pnta Grda 8:00pm
Sunday, September 23
ColdIron - Rhythm-n-Brews, Zephyrhills 3:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt - Marker 8, Dunedin 4:00pm
RJ Howson - Blues Brunch At Mattison’s Riverwalk, Brdntn 11:00am
Bridget Kelly Birthday Bluesapalooza w/ Betty Fox - High Dive, Ocala 7:00pm
Southern Avenue & the Sugar & Spice Review –
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa 6:00pm
Monday, September 24th
TC Carr & Bolts of Blue - Ka’Tiki, Treasure Island, 6:00pm
Laurie & Rusty Wright Duo - South Street City Oven & Grill, Naples, 6:00pm
Tuesday, September 25
Suitcase Full of Blues - Blue Rooster, Sarasota, 7:00pm
Wednesday, September 26
Jimmy Griswold - Miss Vicki’s on the River, Holiday 4:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt - Ferg’s Sports Bar, St. Pete 5:00pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - The Hanger, St. Pete 6:00pm
Mike Kach/Howlin Bob & Friends - Mattison’s City Grille, Sarasota 7:00pm
Thursday, September 27
Brian Leneschmidt – Fins, Palm Harbor 7:00am
Ari and the Alibis – Sand Bar Tiki, Englewood 6:00pm
The Divebombers - Maduro Cigar and Bar, Bradenton 7:00pm
 Music Calendar Sept-Oct 2018
Johnny Rawls Blues - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 7:30pm
Jimmy Griswold - Bauser’s, Dunedin 9:00pm
Rusty & Laurie Wright Duo - Lansdowne Street Pub, Bonita Bch 6:00pm
Friday, September 28
The Man & Guitar World Tour - Ballyhoo Grill, Tampa 7:00pm
Lauren Mitchell - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 8:00pm
Rusty Wright Band - LKLD Live, Lakeland 8:00pm
Victoria Ginty & Ladyhawke – Latitudes, Apollo Beach 8:30pm
Ari and the Alibis - Barrel Room, Ft. Myers, 9:00pm
Jimmy Griswold - 8th Avenue Pub, Oldsmar, 9:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt Band - Bauser’s, Dunedin,10:00pm
The Mudds - Whispering Oaks Winery Steak Night, Oxford 6:00pm
Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - Bert’s Bar, Matlacha 7:30pm
Saturday, September 29
TC Carr & Bolts of Blue - O’Maddy’s, Gulfport, 4:00pm
Rusty Wright Band - Cultural Center of Charlotte County, Pt Chrlt 7:00pm
Backwater Blues Band - Ukulele Brands, Land O’ Lakes 7:30pm
Sugar and Spice Revue - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 8:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt Band - Eagles Nest, Tarpon Springs
9:00pmThe Divebombers - Ruby’s Elixir, St. Pete 10:00pm
Charlie Morris– Woody’s River Roo, Ellenton 2:00pm
Shawline - Rockin Blues - Harley-Davidson Of New Port Richey 11:00am
Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - Leroy’s Southern Kitchen, Pnta Grda, 8:00pm
Sunday, September 30
ColdIron - Rhythm-n-Brews, Zephyrhills, 3:00pm
Steve Arvey - Ukulele Brands, Land O’ Lakes, 5:00pm
The Mudds - The Club at Candler Hills, Ocala, 5:00pm
Tuesday, October 2
Lauren Mitchell - Blue Rooster, Sarasota, 7:00pm
Wednesday, October 3
Brian Leneschmidt - Ferg’s Sports Bar, St. Pete, 5:00pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - The Hanger, St. Pete, 6:00pm
Thursday, October 4
The Divebombers - Westfield Siesta Key, Sarasota 5:00pm
Charlie Morris – Ka-Tiki, Treasure Island 6:30pm
Brian Leneschmidt – Fins, Palm Harbor 7:00pm
Champ - Carmelo’s, Punta Gorda 6:00pm
Rusty Wright Band - The Blue Rooster, Sarasota 7:30pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues – Rhythm & Brews, Zephyrhills 8:00pm
Friday, October 5
Albert Castiglia Band - House of Blues, Orlando 10:30pm
The Mudds - Whispering Oaks Winery Steak Night, Oxford 6:00pm
Charlie Morris – Little Harbor, Ruskin,6:00pm
Phil Coale - Irish 31 – Westshore, Tampa, 6:30pm
Ari and the Alibis - Manatees On The Bay, Gulfport 7:30pm
Brian Leneschmidt Band - Thirsty Marlin, Palm Harbor 8:00pm
Beautiful Bobby Blackmon - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 8:00pm
Rusty Wright Band - Buckingham Blues Bar, Ft. Myers 8:00pm
Memphis Rub Band - Peggy’s Corral, Palmetto 9:00pm
Backwater Blues Band - Ricks On The River, Tampa 7pm
Saturday, October 6th
The Mudds - Chinsegut Hill Museum, Brooksville 11:00am
Backtrack Blues Band - The Shed, Homosassa 4:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt Band - Bumpa’s Fish Shack, Tarpon Springs 7:00pm
Victoria Ginty & Ladyhawke - Motorworks Brewing, Brdntn 7:00pm
Laurie & Rusty Wright - Swan Brewing, Lakeland 7:00pm
LC Williams & the Driver – Snappers, Palm Harbor 8:30pm
Big Al & The Heavyweights - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 8:00 pm
Backwater Blues Band - Caddy’s On Central, St. Pete 6pm
Sunday, October 7th
ColdIron - Rhythm-n-Brews, Zephyrhills 3:00pm
Patty Sanphy - Lucky Lobster Co. Dunedin 4:30pm
Brian Leneschmidt Duo - Bumpa’s Fish Shack, Tarpon Springs 5:00pm
Tuesday, October 9th
Suitcase Full of Blues - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 7:00pm
Wednesday, October 10th
Brian Leneschmidt - Ferg’s Sports Bar, St. Pete, 5:00pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - The Hanger, St. Pete, 6:00pm
Thursday, October 11th
Schmidt’s and Giggles – Gators, Treasure Island 5:00pm
Champ - Carmelo’s, Punta Gorda 6:00pm
Rusty & Laurie Wright Duo - Lansdowne Street Pub, Bnta Spngs 6:00pm
Friday, October 12th
The Mudds - Whispering Oaks Winery Steak Night, Oxford 6:00pm
Rick Hatfield - Angry Pepper Taphouse, Seminole, 7:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt - Stirling Wine, Dunedin, 7:30pm
Bruce Katz Band - Blue Rooster, Sarasota, 8:00 pm
12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society
Saturday, October 13th
Charlie Morris – Saturday Morning Market, St. Pet, 10:00am
The Divebombers - JR’s Old Packinghouse Café, Sarasota 7:00pm
Backtrack Blues Band - Ka’Tiki, Treasure Island, 7:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt Band- Copper Mug, Clearwater 8:00pm
Victoria Ginty & Ladyhawke – Latitudes, Apollo Beach 8:00pm
Ari and the Alibis - Made In Italy, Venice 8:30pm
Sunday, October 14th
Champ - Hurricane Charley’s, Punta Gorda 1:00pm
ColdIron - Rhythm-n-Brews, Zephyrhills 3:00pm
Patty Sanphy - Lucky Lobster Co. Dunedin 4:30pm
Wednesday, October 17th
Brian Leneschmidt - Ferg’s Sports Bar, St. Pete 5:00pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - The Hanger, St. Pete 6:00pm
Thursday, October 18th
Champ - Carmelo’s, Punta Gorda, 6:00pm
Rusty & Laurie Wright Duo - Lansdowne Street Pub, Bnta Bch, 6:00pm
Friday, October 19th
Camping With The Blues - Sertoma Youth Ranch, Brksvlle, 5:00pm
The Mudds - Whispering Oaks Winery Steak Night, Oxford 6:00pm
Patty Sanphy - Sea Sea Riders Restaurant, Dunedin 6:00pm
Ari and the Alibis - Caddy’s on the Beach, Trsre Islnd 6:30pm
Amanda Fish - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 8:00 pm
Charlie Morris – Cortez Clam Factory, Bradenton 7:00pm
Phil Coale - Irish 31 Westchase, Tampa 7:00pm
Rusty Wright Band - Sarasota Sky Bar, Sarasota 8:00pm
Saturday, October 20th
Camping With The Blues - Sertoma Youth Ranch, Brksvlle 12:00pm
Rusty Wright Band - Bok Tower Gardens, Mt. Dora 3:30pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - Jazz Up Dunnellon, Dunnellon 4:00pm
Patty Sanphy - Sages West Bay Bistro, Largo 5:30pm
Memphis Rub Band - Mattison’s Riverwalk, Bradenton 7:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt Band - Shrimp Wrecked, Tarpon Springs 7:00pm
Phil Coale - Irish 31 Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel, 7:00pm
Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones - Blue Rooster, Sarasota, 8:00pm
Sunday, October 21th
Camping With The Blues - Sertoma Youth Ranch, Brksvlle 11:00am
Brian Leneschmidt - Bar Fly, Safety Harbor 2:00pm
ColdIron - Rhythm-n-Brews, Zephyrhills 3:00pm
The Mudds - Ella’s Americana Café, Tampa 4:00pm
Patty Sanphy - Lucky Lobster Co. Dunedin 4:30pm
Monday, October 22th
Schmidts and Giggles - Sand Bar, Englewood 1:00pm
Tuesday, October 23rd
Lauren Mitchell - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 7:00pm
Wednesday, October 24th
Brian Leneschmidt - Ferg’s Sports Bar, St. Pete 5:00pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - The Hanger, St. Pete 6:00pm
Thursday, October 25th
Rusty & Laurie Wright - Duo Lansdowne Street Pub, Bnta Spngs 6:00pm
Champ - Carmelo’s, Punta Gorda 6:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt – Fins, Palm Harbor 7:00pm
Tas Cru and His Band Of Tortured Souls - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 7:30 pm
Friday, October 26
Laurie & Rusty Wright Duo - Darwin Brewing Co, Bradenton 7:30pm
The Man & Guitar World Tour - Ballyhoo Grill, Tampa 7:00pm
Ari and the Alibis - Blue Rooster, Sarasota 8:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt Band- Bauser’s, Dunedin 10:00pm
Saturday, October 27
The Divebombers - Snook Haven, Venice 12:00pm
LC Williams & the Driver - 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Pete 2:00pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - M-N-M BBQ, St. Pete 6:00pm
Ari and the Alibis - Caddy’s at the Pointe, Bradenton 6:00pm
Man & Guitar World Tour - Seafood Exchange, Tampa 7:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt - Finley’s Irish Pub, Largo 8:00pm
Rusty Wright Band - South Street City Oven & Grill, Naples, 9:00pm
Sunday, October 28th
Steve Arvey - Blues Brunch At Mattison’s, Bradenton,11:00am
ColdIron - Rhythm-n-Brews, Zephyrhills, 3:00pm
Brian Leneschmidt - Marker 8, Dunedin, 4:00pmm
Patty Sanphy - Lucky Lobster Co. Dunedin, Sun Oct 28th 4:30pm
Tuesday, October 30th
Suitcase Full of Blues - Blue Rooster, Sarasota, 7:00pm
Memphis Rub Band - Island Time Bar & Grill, Brdntn Bch 7:00pm
Wednesday, October 31th
Brian Leneschmidt - Ferg’s Sports Bar, St. Pete, 5:00pm
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - The Hanger, St. Pete, 6:00pm
15
 CD Reviews
Buddy Guy
The Blues is
Alive and Well
RCA Records
He’s 81 years old, has a
tour schedule that would
burn out a man half his age,
has appeared on close to 50
albums, including 18 solo
albums, has won just about every major blues award in
the world, and he still ain’t ready to hang up that ‘Big
Blonde Stratocaster.’ In fact, on this album, Buddy Guy
probably sounds as good as he ever did, even when he
was paired with that other blues giant, Junior Wells. And
to add icing to the cake, on this one, Buddy shares guitar
riffs with Jeff Beck, James Bay, and Keith Richards. Plus
adding Mick Jagger on a soul-slicing mouth harp, right? So
what else could you possibly want on a hot new release
like this one?
Too bad we can give only brief glimpses of just a few
of the 15 top-notch cuts on this one-hour-plus bonanza.
“Guilty As Charged” is an upbeat hell-raiser about the
devil, when he’s got you in his sights. “Cognac” tells about
that liquid-silk nectar that ‘might kill the living,’ Guy says,
‘but it’ll damn sure raise the dead.’ “The Blues is Alive
and Well” is one of a couple cuts that brings in the Muscle
Shoals Horns of Charles Rose, Steve Herrman, Doug
Moffet, and Jim Hoke.
“Bad Day” describes one of those heavy, head-pounding
days that gets even worse when the Old Lady starts
running her mouth. “Blue No More” is a slow, moody
piece about that final curtain call when those blue days
reach that final, permanent termination point. “You Did
The Crime” is a 7-minute, slow-walking grinder about a
woman who lies and cheats but it’s the man who endures
the empty-arms, parole-less life that follows.
Bottom line: this is definitely a 5-star set that was
produced by Tom Hambridge and features one of the all-
time blues greats, Buddy Guy—and he’s still going strong.
-Russ Heitz
Jeff Jensen
Wisdom and Decay
http://jeffjensenband.com
The latest release from Jeff
Jensen and his band is a
hodgepodge of soul, blues and
rock! For starters in addition
to his 3-piece band he has a
string section on 3 tracks and
vocal quartet on 3 others. And just for an extra layer of
sound, he has a horn section, too. As per the usual, he
has several guests you will recognize, including Victor
Wainwright and Reba Russell.
Jeff’s band consists of veteran Bill Rufino on bass and
David Green behind the drums. The majority of the songs
are written by Jeff, as usual.
The first track, “I’m Living Off The Love You Give”, is an
upbeat song about being happy in a relationship. It’s starts
off with a lively, catchy riff and has lots of horns backing
16 12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society
the band for a full sound.
“Downtown” is a cover from Tom Waits and is dark,
bluesy song with some nice guitar effects. It’s a bit on
the jazzy side of Blues, with Waits’ lyrics. I love the line
“drinking Chevas Regal in a $4 room”. (Is it me or does
Jeff cover Tom Waits better than Tom Waits?) He kills it on
other Tom Waits songs from previous CDs, as well as live.
“Luck Is Gonna’ Change” is a lively gospel-influenced feel
good “positive vibe” song complete with the gospel vocal
quartet. Gerald Stephens provides a lively piano break.
Lots of hand clapping and foot stompin’ too. Amen!
“Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You” is a cover of the
old Dylan song, and a well done one. It’s actually a happy
song about being with someone special. Nice use of horns!
“Something In The Water” is the only instrumental and
blends into the final track, “The Water Jam/ Something In
The Water Revised”. It’s a smooth, jazzy jam.
Be sure to check the Jeff Jensen Band out next time they
are in the area. It’s always a treat!
-“Southside Paul” Weigand
Rory Block
A Woman’s Soul
Stoney Plain Records
After her success in
interpreting the works of
country blues artists such as
Robert Johnson, Skip James,
The Reverend Gary Davis
and many others, guitarist/
vocalist Rory Block continues
embracing that tradition with the release of “A Woman’s
Soul” which celebrates the legacy of singer Bessie Smith.
Smith, at her best, was a jazz singer but the essence
of the blues underlied the songs she sang. And it’s no
surprise Block can inject a strong dose of her back-porch
Delta spirit into the material.
There’s no shortage of the rustic snaky slide licks
Block can unfurl that have become a mainstay of her
repertoire. They’re all over these ten cuts and only add to
the sexiness and sensuality that Smith sang in the music.
For many blues listeners who are more familiar with the
old masters such as Robert Johnson, Charlie Patton, Son
House and others who appealed to the hard-core guitar
geeks, these songs are an introduction and a window to
the world of Bessie Smith. Block added and played all the
percussion instruments herself, but nothing is sacrificed
for commercialism. The gospel jubilee in “On Revival Day”
reflects Blocks’ church influences and another feather
in her chapeau. The laid back “Empty Bed Blues” is
medicinal enough to lull into lullaby similar to the effect of
floating on a cloud.
But Smith was not about being complacent. Rory’s takes
on “Do Your Duty” and “Kitchen Man” illustrate how
Bessie was trying to push the envelope on where women
stand in the world. And Blocks’ vocals can resonate with
enough sexiness that they bolster testosterone levels to
a breaking point as evidenced in “Need A Little Sugar In
My Bowl”. That is a combination of sex and giddiness
with which Rory can blur the lines quite well. And if “I’m
Down In the Dumps” is a tune about hitting rock bottom, it
 CD Reviews
makes no mind because Rory, like Smith, is pulling herself
up by the bootstraps to declare a fierce independence.
The Delta musical landscape is the soundtrack Rory uses
to bring the material of Bessie Smith to light. There are
traces of afterhours jazz clubs, but Block can’t shake the
ghosts of the levee camps of Mississippi and they make an
appearance in “Weeping Willow Blues.” The jazzy context
of the tune is still in place, though, and Block keeps to the
song’s blueprint.
Music listeners can be grateful Rory Block acknowledges
artists who were giants in their own right. The legacies of
these individuals is almost forgotten and Rory, with her
love of country blues, reminds us where the best lessons
have been learned in life. -Gary Weeks
Victoria Ginty
Unfinished Business
Self-released
After a live recording with
her band, Ladyhawke, vocalist
Victoria Ginty has released
a studio effort that captures
her stirring vocals backed by
a bevy of veteran musicians.
The band includes Jerry Livingston, who backed funk
legend Rick James on five recordings, on bass, Grace
Lougen on guitar, Richie English on piano, Bruce Decker
on Hammond organ, Josh English on drums, G. Castillo on
percussion, and Joe Diggs on backing vocals.
The title track gets things off to a rousing start as Ginty
sends a clear message to the man she is interested in.
“You Don’t Love Me No More” is a sturdy shuffle written
by Ginty & Ladyhawke bass player Mike Ivey. It finds the
singer dealing with a man who pays her little attention.
Eric Wozniak on tenor sax lays down a biting solo,
with Joe Cheslak on trombone and another Ladyhawke
member, Chuck Weirich on trumpet. Ginty’s gospel
influences are highlighted on “Take Me Down” as she
sings over a moaning chorus before sliding into a more
contemporary take on redemption. Another original,
“Water,” is a moving ballad that continues the redemption
theme. Ginty & Ivey co-wrote “The Blues Found Me,” a
slow blues that features Lougen’s fine guitar work.
Other highlights include “Hard To Move On,” a touching
examination of the aftermath of a broken relationship
built around some Allman-esque slide guitar, and a Jimmy
McCracklin tune, “Every Night, Every Day,” with Ginty
delivering a smoldering performance that shows listeners
why she was selected to represent SBS at next year’s
International Blues Challenge. Livingston’s solid bass line
and Castillo’s percussion add a touch of the Caribbean to
a cover of Terence Trent D’Arby’s “Sign Your Name”. The
band rocks hard on “Do Me Right,” but the song never
quite connects.
Clocking in at over fifty-six minutes, this project
leaves no doubt that we have another exciting female
vocalist in our area. Victoria Ginty has the vocal chops
and songwriting skills that will undoubtedly make an
impression on plenty of listeners. -Mark Thompson
12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society
JP Soars
Southbound I-95
“Southbound I-95” is the latest
release from JP Soars. I believe
it’s his 5th…but first in 4
years. He has a different lineup
since the “Full Moon Night in
Memphis” CD but still has the
venerable Chris Peet on drums
and playing Bass on most of
the tracks. The list of guests is a plethora of names you’ll
recognize. Lots of guitar and horn players.
“Ain’t No Dania Beach” kicks off the CD. It’s a
biographical song about living in So FL and the life style
that goes with it. Good start to the CD, if a bit on the
mellow side. It features a nice slide solo, though.
“Southbound I-95” is psychobilly, with a vibrant surf
guitar sound. Not sure where JP got the idea from but I
love it! It’s not the Blues, but good music is good music no
matter what genre it you call it.
There’s a completely new version of JP’s song “Born In
California”, from his first CD. It is an interesting take on
the tune. This time the Cigar Box guitar is featured, and JP
plays Bass as well.
JP doesn’t record many covers, but “When You Walk Out
That Door”, a Classic Albert King slow Blues, is a choice
one! It’s possibly the best Blues track on the CD…and a
damn fine cover. The legendary Jimmy Thackery plays
the second guitar. They play well together, and they’ve
recorded live on the Blues Cruise too. Good stuff!
“Deep Down In Florida” is a cover of the Muddy Waters’
classic…with a funky mariachi intro. It features a nice JP
solo, and special guest Albert Castiglia lends his vocal
talent as well as second lead. Well done!
“Across The Desert” is an instrumental with a nice
rhythm and some Django influence. Lee Oskar takes a turn
on harp on this one and plays well with JP on lead.
“Go With The Flow” feels like Chris Peet is channeling his
“Inner Gene Krupa”! Great swing beat and it’s just 4 guys
jamming, with the 4th being Scott Ankrom who plays all 4
horns, including a clarinet solo.
As usual with any JP Soars CD there’s no filler, every
song has merit and belongs. I could have reviewed any of
14 Songs. -“Southside Paul” Weigand
Billy F. Gibbons
The Big Bad Blues
Concord Records
“In the beginning was the
Boogie, and the Boogie was with
Hooker, and the Boogie was
Hooker. And Billy F. Gibbons
heard the Boogie and sayest
unto himself ‘Dayum!’.”
I first became aware of ZZ Top, and thus Billy F. Gibbons,
when the Hooker-like opening riff of “La Grange” dragged
me from the other end of the house. If you’ll pardon the
expression, I was “Hooked”! Wore out my first vinyl copy
of “Fandango”… hooked. (Cont’d next page)
17
 CD Reviews
When I saw that Gibbons was releasing a Blues CD I
never even offered it for public consumption, it was mine!
And speakin’ of boogie…The first number on the disc
is one! “Missin’ Yo’ Kissin’” is a patented foot stomper
penned by Gibbon’s wife, photographer Gilligan Stillwater-
Gibbons. This one is propelled by Gibbons’ guitar and the
“fearless funkiness” of Joe Hardy’s bass.
“My Baby She Rocks” is a Billy F. composition, a
propulsive mid-tempo Blues which features “Icepick
James” Harman on harmonica…Good-rockin’ stuff!
The first of the unusual cover-tunes on the record is
Muddy Waters’ “Standing Around Crying”. This version
pays homage to the master without ever being imitative.
It’s a strong version of a classic Chicago Blues song, plain
and simple.
Gibbons lend his personal touch to two Bo Diddley
tunes “Bring It To Jerome” (penned by Bo’s maraca player
Jerome Greene) and “Crackin’ Up”.
In Gibbons’ own words “We dusted off an old Gretsch
Duo-Jet guitar which put us in squarely with that infamous
Bo Diddly sound.” “…Jerome” is nasty, gritty, funky…
gotta love it!
“That’s What She Said” could easily have fit into either
of the first couple of ZZ Top records, which is no bad
thing. This one features a slide guitar playing off against
harmonica, all forcefully pushed along by Greg Morrow’s
heavy backbeat.
At first listen “Hollywood 151” sounds like a reworked
Elmore James number! The lyrics sure ain’t Mr. James, but
the guitar? Oh yeah! Another load of bad-ass fun!
“Rollin’ and Tumblin’” meets “Heard It On The X”?
Well, kinda…It’s a bit of a generic foot-stomper with the
traditional Mississippi lyrics on top, but it does stomp,
and I admit to liking that!
All-in-all, I really enjoyed this one. You could hear some
of these tracks cold and know who it is. Billy F. Gibbons is
a student of the Blues, but at this point in his fabled career
he doesn’t need to imitate anyone! -George Willett
Vanessa Collier
Honey Up
Self-released
If anybody is still worried
about the “future of the blues”
in the U.S. of A, put your
mind at rest. Vanessa Collier
has got you covered. As a
matter of fact, she got all of us
blues lovers covered and this
album makes that clear from note one. Talent? She’s got
more than her share. Background? Graduate of the very
prestigious Berklee College of Music. Accomplishments?
She’s got more music and blues awards than most
performers twice her age. And she’s still growing, still
developing, still expanding her vocal and instrumental
chops every time she steps onstage. This album
highlights every one of those abilities, and does it with a
first class production and a full-throated, horn-enriched,
backup band that provides a topnotch setting for a stellar
performer.
18 12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society
In addition to alto, soprano and tenor sax, Vanessa also
plays both acoustic and resonator guitars. She sings, too,
of course. And—no surprise—she also wrote all the cuts
on this set save one, the last one, “Love Me Like a Man,”
which was written by Chris Smithers, and rumbles on
sweetly for over seven minutes.
“I love connecting with an audience and feeling their
energy,” Vanessa says; a philosophy very evident even in
this studio album which runs about forty-five minutes that
seem like 10—everything runs so smoothly.
A brief taste: “Honey Up” says some dude wants her to
kiss his behind and she sure as hell ain’t a-gonna do it.
“Icarus” tells us to ‘keep dreaming and fly high.’ “Fault
Line” is a broad-shouldered thumper that demonstrates
the power and the force of this performer. “You Get What
You Get” tells us Life can be a bitch sometimes, but you
have two choices: accept it or change it.
Needless to add, this is a first-class production, with
first-class arrangements, first-class backup musicians, and
a first-class center-stager: Vanessa Collier. Russ Heitz
Boz Scaggs
Out Of The Blues
Concord Records
Another artist with a five-
decade career and still doing
40 gigs in four months, Boz
Scaggs has brought out
another hot-off-the-press “July
27th Production”. Scaggs,
who has won his share of accolades and #1 Billboard
slots, calls this set his “musical renaissance,” a collection
of eclectic and personal recordings that showcase his
multitude of musical genres. This one was assembled
with the help of a first-class group of studio musicians,
including a very full-throated horn section. Four of the
songs were written by long-time Scaggs collaborator, Jack
Walroth, plus one cover of a Neil Young piece, and another
cover written by the Jimmy/Manny Reed duo.
The set starts off with a nice, big, round sound that
includes Walroth’s blues harp. Written by Walroth, “Rock
and Stick” is about a love affair that is so bad he’d rather
be in the jungle with nothing but—you guessed it—a
rock and a stick. “I’ve Just Got to Forget You” highlights
the distinctive vocal stylings that could only be the Boz.
“I’ve Just Got to Know” is a slow stroller with a nice horn
section back up. It’s about a love affair that is fading fast
but hope keeps butting up against reality.
“Radiator 110” is another Walroth creation. This time
it’s about the kind of lady we’re all familiar with-tthe one
who sends the internal temperature to 110 every time she
walks by. It also features Walroth on harp with a very
nice rhythm section providing the foundation. “Little Miss
Night and Day” is about a dark angel, a blue-eyed girl who
got her name because she can keep on rocking no matter
what the hour, or the day. “On the Beach” is an eight-
minute slow, aching and melancholy rendition of the Neil
Young classic.
Scaggs says this set was “a complete joy from beginning
to end” and it’s definitely a good refresher course in the
Art of the Boz. -Russ Heitz
 CD Reviews
The Blues Doctors
Same Old Blues Again
Thebluesdoctors.net
“The Blues Doctors” consist
of Adam Gussow on harmonica
and “DIY Percussion”, and
guitarist Alan Gross, who
built and plays his own cigar-
box instrument. They both
provide vocals. This reviewer wrote on their prior CD,
“Rooster’s Happy Hour”, which I did enjoy. I first heard of
them because of my interest in Gussow. He was formerly
the harp man in the “Satan & Adam” duo of New York City
street performers, along with Suncoast resident Sterling
Magee. Currently, he performs in The Blues Doctors,
maintains the “Modern Blues Harmonica” website, and,
oh yeah, he’s also a professor of English and Southern
Studies at the University of Mississippi in Oxford.
Alan Gross is most well-known for his decade-long
association with Mississippi bluesman Terry “Harmonica”
Bean. Before joining with up Gussow he also worked with
Hill Country performers Kenny Kimbrough, Lightning
Malcolm, and Eric Deaton.
His guitar influences include Muddy, Duke Robillard, and
Jimmie Vaughan.
The disc is an eclectic collection of tunes, both originals
and some unexpected covers, speaking of which…the set
opens with a track I’m quite fond of, an acoustic shot of
“Tequila”! Yes, it’s the old “Champs” chestnut, but not like
you ever heard it! Gussow plays some monster harp, with
high-register licks at the bridge that will floor ya’! Tah-
KEE-Lah!
The good Doctor’s version of “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” is
serious Mississippi roots music! Gross does the vocal and
contributes some seriously tone-heavy cigar-box while
Gussow wails out on the harp and thumps the foot-drums.
I love this one!
The first of two originals on the disc is the title track,
“Same Old Blues Again “. It’s chugging Blues, featuring
guitar and harp with bass support from Bryan W. Ward.
This one has Gussow on vocals. He has a clear, light tenor
voice and to his credit he doesn’t throw in a lot of pseudo-
Blues grunts and growls. I took a little time to get used to,
but his vocals are really quite good!
“Mercy, Mercy, Mercy”, penned by Cannonball
Adderley’s pianist Joe Zawinul’s, is another really
interesting instrumental cover! It works as a harmonica
vehicle just as well as “The Work Song” did for Paul
Butterfield. (It is another Jazz tune made famous by the
Adderleys).
The final three tracks were recorded live at the “2015
North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic” by radio station
WWOZ. I enjoy these track a lot, I love live recordings!
Track nine is the Blues Doctor’s take on Jimmy Reid’s “You
Don’t have Go”, and a foot stomper it is! Gross’ guitar
is pretty cool with Jazz changes and all, but Gussow’s
harp really carries the show on this one. The set closes
with another live one, the duo’s take on Robert Johnson’s
“Crossroads Blues. The acoustic guitar on the signature
riff is based more on the familiar Clapton version than
on Johnson’s original, but it works well. Again, this is
primarily a harp-driven version, and a good one at that!
12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society
I must say I’m an unabashed fan of the Blues Doctors!
Acoustic Blues is not everyone’s cup of tea, I know, but
give this one a listen. Much of it’s structure and rhythm is
more akin to electric Blues than anything from the ‘30s or
‘40s.
Give it a listen, I think you’ll get a kick out of it!
-George Willett
Tribute
Delmark’s 65th
Anniversary
Delmark Records
Not only is this album a
tribute to the iconic blues and
jazz label Delmark, but also
it’s also a tribute to the variety
of blues artists who recorded
there over the years.
Founded in St Louis in 1953 by Bob Koester, this label has
been turning out the music we all love for 65 years now.
The liner notes tell the story of Big Joe Williams walking
in the then-St. Louis record store and convincing Koester
that he was indeed the legendary bluesman by showing
him old flyers of himself from the early days. Big Joe was
Delmark’s second blues artist recorded, after Speckled
Red.
Not long after this Koester moved to Chicago with his
retail Jazz Record Mart and was right in the middle of
all the Blues activity. Bob was known for frequenting the
black night clubs in parts of the West and South sides,
where whites did not go, to hear the music that he would
later record. Among those who would later be on the
Delmark label were Magic Sam, J.B.Hutto, Otis Rush, Carey
Bell, Luther Alison..just for starters! Even though Buddy
Guy was thought to be under contract at Chess, Koester
recorded him at Delmark under the name of Friendly
Chap.
Bob Koester focused more on the retail business, at
times, than he did the recording side, but continued to
have hits when he did record. And this brings us to the
album under review.
The 11 sides here are all remakes of songs recorded
at Delmark and serve as tributes to the original artists.
The CD starts with a soulful version of Junior Wells’
“Train I Ride” done by Omar Coleman. This is followed
with a Tribute to Carey Bell with the song “One Day
You’re Gonna’ Get Lucky” performed by Lurie Bell. Next
is Lindsey Alexander and Billy Flynn with their tribute
to Jimmy Dawkins on the song “All For Business”. So, by
now you are getting the drift here. Solid blues artists
performing tributes to earlier blues greats who recorded
at Delmark. My two favorites may be Mike Wheeler
performing the Otis Rush song, “So Many Roads” and
Shirley Johnson covering the Bonnie Lee song “Need Your
Love So Bad”.
The album is produced by Steve Wagner and Dick
Shurman with a talented group of musicians which include
some of the artists that perform the vocals for these
tribute songs. Steve Wagner wrote the liner notes for this
work. He states that Bob Koester at age 85 is still running
the “Bob’s Blues And Jazz Mart” in the Windy City on W.
Irving Park Road. We all owe Bob a big thanks for the 65
years he had dedicated to our music! -Tim Graham
19
 CD Reviews
Waydown Wailers R & R standard, “Dizzy Miss Lizzie,” still has the same
happy, rollicking beat it had back in ’58 when it first came
Backland Blues out. “Somewhere in the Middle” explores that deeper
Woodstock Records territory of finding the ‘just right place’ that everyone
looks for, that personal comfort zone.
The Waydown Wailers may
hail from the back country Another original, “I’m on the Hunt” is an edgy bluesy
along the New York/Canadian cut that says, ‘You can run, but you can’t hide.’ It also
border but their music has has some vocal and instrumental arrangements that are
a much wider audience reminiscent of another oldie, Jesus Christ, Superstar. The
and covers a full range of Elmore James chestnut, “Done Somebody Wrong” covers
emotions. For creds, the those painful times when life starts sliding backwards and
Wailers have opened for the likes of Charlie Daniels, the you wonder what went wrong. Roger McGuinn’s “Lover of
Spin Doctors, Donna the Buffalo and Lady Antebellum. the Bayou” brings the set to a close with a fine old Byrds
song.
Most of the cuts on this album are originals penned by
the Parker brothers, David and Christian, with the capable Nice set. Interesting group. -Russ Heitz
help of Mike “Scruffy” Scriminger who also handles
percussion. The Wailers call their music “Outlaw Jam” but
their genre covers everything from blues to swamp rock
to 50s R & R, all done in their own unique style.
Opener “Backdoor Woman Blues” is a nice, easy rocker
that features some mighty nice guitar work along with
some funky-honky-tonk piano by “Professor Louie”
Hurwitz who also had a hand in the production and
engineering of the set. “I Want Your Soul” is a hard driving
swamp rocker about a guy who won’t be satisfied with a
little bit of love, he wants your whole damn soul. “Another
Bump in the Road” is a bouncy, jaunty kind of shuffler
about Life’s one-damn-thing-after-another routine.

Bobby Massano
Friday, September 7,
8 pm $10 Cover

SEPTEMBER
Sean Chambers
Friday September 14,
8 pm $10 Cover

MUSIC
Ghost Town Blues Band
Thursday, September 20,
7:30 pm $10 Cover

HIGHLIGHTS
Johnny Rawls
Thursday, September 27,
7:30 pm $10
Sugar & Spice Review
Saturday, September 29,
8 pm $15 front/$12 rear
Do not miss our Gospel Brunch every Sunday
from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm

SUPPORTING
THE BEST LIVE
MUSIC AND

1525 Fourth Street,

Sarasota FL 34236
Phone (941) 388-7539
Full music schedule at www.blueroostersrq.com

20 12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society

 Steve Arvey’s
HUMP DAY
BLUES
Fe
BUFFET
a t u r i ng Only
UNCLE RON’S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT ITALIAN FEAST • BYOB!
$
20
mUSIC oNLY
$15
tAmPA bAY LADIeS UNIte oNCe AGAIN to GIve hUNGer the bLUeS!
2018 ladies sing the blues • october 10th • 7pm

ANDY T & AlAbAmA mIKE TommY Z bAND KrAIg KENNINg

fEATurINg ANsoN fuNDErburgh November 14th • 7Pm WITh sTEVE ArVEY
November 7th • 7Pm DeCember 5th • 7Pm
For the beNeFIt oF the
bradenton women’s club
1705 mANAtee Ave W, brADeNtoN • For more INFo • FACebook/hUmP DAY bLUeS bUFFet

Co-SPoNSoreD bY the 2018 brADeNtoN bLUeSFeSt AND the SUNCoASt bLUeS SoCIetY

Want to Review a CD?

go to suncoastblues.org,
and click the review tab!
12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society 21
 5119 N. Nebraska Ave. Tampa, FL 33603
Phone 813-234-1000
108 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Brandon, Florida ellasfolkartcafe.com
Live Music:
Mondays at 7PM featuring
Ed Wright’s Open Jam Night
Soul Blues Sunday
Friday Night Entertainment 4pm-7pm
featuring the top local bands

Special Evening Entertainment: September 16th

Tuesday: Free Poker
Wednesday: Live Trivia Bryan Lee & Six String Therapy
Saturday: Karaoke

Local Sports: Food and drink specials on the nights

October 21st
that local sports teams are on the big screen. The Mudds

Want to Review a CD?

Contact the Editor,
George Willett
george@
suncoastblues.org

12 Bar Rag September-October 2018

2016 Suncoast Blues Society 23
 Bigger, Badder, Dunedin Wines The Blues
The Downtown Dunedin Merchants Association presents
the 28th annual Dunedin Wines the Blues on Saturday, Nov.
10, 12:00 Noon to 11:00pm. It takes place on three stages
along Main Street in downtown Dunedin.
This signature event for Dunedin is a festival which brings
top Blues music artists from around the country. Three
stages with non-stop performances starting at 1:00PM.
More information and VIP Tickets: https://www.
liveeventsaccess.com/
Produced by AMG Group Music Events
West Stage
3:30pm - Erica DiCeglie
5:30pm -Joey Gilmore
7:30pm - Duffy Bishop

East Stage
Main Stage 2:00pm - Big Kettle Drum
1:00pm - Cottondale Swamp
3:30pm - Rockin Jake
3:00pm - TC Carr
5:30pm - Bridget Kelly Band
5:00pm - Trey Wanvig Band
7:30pm - Shaw Davis and The Black Ties
7:00pm - Andy T Band w/ Alabama Mike
Performers and show times are subject to change without
9:00pm - Ally Venable Band notice

Blues Jams Wednesdays

Johnny Dreamwell’s Jam - Brady’s Back Yard,
340 Main St, Safety Harbor, 7 pm
Josh Lamkin Blues Jam - Ruby Elixir,
Sundays
15 3 St. N, St. Pete, 9 pm
Wendy Rich’s “Supa’ Sunday At The Shack”,
Ed Wagner & Home Cookin’ Jam - Shark’s Bar & Grill,
14519 Old Dixie Hwy, Hudson, 4-8 pm
1479 Belcher Rd, 8:30 pm-12:00 am
3rd Sunday -  “Buzz Jam” -  Ukulele Brands,
Al Fuller’s Famous Blues Jam - Blue Rooster,
4805 LOL Blvd, Land O’ Lakes, 4-7pm 
1525 4th St, Sarasota 7:30-10:30 p
First Wed. Of The Month - Chitlin’ Circuit Preservation
Mondays
Society meeting - Rhythm & Brews
House of Trouble Jam, Green Iguana -
4711 Gall Blvd. Zephyrhills, 7-8pm - followed by an open
4029 S. Westshore Blvd, Tampa 10 pm 
Blues Jam from 8-11pm.
Ed Wright Jam, Keith’s Oaks Bar, 108 Lithia Pinecrest Rd,
Brandon 7-11 pm
Clarion Inn Ballroom 8m-12am
Thursdays
Marty Stokes Jam, Space 39,
Patio De Leon, Fort Myers, 8-11 pm
Tuesdays
Strictly Blues w/Jason Haram, Swordfish Grille,
Al Razz Blues Jam - Gil & Rick’s Sports Bar,
4628 119th St, Cortez, 7-10 pm
1250 Seminole Blvd, Largo, 8-11pm
Lazy Boy Jam, Mermaid Lounge,
Clam Jam, Cortez Clam Factory,
11024 SR-52, Hudson, 8-11 pm
10104 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, 7 pm  
Phil Stokes Jam - Red Tiki, 7361 46th Ave N St Pete, 8-11pm
Ed Wright Open Jam, Ybor Live - Lakeland -
5263 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, 8 pm-12 am
If a jam needs to be added, deleted, or revised, please
send details to events@suncoastblues.org

24 12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society

 SBS Band Directory
Send any updates to george@suncoastblues.org
Al “Coffee” McDaniel
828-206-1592
alcoffeemcdaniel@gmail.com
Al Fuller
941-918-8230
www.alfuller.com
alfuller1@verizon.net
Alex Lopez
www.alexlopezmusic.com
Alex@alexlopezmusic.com
Backtrack Blues Band
727-502-5000
www.backtrackbluesband.com
Harty@Bluespros.com
Backwater Blues Band
813-695-7187
www.backwaterblues.com
Rance@backwaterblues.com
Bear & Robert
bearandrobert@gmail.com
bearandrobert.com 727-255-4870
Beautiful Bobby Blackmon
352-874-1126 B3Comm@aol.com
Betty Fox Band
813-455-5981
BettyFoxBand@Gmail.com
Big D & the Dirty Deal
727-686-6699
vdoonerm@hotmail.com
Bill Wharton-Sauce Boss
wharton@sauceboss.com
www.sauceboss.com
Billy Seward Band
941-779-8225
wfseward@yahoo.com
Blue Dice
bluedice@tampabay.rr.com
Blue Lightning Band
727-644-5221 www.lightningblues.com
Blues Pig
941-954-5173 bluespigband@gmail.com
Blues Bayeux
941-993-0997 bluesbayeux@gmail.com
Bluestar Band
941-928-1912 www.bluestarband.com
Bob Petrocelli
727-787-4597 info@bobpetrocelli.com
Bodie Valdez
941-518-0402
Bridget Kelly Band
352-870-7656
Bridgetkellyband@gmail.com
Bryan Lee
bjbluesbaby@yahoo.com
Champ
941-875-8518 kevingruca1955@gmail.com
Charlie Morris Band
727-365-7549 www.charliemorris.com
Damon Fowler Group
Contact: Hugh@bmatours.com
Or: facebook.com/pages/Damon-Fowler
David Julia Band
352-874-8834
davidjuliamusic@gmail.com
David Smash Band
info@davidsmash.net
davidsmashband@gmail.com
Doctor Bob & the Blue Pills
941-795-1135
bluesinjector@yahoo.com
Doc Shaker’s Blues Remedy
www.bigfootbandfla.com
docshaker.rv@gmail.com 352-263-0063
12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society
Donni Fury & Holy Smoke
718-386-1537 www.donnifury.com
donnifury@gmail.com
Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones
doug@dougdeming.com
Dukes of Juke
813-417-3126 rogcasey@verizon.net
Dreamfire Band
dn_mchls@yahoo.com
www.dreamfireband.com
Easy Street Band
Charlie Coffman 727-687-4518
Ed Wright
813-758-9741 edryte@msn.com
Ellie Lee Band
614-302-1495
ellieleeband.com bluesfury@gmail.com
George Worthmore
www.georgeworthmore.com
Howlin’ Bob
941-926-7192
Howlin’ Buzz Blues Band
352-588-4711
Jamie N’ Royce
813-520-5005 royceathome@gmail.com
Jeff DeCoix Blues Band
941-346-1778
Honeyboy’s House Party
727-791-3848 www.rickhoneyboyhart.com
rick@bitcommun.com
Jason Haram
jason@jasonharamgroup.com
Joel Tatangelo
jtatangelo@hotmail.com
Josh Lamkin & Automatic Heat
813-731-1827
The Kat Crosby Band
575-491-7168
www.facebook.com/The-Kat-Crosby-
Band-100603003389040/
Keith Caton & the Accelerators
352-804-3697 bluzboy721@comcast.net
Lara & the Blues Dogs
615-948-6594 greggbass19@hothail.com
Lauren Mitchell Band
941-237-0142
Booking@LaurenMitchellband.com
Lazy Boy
727-858-5284 lazyboyblues@verizon.net
Lee Pons
727-686-8854 myspace.com/leethal66
leepons@yahoo.com
Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues
727-321-0332 www.lizpennock.com
lizpennock@yahoo.com
Memphis Rub Band
941-879-7788 memphisrubband.com
garydrouin@yahoo.com
The Man & Guitar World Tour
303-913-8727 www.manandguitar.com
Bryandmiller1@gmail.com
The Mudds
352-586-6131
themuddsband.wordpress.com
betsya.mudd@gmail.com
Nat Langston
natguitarlangston@gmail.com
Patty Sanphy
727-587-0630 www.pattysanphy.com
pattysanphy@usa.com
Phil Coale
941-258-4918 philcoalemusic@gmail.com
Phil the Hat
941-321-1370 14allhat@comcast.net
Richy Kicklighter
941-957-3516
www.midnightpassmusic.com
Rick Hatfield
727 392 0094 www.rickhatfield.com
zoom@sonic.net
RJ Howson Band
773-915-3886
www.reverbnation.com/rjhowson
Rockin’ Randall &
His Honkabilly Blues Band
727-466-8988
Roy Book Binder
www.roybookbinder.com
Sandy Atkinson
727-743-0775
www.sandyatkinson.net
booking@sandyatkinson.net
Sarasota Slim
727-421-9045
www.sarasotaslim.com
slim@sarasotaslim.com
Selwyn Birchwood Band
407-461-1624
www.selwynbirchwood.com
Shawn Paige Blues Band
727-243-4881
https://www.facebook.com/spaige1?fref=ts
Southern Legacy Band
813 841-6285
southernlegacyfla@yahoo.com
St. Pete Blues AllStars
727-321-0332 lizpennock@yahoo.com
Steve Arvey
773-406-3292
www.stevearvey.com stevearvey@aol.com
Sugar & Spice Revue
813-957-1130
sugarandspicerevue.com
Larrysaxman53@yahoo.com
Swamp Katz
727-942-7329
https://www.reverbnation.com/swampkatz4
gtrpro6@gmail.com
TC Carr & Bolts of Blue
727-522-8903
www.tccarr.com tccarr@tampabay.rr.com
Thunderbolt Brown
813-323-2594
www.thunderboltbrown.com
robbiegray@verizon.net
TomKats Jazz Orchestra
727-347-0296
https://www.facebook.com/
TomkatsJazzOrchestra
Tommy Keys
516-909-2743 www.tommykeys.com
mrtomkeys@yahoo.com
Tucci
941-228-8713 smtucci@comcast.net
Velvet Hammer Blues Band
941-928-1912
www.thevelvethammerband.com
Victoria Ginty & Ladyhawke
vginty111@gmail.com
Vintage Hearts
863-899-8745 www.vintagehearts.biz
Wendy Rich
Wendyrich@mac.com
25
 BLUES
ON THE
RADIO
Sun-WSLR 96.5 Sarasota
3-5 pm Vlevet Hammer Blues w/Beth Hammer
Mon-WMNF 88.5 Tampa
6-8pm Mo Blues Monday w/Larry Lisk
8-10pm 360 Degrees Of Blues w/Harrison Nash
Tue-WSLR 96.5 Sarasota
7-9 am Blues To Bluegrass w/John Dickman (alt wks)
12-2 pm Back Alley Blues w/Steve Arvey-(alt wks)
Fri-WMNF 88.5 Tampa
3-5pm Rev. Billy’s Rhythm Revival
7-8pm Route 66 Mike “Vinyl” Humphries
Sat-WMNF 88.5 Tampa
3-6am Mellow Music Encounters w/Rick Collins
7-9pm Soulful Soiree w/Cheryl Mogul

Everyday-Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 70,

BB King’s Bluesville, 24 hrs/day

26 12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society

It Pays To Be A Card-Carrying
Blues Society Member! Submission
Skipper’s Smokehouse: Pay the pre-show
price at the door (excluding benefits &
special events).
Deadlines
Nov.-Dec. 2018 Issue
Palladium Theatre: Pay the pre-show
price at the door (excluding benefits &
special events).
Advertising Artwork
Contributing Writers
WMNF Music Shows - Pay the pre-show
price at the door (excluding benefits & Photos-CD Reviews
special events).
Middleton’s Auto Care: 15% off auto
October 10th, 2018
services with SBS Membership card. Submit to: george@suncoastblues.org
Guitar Repair of Tampa Bay – Our Advertising Rates are as Follows - Full Color or
10% discount on services with SBS Mem- Black and White:
bership card.
Business Card - 5”w x 3.8”h * Single Issue -$35.00
Replay Guitar Exchange – Present ad for * Three Issues-$100.00 * Six Issues - $195.00
10% off your next purchase.
Quarter Page - 5”w x 7.875”h * Single Issue -$75.00
Green Shift Music & Comics – 10% off any * Three Issues-$210.00 * Six Issues - $400.00
purchase with Membership Card
Half Page - 10.125”w x 7.875”h * Single Issue - $125.00
Tampa Bay Blues Festival – Members * Three Issues - $350.00 * Six Issues - $625.00
receive a discount on pre-show tickets
purchased through SBS. Full Page – 10.125”w x 16”h * Single issue - $225.00
* Three Issues - $600.00 * Six Issues – $1,150.00
Bradenton Blues Festival:– on December
1, 2018 ($35 vs $50) ADVANCED SALES The back cover has been pre-sold for 2018
Please Include Advertiser’s Name in Ad Materials

Name
Individual 1 Year $20
Address
Individual 2 Years $30
City/State/Zip
Family 1 Year $30
Family 2 Years $50
Phone Work Phone
Check Here If Renewal
E-mail Address
Method Of Payment Membership # (if known)
Cash Check
Visa Mastercard
Make Checks Payable to:
Suncoast Blues Society
Credit Card # Exp. Date
PO Box 4232
Signature Security Code Tampa, FL 33677
12 Bar Rag September-October 2018 Suncoast Blues Society 27
 noV 30—
dec 2, 2018

in the Florida SunShine on the bradenton riVerWalk

Welch-
ledbetter
connection Shakura
6:45pm–8pm
S’aida
4pm–5pm

Mr. Sipp
5:15pm–6:30pm
harper and
chriS MidWeSt kind
cain
1:30pm–2:30pm

2:45pm–3:45pm

chriStone trey
“kingFiSh ” WanVig
kelley
between sets

ingraM
12:15pm–1:15pm
hunt
11am–12pm

coMe foR the

blueS
fRi, nov 30 sat, dec 1 sun, dec 2
6pm–9pm 11am–8pm 11am–1pm
fRee conceRt bRadenton blues bRunch*
Memphis Rub Band, blues “Braille Blues Daddy”
stay foR the festival* Bryan Lee

Weekend
Bridget Kelly Band
pResented by Mattison’s City Grille
sponsoRed by Mojoe
pRoductions, inc.
bMo haRRis bank Bradenton Riverwalk

*requires tickets

tickets online $40 | tickets day of event $50 | ReseRved fRont of stage $100 | bRunch tickets $50

bRadentonbluesfestival.oRg
sponsor
presenting

R E A L I Z E

Deborah & Emile

Gauvreau