Bluesletter May 2014

2
In This Issue...
Letter from President Tony Frederickson
Special Preview: The Lowrider Band!
(Photo Courtesy of the Lowrider Band)
Fat James Beneft - Details This Issue!
(Photo Courtesy of Maridel Fliss)
Polly OKeary at the Coeur dAlene Blues
Festival (Photo by Eric Steiner)
CD Reviews 12
Revised Membership Form 15
Thanks to our Advertisers! 15
Tommy Castro Show Review 16
Letter from the Editor 18
Blues Society Talent Guide 19
Letter from the President 2
On the Cover 3
Offcers and Directors 6
Remembering Carolyn Kennedy 9
Blues for the Slide 10
May Blues Bash Preview 11
Blues Society Calendar 20
Blues Jam Guide 23
Blues at the Border Preview 24
Passing the Torch - Thanks! 26
What Happens at Sunbanks... 26
Hi Blues Fans,
This is my favorite time of the year! The cherry
trees are blooming, the days are longer, the
temperature is warmer and the Blues Festival
season gets under way at full steam! Im so ready
to hit the road and visit with friends and fans, take
in some great music and hopefully make some
new friends and widen the Blues Family a little
bit more.
Untapped happens this month and has traditionally
been the offcial start of the summer Blues Festival
season. One of the best priced events out there!
Even if youre on a budget this one is affordable.
The line-up is once again great (Please see the ad
in this edition), and there is always room for more!
If the host hotel flls up there is a Days Inn close
by and there is always the low cost camping right
by the fairgrounds.
The following week is Spring Sunbanks. There
have been a few changes here, but the value
is still great! Four full days of music if you can
spare the extra day and it appears to me that many
can. I highly recommend coming over Thursday
afternoon and joining the party at the cantina! They
have opened up the infeld and a few other areas
so there is more camping room and this Festival
is ready to grow some more. The line-up is a one
heck of a talented and entertaining one. (Once
again see the ad in this edition) So no matter what
put this one on your list and come over and fnd
out why its called Billys Private Party!
On Saturday, June 14
th
, the City of Yakima jumps
into the season with a new event. And they did it
right Nick Moss, Kevin Selfe, the Wired Band,
Shoot Jack and more. (See ad in this edition)
This is a short two and a half hour drive from
Seattle! Good food, good wine and beer, and a
power packed line-up. There is even a free pre-
party on Friday night for those who pop over on
Friday. There are many reasonably priced hotels in
Yakima and camping is also available!
The following weekend down in Stevenson is
the Gorge Blues & Brews Festival. Once again a
reasonable drive from Seattle and Tacoma. A solid
line-up, lots of food vendors, a nice beer selection
and tons of room for camping. (See ad this edition)
I went two years ago and it just killed me to not
be able to make it last year! I will be careful to
not make other commitments the weekend of this
festival again and it will be a regular event on my
calendar!
Dont forget all the great shows around town
either. Many of the musicians that appear at the
above festivals will be booking gigs around the
Seattle/Tacoma area and well you dont get to see
everybody at least you will get to see some of the
touring talent coming to the state this summer!
As an example two shows that are happening
around town this month are the Mighty Monday
Washington Blues Series at 3231 Creatives in
Everett on Monday, May 12
th
. Rick Estrin & The
Nightcats will be there and there are always a few
surprises. (See ad this edition) and Tab Benoit at
the Highway 99 Blues Club on Wed., May 14
th
.
Kevin Sutton will be opening this show as a solo
act! If youre in town these are MUST BE THERE
shows and will be worth every penny and the
tiredness the next day! Dont miss them!
As I sit here looking through all I have just written
it brings to mind what a great music community
we live in and yes, even why it is such a great
deal being a member of the Washington Blues
Society. You get all this info and more in your
mail box at the beginning of every month! Get
out an experience some live music! If youre not a
member please take advantage of the membership
form inside. (Yes, this edition!) Hope to see you
out at a show or festival!
Thanks,
Tony Frederickson, President
Washington Blues Society
3
Celebrating 25 Years of Blues
1989 - 2014
May 2014 Bluesletter
Vol. XXIV, Number V
Publisher Washington Blues Society
Editor Eric Steiner (editor@wablues.org)
Secretary Mary McPage
Calendar Janie Walla (thewallas@juno.com)
Advertising Malcolm Kennedy (advertising@wablues.org)
Printer Pacifc Publishing Company
www.pacifcpublishingcompany.com
Contributing Writers: Eric Steiner, Tony Frederickson, Rick J. Bowen,
Malcolm Kennedy, Amy Sassenberg, Phil Brown
Contributing Photographers: Bill Bungard, Blues Boss, Jim Westveer,
Malcolm Kennedy, Eric Steiner
Thank You - Suggestions for Contributors
The Bluesletter welcomes stories and photos from WBS members! Features, columns and
reviews are due by the 5th of each month in the following formats: plain text or Microsoft
Word. Graphics must be in high-res 300 dpi .pdf, jpg, or .tiff formats. We encourage
submissions. If a submitter intends to retain the rights to material (e.g., photos, videos, lyrics,
textual matter) submitted for publication in the Bluesletter, or the WaBlues.org website, he
or she must so state at the time of submission; otherwise, submitters rights to the material
will be transferred to WBS, upon publication. We reserve the right to edit all content. Te
Bluesletter is the ofcial monthly publication of the Washington Blues Society. Te WBS is
not responsible for the views and opinions expressed in Te Bluesletter by any individual.
WBS 2013
Mission Statement
Te Washington Blues Society is a nonproft organization whose purpose is to promote, preserve,
and advance the culture and tradition of blues music as an art form. Annual membership is $25 for
individuals, $35 for couples, and $40 for overseas memberships. Te Washington Blues Society is a
tax-exempt nonproft organization and donations are tax-deductible. Te Washington Blues Society
is afliated with Te Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee.
P.O. Box 70604
- Seattle, WA 98127
www.wablues.org
Coeur dAlene Festival Review 28
Special Preview: Lowrider Band 30
2014 BB Award Voting Ballot 31
Remembering Carolyn Kennedy
(Photo by Malcolm Kennedy)
On the Cover: Polly OKeary
(Photo by Blues Boss)
This month, the Blues Boss captured award win-
ning bass player Polly OKeary at the Fifth
Annual Couer dAlene Blues Festival playing with
the Randy Oxford Band in scenic North Idaho.
This issue includes a short review of what may
be my new favorite blues festival second only to
the Kitchener Blues Festival on Ontario, and Polly
will be playing at a number of events around the
Pacifc Northwest this month. You can celebrate
her CD release party with the Rhythm Method
(and the Randy Oxford Band) at the Triple Door,
and see her with the Hot Wired Rhythm Band at
Sunbanks and at the Oxford Saloon this month.
- Eric Steiner
4
5
6
Proud Recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award
from The Blues Foundation
2014 Offcers
President Tony Frederickson president@wablues.org
Vice President Rick Bowen vicepres@wablues.org
Secretary Mary McPage. secretary@wablues.org
Treasurer (Acting) Chad Creamer treasurer@wablues.org
Editor Eric Steiner editor@wablues.org
2014 Directors
Music Co-Directors Cherie Robbins music@wablues.org
Membership Michelle Burge membership@wablues.org
Education Roy Brown education@wablues.org
Volunteers Rhea Rolfe volunteers@wablues.org
Merchandise Tony Frederickson merchandise@wablues.org
Advertising Malcolm Kennedy advertising@wablues.org
2014 Street Team
Downtown Seattle Tim & Michelle Burge blueslover206@comcast.net
West Seattle Open Open
North Sound Malcolm Kennedy &
Joy Kelly advertising@wablues.org
Northern WA Lloyd Peterson freesprt@televar.com
Penninsula Dan Wilson allstarguitar@centurytel.net
South Sound Cherie Robbins cherieerobins@gmail.com
Central WA Stephen J. Lefebvre s.j.lefebvre@gmail.com
Eastern WA Cindy Dyer cindalucy@hotmail.com
Ballard Marcia Jackson sunyrosykat@gmail.com
Lopez Island Carolyn & Dean Jacobsen cjacobsen@rockisland.com
Middle East Rock Khan rocknafghanistan@gmail.com
Special Thanks
Webmaster The Sheriff webmaster@wablues.org
Web Hosting Adhost www.adhost.com
WBS Logo Phil Chesnut philustr8r@gmail.com
Calendar Janie Wallas calendar@wablues.org
JUNE 2014 DEADLINES
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(malcarken@comcast.net)
Calendar: May 10th - calendar@wablues.org
Editorial : May 5th - editor@wablues.org
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We value your business. Please send all advertising
inquriries and ad copy to advertising@wablues.org with a
copy to Malcolm Yard Dog Kennedy at
malcarken@comcast.net
7
8
9
By Eric Steiner
Last month, the Washington blues community
lost a long-term, dedicated volunteer as Carolyn
Kennedy died unexpectedly on April 2
nd
.
Advertising Director Malcolm Yard Dog
Kennedy returned home from work, just like hes
done for their nearly quarter-century marriage, and
he was looking forward to another quiet evening at
home. Actually, selfshly, Id like to think that hed
return to the computer and writing CD reviews for
the Bluesletter. But, thats just me. Frequently
contributor Rocky Rock Khan Nelson accuses
me of being a Bucket of Blood-type editor as
well as an unreasonable task-master, but I need
the Yard Dog to return to the keyboard to write
reviews.
Until April 2
nd
. On that day, Malcolms life
changed. So did Carolyns. Id like to offer this
short remembrance of Carolyn Kennedy.
April 2
nd
began like any other work day. he
Instead, when Malcolm got home, he found
Carolyn unresponsive on the kitchen foor.
Edmonds EMTs arrived quickly, but despite some
pretty persistent attempts to jump start Carolyns
heart, they could not revive her. Fortunately, the
medics said that she was not in any discomfort or
distress and the likely cause was a stroke or heart
attack. A Lynnwood Police Department chaplain
was also on the scene as a liaison with the Medical
Examiners offce in his role in helping community
members at accidents like this.
Im writing this with Malcolm at my kitchen table
on a Saturday night. I wanted to offer this brief
remembrance in thanks of Carolyns long-time
support of the Washington Blues Society and
support for Malcolm as Advertising Director, Vice
President and Merchandising Director. Carolyn
herself was a Washington Blues Society Secretary
for one term fling meeting minutes month after
month. Since 2006, Malcolm has served the
blues society consistently and the only break
hes taken was a short three-month hiatus when
Tony Frederickson took over as Merchandise
Director and Malcolm replaced George Boswell
in the position of Advertising Director. Under his
leadership, Bluesletter advertising has garnered
new paying customers and rekindled relationships
with long-time Bluesletter supporters. Hes
actually focused on fnding his replacement as he
feels the position of Advertising Director requires
specifc computer skills in graphics as well as sales
and prospecting skills to support this publication.
However, this remembrance is intended to honor
Carolyns memory. No offense intended to the
Yard Dog, but Carolyn was there every step of
the way, despite being challenged by a number
of stroke-related medical challenges that began
in 2009. My father also was impacted by a
number of strokes before he passed away, and I
empathized with Malcolm in his role as partner
and caregiver for Carolyn. To me, Malcolm and
Carolyn were the longest-serving active couple in
the Washington Blues Society, and over the past 10
years, Malcolms contributions to the Bluesletter
as reviewer have improved considerably.
Of course, I credit this improvement to Carolyns
eagle-eyed editing. More than once Ive heard
Carolyn ask Malcolm: Did you really mean to
say that? I can also see Malcolm stroking his
goatee or scratching his head as he went back
to the drawing board (or laptop) to improve the
review.
Carolyn, thank you for your dedicated service to
the Washington Blues Society as a Board member
and volunteer. Malcolm and I have just toasted
your memory at my kitchen table in Edmonds; you
were here just a few weeks ago sharing a beer in
my living room.
Carolyn Kennedy
(Photo by Malcolm Kennedy)
We are going to celebrate your contributions to
the Washington Blues Society at an event that
Malcolm is planning at the Salmon Bay Eagles. It
will be a party that you would have enjoyed.
In your honor.
Thanks, Carolyn! Remembering Carolyn Kennedy
Honoring Carolyn Kennedys
Years of Volunteer Service to the
10
Blues for the Slide (Part 1 of 2)
What began as a group of blues musicians led
by Polly OKeary and Tommy Cook from all
over Washington State and beyond presenting a
beneft concert for the victims of the Oso landslide
at the Cedar Stump in Arlington, Blues For The
Slide grew virtually overnight to many events
around the region as musicians from the Pacifc
Northwest came together to help the victims of
this horrible disaster by doing what they do best.
Nearly everyone in the region knows someone
touch by the disaster as all of Washington felt
affected, making it easy for folks from all over our
community to dig deep and quickly offer help. All
the donations and proceeds have gone to victims of
the Oso Landslide via United Way of Snohomish
County or to fund funeral arrangements for the
disaster victims via the Immaculate Conception
Church in Arlington.
Several other great people stepped up to aid in
the organization and promotion of the event.
Steven Cole from Republic led the charge by
designing a logo for Blues For the Slide he and
Shannon McDaniel-Crawford spearheaded efforts
to collect donations and raffe items. Tammy and
Bruce Brown the owners of The Cedar Stump
clubs gladly donated time, staffng needs and sales
proceeds to the events, and other quickly followed
suit.
The frst Slide beneft event was Thursday April
3rd the Der Hinterhof in Leavenworth featuring
Mia Vermilion and special guests. The second
show was Friday April 4
th
at Club Crow in
Cashmere with Wired, Chris Ward, Junkbelly,
and Slack Daddy which raised $5,600 plus 4,000
pounds of potatoes, 400 pounds of dry beans, 350
pounds of apples, and 40 loaves of bread for Oso.
On Saturday April 5
th
, Caf Mela in Wenatchee
hosted a Blues for the Slide event with Darnell
Scott, Erin McNames, Delinda House, and Shongo
Bongo.
On Sunday April 6
th
Blues for the Slide at The
Cedar Stump Smokey Point, Arlington quickly
grew into a standing room only crowd after bike
rally began at 9 am. The beneft show began at
noon with an acoustic showcase featuring: Ryan
Laplante, Michael Garner, Rafael Tranquilino,
Danny OBryant, Rod Cook, the frst time of
meeting of players seated in row at the front of the
stage trading stories and hot licks. The frst band
was the new line of the Wired Band, followed by
inspired sets from some of the Northwests fnest:
Rafael Tranquilino Band, The Fat Tones from
Spokane, Stacy Jones Band, Michele DAmour
and the Love Dealers. A notable highlight of the
afternoon was The Portland all Stars with Rae
Gordon, David Kahl, Franco Paletta and Gaddis
Cavenah; who drove up from Portland to played
one 30 minute set, they also brought dozens
of CDs and a gift bag from the Cascade blues
Association for the raffe.
Lady A and Charles Mac were backed by Teri
Wilson, Seattle Slim, Rick J Bowen, and Robert
Baker on a set that was akin to a cathartic tent
revival. Host Polly OKeary and sound man for
the day Kevin Sutton played a rousing set with
the Hot Wired Rhythm Band. Mustard Seed led by
Suzie Chrysler, who in the week before recorded
the single Oso Blues, offering it for sale with
proceeds to the beneft performed followed by
Blues On Tap, Kim Archer, Michele Taylor Band,
and the CD Woodbury Band Polly OKeary and
the Rhythm Method wrapped up the nights music
with a set that led to and all star jam session. The
event raised nearly $20,000 with special donations
coming from Lloyd Peterson (tickets to Mount
Baker Rhythm and Blues Festival) Erika Olsen
(tickets to Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival
and the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival in
Oregon). Ron Beatty from Sweet Blues Northwest
was on hand to video tape the event and several
photographers, including Arlene Brown from
Seattle Music Insider, captured the event.
The ffth Blues for the Slide event was presented
Thursday April 10
th
at Jimmy Jacks Rock-N-Roll
Caf, Everett WA. Sponsored by the School Of
Jam house band (Teri Wilson, Robert baker and
Rick J Bowen) featured special guests, Lee Oskar,
the nine piece horn band Dr. Funk, vocalist Alex
Duncan, Steve Raible and Chris Eger, with sound
provided by Kevin Sutton. Lee Oskar graciously
donated not only his time and talent as he jammed
with all the musicians, but several item for the
silent auction including one of kind memorabilia
and several autographed Lee Oskar harmonicas.
Along with a Thumper Drums custom snare drum,
items donated by Guitar Center of Kirkland and
other donations the event raised over $3,400.
Karen Crowley the Vice President of Snohomish
County United Way spoke at the event thanking
everyone for being involved. Crowley emphasized
how unprecedented the efforts of the Blues For
The Slide fundraisers are and that the rest of the
world is watching what the people of Washington
State are doing to help. She gave news that over
$450,000 has been donated and distributed to
people in need.
The next Blues For the Slide events:
May 4 Landslide Blues at The Swiss and the
Stonegate, Tacoma WA; organized by Merri
Peterson Sutton, Wendy Baxter Phillips and
Cherie Robbins with artwork and promo provided
by Terri Kvetko Gonzalez.
Swiss lineup: Steve Stefanowicz, the Little Bill
Trio (with a very special guest), Still Got It Band,
Junkyard Jane, Andrea Miller with The Collective,
The Linda Myers Band, Burnham Drive, Steve
Cooley and The Dangerfelds, and 9 Pound
Hammer.
Stonegate lineup: Rafael Tranquilino and Leah
Tussing, Stephanie Anne Johnson, Tatoosh, Rich
Wetzels Groovin Higher Orchestra, and Bobby
Hoffman All Stars.
Musicians for Oso at Jazzbones May 4
th
at 5pm.
An all ages event with a silent auction and raffe.
Guest emcee Michael Wansley Wanz and music
by: Anithero, Jamie Nova Rocks, Jason Kertson,
Black Powder County, and The Mothership.
Editors Note: We plan to run a Part 2 of events
raising awareness and resources for slide victims
in the June Bluesletter. Please stay tuned.
11
MARK HURWITZ AND GIN CREEK AND JAMES COATES!
May Blues Bash Preview
Electric: Mark Hurwitz and Gin Creek
Mark Hurwitz and Gin Creek is composed of Mark
Hurwitz on keys and vocals, Melanie Owen on
vocals, Joseph Barton on guitar and vocals, Johnny
Horn on bass, and Kyle Doran on drums. The band
played its frst show in January 2011, although
Mark is the only remaining original member.
Though the line-up has gone through changes over
the years, the musical philosophy has remained
constant - to fnd the common ground among
a number of classic American musical genres,
mostly blues, but also r&b, soul, early rocknroll
and jazz. One of the things that people like most
about the bands live shows is the range of material
they hear over the course of a night, or even within
a single set. My experience is that people enjoy
being surprised. says Mark. There never seems
to be a disconnect if we go from a jump blues to
a Chuck Berry tune or New Orleans funk. Its all
American music.
Mark Hurwitz, a native New Yorker, played in
several Seattle area blues bands before starting Gin
Creek with original lead singer Lanita DeMers. He
cites Ray Charles, Professor Longhair, and Mose
Allison among his piano infuences, and was
mentored by former Freddie King keyboardist
David Maxwell, who in turn learned directly from
piano greats Otis Spann and Pinetop Perkins.
Joseph Barton and Melanie Owen have spent the
past few years shuttling between gigs in Seattle
and Denver (and points in between) but have now
settled in Seattle as their home base. California
native Johnny Horn is a veteran bass player whos
performed all over the country, and on Sunday
mornings hosts the popular Preachin the Blues
show on radio station KEXP. Kyle Doran is a recent
graduate of the music program at Cornish College
of the Arts, where he honed his skills playing with
some of the areas top musicians..
This line-up has great musical empathy for not
having been together that long, says Mark.
Theres an improvisational aspect to the playing
thats a lot of fun for us, which I think also makes
it fun for the audience. And I like the fact that we
have a bandmembers in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and
50s, so there are some different formative musical
experiences in the mix.
Gin Creek was nominated for the WBS Best
Traditional Blues Act in 2013 and had the honor
of closing the live awards show at The Kirkland
Performing Arts Center. Theyve played at a
number of festivals and most of the major venues
in the area, including The Highway 99 Blues Club,
Rockfsh Grille Oxford Saloon, and Spar Tavern,
but are best known for their shows at The New
Orleans Restaurant in Pioneer Square following
Seattle Seahawks home games at Century Link
feld. Theyve been doing that for the past two
seasons, and were featured in coverage by KOMO-
TV of the big celebration following the Seahawks
NFC Championship win over the 49ers en route to
the Super Bowl.
Mark Hurwitz and Gin Creek are excited to be
playing at their frst Blues Bash. Other upcoming
dates include The Paradise Tavern (Monroe) on
April 5, the Salmon Bay Eagles (Ballard) on April
19, The Swiss Tavern (Tacoma) on April 21, The
Central Club (Kirkland) on May 11, the Yuppie
Tavern (Totem Lake) on May 24, The J&M Caf
(Pioneer Square) on May 31, *88 Keys for Blues-
to-do TV), Seattle, on June 2, and The Conway
Muse (Conway) on June 21.
Acoustic: James Coates
(Photo by Bill Bungard)
Union Pacifc, wont you take me away? muses
songwriter James Coates of the trains that pass his
home an hour south of Seattle. And appropriately
so: Traveling has done him well. He frequently
ventures north to Seattle and south to Tacoma
to perform as an active member of the Pacifc
Northwests burgeoning music scene. And last
summer he embarked on a tour across the U.S.
traveling more than 8,000 miles to perform in
places like Chicago, New York, Nashville, New
Orleans, Austin and Los Angeles to name a few,
in support of his debut album Land of Fame and
Glory.
Infuenced by 60s pop icons like the Beatles and
Beach Boys as well as folk/rock revolutionaries
like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, Coates has crafted
a 9-song love letter to the music that inspired him.
From the 12-string jangle of Man of Faith to the
orchestral strings of A Real Rock and Roller
and the confessional lyrics of If You Should Ever
Leave Me, the album is a diverse work of passion
that sounds both modern and classic.
Approaching recording as art rather than music,
he set his sights on connecting with the listener
emotionally rather than aesthetically. The result is
a raw, beautiful album that will appeal both to your
ears and your heart.
Left: Mark Hursitz & Gin Creek
(left to right):
Kyle Doran, Joseph Barton, Melanie Owen and
Mark Hurwitz (Photo Courtesy of Mark
Hurwitz & Gin Creek)
CD Reviews... Blues You Can Use!
The Holmes Brothers
Brotherhood
(Alligator Records)
The Holmes Brothers follow-up to their 2012
Alligator Records release, Feed My Soul, is
cause for celebration. On Brotherhood, Wendell
and Sherman Holmes, joined by brother-in-spirit
Popsy Dixon, revisit Gospel, soul and blues with
three-part harmonies and an energy that belies
their nearly four decade career making music.
There are some inspired covers on this new
release, ranging from an unexpected love song
from one of Nick Lowes players, Geraint Watkins
in Soldier of Love to a song refecting some
pretty bad relationship choices from the late Ted
Hawkins in I Gave Up All I Had. Jazz singer
extraordinaire Catherine Russell helps out on a
number of songs and supporting band members
include Chris Bruce on guitar and bass, Glenn
Patscha on keyboards, John Ellis and Antoine
Drye on horns Joe Bonadio on percussion. Since
I live in the Pacifc Northwest, I could identify
with the Holmes Brothers cover of Driving in
the Driving Rain from Curtis Salgado, David
Duncan and Kevin McKendree. The original
songs on Brotherhood shine, too: especially the
sass and the swagger of Lickety Split and the
boogie-woogie behind Gone for Good. Two of
Wendells originals are heartfelt songs of love and
commitment: Loving You from Afar and My
Word is My Bond. I saw the Holmes Brothers a
few years ago in Kitchener when the blues festival
honored Alligator founder Bruce Iglauer with a
Lifetime Achievement Award, and since then,
they have continued to tour and play many blues
cruises. This month, they will reunite with Joan
Osborne at Seattles Jazz Alley from May 29
th
to
June 1
st
and I highly recommend not only this live
show but also Brotherhood. Brotherhood closes
with an inspiring version of Amazing Grace
that takes us on a spiritual journey for nearly eight
minutes with elegant and heartfelt harmonies.
Eric Steiner
Dudley Taft
Screaming In the Wind
(American Blues Artist Group)
Blues Rocker Dudley Taft recently relocated back
to the Midwest, but he certainly bought back some
of that Seattle sound with him. His third solo release
Screaming in the Wind was recorded in Nashville
by the man with the Midas touch, award-winning
producer Tom Hambridge; but make no mistake:
this is no country album, and as Taft says himself,
this aint your granddaddys blues either. The 12
songs cover an expansive muscular landscape of
heavy grooves supplied by bass man John Kessler,
drummers Jason Paterson and Hambridge and
some great guests including former Stevie Ray
Vaughan sideman Reese Wynans on organ and the
legendary Muscle Shoals horn section. The clever
rhythmic reinvention of the blues standard Hard
Time Killing Floor kicks off the album and then
the horns join in for a slinky cover of Freddie
Kings Pack It Up. The time-shifting boogie
Red Line reminds us that its all about the guitar
as Taft demonstrates what he has learned as a
disciple of Billy Gibbons and the legendary Texas
sound. The title track began as sound bite theme
for American Blues Scene, and under the tutelage
of Hambridge, it develops into a grungy blues
anthem. Its sort of a fusion of Alice in Chains and
SRV. Taft then tries a couple pop rock experiments
and the island-tinged Rise Above It, before
returning back to the blues on The Reason Why,
which features some classic B3 counterpoint from
Wynans. Taft shows his 90s rock roots on the
Middle Eastern-tinged Rise Above It, and the
McCrary sisters add an authentic gospel sound
to the sing along drinking song Barrio, along
with some smooth Spanish guitar from Taft. The
Seattle sound returns on the rolling groove rocker
Sleeping in the Sunlight, with the apt lyric Id
be sleeping in the sunlight, Id be dancing in the
rain. The album concludes with the atmospheric
Say You Will, featuring a Pink Floyd-inspired
synthed-out guitar coda. Yes, more guitar more
guitar from a great contemporary blues rocker.
Rick J. Bowen
Grand Marquise
Blues and Trouble
(Grand Marquis Music)
The music has an old time 1930s-1940s sound; yet,
at the same time it sounds fresh and vibrant. The
smooth and warm vocals along with the horns are
the primary emphasis on the 13 mostly original
selections featured on Blues and Trouble. In my
review of their 2010 release Hold On To Me, I
talked about The Grand Marquise up-beat swing
sounds and Bryan Redmonds vocals and sax,
smooth-as-fne silk vocals, and closed with the
remark that you just have to hear it for yourself.
All of that and more apply equally well here on
Blues and Trouble. It opens up with Bed of Nails
which has lyrics that parallel Scrooges partner
Marley describing the heavy chain which he bears.
The jumping Every Days the Same belies the
sad message of ever since you left me every days
the same. The band is never mired in a retro thing
though; just listen to the contemporary sounds of
Empire of Dirt or The Jungle. Stand out tracks
include the bubbling horn driven Two By Two,
with lively trumpet, alto sax and guitar solos and
the title track which places equal emphasis on
Redmonds stellar baritone vocals and the horns.
The album isnt all about horns either as evidenced
by the bristling slide guitar featured on Easy To
Be The Devil. The music of Grand Marquis is
fun, fun fun just listen to their spin on Whole
Lotta Shakin Goin On and as I stated above you
should check out Blues and Trouble for yourself
and while you are at it give a listen to the equally
impressive Hold On To Me. Highly recommended.
- Malcolm Kennedy
Karin Rudefelt & Doctor Blues
Walk the Walk
(Self-released)
Self-described Swedish blues rockers, Karin
Rudefelt & Doctor Blues, are known for mixing
genres to come up with something fresh and their
2013 release Walk the Walk is all of that. Along
with Karins vocals, and loan remaining original
member, Lennart Olofsson on lead, slide, rhythm
guitar and vocals are the rhythm section of Sven
Torstensson on keyboards, Peter Borgstrom
on bass and Tobias Magnusson on drums; they
feature Brooklyn New York transplant Brian
Kramers vocals and slide guitar and Finlands
Queen of the Slide Guitar, Erja Lyytinen; on
a pair of tracks each. Lennart is the band leader
and writes all the songs and also co-produced the
project. Doctor Blues mixes Delta and Chicago
blues styles with rock, funk and British blues to
create their own sound. They started out as a cover
band back in 1980, Karin came on board in 1996
and their sound was forever changed. Walk the
Walk, the follow up to the highly acclaimed 2008
release Magic Brew (reviewed in the September
2009 Bluesletter) includes 14 selections with a
bonus acoustic reprise of The Room Next Door
featuring Kramer on National steel guitar. Walk
the Walk opens with the title track, with Lennart
displaying some of his own fne slide guitar work
sharing the vocals with Karin. The electric version
of The Room Next Door, a song of a love gone,
is one of the standout tracks. The slow brooding
lament Guts to Live features Erja on keening
slide is a song of a man whose woman has left him
and he feels his life is in ruins. Change a couple
lyrics on the polished Loving Boy and it would
ft right into the Fat Tones song book. They show
some Delta infuence on Unknown Fate with
Brians slide guitar and show their rocking side
on tracks like Devils Child, Have To Let It
Go and Fake Paradise. They close out Walk
the Walk with the acoustic bonus of Room Next
Door with Brian sharing vocals and supplying his
emotive slide guitar. - Malcolm Kennedy
Polly OKeary & the Rhythm Method
Compass
(Self-released)
Polly OKearys new release Compass features 11
original songs from this multi-Best of the Blues
(BB Award) award-winning artist. Polly has
received the BB Award in the Female Vocal, Blues
Album of the Year and Songwriter categories.
On Compass, Polly opens with the decidedly
rocking sounds of Fools Gold this is followed
by Summer, which has just a touch of twang,
informing you right away to expect some variety
in the various styles being offered up. The Latin sounding trumpet intro on Nothing
left To Say I found particularly appealing. One of my favorite tracks is the slow
paced Your Honor, Pollys stellar vocals soar and new Rhythm Method addition
Clinton Seattle Slim Nonemaker adds a subdued guitar solo. Another prime cut is
the rollicking piano driven blues Harder Than It Has To Be which showcases some
of Slims considerable talents. Along with Polly on bass and vocals and Seattle Slim on
guitar is Tommy Cook on drums with supporting players Greg Lyons, trumpet; Mike
West, sax; Arthur Migliazza clavinet, piano; and Norm Bellas, B-3. From rockers like
Stop, Train and the afore mentioned Fools Gold to mellower fare like Ive Got
None (yet another stand out,) Losing You Again and Your Honor to the R&B of
You Get Me High Compass has a lot going on and I recommend it highly. Please
support Polly OKeary and the Rhythm Method at their joint CD release party on
Wednesday, May 21st at the Triple Door in Seattle. She will share the Triple Door
with the Randy Oxford Band as the evening also includes a CD release party for their
newest CD, It Feels Good. Malcolm Kennedy
Arthur Migliazza
Laying It Down
(Hobemian Records)
Thirteen tracks of refreshing boisterous piano-centric joy, full of authenticity,
reinvention and frepower. Thats is an easy way to describe Laying It Down from
piano man and two time International Blues Challenge fnalist Arthur Migliazza.
However, what is happening here is so much deeper, as it is evident Migliazza has
spent a lifetime of study to become a master blues, boogie woogie, ragtime, stride
and trad jazz pianist. The songs on his new album are presented in a straight forward
clean environment, thanks to Floyd Reitsma at Studio Litho in Seattle, which allows
the listener to sink into the depth of real acoustic piano; highlighted by the solo piano
track Suitcase Blues. Migliazza is joined by several stellar players who back him
with precise support to keep that focus on his voics and his fying fngers. The tunes are
a fne mixture of new compositions created to sound traditional and loving renditions
of classic from piano icons. Some capture the feel straight on like the hopping Fats
Domino tune Im Ready, to the topsy-turvy Rockin Pneumonia & the Boogie
Woogie Flu. Migliazza has the fearless audacity to tackle the big band staple Sing
Sing Sing with only a trio as he brings the jungle drum boogie down to an intimate
boiler room full of clever paraphrases. He takes us back to the source for a reading of
W.C Handys St. Louis Blues that begins as a nocturne but quickly revs up into a
swingin dance hall party anthem. I hear music calling me, is the opening line of the
second line fueled tribute Professor Calling Me, which, of course, references New
Orleans and Professor Longhair. Educating the world about this music on his beloved
piano is clearly Arthur Migliazzas mission. Rick J. Bowen
Special Bluesletter Show Preview: Harpageddon 2
Saturday, May 10th at 7:00 PM at the Madison Pub
By Malcolm Kennedy
The frst Harpageddon show last November featured a not-to-be-missed event and the
lineup slated for May 10th is equally as impressive! Again, just like last year, the players
have enough Washington Blues Society Best of the Blues (BB Awards) between them
to fll a wall. The backing band will again feature the Unbound rhythm section of Paul
Quilty on bass and Dave McCabe on drums with the supreme talents of International
Blues Challenge Best Self-Produced CD competition fnalist CD Woodbury on guitar.
The harp players that will rock the award-winning Madison Public will include Steve
Bailey (every band hes ever played in wins awards), Stacy Jones (yeah, you could say
she is popular, and there is a really good reason why), Jeff Herzog (one of the most
emotive harp players on the scene), Mark DuFresne (Grammy-nominated pretty much
says it all, and since hes won the BB Award so many BB Awards in the Male Vocalist
category, the blues society named the award after him). The last; but certainly not the
least is Bill Davis (the secret weapon in the bunch.) I frst heard Bill sitting in at a
gig with Mary Mc Page and was seriously impressed. If you like blues harp like I do,
mark your calendars; I guarantee you will defnitely see me there.!
14
April Blues Bash - No Foolin
By Robert Horn
The April Blues Bash began on a decidedly somber
note. I could tell by the look on Eric Steiners face
as he approached the microphone. Eric introduced
Advertising Directory Malcolm Kennedy, who
remembered his wife and life partner for nearly
25 years. She died the Wednesday preceding the
Blues Bash, and as he left the stage, the audience
honored her memory with an extended round of
applause.
As Malcolm left the stage, Music Director
Cherie Robbins enthusiastically kicked off
another exceptional night of music hosted by the
Washington Blues Society. One of the reasons
I fgured out I was a blues fan in the frst place
is that the music deals with the heart and soul of
the listener and not just as entertainment. Music
is necessary and Blues, according to Rev. Dave
Brown of Blues Vespers, articulates the joy, and
the pain, of being alive.
As usual, two acts performed at the Blues Bash.
The frst act was LeeAnn Trevalyan and Dave
Dickerson. LeeAnns singing voice is unique and
sings about as well as anyone. She wrote many of
the songs she sang this night and did a song or two
by Joan Osborn. I have told people that the only
person who can sing a Joan Osborn song better
than Joan Osborn herself is LeeAnn Trabalyan.
She also played guitar and tambourine. Dave not
only played bass but also keyboard during the
night. The two of them did a great job on songs
like Somebody Out There Loves You, Where is
the Sandman and the new song by Joan Osborn
just out on a new CD titled How You Work on
Me.
With LeeAnns band, Junkyard Jane, she does a
lot of fast moving up-tempo songs that get people
jumping around on the dance foor. She can do that
well but can also do a slower softer but dynamic
style of music that really shows off her voice. She
did that on this night. She also did some good
fnger picking on the acoustic guitar.
Before the electric act got on stage there were a
lot of announcements. One of the most powerful
announcements was about the fund raising events
for the victims of the mud slide in Oso, Washington.
About 70 blues musicians performed the weekend
before and raised thousands of dollars for the relief
effort, and more events were announced during the
intermission.
The electric act was a major treat. Monster Road
was once fronted by the late-great Kathi McDonald.
Her good friend Patti Allen is now the power with
the microphone. When you think about the fact
that this band has a couple guys on percussion
and drums, as well as guitar, bass, and harmonica
you may wonder if all those instruments would
overpower the vocals or make the band too loud
for some people. Dont worry, these musicians
handle the mix perfectly. The multi-piece band
kept the instruments under the vocals to serve the
singing and not to compete with it. This was so
well done that it should be a major topic.
On vocals, of course, was Patti Allen. On drums
was Andre Thomas. On percussion was Andre
Rishikof. Another part of the rhythm section was
the bass player, Lissa Ramaglia, who has been a
well known musician in these parts for a long time.
On harmonica and vocals was Mitch Pumpia and
he did a couple great opening songs (including
Dr. Feelgood) before Patti came to the stage.
The guitar playing of John Hanford was very
impressive too.
When Patti opened up with Aint No Mountain
High Enough anyone who had not heard her sing
before rose to an elevation higher than Mt Everest
and stayed that way for an hour. I was perhaps
most impressed by her rendition of Fire which
is a song Bruce Springsteen wrote and the Pointer
Sisters perfected. Pattis rendition is similar to the
Pointer Sisters version in terms of the pauses and
delivery. By the time she sang Barefootin the
dance foor was full. She did a number of others
that kept people dancing and she herself was
rockin out like an 18 year old by the time she sang
Standin On Shaky Ground.
Aprils Blues Bash featured several unforgettable
musical moments thanks to LeeAnn Trevalyan
and Dave Dickerson and Patti Allen and Monster
Road.
Upper: Above: Lissa Ramaglia, Patti Allen and
Mitch Pumpian with Monster Road Featuring
Patti Allen.
Lower: Leanne Trevalyan
(Photos by Eric Steiner)
15
Special Thanks to Our
May Advertisers!
Alligator Records Recording Artists
the Holmes Brothers
Cascade Blues Association
Centrum
Curtis Hammond Band
Dennis Juxtamuse Hacker Blues Art
Fat James Beneft Show
Gorge Blues and Brews Festival
Hot Wired Rhythm Band
Inland Empire Blues Society
Jazz Alley
Jeff & The Jet City Flyers
Madison Ave. Pub Unbound Blues Jam
Mighty Monday Washington Blues
Miles from Chicago
Moon Daddy
Mount Baker Rhythm & Blues Festival
Oxford Entertainment
Rally at the Border Blues Festival
Salmon Bay Eagles
South Sound Blues Association
Steve Bailey and the Blue Flames
Stickshift Annie with Kimball and the
Fugitives
Sunbanks Festival
UnTapped Blues and Brews
Walla Walla Blues Society
Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival
Yakima and Blues Local Brews Bash
Letter from the Editor
Welcome to the May Bluesletter. I am pleased
thanks to new volunteers who are helping me
behind these pages (and screens) to improve the
editorial quality of the Washington Blues Societys
signature publication.
This month, we welcome Amy Sassenberg back to
our list of contributing writers for an informative
preview of the Spring Sunbanks Festival and Bob
Horn returns with a review of an exciting blues
show from Tommy Castro and the Painkillers.
Weve got the frst of two installments on blues
benefts for the Oso mudslide, too. This issue also
includes my enthusiastic review of the 5th annual
Coeur dAlene Blues Festival and this festival may
be my newest favorite. While Ive considered the
Chicago Blues Festival and the Kitchener Blues
Festival in Ontario to be the best in the blues festi-
val world, I marveled at the diversity of blues acts
that turned the prestigious Coeur dAlene Resort
and conference center into a juke joint. I hadnt
been to Coeur dAlene in decades, and I was pleas-
antly surprised at the variety of great restaurants,
lodging options and traffc-free in this hospitable
Northern Idaho community. Next year, please
consider adding the 6th Coeur dAlene Blues Fes-
tival in your blues festival plans. Its easy to get to:
my morning commute from Edmonds to Seattle
is longer than the quick 35 drive on Interstate 90
from the Spokane International Airport to scenic
Lake Coeur dAlene!
This month, we also honor the memory of Carolyn
Kennedy, a long-time blues society volunteer and
former elected Secretary. Malcolm Yard Dog
Kennedy and Carolyn were planning on celebrat-
ing their 25th anniversary this fall but she left us
too soon this past month. When you see Malcolm
out and about at the Highway 99 Blues Club or
at the Salmon Bay Eagles, please remind him that
we are an extended blues family joined by a music
that touches our lives and our hearts.
Finally, I wanted to thank you for reading the May
Bluesletter. Until next month, go see some live
blues. More importantly, please bring a friend and
enjoy one of the worlds most vibrant blues com-
munities in the world.

Please join me in celebrating local blues artists:
buy their CDs at their next local gig.

Til next month,
Eric Steiner, Editor
Washington Blues Society Bluesletter
Former Member, Blues Foundation
Board of Directors (2010-2013)
16
By Robert Horn
No, I am not referring to taking a bottle of Naproxen
or even Advil. No, not pills or anything you can
get at a pharmacy. Not those kind of painkillers.
I am referring, instead, to Tommy Castros latest
touring line-up.
Tommy Castro and the Painkillers latest visit
to the Pacifc Northwest included a show in
Portland where Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes
opened for them. I caught the April 2
nd
show at
Seattles Triple Door. Looking out at the audience,
Tommy said that the crowd looked just like a
major Saturday night crowd (although this was
the frst Wednesday in April). During the show,
Tommy described how the band writes songs from
personal experience, including songs about life on
the road in his tour bus. For this band, 40-hour bus
rides from gig to gig is not all that unusual; more
importantly, it provides opportunities to translate
these life experiences into blues songs.
While he was impressed by the audience, the
audience was at least as impressed by him and his
band. As soon as the lights were dimmed, and it
appeared there was something moving on stage,
the applause began. The applause kept coming
through the whole night, too.
The band mainly played songs from their newest
Alligator Records release, The Devil You Know.
Theres a story behind that song, and its probably
rooted in what was once called the Devils
music. For many years Tommy has had a horn
section in his band. He also said that If I intend to
do this for another 20 years, Ive got to keep things
fresh. His concept was to change from a bigger
band with horns to something more in line with the
roots rock and blues he grew up on with the guitar
as the centerpiece. That guitar, and the blues along
with some rock and soul, and a tight four piece
band, is the devil you know if you want to go back
to the roots of the music he was dreaming of.
His current band has Randy McDonald on bass
and Randy has been with Tommy on and off since
1991. On drums is David Tucker and he said
recently, I am thrilled to be in this band. I love
killing the pain. This rhythm section works well
together: you could feel it as well as hear it. On
keys was a younger musician, James Price, and
if fames come off the keys and fre extinguishers
have to be used dont be too surprised. Together,
these musicians have a tight sound of a band that
inhales and exhales at the same time and it seems
as if they have the same thoughts at the same time.
As the night went on the energy went higher,
and this blues rock thunderstorm didnt end until
the encore was over and the autograph signing
began. Some of the new songs performed included
Im Tired, Center of Attention, Greedy
(which is a big hit on YouTube), When I Cross
the Mississippi, Mojo Hannah and Keep on
Smilin. Tommy kept on smiling from the stage
the more he interacted with the fans and if anyone
came with any pain, it was killed by Tommy Castro
and the Painkillers!

Some blues fans may like more slow or rhythmic
melodies in their blues, but if you love the
excitement of a screaming guitar and the stage
presence of a master entertainer, you will love this
tour. Dont get me wrong though, it is not just a
screaming guitar (even though there is a healthy
dose of that). For some blues fans, the loud electric
guitar is a painkiller and for some it is not. Tommy
mixes it up with different tempos and with some
softer poetic lyrics on his musically diverse set list.
Tommy has been known to do 300 shows a year,
and while he may have slowed that pace down a
little at age 58, he will take his band to many cities
this year so anyone interested should get a chance
to see the performance. If you are lucky, the venue
will have a good dance foor, because Tommy
Castros music is fun to dance to. Your body will
like it as well as your ears.
The Devil You Know is this bands frst CD.
Tommys also recruited some frst-class guests to
Tommy Castro Live at the Triple Door
(Photo by Bob Horn)
help out with the record, including Joe Bonamassa,
Tab Benoit, Marcia Ball, and Samantha Fish. Many
knowledgeable blues fans know those names well
and would love to hear them on the same CD.
Look up Alligator Records to learn more about it.
You can also look up what Tommy encouraged me
to look at when we corresponded with each other
online the days before the Seattle show. He wanted
to make sure I kept looking for the newest stuff at
tommycastro.com and that is a good place to fnd
a lot more information about this tour and this new
CD.
Tommy Castro has won a number of Blues Music
Awards over the years, including the prestigious
B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award. Based
on his hard-driving show at Seattles Triple Door
in early April, I think that Tommy Castro and The
Painkillers will likely be nominated for an award
or two for this new CD and this new line-up.
Review: A Powerful Dose of Painkillers
Tommy Castro & The Painkillers Live at the Triple Door
17
18
19
A.H.L. (206) 935-4592
Richard Allen & the Louisiana Experience/
Zydeco Trio (206) 369-8114
AlleyKattz (425) 273-4172
Annieville Blues (206) 994-9413
Author Unknown (206) 355-5952
Baby Gramps Trio (425) 483-2835
Back Porch Blues (425) 299-0468
Backwoods Still (425) 330-0702
Badd Dog Blues Society (360) 733-7464
Billy Barner (253) 884-6308
Bay Street Blues Band (360) 731-1975
Norm Bellas & the Funkstars
(206) 722-6551
Black River Blues (206) 396-1563
Blackstone Players (425) 327-0018
Blues Attitude (360) 701-6490
Blue 55 (206) 216-0554
Blue Healers (206) 440-7867
Blues on Tap (206) 618-6210
Blues To Do Monthly (206) 328-0662
Blues Playground (425) 359-3755
Blues Redemption
Blues Sheriff (206) 979-0666
Blues to Burn (253) 945-7441
Blutopia (425-269-3665)
Boneyard Preachers
(206) 755-0766/ 206-547-1772
Bill Brown & the Kingbees 206-276-6600
Brian Lee & the Orbiters (206) 390-2408
Brian Lee Trio (206) 390-2408
Bump Kitchen
(253) 223-4333, (360) 259-1545
Brian Butler Band (206) 361-9625
CC Adams Band (360) 420 2535
Charlie Butts & the Filtertips
(509) 325-3016
Ellis Carter - 206-935-3188
Malcolm Clark Band (253) 853-7749
Colonel (360) 293-7931
Kimball Conant & the Fugitives
(206) 938-6096
Jack Cook & Phantoms of Soul
(206) 517-5294
Rod Cook & Toast (206) 878-7910
Coyote Blues (360) 420-2535
John Scooch Cugnos Delta 88 Revival
(360) 352-3735
Daddy Treetops (206) 601-1769
Sean Denton Band (425)387-0620
Double Scotts on the Rocks
(206) 418-1180
Julie Duke Band (206) 459-0860
Al Earick Band (253) 278-0330
Sammy Eubanks (509) 879-0340
Richard Evans (206) 799-4856
Fat Cat (425) 487-6139
Fat Tones (509) 869-0350
Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone
(206) 295-8306
Gary Frazier (206) 851-1169
Free Reign Blues Band (425) 823-3561
Fil Gumbo (425) 788-2776
Nicole Fournier & Her 3 Lb Universe
(253) 576-7600
Jimmy Frees Friends (206) 546-3733
Gin Creek (206) 588-1924
Charlene Grant & the Love Doctors
(206) 763-5074
Paul Green (206)795-3694
Dennis Juxtamuse Hacker
(425) 512-8111
Heather & the Nearly Homeless Blues Band
(425)576-5673
Tim Hall Band (253) 857-8652
Curtis Hammond Band (206) 696-6134)
Ryan Harder (253) 226-1230
Scotty Harris & Lissa Ramaglia/Bassic Sax
(206) 418-1180
Terry Hartness (425) 931-5755
Ron Hendee (425) 280-3994
JD Hobson (206) 235-3234
Hot Rod Blues Revue (206)790-9934
Bobby Holland & the Breadline
(425)681-5644
Hot Wired Rhythm Band (206) 790-9935
James Howard Band (206) 250-7494
David Hudson / Satellite 4 (253) 630-5276
Raven Humphres (425) 308-3752
Hungry Dogs (425) 299-6435
Brian Hurst (360) 708-1653
K. G. Jackson & the Shakers
(360) 896-4175
Jeff & the Jet City Fliers (206) 469-0363
Junkyard Jane (253) 238-7908
Stacy Jones Band (206) 992-3285
Chester Dennis Jones (253)-797-8937
Harry The Man Joynes (360) 871-4438
James King & the Southsiders
(206) 715-6511
Virginia Klemens / Jerry Lee Davidson (206)
632-6130
Mick Knight (206) 373-1681
Bruce Koenigsberg / Fabulous Roof Shakers
(425) 766-7253
Kolvane (503) 804-7966
Lady A & the Baby Blues Funk Band (425)
518-9100
Brian Lee Trio (206) 390-2408
Scott E. Lind (206) 789-8002
Little Bill & the Bluenotes (425) 774-7503
Dana Lupinacci Band (206) 860-4961
Eric Madis & Blue Madness
(206) 362 8331
Albritten McClain & Bridge of Souls
(206) 650-8254
Brian Jelly Belly McGhee
(253) 777-5972
Doug McGrew (206) 679-2655
Mary McPage Band (206) 850-4849
Miles from Chicago (206) 440-8016
Reggie Miles (360) 793-9577
Michal Miller Band (253) 222-2538
Rob Moitoza / House of Reprehensibles
(206) 768-2820
Moon Daddy Band (425) 923-9081
Jim Nardos Boogie Train Blues Band
(360) 779-4300
Keith Nordquist (253) 639-3206
Randy Norris & The Full Degree
(425) 239-3876
Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely
(425) 239-3876/(425) 359-3755
Randy Oxford Band (253) 973-9024
Robert Patterson (509) 869-0350
Dick Powell Band (425) 742-4108
Bruce Ransom (206) 618-6210
Red Hot Blues Sisters (206) 940-2589
Mark Riley (206) 313-7849
RJ Knapp & Honey Robin Band
(206) 612-9145
Gunnar Roads (360) 828-1210
Greg Roberts (206) 473-0659
Roger Rogers Band (206) 255-6427
Roxlide (360) 881-0003
Maia Santell & House Blend
(253) 983-7071
Sciaticats Band (206) 246-3105
$cratch Daddy (425) 210-1925
Shadow Creek Project (360) 826-4068
Tim Sherman Band (206) 547-1772
Billy Shew Band (253) 514-3637
Doug Skoog (253) 921-7506
Smoke N Blues Allstars (253) 620-5737
Smokin Js (425) 746-8186
Son Jack Jr. (425) 591-3034
Soulshaker Blues Band (360) 4171145
Star Drums & Lady Keys (206) 522-2779
John Stephan Band (206) 244-0498
Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys
(206) 236-0412
Steve Bailey & The Blue Flames (206) 779-7466
Steve Cooley & Dangerfelds
(253)-203-8267
Stickshift Annie Eastwood (206) 522-4935
Alice Stuart & the Formerlys
(360) 753-8949
Richard Sysinger (206) 412-8212
Annette Taborn (206) 679-4113
Tahoma Tones (253)851-6559
Ten Second Tom (509) 954-4101
Tone Kings (425) 698-5841
Leanne Trevalyan (253)238-7908
Tim Turner Band (206) 271-5384
Two Scoops Combo (206) 933-9566
Unbound (425) 212-7608
Uncle Ted Barton (253) 627-0420
Nick Vigarinos Meantown Blues (360)387-0374
Tommy Wall (206) 914-9413
Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks
(360)652-0699/(425) 327-0944
Charles White Revue (425) 327-0018
Mark Whitman Band (206) 697-7739
Michael Wilde
(425) 672-3206 / (206) 200-3363
Rusty Williams (206) 282-0877
Hambone Wilson (360) 739-7740
C.D. Woodbury (425) 502-1917
Beth Wulff Band (206) 367-6186,
(206) 604-2829
Please send updates to editor@wablues.org by
the 5th of the month - well do our best to update
your listing!
Washington Blues Society May 2014 Talent Guide
20
Washington Blues Society April 2014 Calendar
Note: Please confrm with each venue the start
time and price. We also apologize in advance
for any errors as we depend on musicians and
venues to send in their information and some-
times, changes happen after we go to press.

Thursday, May 1
Destination Harley-Davidson, Fife Little Bill
Trio 12PM
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Brian Lee &
the Orbiters 8PM
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Pearl Django w/
Gail Pettis & Greta Matassa 7:30PM
Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo The
Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - How Now
Brown Cow 10:30PM
Salmon Bay Eagles - Jeff & The Jet City Fliers
Bad Alberts, Ballard - Annie Eastwood, Larry
Hill & Tom Brighton w/Bill Chism 5:30PM

Friday, May 2
The Repp, Snohomish Rod Cook 6:30PM
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Kalimba Band
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Will Downing 7
Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo
6PM, Paul Green & Straight Shot 9PM
The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - The
Djangomatics 5PM, Danny Godinez 9PM
Conway Muse, Conway - Sabrina y Los Reyes
Salmon Bay Eagles - Blues County Sheriff 8PM
The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - Brian Lee Trio
Vino Bella, Issaquah - Tweety and The Tom Cats
Under the Red Umbrella, Everett Randy Norris
& Jeff Nicely 7PM
The Dogghouse, Mt Vernon - Nick Vigarinos
Back Porch Stomp 9PM
Raging River Caf, Fall City - Joseph Barton Trio
Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek - Annie Eastwood w/
Bill Chism 7PM
B Sharp Coffee House, Tacoma - Malibu Ma-
nouche w/Peter Pentras & Neil Andersson 8PM
Saturday, May 3
B Sharp Coffee House, Tacoma - Rod Cook /
Mark Riley duo 8PM
Highway 99 Blues Club Ken Derouchie Band
The Repp, Snohomish - Larry Murante 6:30PM
Bakes Place, Bellevue The Paperboys 7PM &
9:15PM
The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Daniel
Rapport Trio 9PM
Conway Muse, Conway - R.X. Bertoldi solo
H2O, Anacortes Alice Stuart & the Formerlys
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Roy Kay Trio 8PM
The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - Heggy Cheek
Vino Bella, Issaquah - Shaggy Sweet 7:30PM
Destination Harley, Fife - Mark Whitman Band
The Oxford Saloon, Snohomish - The Randy
Oxford Band 9PM
Destination Harley, Fife - Annie Eastwood w/
Kimball, the Fugitives & Kid Quagmire 12PM
Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek James Bernhard

Sunday, May 4
Johnnys Dock, Tacoma Little Bill Trio 5PM
Bakes Place, Bellevue - Josephine Howell
Quartet 7PM
The Central, Kirkland - Kid Quagmire 8:30PM
The Spar, Tacoma - Brian Lee & the Orbiters
CCs Lounge, Burien - CCs All Stars w/Norm
Bellas 4PM

Monday, May 5
The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Olli
Orbit Klomp & the SGs 9PM
Edison Inn, Bow - Margaret Wilder Band 8:30PM
88 Keys, Seattle Blues To Do w/ Marlee
Walker, The Pete Lira Group & The Manuel
Morias Band 7PM
Tuesday, May 6
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Lao Tizer
The Triple Door, Seattle - Michael Nesmith of
The Monkees 8PM
Dusty Strings, Seattle - Eric Madis Jump Blues
Guitar Class 7:45PM
The Feedback Lounge, Seattle Blues To Do w/
Marlee Walker 7PM

Wednesday, May 7
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Rafael
Tranquilino w/Sweet Danny Ray 8PM
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Lao Tizer
7:30PM
The Triple Door, Seattle - Cassandra Wilson 7PM
& 9:30PM
The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Kat
Koch Quartet 8:30PM
The Central, Kirkland - Polly OKeary 8:30PM

Thursday, May 8
Crossroads Shopping Center, Bellevue - Rod
Cook/Little Bill Englehart duo 6:30PM
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle James King &
the Southsiders 8PM
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Kenny G
The Triple Door, Seattle - Cassandra Wilson 7PM
& 9:30PM
Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Jose
Gonzales
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Annieville/Brian
Butler duo 8PM, Greg Roberts 10PM

Friday, May 9
Emerald Downs, Auburn The Kim Archer Band
w/Rod Cook 6PM
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Slide Guitar
Beyond the Blues w/Nick Vigarino 8PM
The Repp, Snohomish - Andrew Norsworthy
6PM, Wired! 9PM
Djangomatics 5PM
The Triple Door, Seattle - Acoustic for Oso
7:30PM, Mark Sexton Band 9PM
The Conway Muse, Conway - Richard Allen &
the Louisiana Experience 7:30PM
Salmon Bay Eagles, Dr Z & The M.D.s
Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - Miles From Chicago 8
Vino Bella, Issaquah - Peter Jamero Project
Engels Pub, Edmonds Blues Playground 9PM
Crossroads Shopping Center, Bellevue - Jack
Cook & the Phantoms of Soul 7PM
Untapped Blues & Brews pre-party, Kennewick
The Randy Oxford Band 7PM
The Mirkwood & Shire Caf, Arlington - The
Groovetramps Trio 7PM
B Sharp Coffee House, Tacoma - Malibu
Manouche w/Peter Pentras & Neil Andersson

Saturday, May 10
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Hot Wired
Rhythm Band 8PM
The Repp, Snohomish - Lee Howard 6:30PM
Bakes Place, Bellevue Nearly Dan 7PM &
The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Jelly
Rollers 9PM
The Triple Door, Seattle - Lowrider Band 7PM &
10PM
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Zoltons B-3
Kombo 8PM
The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - The ShortCutz
Vino Bella, Issaquah - Ventura Highway
Revisited 7:30PM
Scotch & Vine, Des Moines - Brian Lee Trio 8PM
907 Lounge, Snohomish - Nick Vigarinos Back
Porch Stomp 9PM
Mia Roma Italian, Kenmore - Groovetramps Trio
Auburn Avenue Theater, Auburn - Mackapalooza
Showcase w/Alice solo 8PM
Madison Ave Pub, Everett - Harpageddon 2
w/Mark DuFresne, Bill Davis, Steve Bailey,
Jeff Herzog, Stacy Jones,CD Woodbury, Dave
McCabe & Paul Quilty 7PM
Andersons General Store & Restaurant,
Anacortes - Mia Vermillion 5PM
Left Foot Boogie at Sons Of Norway, Bothell:
Stickshift Annie w/Kimball & the Fugitives
Lamplighter Pub, Seattle Scott E Lind Band
B Sharp Coffee House, Tacoma - Thea Westcott
Sunday, May 11
Central, Kirkland - Mark Hurwitz & Gin Creek
China Harbor, Seattle - Dance w/Brian Lee & the
Orbiters, lessons 7PM dance 8PM
The Black Dog, Snoqualmie - The Groovetramps
Blues Brunch (sit-in friendly) 12PM
J&M Caf, Seattle - The Groovetramps Trio
Bellas 4PM
Kent Senior Center, Kent - Koffee Klatch w/
Norm Bellas 11AM

21
Monday, May 12
The Triple Door Musiquarium, Seattle - Ben
Bloom, Grant Schroff & Jason Gray 9PM
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Blues on Tap 8PM
88 Keys, Seattle Blues To Do w/ Marlee Walker
Poggie Tavern, Seattle - The Groovetramps Trio

Tuesday, May 13
Saltys Alki, Seattle Rod Cook solo 5:30PM
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - The Headhunters
7:30PM
6PM
Guitar Class 7:45PM
Marlee Walker & The Greg Roberts Band 7PM
The Red Crane, Shoreline WBS Blues Bash w/
Gin Creek and James Coates7PM
Wednesday, May 14
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Tab Benoit
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - The Headhunters
The Central, Kirkland - Funk E3 8:30PM
Engles Pub, Edmonds - Nick Vigarinos Back
Porch Stomp 8PM

Thursday, May 15
Saltys, Redondo Rod Cook solo 6PM
The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Sam
Marshall Trio 9PM
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Steve Bailey & The
Blue Flames 8PM
KPLU Food for Thought Happy Hour @ the
Palace Ballroom, Seattle Two Scoops Combo
Sunbanks Blues Festival, Electric City - Leanne
Trevalyan 8PM, Sweet Danny Ray & Rafael
Tranquilino 9PM, Nick Vigarinos Back Porch
Stomp 10PM, Ben Rice Band 11PM

Friday, May 16
Swiftwater Cellars, Cle Elum Four w/Rod Cook
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Rick Estrin &
the Nightcats 8PM
Thr Repp, Snohomish - Patrick Thayer 6:30PM
6PM, Little Bill & the Blue Notes 9PM
Djangomatics 5PM
The Rockfsh Grill, Anacortes - Kevin Sutton &
Jim McLaughlin 8PM
Tulas, Seattle Dave Peck Trio 7:30PM
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Seattle Teen Music
The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - Lou Echeverri
Vino Bella, Issaquah - Philip Lomax 730PM
The Georgetown Stables, Seattle - Ben & Larrys
BBQ Blues Adventure/Lady A & Baby Blues
Funk Band 6:45pm
Barhop Taproom, Port Angeles Soulshakers
Sunbanks Blues Festival, Electric City - James
King & the Southsiders 4:30PM, The Rectifers
6PM, Ben Rice Band 7:30PM, Nick Vigarinos
Meantown Blues 9PM, The True Spokes 11PM
Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek - Annie Eastwood w/
Bill Chism 7PM

Saturday, May 17
Destination Harley-Davidson, Fife Little Bill
Trio 12PM
Swiftwater Cellars, Cle Elum Four w/Rod Cook
7PM
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Festival
Sundiata 8PM
The Repp, Snohomish - Alice Stuart solo 6:30PM
Bakes Place, Bellevue Kalimba 7PM &
9:15PM
H2O, Anacortes - CD Woodbury Band 7:30PM
Tulas, Seattle Dave Peck Trio 7:30PM
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Jesse James & The
Mob 8PM
The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - The Soul
Wreckers 8:30PM
Vino Bella, Issaquah - Lady A & Baby Blues
Funk Band 7:30PM
Swedish Culture Center, Seattle - Dance w/
Brian Lee & the Orbiters, lesson 7:30PM, dance
8:30PM
The Lynnwood Eagles, Lynnwood - Stacy Jones
Band 7PM
Rockin M BBQ, Everett - The Groovetramps
Trio 8PM
Destination Harley, Fife - Annie Eastwood w/
Kimball, the Fugitives & Kid Quagmire 12PM
Sunbanks Festival Schedule, Electric City - The
Trevalyan Triangle 1:30PM, Rae Gordon Band
3PM, Hot Wired Rhythm Band 5PM, Curtis
Salgado 7PM, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats 9PM,
Sammy Eubanks w/Jess Kunz 11PM
7PM
Sunday, May 18
Bakes Place, Bellevue - Pearl Django w/Gail
Pettis 7PM
The Triple Door, Seattle - Jon Batiste & Stay
Human 7:30PM
The Central, Kirkland - Fat Tones 8:30PM
The Scarlet Tree, Seattle - Beneft for Fat James
w/B.I.G. band, Red House, Fat James & Fatback,
Jesse James & the Mob & more 5PM
The Spare Room, Portland OR - Mike Moothart
Beneft 5PM
Bellas 4PM
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - The Bill Gerdes
Memorial Band 2PM
Sunbanks Festival Schedule, Electric City - John
Bunzow Duo 1PM, Bakin Phat 2:30PM, Polly
OKeary & the Rhythm Method 4PM, Sena
Ehrhardt Band 5:30PM, Maurice John Vaughn
Group 7:30PM

Monday, May 19
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - The Ballard High
School Jazz Bands & Vocal Performers 7:30PM
& Groove Kitchen 7PM
Mr. Villa, Seattle - Annie Eastwood, Kimball
Conant, Larry Hill - Fugitives Trio 7PM

Tuesday, May 20
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Spencer Day
7:30PM
6PM
Guitar Class 7:45PM
Marlee Walker & The Charles White Band Revue
Wednesday, May 21
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Dirty Rice w/
The Highway Poets 8PM
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Spencer Day 7:
The Triple Door, Seattle - The Randy Oxford
Band / Polly OKeary & the Rhythm Method
The Central, Kirkland - CD Woodbury 8:30PM
Crossroads Shopping Center, Bellevue - Alice
Stuart & the Formerlys 7:30PM
Thursday, May 22
The Blue Martini, Bellevue The Kim Archer
Band w/Rod Cook 7:30PM
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Sugaray
Rayford Band 8PM
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Ramsey Lewis
Electric Band w/Philip Bailey 7:30PM & 9:30PM
The Triple Door, Seattle - Seattle Secret Music
Showcase #14 w/Alice Stuart 7:30PM
Salmon Bay EaglesEric Madis & Blue Madness
Friday, May 23
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Curtis
Hammond Band 8PM
The Repp, Snohomish - Carolyn Cruso 6:30PM
6PM, Butch Harrison & Good Company 9PM
Djangomatics 5PM, Cody Rentas Band 9PM
The Rockfsh Grill, Anacortes - Randy Norris &
Jeff Nicely 8PM
The Paramount Theatre, Seattle Hugh Laurie &
the Copper Bottom Band 8PM
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Bare Roots 8PM
Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - The Tim Turner Band
Vino Bella, Issaquah - Vibe Central 7:30PM
NW Folklife Festival, Seattle - Nick Vigarino 4
The Jet Bar, Mill Creek - Stacy Jones Band 9PM
North City Bistro, Shoreline - Groovetramps Trio
Providence Marionwood, Issaquah Norm Bella

Saturday, May 24
Portland Rose Festival, Portland OR The Vicci
Martinez Band 6:30PM
Highway 99 Blues Club Duffy Bishop Band
Continued on Next Page
22
Sundays
Dawsons, Tacoma: Tim Hall Band, 7pm
Conway Muse: Gary Bs Church of the Blues, 6-10pm
Raging River: Tommy Wall
Silver Dollar: Big Nasty, 8pm
Stationhosue, La Conner: CC Adams, 4-8 PM
Two Twelve, on Central Kirkland: HeatherBBlues, 7pm
PLEASE HELP US KEEP OUR LISTINGS CURRENT: please send in jam
listings to calendar@wablues.org. As of press time, we are looking for a
new volunteer who will help compile our calendar, jam guide, band listings,
and radio station listings. Please email volunteer director Rhea Rolfe:
volunteers@wablues.org if you are interested!
Tuesdays
Barrel Tavern: hosted by Doug McGrew, 8pm
Elmers Burien: hosted by Billy Shew
Engels Pub, Edmonds: Open Mic with Lou Echeverri, 8 PM
Pacifc Rim Marysville Best Western: Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks, 7 - 11pm
907 Bar and Grill Snohomish Sean Denton & Richard Williams 8 PM
Summit Pub: Tim Hall & the Realtimes, 7:30pm
Uncle Turms, Tacoma: Blenis, Ely Band, 7:30pm
Wild Bufalo, Bellingham: hosted by Rick Baunach, 6:30 - 9:30pm
Blues Jams
Mondays
Cafe Mela, Wenatchee, 7pm (frst Monday of the month)
88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Blues on Tap, 8pm
JRs Hideway: Malcolm Clark, 8pm
Norms Place, Everett: hosted by the Stanwoodys, 7:30 PM
Opal Lounge, South Tacoma Way: Tim Hall, 8pm
Ten Below: hosted by Underground Blues Jam, every 1st Monday of the
month, Wenatchee
Saturday, May 24th (Continued)
The Repp, Snohomish - Cool Water 6:30PM
Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Side Project and
Friends 7PM & 9:15PM
H2O, Anacortes Little Bill & the Blue Notes
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Cody Rentas Band
The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - Mark Hurwitz &
Gin Creek 8:30PM
White Horse Saloon, Arlington Randy Norris &
Jeff Nicely, 8PM
Folklife Cafe/NW Folklife, Seattle - Eric Madis 8
Destination Harley, Fife - The Mark Whitman
Band 12PM
Port Gardner Bay Winery, Everett - Annie
Eastwood w/Bill Chism 7PM
Sunday, May 25
Bakes Place, Bellevue - Tillers Folly 7PM
The Central, Kirkland - Author Unknown 8:30PM
NW Folklife Festival, Seattle - Northwest
Womens Blues Revue w/ LadyA, Teri Wilson
& Stacey Jones
The Locol, Seattle - Mia Vermillion 6:30PM
Bellas 4PM

Monday, May 26

Tuesday, May 27
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Oz Noy, Oteil
Burbridge & Keith Carlock 7:30PM
Guitar Class 7:45PM
Marlee Walker, Kimball Conant, The Fugitives &
Stickshift Annie 7PM

Wednesday, May 28
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle - Little Ray &
the Uppercuts 8PM
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Oz Noy, Oteil
Burbridge & Keith Carlock 7:30PM
6PM, Bellevue Jazz Festival East-West Trumpet
Summit w/Ray Vega & Thomas Marriott 8PM
The Central, Kirkland - Miles from Chicago
The High Dive ,Seattle - Stacy Jones Band 8PM

Thursday, May 29
The Triple Door, Seattle The Vicci Martinez
Band 7PM & 10PM
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Patti Allen w/
Monster Road 8PM
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Joan Osborne &
the Holmes Brothers 7:30PM
6PM, Bellevue Jazz Festival w/Carlos Cascante y
su Tumbao 8PM
The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Smoke
& Honey 9PM
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Groovetramps w/
Moses Walker 8PM

Friday, May 30
Bakes Place, Bellevue The Gotz Lowe Duo
6PM, Rod Cook & Toast 9PM
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Soul Senate &
Kissing Potion 8PM
The Repp, Snohomish - Ron Wiley 6:30PM
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Joan Osborne
and the Holmes Brothers 7:30PM & 9:30PM
The Triple Door, Seattle - Gypsy Soul 8PM
Djangomatics 5PM
The Conway Muse, Conway - Brian Lee & the
Orbiters 8:30PM
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Kamis Karaoke
J&M Caf, Seattle - Mark Hurwitz & Gin Creek
9PM
The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - GoodSon 8:30PM
Vino Bella, Issaquah - Seatown Rythm & Blues
7:30PM
Laurelthirst, Portland OR Alice solo 6PM
Saturday, May 31
Jazzbones, Tacoma The Vicci Martinez Band
8PM
Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Dikki Du & the
Zydeco Krewe 8PM
The Repp, Snohomish - Kimball Conant 6:30PM
Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Joan Osborne
and the Holmes Brothers 7:30PM & 9:30PM
Bakes Place, Bellevue - Ventura Highway
Revisited 7PM & 9:15PM
The Conway Muse, Conway - CURTIS
HAMMOND BAND 8PM
Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Kamis Karaoke
The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - The Inside
Outlaws 8:30PM
Vino Bella, Issaquah - British Beats 7:30PM
Junction Roadhouse, Port Angeles-Soulshakers
8PM
H2O, Anacortes - Stacy Jones Band 9PM
The Ould Triangle, Seattle - The Groovetramps
w/Moses Walker 9PM
Madison Ave Pub, Everett - Unbound Blues Jam
5th Anniversary Invitational Jam w/ Brian Lee &
others 7PM

ATTENTION MUSIC PEOPLE!
If you would like to add your music schedule to
our calendar, please send in your information
by the 10
th
of the month to wbscalendar@
yahoo.com in the following format: (Please,
very important! No bold or ALL CAPS)
Date - Venue, City - Band Name Time
PLEASE NOTE:
DUE TO SPACE CONSTRAINTS
OUR RADIO LISTINGS WILL
RETURN IN A FUTURE ISSUE.
23
Central & Eastern
BBQ & Blues Clarkston (509) 758-1227
Breadline Caf Omak (509) 826-5836
Club Crow Cashmere (509) 782-3001
CrossRoads Steakhouse Walla Walla (509) 522-1200
Ice Harbor Brewing Co - Kennewick (509) 582-5340
Lakeys Grill Pullman (509) 332-6622
Main Street Tavern Omak (509) 826-2247
Peters Inn Packwood (360) 494-4000
Pine Springs Resort - Goldendate (509-773-4434
Rams Ripple Moses Lake (509) 765-3942
Rattlesnake Brewery Richland (509) 783-5747
Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee (Tomasz Cibicki 509-669-8200)
Tumwater Inn Restaurant and Lounge Leavenworth (509) 548-4232
Seattle
Blarney Stone Pub and Restaurant (206) 448-8439
China Harbor Restaurant (206) 286-1688
Dimitrious Jazz Alley (206) 441-9729 x210
EMP Liquid Lounge (206) 770-2777
EMP Sky Church (206) 770-2777
Fiddlers Inn (206) 525-0752
Grinders (206) 542-0627
Highliner Pub (206) 283-2233
Highway 99 Club (206) 382-2171
J & M Cafe (206) 467-2666
Lock & Keel (206) 781-8023
Maple Leaf Grill (206) 523-8449
Mr. Villa (206) 517-5660
New Orleans (206) 622-2563
Paragon (206) 283-4548
Pike Place Bar and Grill (206) 624-1365
Te Rimrock Steak House (206) 362-7979
Salmon Bay Eagles (206) 783-7791
St. Clouds (206) 726-1522
Tird Place Commons, Lake Forest Park (206) 366-3333
Triangle Tavern (206) 763.0714
Tractor Tavern (206) 789-3599
Triple Door (206) 838-4333
North End
(Lynnwood, Everett, Edmonds, etc.):
Bubbas Roadhouse Sultan, (360) 793-3950
Canoes Cabaret Tulalip (888) 272-1111
Te Conway Muse in Conway (360) 445-3000
Demetris Woodstone Taverna, Edmonds (425) 744-9999
Diamond Knot Brewery & Alehouse Mukilteo
(425) 355-4488
Engels Pub Edmonds (425) 778-2900
Historic Spar Tree Granite Falls (360) 691-6888
Madison Pub - Everett (425) 348-7402
Mardinis Snohomish (360) 568-8080
Mirkwood & Shire Caf Arlington (360) 403-9020
North Sound:Star Bar, Anacortes (360) 299-2120 (
Prohibition Grille, Everett (425) 258-6100
Stanwood Hotel & Saloon Stanwood (360) 629-2888
Stewarts Snohomish (360) 568-4684
Timberline Caf Granite Falls (360) 691-7011
South Sound
Tacoma, Burien, Federal Way, etc
Al Lago, Lake Tapps (253) 863-8636
2 Wheel Blues Club Tacoma
Barnacles Restaurant, Des Moines (206) 878-5000
Te Barrel Burien (206) 246-5488
CCs Lounge, Burien (206) 242-0977
Capitol Teater/Olympia Film Society (360) 754-3635
Cascade Tavern Vancouver (360) 254-0749
Charlies Olympia (360) 786-8181
Clif House Restaurant Tacoma (253) 927-0400
Destination Harley Davidson Fife (253) 922-3700
Blues Vespers at Immanuel Presbyterian (253) 627-8371
Jazzbones in Tacoma (253) 396-9169
(Te) Junction Sports Bar, Centralia (360) 273-7586
Lighthouse Des Moines (206) 824-4863
Maggie OTooles Lakewood (253) 584-3278
Magnolia Caf Poulsbo (360) 697-1447
Mint Alehouse Enumclaw (360) 825-8361
Pats Bar & Grill Kent (253) 852-7287rr
Pick & Shovel Wilkeson (360) 829-6574
Te Pony Keg - Kent (253) 395-8022
Riverside Pub, Sumner (253) 863-8369
Silver Dollar Pub Spanaway (253) 531-4469
Te Spar Tacoma (253) 627-8215
Te Swiss Tacoma (253) 572-2821
Tugboat Annies Olympia (360) 943-1850
Uncle Sams Bar & Grill - Spanaway (253) 507-7808
Wurlitzer Manor Gig Harbor (253) 858-1749
North Sound
Bellingham, Anacortes, Whidbey Island, etc
China Beach Langley (360) 530-8888
Just Moes Sedro Woolley (360) 855-2997
LaConner Tavern LaConner (360) 466-9932
Little Roadside Tavern Everson (360) 592-5107
Old Edison Inn Edison (360) 766-6266
Rockfsh Grill Anacortes (360) 588-1720
Stump Bar & Grill Arlington (360) 653-6774
Watertown Pub Anacortes (360) 293-3587
Wild Bufalo Bellingham (360) 312-3684
Viking Bar and Grill Stanwood (360) 629-9285
Eastside
Bellevue, Kirkland, etc.
Bakes Place - Bellevue (425) 454-2776
Central Club Kirkland (425) 827-8808
Crossroads Shopping Center Bellevue (425) 644-1111
Damans Pub Redmond
Forecasters Woodinville (425) 483-3212
Raging River Caf & Club Fall City (425) 222-6669
RockinM BBQ, Golf Range & Lounge - Everett (425.438.2843)
Time Out Sports Bar Kirkland (425) 822-8511
Top Shelf Broiler & Tervelli Lounge - Kirkland (206) 239-8431
Vino Bella Issaquah (425) 391-1424
Wild Vine Bistro, Bothell (425) 877-1334
Wilde Rover Kirkland (425) 822-8940
Valhalla Bar & Grill, Kirkland (425) 827 3336
Yuppie Tavern - Kirkland (425) 814-5200
Peninsula

Clearwater Casino Suquamish (360) 598-6889
Destiny Seafood & Grill Port Angeles (360) 452-4665
Halfime Saloon Gig Harbor (253) 853-1456
Junction Tavern Port Angeles (360) 452-9880
Little Creek Casino Shelton (360) 427-7711
Seven Cedars Casino Sequim (360) 683-7777
Sirens Port Townsend (360) 379-1100
Upstage Port Townsend (360) 385-2216
Wednesdays
Charlies Olympia: Blues Attitude
Damans Pub, 8 PM
Dogghouse Tavern, Mt. Vernon Alan: Hatley Trio, 7pm
Half Time Saloon: Billy Shew & Billy Barner
Locker Room, White Center: Michael Johnson & Lynn Sorensen, 8-12pm
Madison Pub, Everett: hosted by Unbound w/special guests 7:30pm
5/7 - Lou Echeverri
5/14 - Scott E. Lind
5/21 - Billy Lovy
5/28 - Kimball Conant and Stickshif
Oxford Saloon, Snohomish: Oxford School of Jam hosted by Rick J Bowen, Teri
Anne Wilson and Robert Baker for All- Ages Open Jam 7-11pm
Salmon Bay Eagles: Broomdust presents Blues of the Past jam
(1st Wed.), 8pm
Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland (Totem Lake), HeatherBBlues Acoustic jam, 8pm
Ould Triangle Pub: hosted by Jef Hass, Open Mic Blues Jam, 9pm
Thursdays
Bad Alberts: Invitational w/Annieville Blues
Barrel Tavern: hosted by Tim Turner, 8pm
Club Flight Nightclub: w/Cory Wilde, 9pm
Conway Pub
Dawsons, Tacoma: Billy Shew, 8 pm
Jimmy Jacks: School of Jam hosted by Rick Bowen,
Teri Wilson, Robert Baker, All Ages, Everett 7-11pm
Special Guests:
5/1 - Lou Echeverri
5/8 - Chris Lord
5/15 -Brian Lee
5/22 - Lori Hardman/John Gulla
5/29 - James Howard
OCallahans: Tim Hall, 7pm
Oxford Saloon: Jam Night w/Tommy Cook Trio
Fridays
New Orleans Restaurant: All Star Jam, hosted by
Leslie Stardrums Milton & Lady Keys, 7pm
(1st & 3rd Fridays)
Venue Guide
24
Blues Festival Preview: Blues at the Border in Oroville!
A motorcycle rally that encompasses what riders
live for: blues, bikes and back roads.
The Northern Okanogan area in Washington
State offers some of the best riding you will ever
fnd. The region features beautiful winding back
roads follow scenic rivers, lakes, meadows and
streams, from sea level to elevations of 3,500 feet.

On May 17
th
and 18
th
, Oroville, Washington will
welcome ALL bikers riding in from north, south,
east & west for the Rally at the Border Blues
Festival.

The Columbia River HOG (www.
columbiariverhog.net)-sponsored 12th annual Run
for the Border will make its three-hour ride from
Wenatchee north and arrive in Oroville just in time
for lunch. Canadian riders will ride south arriving
about the same time, making this an international
rally. Join their ride or meet them in Oroville!

On Saturday, the music begins at two oclock and
is scheduled to end at ten in the evening along
the shores of Lake Osoyoos in Deep Bay Park.
Set in the midst of mountain views, vineyards
and orchards, this international lake is located
in both British Columbia and Washington State.

Orovilles local wineries will be having their
annual barrel tastings on Saturday, May 17
th
and
there will also a car show downtown at Gold
Digger Park on Main Street, offering another
way to experience Blues at the Border. Festival
admission is $20 online or $25 at event, 21 and
over.
Blues at the Border Line-up, beginning at 2:00 PM
on May 17
th
:
Junk Belly Blues based Pop/Rock band
featuring original tunes. They make music that
moves people and it will be an experience youll
remember. Dont miss lead guitar player Wayne
Evans and his ensemble of local heavy hitting
musicians that have formed Wenatchee Valleys
best pop rockin blues band. www.junkbelly.org
Voo Doo Church of Blues - Blues/Rockin Blues/
Swing. Gary Yeomans lowdown dirty blues
band with a little bit of Texas bar rock thrown
in for added favor. A Spokane favorite! www.
reverbnation.com/voodoochurchofblues
North HalfBlues / Classic Rock / Classic R&B. A
fun local Okanogan Valley band that will keep you
dancing. The lively lead singer Todd Mathews
will keep you entertained every moment. www.
northalf.weebly.com
Blues Edition. A high energy blues band with a fne
mix of blues, rhythm and blues, and swing! Missy
Califano is a multi-instrumentalist and her primary
instrument is her powerful lead vocals. Anthony
Holmes, playing bass also sings lead vocals with
Missy. www.bluesedition.com
RedHouse. A diverse group of musicians that
combine a love for the Blues with their own
unique songwriting styles. John Helms on Lead
guitar and Vocals with Lady D (Delinda House)
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, and Percussion.
www.reverbnation.com/redhousetheband
Ride, drive or walk, but just dont miss this great
event!
Join the hundreds of bikes that roar into town on
Saturday and then head out for an afternoon and
evening of Blues at Deep Bay Park on the shores
of Lake Osoyoos. On Sunday, ALL RIDERS
are welcome to participate in the Charity Poker
Run as it winds through the beautiful Okanogan
Highlands. Everyone OVER 21 years of age is
welcome! Motorcycle riders, blues enthusiasts or
the curious adventuresome souls! Come be a part
of the Rally at the Border Blues Festival.
http://www.rallyattheborderbluesfest.com Email:
borderbluesfest@gmail.com or phone: 509-485-
2272
Passing the Torch thank the following musicians,
supporters, donors and volunteers for a successful
fundraiser in Shoreline on March 23
rd
!
The Musicians
Hot Rod Holman
Polly OKeary
Kevin Sutton
Steve Sarkowsky
Jumpin Josh Violette
Teen bands
Annabelle Bird Cooley
Tigerlily Cooley
Ian Sandico
Mason Turner
Jumpin Josh Violette
Giordan Montero
Mark Dufresne & Dan Newton Duo
Karen Lovely Band
Karen Lovely
Rod Cook
Ben Rice
Scotty Harris
Andrew Cloutier
Raven Humphres
Donors:
Winthrop R&B Fest
Sunbanks Fest
Mt Baker Fest
2 - $50 Gift Certs for Soma Salon donated by Jill
Storm & Anthony
Snake Oil Band [house party]
Mary McPage Band [house party]
Myrna Bostwick personal items: Bob Dylan 30th
Anniversary Concert DVD, Sonic Boom Book
& $25 Gift Cert Cheesecake Factory
Jazz Alley
Highway 99 Club
Seattle Theatre Group
Experience Music Project

Special Thanks to:
Raven Humphres as Emcee
Rick Bowen
Jill Zyvoloski
Myrna Bostwick
Red Crane Restaurant
Passing the Torch 2014 Special Thanks!
25
26
What Happens at Sunbanks...
By Amy Sassenberg
What is the best thing about the impending
summer? The promise of warmer weather and
maybe a few rays of sun is never a sure thing here
in the Northwest. But a super fun super-charged
party at Sunbanks Resort twice a year: that is
something you can count on.
The Sunbanks Music Festival in Electric City,
Washington is a harbinger of the festival season.
Its double the pleasure in May & September,
effectively marking the beginning and end of the
summer. Always the weekend before Memorial
Day and the weekend directly after Labor Day, this
years dates are May 15th to 18th and September
4th to 7th.
Started in 1995, this joyful gathering is in its 19
th

year. People boast about being at the frst one, or
coming for so many years in a row. Its a rite of
passage for blues fans. If its your frst one, you
will be called a virgin and toasted and roasted until
you feel like part of the family. And family is a
word that is used by many attendees.
Both big daddy and mischievous little brother,
Billy Stoops has been the festival director for
the past 14 years and also a mainstay entertainer
and spokesperson. Leanne Trevalyan, longtime
friend and band-mate, is his trusty assistant and
promotional diva. Merchandise, graphic design
and volunteer coordination are some of Leannes
specialties. She defnitely has the big sis vibe.
Shes a big part of what happens here, Billy says.
And what happens here, besides some rockin
music, is somewhat of a mystery to those as-of-yet
uninitiated. When asked to describe the festival,
guitar player Mark Riley and photographer Blues
Boss both echoed a twist on the infamous line
about Vegas: What happens at Sunbanks stays at
Sunbanks. Bring it up to Billy and he shakes his
head, Yeah, until Facebook.
Ive had some amazing experiences out there,
says drummer Andrew Cloutier, with a grin.
Nothing I can talk about. The mystique is part of
its charm and the wild reputation hasnt hurt. Its
an incredibly wonderful party, says Billy. You
feel like youre almost part of a family. Its both,
really. A great party AND a great family. People
have been coming back for so long, its like a
family reunion, Leanne says. Only in this family,
there are no kids. Or maybe just a bunch of grown-
up kids. Everybodys always smiling, having a
great time, Billy says. The Sunbanks Festival is
21 and over, adults only. This means the organizers
dont need to set up a beer garden. You can bring
your own or buy it at the camp store. Theres also
a full-service cantina, with a restaurant and an
espresso stand open every day.
Its a resort, so anything you dont bring, you can
probably purchase. Necessities, food, beer, wine,
staples, soft drinks, coffee Billy rattles off a
list. The resort itself is beautiful. Probably one
of the most beautiful venues for a festival in the
state. Its like an oasis out there in the rock and
sagebrush.
The real value in Sunbanks is its an incredible
place to camp and hangout and you get four nights
of camping and music for one ticket price. Thats
camping or lodging. Theres a complete range of
camping available: tent sites with fre pits and
picnic tables; RV sites with and without hookups;
rustic waterfront cabins (cabins without plumbing,
but very comfy for sleeping or entertaining
friends.)
Then there are the one, two and fve-bedroom
luxury villas on the hill. There was some question
about pricing earlier in the year, and longtime
festival-goers expressed some momentary concern
through social media. And yes, some of the
campsites and lodging went up a few dollars, but
some also went down. Turns out there hadnt been
any changes in several years to allow for increased
expenses, so the management needed to make a
few adjustments.
There are also motels fve minutes away in town,
in Grand Coulee, Billy says.
Or sleep in your car if you want. Sleep on your
boat. We dont care. Speaking of, theres a nice
marina if you want to tie up. Banks Lake is a
great body of water, Billy says. Swimming,
fshing, boating. The water might be a bit cold,
but Leanne says its a great place to explore the
outdoors. I usually go for a couple hikes, she
says. And theres swimming if youre bold
enough to be in a bathing suit.
Billy says there are still plenty of choices available
now, as of this writing. Tent sites, RV spots,
cabins, and a few villas, he says. There are
always rumors were sold out. Weve always got
room for tent camping. You can come over the
weekend of, and well fnd you a place to put your
tent.
Once youre settled, sidle on down to the stage for
a unique mix of great performances. Each year, the
Sunbanks festival presents a line-up of blues and
roots favorites with a sprinkling of surprises. This
months festival will feature northwest favorites,
James King, Hot Wired Rhythm Band, Nick
Vigarinos Back Porch Stomp and Polly OKearys
Rhythm Method. I think shes a great entertainer
and fabulous bass player and singer, says Leanne
about Polly. Shes also the energetic bass player in
the Randy Oxford Band. But, Leanne adds, Shes
best known for breaking in the new hardwood
foor at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, home
of Blues Vespers, with her stiletto heels. Polly
is also featured in the Hot Wired Rhythm Band,
which Billy calls a kick-ass band of superstars.
Billy says his good friend James King is always
a pro. Hell have Eric Two-Scoops Moore on
piano with him, Billy says.
Didnt get a chance to go to Memphis for the Blues
Challenge this year? You can catch many of this
years competitors and fnalists: The Ben Rice Trio
and Rae Gordon from the Portland area will be
there. I love Rae, Billy says. She sings her butt
off. Solid groovers Bakin Phat out of Spokane
will make their Sunbanks debut.
The Sunbanks Cantina, a rock garden amphitheater
behind the lodge, offers an intimate, mostly
acoustic kick-off to the weekend. Some of the
festivals main stage performers bring a more raw,
scaled-down version of their act to the Cantina.
You can never go wrong with Ben Rice. We get
to hear him twice, Billy says. Back Porch Stomp,
one half of Nick Vigarinos Meantown Blues will
also double up. This year were celebrating Nick
Vigarinos birthday party in the cantina. Billy
says. The rousing duo of Rafael Tranquilino and
Sweet Danny Ray out of the Seattle area will rock
the garden as well. Rafael and Dan will add great
energy. Billy says. The Thursday night thing,
well, you know, its always a party,
Headliners Rick Estrin & the Nightcats and
Curtis Salgado, promise to be big crowd-pleasers.
A chance to see Curtis up close and personal is
something not to be missed. These guys are
fabulous performers. Sammy Eubanks closes out
the night Saturday.
Sammy says hes got something special this year,
but you have to show up to fnd out. Ive done it
three or four or fve times. Its always a joy, a true
joy, Sammy says. Great crew, people, always a
great vibe. Sammy describes why Sunbanks is
special: The atmosphere, the camping. You can
walk to the stage, walk to the restaurant. Its got
a great feel. You can dance on the beach. Its no
wonder Sunbanks is a fve-time Best-of-the-Blues
award recipient for best festival.
This years surprises: The True Spokes. A few
years ago, the band that puts on Summer Meltdown
in Darrington every year, Flowmotion, reformed
as the True Spokes. Their music is more rockin
and rootsy and dreamy than ever. I try to bring in
someone that the crowd hasnt heard before, Billy
says with excitement. I think Sunbanks will really
enjoy the True Spokes.
Another act hes excited about? Sena Ehrhardt.
Sena is another surprise, he says. A young
woman out of the Minnesota area, a fnalist at the
BMAs, Billy says shes got a new record about
to break and shes getting a lot of attention. Im
thrilled to get her up here and introduce her to the
Northwest. Shes goin to blow em away.
Continued on Next Page
27
John Bunzow is out of Portland. A respected
songwriter, great guitar player and just a super
nice guy, according to Billy. I dig him so much.
Hes got a pretty rich history, from Portland to
Nashville. Billy says a few of the choices are
purely selfsh. We got John there for us.
Billy and Leanne are also part of the talent pool.
This year the crowd will experience Billy Roy
Danger & the Rectifers and Leannes Trevalyan
Triangle. Billy refers to the Rectifers as a mess
of red-hot twang and roots. Leanne Trevalyan is
actually the frst act on Thursday night, opening the
cantina at the festival with an intimate showcase
of her and Rachel Williamsons vocals. Later in
the festival, she brings a reworked version of the
Triangle with Rachel, Jake Garrido on percussion
and David Dickerson on keys. Leanne says the sets
feature different songs and styles.
Closing the festival again this year is the Maurice
John Vaughn Band. Maurice is a real Chicago
blues guy, says Billy. A great guitar player.
Great entertainer. He grew up there, played with
everyone, Buddy Guy. Billy says Maurice brings
Donald Ray Johnson with him, from the funk
band Taste of Honey. Billy also volunteers that
Maurice holds the record for the longest continuous
set. One year he started at 7:45 on Sunday and did
not even leave the stage until 12:30 a.m., he says.
Apparently the crowd kept asking for more, so he
stayed. Always a crowd pleaser at Sunbanks,
Billy says.
Drummer Andrew Cloutier has played there a few
times with his band, Left Hand Smoke. He says
its a great venue. I love the atmosphere. Its a
high-energy crowd.
The production is really good. The setting makes
for a good experience. Its a
Late-night-musician rock-and-roll atmosphere the
whole time. Its comfortable.
You dont have to hold back.
You can visit sunbanksfestival.com for the full
4-day schedule. So far, there arent any weddings
scheduled yet. Billy is an ordained minister and
has performed marriage ceremonies for couples at
Sunbanks, including one last year for a couple who
met there. The festival is legendary for bringing
folks together.
So far, no one has asked him to perform a divorce,
but you never know what can happen at Sunbanks.
Enter at your own risk, quips Sweet Danny
Ray OBryant. And many will risk it, and it will
become the stuff of legend, and be talked about for
years, at family reunions to come.
For questions you can email Sunbanksfestival@
yahoo.com. For camping & tickets, contact the
resort at sunbanksresort.com or 888-822-7195.
Sunbanks Photos: by Jim Westveer
Commander Cody (Top Photo) and the Delgado
Brothers (Right)
Spring Line-Up
Thursday Night, May 15
, in the Cantina
Trevalyan Triangle
Rafael Tranquilino &
Sweet Danny Ray
Back Porch Stomp
Ben Rice Band
Friday, May 16
James King
Billy Roy Danger &
the Rectifers
Ben Rice Band
Nick Vigarinos
Meantown Blues
The True Spokes
Saturday, May 17
Trevalyan Triangle
Rae Gordon Band
Curtis Salgado
Rick Estrin & the Nightcats
Sammy Eubanks with Jeff Kunz
Sunday, May 18
John Bunzow
Bakin Phat
Polly OKeary & the Rhythm
Method
Sena Erhardt
Maurice John Vaughn Group
Fall Line-up Preview
Sept. 4-7
Little Bill Trio in the Cantina
Sonny Rhodes
Junkyard Jane with Sue Orfeld
Leroy Bell
Commander Cody
Kirby Sewell Band
The Stone Foxes
28
By Eric Steiner
The 5
th
Annual Coeur dAlene Blues Festival
featured nationally-touring headliners Curtis
Salgado and Janiva Magness at the prestigious
Coeur dAlene Resort in Northern Idaho from
March 28
th
-30
th
, 2014. Curtis and Janiva turned
this world-class destination resort into a juke joint
with 11 very talented regional and local bands
that included many International Blues Challenge
competitors. Ill begin by re-capping Friday
afternoons acoustic set in the lounge and the
blues cruise, followed by highlights from Saturday
nights main stage featuring Curtis Salgado and
Janiva Magness, and end with a short re-cap of
Kenny Andrews soulful Gospel brunch at the
Dockside Restaurant.
Ray Roberson and Miah Flores opened the festival
with a free set of acoustic blues in the elegant
Whispers Lounge. Two of the many highlights for
me were Fleuretta from the Thunder Over the
Coeur dAlene CD and the title track from Blues
Train. The duo is often joined by Neil BZ Beese
on standup bass. Together, Ray and Neil have
represented the Inland Empire Blues Society and
the Boise Blues Society at the International Blues
Challenge in Memphis and they made it to the
semi-fnals in 2006 and 2010. Ray and Miahs set
included a spirited Fleuretta from the Thunder
Over the Coeur dAlene CD and the title tune from
Blues Train.
Lake Coeur dAlene Blues Cruise
Friday night featured a CDA blues festival
tradition: two boats joined together that enabled
festival fans to see both the Kenny James Miller
Band and The Fat Tones. I thought I would get
seasick as Im generally not boat-friendly, but
the vessels were so rock-solid that I could not tell
we had left the dock and were plying the waters of
this 25-mile long lake. Despite a windy downpour
out on the deck, each act played inside with dance
foors that were consistently flled throughout the
two-hour cruise.
The Kenny James Miller Band is led by Ken
Sederdahl on guitar with Mark Cornett on bass
and Mark Miller on drums. Formed just three
short years ago, the Kenny James Miller Band has
garnered a number of blues award nominations
from members of the Inland Empire Blues Society,
and last year, Mark Cornett won in the blues bass
category. In 2012, they won the Spokane-areas
local blues completion and made it to the fnals
of the Washington Blues Societys International
Blues Challenge at the Taste of Music Festival
in Snohomish, Washington. Crossing over to
visual media, theyve produced a well-received
video of Thank You, Lucille, dedicated to B.B.
Kings guitar, and they have opened up for B. B.
King and The Outlaws. The bands also played
Idahos historic Wallace Blues Festival as well as
regualars at a number of festivals in Montana, such
as Rockin the Rivers and Blues in the Springs.
The Fat Tones are one of the most popular blues
rock trios in the Pacifc Northwest. Led by Bobby
Patterson on guitar, Bob Ehrgott on bass and Zach
Cooper on drums, this trio is poised to make the
leap from a regional act to a nationally-touring
one. The Tones set ranged from some of their
popular originals like Full Time Job and Aint
No Doubt About That to inspired reinventions
of Johnny Winters Illustrated Man, Delbert
McClintons Why Me? and Mark Knopfers
Sultans of Swing. This year, The Fat Tones are
playing festivals and clubs on both sides of the
Cascade Mountains, ranging from the Wallace
Blues Festival and the Keeping the Blues Alive
Award-winning Mount Baker Rhythm and Blues
Festival in Bellingham near the Canadian border
to Jazzbones in Tacoma, The Central in Kirkland
and Daleys Cheap Shots in Spokane.
After the boats docked, the music continued in the
Plaza Shops Center Court with a free concert from
the winner of the 2014 Washington Blues Society
International Blues Challenge, Bakin Phat. Bakin
Phat. Bakin Phat is led by harp man and lead
vocalist Dave Allen and Dennis Higgins on guitar,
and keeping the beat are Pat Potter on bass and
Ken Danielson on drums. They played more than
their Memphis-set at the shopping center and the
dance foor was consistently flled throughout the
evening. Each of the members have been playing
in different bands around the region for decades,
but they formed in 2012, and in two short years,
earned the right to compete on Beale Street in the
worlds largest gathering of blues talent.
The Coeur dAlene Resort: Idahos Newest
Pop Up Juke Joint
Saturdays music began with Anita Royce and
the High Rollers featuring young guitarslinger
Forest Govedare, followed by the Sara Brown
Band. While I look forward to seeing Anita and
her band play during my next visit, my day began
in a resort conference room featuring Saras set. In
2002, Universal Studios in Hollywood recognized
Sara as Singer of the Year and in 2012 and 2013
Sara won the Inland Empire Blues Societys award
for the Best Female Blues Performer. Supporting
Sarah is Pacifc Northwest blues veteran Dave
Keely and an estimable engine room of bass
player and songwriter Jesse Brown and Jeff Curtis
on drums. The bands set included originals
from their Pretty Penny Shoes CD and innovative
versions of K.T. Tunstalls Black Horse & Cherry
Tree and Slim Harpos Ti-Na-Ni-Na-Nu.
As Sarah ended her set, I headed back to the
Whispers Lounge to catch the Doghouse Boyz
Neil Elwell on vocals, acoustic guitar and dobro
with Ramiro Vijarro on bass on bass and vocals.
Over the course of their afternoon-long set, they
brought up guest Boyz Jesse Kunz, an award-
winning harp player based in Coeur dAlene who
plays with the Fur Traders.
Saturdays main stage shows were held in a large
conference rooms that held the 1,200+ blues fans
and featured stages and light shows at each end
of the room. The Randy Oxford Band kicked off
Stage One before the Curtis Salgado Band while
the Big Mumbo Blues Band kicked off Stage
Two before Janiva Magness. The evening ended
with an all-star jam hosted by award-winning
International Blues Challenge competitor Sammy
Eubanks who hails from Post Falls, Idaho.
The Randy Oxford Band delivered one of the
strongest sets Ive seen from a band that has
performed at the International Blues Challenge
multiple times. The band worked through a
number of new tunes on their latest CD, It
Feels Good. Joining Randy were Randy Norris
and Manuel Morais on guitars, Polly OKeary on
bass and Richard Sabol on drums and the sultry
Jada Amy on lead vocals. This time out, the band
included bits of fun, synchronized stage business
that reminded me of Blind Pig recording artists
Big James and the Chicago Playboys another
band featuring the blues trombone. Randys set
ranged from upbeat rhythm and blues to Spanish
famenco featuring Manuel on vocals (in Spanish).
The Big Mumbo Blues Band included one of the
surprise guests of the festival. Percussionist and
drummer Peter Rivera sat in with the bad and
sang hits from his early days with Rare Earth,
arguably one of Motown Records most successful
white acts signed in the late 1960s. I Just Want
to Celebrate and Get Ready brought blues fans
to their feet with Peters exceptional still got it
vocals backed by a band that has pure funk running
through its veins. Together, the members of Big
Mumbo have received more than a dozen awards
from the Inland Empire Blues Societys annual
blues awards in the guitar, male and female singer,
sax and Musicians Choice categories. Charles
Swanson alternated between sax, vocals
and percussion, Rick Smith and Mike Tschirgi
anchored the band on bass and drums and Danny
McCollum played keyboards and Pat Barclay did
an amazing job as a left-handed guitarist playing
the instrument upside down. The Big Mumbo
Blues Band has a strong presence on Facebook;
join their 1,000+ fans and Like their page online.
Festival Headliners: Curtis Salgado
and Janiva Magness
Last year was a big year for Curtis Salgado. Not
only did Blues Blast Magazine readers honor
his Alligator Records release, Soul Shot, as Soul
Blues Album of the Year at Buddy Guys Legends
in Chicago, he also received three Blues Music
Awards in the Male Blues Artist of the Year, and
Soul Blues Album of the Year categories.
Blues Festival Review: The 5
th
Annual Coeur dAlene Blues Festival
29
No stranger to the awards stage in Memphis,
Curtis also won the 2010 and 2012 Blues Music
Award for Soul Blues Artist Of The Year. This
year, the Oregon Legislature passed Senate
Concurrent Resolution 205 honoring Curtis as a
State Treasure. Curtis career has taken him from
the Blues Brothers and Robert Cray to Roomful
of Blues, Santana and his 2014 line-up includes
Tracy Big Dog Arrington on bass, Insomniacs
alumnus Vyasa Dodson on guitar, Brian Foxworth
on drums and Craig Stevenson on keyboards.
I had heard that Curtis has had more than his
share of health troubles recently including an
operation to remove a cancerous lung tumor and
liver transplant but he was jumping, dancing and
moving to the music like a teenager. Curtis set
featured What You Gonna Do, Love Man and
She Didnt Cut Me Loose from Soul Shot, but he
reached way back to his early Curtis Salgago and
the Stilettos 1991 CD for Too Loose and Star
Bright, Star Light. Curtis harp-playing was
inspired, and his last few songs sounded just like
an old-time revival meeting.

Janiva Magness set was an exceptional tour-de-
force drawn from her critically-acclaimed 2012
Alligator Records release, Stronger For It as well
as from her earlier The Devil is an Angel, Too. Last
year, Janiva won her fourth Contemporary Blues
Female Artist of the Year Award and Song of the
Year Award for I Wont Cry. Like Curtis Salgado,
she also has received a Blues Music Award in the
B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award. Thats
quite an accomplishment: Janiva was only the
second blueswoman ever to win that award. The
frst woman to receive it was the Queen of the
Blues, Ms. Koko Taylor. In addition, Living Blues
magazine readers voted Janiva Magness as Female
Artist of the Year in that prestigious publications
annual Readers Poll in 2013.
Janiva brought her road-tested band to Coeur
dAlene: long-time collaborator and bassist Gary
Davenport, the award-winning drummer Matt
Tecu, blues/funk guitarist extraordinaire Zach
Zunis, and versatile keyboard player Jim Alfredson.
Not only are her bandmates top-notch musicians,
each of them are competent background vocalists
with just the right vocal range to complement
Janivas material (and I think thats rare among
contemporary blues bands). Janivas set included a
diverse set from her most recent Alligator Records
releases, and she brought out a cigar box guitar
that she bought from Florida guitarist J.P. Soars.
She punctuated a number songs with it, and it
worked. She opened with Whoop and Holler
from Stronger for It and the song invited audience
participation from the opening bass and drum
lines. Her set also included the award winning I
Wont Cry and while she flled that song with a
determination built on sadness, Janivas attitude
shined through on a spirited version of a song that
might remind fans of a relationship gone awry,
There It Is. One of the many surprises of this
set included a song from her June 24
th
release,
Original, on Janivas own Fathead Records.
Janiva and her band treated the Coeur dAlene
audience to the second-ever public performance
of the heartfelt and reassuring Everything is
Alright. Based on the audiences enthusiastic
reaction to the song, Everything is Alright will
be one of the many gems on Original.
A Brunch Filled with Praise
While many people of faith were in houses of
worship on Sunday morning, Kenny Andrews used
a music stand in the resorts Dockside Restaurant
as a pulpit. By day, Andrews is a Music Minister
at Spokanes Cavalry Baptist Church and when
not working in the church, hes working on his
New Creations record label. Hes been featured in
national and regional Gospel publications and web
sites for his innovative approach to Gospel. When
he won a car in the Gimme the Mic singing
contest, he returned the car and used the proceeds
to support his music ministry.
If You Go Travel Links
It took me less time to get from the Spokane
International Airport to Coeur dAlene than my
morning commute to Seattle. I was surprised
by the public art, diversity of ethnic restaurants
(Greek, Mexican, Brazilian and Irish) and friendly
and welcoming people there. Especially when I
got lost en route to the SpringHill Suites, Idahos
frst green-certifed LEED hotel. I was pointed
in the right direction after a great lunch at a local
family-owned Mexican restaurant, El Paisa. If
you add the Coeur dAlene Blues Festival to your
2015 blues festival calendar, start with the states
tourism site (www.visitidaho.org) and then learn
more about the region through its local paper, the
Coeur dAlene Press. Incidentally, the towns
name is rooted in how local indigenous peoples
negotiated with white settlers after contact.
Due to the indigenous peoples profciency and
experience in commerce, French fur trappers
named their trading partners Coeur dAlene,
loosely-translated as having a heart of an awl (a
tool used in cutting and shaping leather used long
before the Industrial Revolution).
I highly recommend the Coeur dAlene Blues
Festival for its promotion of regional and local
acts, and its use of national headliners like Curtis
Salgado and Janiva Magness. Curtis and Janivas
sets made for an exciting blues festival early in
blues festival season in the scenic North Idaho
Panhandle.
Editors Note: A slightly longer version of this story
ran in the April 17, 2014 Blues Blast Magazine,
www.bluesblastmagazine.com - an exceptional
national blues resource that hosts the annual Blues
Blast awards. Its a free blues magazine delivered
every Thursday. Sign up1
Curtis Salgado
(Photo by Eric Steiner)
Jamva Magness
Peter Rivera
30
by Phil Brown (Photo of the Lowrider Band
Courtesy of Lee Oskar)
(Editors Note: These original members are
unable to use their former bands name, but we
know and love their music).
When served an eclectic brew of Latin, R&B, rock
and funk on a saucy platter of contemporary jazz
and hot Jamaican reggae, what do you get? You
get a motley spread of the hottest musical omnibus
to morph from recording studios in over a decade:
You get the fabulous Lowrider Band.
Since 1962, members of the Lowrider Band have
compiled a tapestry of quintessential songs and
live performances so musically infectious that its
moniker traces from Los Angeles to Mexico City
and from London to Copenhagen. And the genius
of this Southern California troupe is captured in the
musical medley of Hispanic, African-American,
Asian and mainstream cultures, resulting in
monster compositions such as Slippin into
Darkness, Low Rider, 9 to 5 (Ordinary Man),
All Day Music and many other chart-toppers.
Comprising four prolifc, multi-platinum singer-
songwriters, Howard Scott (guitar), Harold
Brown (drums), Lee Oskar (harmonica) and
B.B. Dickerson (bass), this dynamic team of
accomplished musicians is guilty of dishing up
many of the greatest tunes to permeate airwaves
since the dawn of radio: The Cisco Kid, Why
Cant We Be Friends, Spill the Wine and The
World is a Ghetto are a few more mega-hits from
the bands exhaustive discography.
Completing the seven-member posse and lending
harmonious support to their distinctive sound are
Lance Ellis on saxophone and fute, Pete Cole on
keyboards, and Chuck Barber on percussion. With
more than 50 million albums sold that contain
compositions from the original four, a plethora
of these arias have been sampled and recorded by
major artists, including the smash single You by
singer Janet Jackson.
The Cisco Kid DVD by Los Lonely Boys featuring
Willie Nelson and the chic jam Low Rider by rock
group Korn. Their latest self-tiled disc, Lowrider
Band, features eight superbly orchestrated songs,
including a riveting live version of Why Cant We
Be Friends. Itll conjure reminisces of back in the
day when the gang began their musical conquests.
The Lowrider Bands picturesque web-site is a
window into the bands exciting plans, including
upcoming projects and concerts. Presently, in 2014,
Lowrider Band will be touring much of the US,
and plan to step up their touring itinerary to reach
their growing international legion of followers.
The Lowrider Band is thrilled to announce that
band members Howard Scott, Harold Brown, Lee
Oskar and B.B. Dickerson have been nominated
two times for induction into the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame and their legendary song Low
Rider was recently inducted in the 2014 Grammy
Hall of Fame!
The Bluesletter is pleased pleased to announce
that the Lowrider Band will be in Seattle on
Saturday May 10th for two shows at the Triple
Door. Tickets are on sale now and will sell out
fast:
h t t p : / / www. t r i p l e d o o r. c o m/ Ca l e n -
dar/ Event s/ May- 2014/ Lowri der- Band.
aspx?date=2014-05-10
Website: http://www.lowriderband.com/
Special Preview: The Lowrider Band Live at
Seattles Triple Door on May 10
th
!
31
Mark Dufresne Blues Male Vocalist:
Chris Eger
CD Woodbury
Randy Norris
Steve Peterson
Sammy Eubanks
Blues Female Vocalist:
Jada Amy
Stacy Jones
Stickshift Annie
Electric Blues Guitar:
CD Woodbury
Jeff Menteer
Manuel Morais
Slide Blues Guitar:
Mark Riley
Scott E Lind
Kimball Conant
Blues Bass:
Polly OKeary
Robert Baker
Tom Jones
Mike Fish
Hank Yanda
Chris Leighton Drums:
Rick Bowen
Russ Kamerer
John Rockwell
Angelo Ortiz
Rick Jacobson
Blues Horn:
Mike Marinig
Jim King
Randy Oxford
Paul Green Harmonica:
Stacy Jones
Jim King
Jim McLaughlin
Piano & Keyboards:
Arthur Migliazza
Frank Hotrod Holman
Chris Kleiman
Acoustic Blues Guitar:
Randy Norris
Rod Cook
Eric Madis
Ryan LaPlante
Blues Act:
Stacy Jones Band
Brian Lee & the Orbiters
Blues Playground
Little Bill and the Blues Notes Traditional
Blues Act:
Brian Lee & the Orbiters
The WIRED! Band
Boneyard Preachers
Solo/Duo Act:
Norris & Nicely
Sweet Danny Ray & Rafael Tranquilino
Son Jack Jr & Michael Wilde
New Blues Band:
Blues on Tap
Black River Blues
Alley Kattz
Jesse James & the Mob
Blues Performer:
Stacy Jones
Lady A
Jim King
Blues Songwriter:
CD Woodbury
Brian Lee5
Stacy Jones
Blues Recording:
Monday Night by CD Woodbury
In Orbit by Brian Lee & the Orbiters
It Feels Good by Randy Oxford
Blues Club:
Highway 99 Blues Club
Engels
Jazz Bones
Wild Hare
Blues Writer:
Rick Bowen
Eric Steiner
Malcolm Kennedy
Amy Sassenberg
Blues Image:
Jones Family Christmas Poster
(Designed by Jon Paul Jones)
Mt Baker Catfsh Poster
(Designed by Stephen Perringer)
Patti Allen Bluesletter
(Photo by Tom Hunnewell)
Graphic Artist:
Dennis Hacker
John Paul Jones
Stephen Perringer
Blues DJ:
Jonathan Oogie Richards
Janice Gage
Clancy Dunnigan
Keeping the Blues Alive:
Paul Quilty & Willow Stone
Dennis Zab Zyvolski
Stacy Jones
Lifetime Achievement:
Mark Riley
Jim McLaughlim
Scott E Lind
Hall of Fame:
Jim McLauglin
Mark Riley
Scott E Lind
Billy Stoops
Hall of Fame Band
Junkyard Jane
The WIRED! Band
Alice Stuart & the Formerlys
Non-Festival Blues Event:
Ravens Jam for Cans
Blues Bash at the Red Crane
Jones Family Christmas
Blues Festival:
Mt Baker
Freedom Fest
Sunbanks
Open Blues Jam:
Madison Pub
Raging River
Wed Oxford School of Jam
Mark Your Calendars!
Save the Date!
The BB Awards will be held on Sunday,
June 29
th
at the Kirkland Performing
Arts Center. All nomination ballots
are due by the May Blues Bash on the
13th.
2014 Washington Blues Society Best of the Blues (BB Awards) Nominees
Non-Proft
U.S. Postage Paid
Seattle, WA
Permit No. 5617
P.O. Box 70604
Seattle, WA 98127
Change Service Requested

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