BLUES & GREENS, AND BLUES, AND BLUES, AND BOB'S COMING, AND MEMPHIS!
First, congratulations to the Johnny O Band and Ben Stevens, who are representing the Colorado Blues Society at the 2009 International Blues Challenge in Memphis in early February! They are going in the Band and Solo/Duo divisions respectively. The CBS will be holding fund-raising events at various venues between now and then to help send the gentlemen to Memphis. The Grand County Blues Society is sending Dan Treanor in the solo/due event as well, so Colorado will be well represented for the second year. There certainly is enough talent in this state to send at least that many every year, in my anything-but-humble opinion (I've never had too many grounds for humbleness). Last year, three acts from our state went, and two made the finals. If memory serves, one of them won it, but I can't remember. Hey, I'm busy! (Kidding, Lionel. He's soooo sensitive.)
Not to steal their thunder, but Broads on Blues is also hitting the road and going to Memphis. For "business" purposes only I assure you. We're taking a skeleton crew (Jill, Nessa, and myself) to film and interview as many artist as will allow it. Not to worry; we're on a "dirt" collecting mission right now. By the time we get there, we'll have enough dirt on enough artists as to extort as many interviews as we see fit. Don't even have to lift a finger with Johnny O. I already know it all! We're going to follow them everywhere! I don't know Ben Stevens, but he might as well acquiesce now, because we're going to want to interview him, and we'll stop at nothing. If he's got something to hide, we'll find it. Come on Ben, save us the trouble! Dan Treanor? Candy from a baby. I know his wife.
Back to the Outlook. No music this week as we transform from Skinny Jay's to Blues & Greens, Live Music, Local Food. Ok, now when I say "we," I'm not actually doing anything. I mean, I'm certainly not in there doing physical labor (perish the thought), or cleaning, or anything. However, that won't impede from taking full credit for it when we reopen. Hey, I helped pick out the upholstery and approved the menu (at least I'm pretty sure it was my approval that gave it the go-ahead). I hand picked the chef. The rest of the staff is currently at my mercy.
Next Tuesday resumes the blues jam with Dan Treanor, but the following night we've something new to go along with all the rest of the newness: Jenn Cleary is hosting "Songwriters' Open Mic" from 7:30 to 10:00, with special guest, Johnny O, joining her at 9:00. This is open to all ages, and sign-up commences at 7:15. Come out and join Jenn for her introductory session, which lends direct support to her CCTV54 Show, "Behind the Song," which airs live on the 4th Sunday of every month from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Broads on Blues is the 1st Sunday, 3-4).
Thursday, 11/6, Sammy Dee returns with another release party for his new CD, Sammy Dee LIVE! Sammy throws a good party, so be there! Can't wait to get this new CD; there are certain types of days/weather that inspire me to listen to his work, and the sound fills my living room wonderfully. Thanks Sammy.
Then Friday night we have…hang on, I have to check the calendar. That's right! BOB'S COMING!!! My Beloved Delta Sonics and Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin, Prodigal Son of the Outlook, Great Broads on Blues Deity (his moniker is getting a little long, but he's really accomplished), and Lionel Young begin thrilling the masses at 8:00. Same line-up on Saturday night, minus the 2008 IBC Winner. He's "busy." We never know who's going to show up when Bob is in town, but it's always a party, and Bob's always amazing. Someone was recently telling me that they were in Memphis at a past IBC, and heard a guitar coming out of one of the venues, and thought to himself, "Oh my God, that's Muddy!" He peeked his head in the door to verify the impossible, when he saw Bob. Last spring, my blues buddy, Steve Nepi, leaned over to me, right after Bob killed "Mannish Boy," and said, "My God! Muddy lives." Bob has plenty of his own style, but he can approximate Muddy at will. Near as I can tell. We have him for two nights! BOB'S COMING!
Next week, I'll try and remember to inform all of you on some upcoming acts that aren't on the site calendar yet. They're on the calendar, just not the public access one. Two Thousand and Great is winding down, and I'm gearing up for Two Thousand and Mine! Hope you all join me.
Lately, many of our regulars have mentioned they no longer receive the Blues Letter. If you want the BL but no longer receive it, please re-subscribe here:
We're not sure why the occasional random address gets purged, but we're working on. Thanks, Honeybee
Thu 10/30 thru Sat 11/1 Blues & Greens ReDo
~~~~~~ Wed 11/5 - Song Slam - Open Mic Songwriters Welcome Hosted by Jenn Cleary JohnnyO plays late show Thu 11/6 - Sammy Dee Fri&Sat 11/7&8 - Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin $10 Cover
(Continued From First Column)
MEMO TO JILL
Dear Jill:
As you know, the Johnny O Band is going to Memphis! I was right next to Johnny when it was announced, so my congratulatory embrace was spontaneous and exuberant. Johnny was obviously quite happy himself, and suggested Broads on Blues join the Johnny O Band on a road trip to Memphis. I informed him that we Broads prefer to fly (first class), and so, no. However, the next morning I woke up and realized I might have been hasty in my decision; that and I didn't consult you. I'm beginning to think a road trip with a band might increase our street cred. Your thoughts?
Curiously, Honeybee
Dearest Honeybee,
You got to hug Johnny O? Lucky you! As much as I'm jealous of that fact and as much as I'm looking forward to our road trip to Memphis . . . are you SURE you want to spend daaaaays in a van with a boy-band? I'm just sayin' . . . although . . . "B.O.B. with the J.O.B." might be an interesting documentary . . . Maybe we shouldn't rule it out?