The Blues Report

[tsedivy]

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Greetings Blues Fans,

Next Blues Cruise is Friday, August 7th, with International Blues Star Larry McCray headlining. Tickets will go on-sale July 9th at BarFly, McKenna’s, and Murphy’s.

Refunds for the May 31st Cruise will be available at Murphy’s Lounge, any time we are open. Mon-Fri 3pm-1am and 7pm-1am on Sat and Sun.
If you bought your tickets from Moe in Lincoln , you can email himmoejas1954@aol.com to make arrangements, or get refunds at Murphy’s.

Blind Pig recording artist Magic Slim is featured on the cover of the current (June) issue of Living Blues magazine. In the eight page feature article inside, writer David Whiteis validates Magic Slim and the Teardrops' pedigree as "the last real Chicago blues band" when he refers to the golden age of Chicago's blues clubs in the 60's and says, "Magic Slim and the Teardrops have remained true to the raw, high-energy atmosphere of those legendary venues with as much fidelity - and at least as much heart - as any blues band still working."

Referring to Slim's most recent recording (his seventh for Blind Pig), the writer says that "Midnight Blues finds him roaring through a characteristically uncompromising set of bone-crunching shuffles and angst-ridden slow blues, delivered with his trademark musical and emotional fire." He continues, "His leads combine dexterousness with almost atavistic ferocity; his lyrics are streetsy and tough; and his personal touches are among the most compelling in modern blues."

(I had to look up “atavistic”. It means uncivilized and instinctive. There is your word for the day.) TJO

Catch Slim with his Lincoln band at The Zoo Bar Friday at 9pm and next Wednesday at 6pm.

BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE MAGAZINE IS NOW ALSO DIGITAL!
( Reno , NV ) RBA Publishing Inc. announced that their annual national blues magazine is now also digital. For the first time since 2001, blues music fans around the world can read the entire magazine online with a simple click. Features of the digital edition include the ability to go directly to a specific page number using the table of contents, or clicking through to an
advertiser's website, and even using the search field to find a specific festival. The entire magazine or just a specific page can be emailed to a friend or printed out. Find the link on the homepage at Blues Festival Guide Magazine and Online Directory of Blues Festivals.
I forgot to mention Koko Taylor, the Queen of the Blues, passing away a couple of weeks ago. Here is a classic video of her from the sixties: http://www.illinoisblues.com/cdsandmore/videos4.htm#kt3

Huge night of music Thursday 6/18:

The Bel Airs return for another Blues Matinee at Murphy’s Thursday at 5:30pm. Where else are you going to have that much fun for $8? Excellent live video here: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/the-belairs-live-at-the-blue-note/2350344882

Strictly Roots Reggae has the late slot at Murphy’s, $5 after 8pm.

Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King play a 6pm show at The Zoo Bar. That will be fabulous.

There is a BluesEd Showcase at PS Collective in Benson. All four BluesEd bands will perform at this all-ages event. Visit BluesEd.com for more information.

Sarah Benck and her band play an outdoor show: Thursday, June 18th 7pm-9pm, Sumtur Amphitheater at Walnut Creek, 11691 S. 108th Street Just off 108th and hwy 370, South of Papillion-Lavista South High School. "2009 Jammin' In June Concert Series New in 2009 the City of Papillion presents the Jammin' in June Concert Series. This FREE concert series features 4 nights of free entertainment for the whole family. Doors open at 5:30 pm with performances starting at 7:00 pm. OUTSIDE FOOD & BEVERAGES PROHIBITED"

Scott Holt, long-time guitarist with Buddy Guy, plays the Prestige Thursday. Here is video of him playing “I’d rather go blind” at Buddy Guy’s Legends club in Chicago .



On Friday, June 19th and Saturday, June 20th, Celebrate Lincoln will turn the streets of Downtown Lincoln into an international vacation. Patrons will enjoy two fun-filled days of delicious food, refreshing beverages, colorful merchandise, kid-friendly activities, and a sizzling line-up of entertainment on two large stages. Celebrate Lincoln , presented by Lincoln Benefit Life and produced by Updowntowners, will take place from 12th – 14th streets on N Street from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. both days.
They have a great mix of music including Australian Bluesman Harper and Zydeco Party Man Chubby Carrier. Here is the link to the rest of the schedule: http://www.updowntowners.org/events/index.html?topic=entertainment&type=l&ei=120

New Mexico Blues Guitar Stud, Ken Valdez plays the Zoo Bar Saturday night. I saw him at BarFly last year and was quite impressed. Ken Valdez


Omaha is lucky to have one of the fourteen Eric Clapton - Steve Winwood dates at the Qwest this Saturday night. From early reviews, it appears it will be an amazing experience. Here is an excerpt of Billboard’s review of Wednesday’s show, the first on the tour:

“It was clear that the band had left behind a stunned and exhilarated crowd; lighters flickered and cell phones illuminated the dark stadium, and there were no obvious guesses for an encore song. Clapton didn’t keep his fans waiting for long, though, as the band walked back onstage almost immediately after leaving. “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” an unusual choice from Winwood’s solo years, was welcomed with a universal wave of approval from fans. Both Clapton and Winwood left the stage looking upbeat, smiling and laughing among themselves.

Although the tour is not labeled as a reunion, it was obvious that Clapton was thrilled to be playing alongside a familiar friend. Years may have passed, but the talent of the Clapton-Winwood team will always leave crowds wanting more.”
The rest of the review and songlist can be found here: Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood / June 10, 2009 / East Rutherford, NJ (IZOD Center)


I have to work the Pato Banton Reggae show that night at BarFly, so I need to sell my Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood tickets. They are (4) together in the 23rd row of the main floor. I paid over $650 for them, with those damn Ticketmaster service charges. I will sell them for $550 to the first person that emails me (blueterryo@aol.com)

Next Tuesday, Fender guitar technician Greg Koch has a free In-Store at Russo’s Guitar Center (114th & Dodge) at 7pm.
For more information: Russo's Guitar Center | Home

We are now have 378 friends on BSO’s Facebook group!!!
Follow the link below if you want to join our BSO Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=54757108012

If you already joined, please consider using the “Invite Friends” feature to expand our reach!



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I got to run,
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Terry O’Halloran
BSO Prez and emailer