March Blues News
In January our Battle of the Blues Bands winners' "Hurricane" Elaine Hudson and Earl "Guitar" Williams competed in the Blues Foundations International Blues Competition in Memphis. There were 121 bands from all over the world entered. 58 of these entrants made the semi-finals and only 11, fewer than ten percent made the finals. Proud to report that our bands represented Alabama well and both made the semi-finals. We would like to thank the Alabama State Council on the Arts whose grant helped substantially with the stipends we were able to give our winners to assist with their travel and accommodation costs of going to Memphis. The grant also allowed us to give each of our competing bands a high-quality video of their performance in our competition which they can use to critique their performance and for promotion.
Saturday February 28th @ 7pm we have a BlueStages featuring the The John Bull Trio. John Bull is a dynamic blues, jazz, and soul singer/harmonica player, John stretches the traditional boundaries of blues harmonica over all these genres. The result is a unique blend of American music that's both uptown and lowdown. John is a member of the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame and is an instructor for the Alabama Blues Project. He is also an accomplished visual artist and his artwork is available at many of his shows. Attendance is limited to 45 and tickets must be purchased before the day of the show.Sold Out
Sunday March 1st @ 3pm Thomas Trussell and Magic City Mojo will be playing our first Sunday Blues at Elysian Gardens. $10 donation requested.
Saturday March 7th @ 7:30pm the Matt Schofield Band at the Shelby County Arts Council CANCELLED
Saturday afternoon March 14th @ 3pm, True Story Brewing, the MCBS has booked Danny Garwood & Company. At 17 years old! Danny Garwood is making waves in the music world with his undeniable passion for the blues. Inspired by legends like Kenny Wayne Shepherd, John Mayer, Jeff Healey and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Danny's mission is clear: to keep the blues alive and inspire the next generation of musicians. Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Nashville, TN, Danny leads the dynamic band Danny Garwood & Company (DG&CO), an electrifying mix of blues, rock, and southern rock. Despite his young age, Danny has already shared the stage with iconic artists such as Ally Venable, Christone Kingfish, and the legendary Buddy Guy at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Danny Garwood & Company deliver high-energy performances that leave audiences buzzing for days. Expect to hear people asking, "What does a 17-year-old kid know about the blues?" and marveling at "How he plays with so much feeling at such a young age!"
Join Danny on his journey to keep the spirit of the blues alive and kicking. $10 donation at the door. Advance registration 50% off only $5 Danny Garwood & Company - Registration
Saturday March 21st @7pm Gloria & the Doctors plus Earl "Guitar" Williams will play at the Red Cat Coffee House in Pepper Place. This is a very special MCBS event. It will be a "Listening Room" format. Think Bluebird Cafe for those who remember that program! Both acts competed at the IBC and both acts made the semi-finals. Gloria & the Doctors represented Italy and as you probably know Earl Williams represented Alabama. They will be playing original music.
Gloria and the Doctors are widely recognized and respected figures on the Italian music scene. Their reputation is built upon dedication to musical roots and an openness to diverse influences. They embark on a musical journey starting from the foundations of the Blues. Along the way, they allow their sound to be shaped by elements of black music, including traditional jazz, gospel, Blues, and funk. This fusion creates a unique and authentic sonic identity. At the heart of their performances is Gloria Turrini’s powerful contralto voice. Her dark, resonant notes, combined with a strong and brilliant personality, breathe new life into classic blues, the music of the past is revitalized, offering audiences an energetic and exciting experience. Their shows encompass a wide range of musical emotions, moving seamlessly from the most romantic and tender ballads to the most hypnotic Blues grooves. This dynamic repertoire ensures that each performance is both captivating and memorable. Earl Williams was born in 1952 and is one of the last real bluesmen of Alabama. As a young boy, he'd listen to the music being played on the front porch at Gip's Place. By 16 he was in a band playing the black clubs of Bessemer. By twenty he was in a band that was the "go to" pick up band for artists coming through town. He's opened for B.B.King, toured with Benny Latimore and many more. He was a fixture at Gip's Juke Joint. He's a master of the cigar box. He's written his own songs like the catchy "Can of Alligator".
We are suggesting a donation of $10-$20 for the artists. seating is limited so please reserve your seats in advance. The Red Cat will have coffee, teas, soda, beer and wine available for purchase. REGISTER NOW
Saturday April 25 starting @ noon is the 15th Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival in Debardeleben Park, downtown Bessemer. National acts include Li'l Ed & the Blues Imperials, Selwyn Birchwood, Karen Wolfe, Dexter Allen and of course some of our areas best musicians led by Rick Harris. Mark your calendar & stay tuned for more information.
Upcoming Jam's:
1st Friday Jam at Ranelli's - March 6th @ 7:30pm
3rd Thursday Jam at True Story Brewing March 19th @ 7:30pm.