2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org2 | W President MVBS from the Welcome great experience every year! great every experience of our wonderful sponsors that help make a this enjoy fest, the have agreat time, and patronize all for hard their all work and sacrifice. Aboveall, membership or just fine thank the folks of MVBS Blues tent Central to make adonation or buy a to bring year’s this fest to Stop fruition. by the have working hard been very for past the year Mississippi Valley Blues Society. These volunteers an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization: the and as far as Iknow only the one produced by longest-runningthe blues festivals country, inthe entertainment value anywhere on Earth. lover would hard-pressed be tobetter find a blues adiscerning price lodging, of local of festival admission, and budget-conscious the and beverages from vendors, the low the cost ambiancethe of LeClaire Park, great the food Valley Blues Festival. Considering music, the discovered magic the that is Mississippi the BlueSKool for youngsters the inLeClaire Park. workshopsfree over Freight inthe House, and fessional blues photographer David Horwitz) and (with a25-year retrospective of our fest by pro- sure to Be check out photo free the exhibit of! some that nicesurprises you may not have heard taste buds –including familiar names as well as variety of blues toeveryone’s styles satisfy blues a great lineup again year, this as always, with a Park! We have one of blues-festival best the President, Mississippi Valley Blues Society BrittLonnie Thank you for coming! The Mississippi BluesValley Festival is one of Blues fans from over all world the have 2012 M Davenport, Iowa’s beautifulLeClaire Mississippial Valley Blues Festival in elcome, blues lovers, to 28th-annu the - ississippi blues musicians. We have some of world’s the finest place to listenperfect to otherthe –an absolutely Mississippiscenic River on railroad on one sideand the by Island Rock the Lines venues world, inthe flanked V alley B lues F esit Children 14andunderare free ifaccompanied by anadult. At theGate Advance Tickets (through June28) • Mississippi •Mississippi Valley Street, officeHarrison Call (102South Davenport). first:(563)322-5837. BluesSociety • The Muddy Waters (1708State Street, Bettendorf); (141415thStreet, •Rascals Moline); •Hy-Vee stores Cities, intheQuad Clinton, andMuscatine; $15 eachday. Available at: Three ticketsgoodfor any day(s): $37.50. pass:$12.50. One-day v al Ticket Information Prices for2012! have slashed been

3 | 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org al v esit F lues B alley V ississippi 2012 M 2012 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org4 | A Kenny Neal: Friday, June29,10:30p.m., Bandshell the Torch Carrying was whatever my needed.” Dad in.“I didn’tfill know what a bassist or for adrummer Kenny agig, would he said. When his father aguitarist needed or man, you just pick up an instrument and play,” ofsense what form it would take. “Down here, wanted aperformer, to be although he had no .” d a D night... Every Iplay now, man, Ican hear my “Everythingfather: Iknow, he gave it to me. old Neal said heblues the absorbed from his entertainer without that present; 54-year- the said. was “like handinggift acandy akid bar,” Neal to play Slim Harpo’s with his. So pacifying harmonica,the too, weren’t kids the allowed instrument that Ihad.” While hisplayed dad gave me that harmonica, that was like an extra music then,” he said. “So he when with instrument. the “I Iloved knew of story, the Neal said he connected yesterday.” But despite trauma the that guy. ...Iremember it like it was to house, the Ididn’t want to see little bit.” that would probably me a soothe – that was closest the thing he had tohe give decided me aharmonica toHe quiet me down, was trying so and yellin’, and that him freaked Freaked me out. screamin’ Istarted got pitch black and Igot phobia. ... inside, and doors. the he closed It more equipment inthere.’ Iwent ‘Look inside and ifthere’s see any into one atrailer day. ...He told me, said of Slim Harpo. “He me tricked he was three years old. how he got his first harmonica when recent phone of story the interview player Neal ina –recalled Raful Kenny –one of sons the of harp Louisiana home of Neals, the and Kenny Neal. harrowing) as swamp-blues master claim aconnection as direct (or and Pink Floyd –but can nobody Rollingthe Stones, Yardbirds, the In late the 1970s,he played bass band inthe At age sixor he said, seven, he he knew It’s likely he would have become an Neal said that “every he time came “He was just playin’ around,” Neal Slim Harpo was aregular inthe 2012 M an influence–among them monica player Slim Harpo as lot of people count har the ississippi Iwas,” he said. “I V out. alley - B lues how afrontman.” to be really“That helped right –learn on spot the Wells, Big Mama Thornton, John Hooker. Lee Chicago connections, he said –Guy, Junior have adifferent guest” of because his secured of apprenticeships.series “Every week Iwould Band –and turned ahouse-band into gig a – including with Neal the Brothers Blues guitar better. He honed his chops inCanada .’” l l e w s a go, ‘Man, I’d like to get apiece of action, this playing over all place,” the Neal said. “And I butgood, were they going over to Europe and were by led guitarist wasn’t singers. “They that frontman. going to get it” “it” –the accepted being as a mostly out of necessity, “’cause abass wasn’t but wanted toaband. lead He choseguitar the of Buddy Guy –another of friend his father – F So he focused on teaching he focused himselfSo to play He saw that most blues bands inChicago esit v al hear that early.” nice notes. it’s ...Ithink important for himto already an open chord. Iwant himto hear there strummin’, but Iopen-tune it it’s so instrument well, Neal said: “He just sittin’ Waters.” something else, and he wanted to play Muddy knows about Muddy Waters. Iwas playing two-year-old grandson,” he said. “He already “I open-tuned aguitar yesterday for my up –but without shut being inadark trailer. descendants get exposure the he had growing justnose waiting to play.” King ...–guys live who right here under my Rouge, like Mr. Gray, Henry Thomas Chris lot of international folks right here inBaton talent rather than outside artists: “We have a and one inSacramento, California. The grandson isyoung too to play the And Neal, of course, is making sure his The goal, he said, was to on focus local Love recent 2010’s being Your on Hooked Pig, and Telarc labels –his most albums on Alligator, the Blind and has released more than adozen calls homecalls –one inBaton Rouge Blues Festival states the inboth he Neal’s Family &Friends Heritage earlier year this hosted aKenny get far too away from it.” bluesthe alive. And Idon’t want to that’s torch the to carry –to keep what my whole mission is, and era. ... ’40s, ’50s.Iwant to capture that blues,the but kindof back [to the] much of Muddy the Waters of style and Guitar Slim as templates –“not blues CD.” He cited Big Joe Turner to go back and doareal, low-down of getting abit diluted. Iwant So blues,”electrified he said. “It’s kind rootswith deep the of ...the want to go back and touch bases recording hasn’t “I evenbegun. Blues Strictly called be Louisiana groove.” harp and solo), agently swinging (and now and achugging then horn charts, elegant guitar leads singing, and tasteful appropriate with “confidentsaid is loaded Neal made his debut solo in1987 With that inmind, artist the “I don’t want to forget about He said his next album will , which the All the , which Music Guide , although by JeffIgnatius

5 | 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org al v esit F lues B alley V ississippi 2012 M 2012 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org6 | P Preston Saturday, Shannon: June30,6p.m., Bandshell A Wider Audience for Street theKingofBeale T-Bone Walker, punctuating tartly end the Guitar tradition inthe King of and Albert The horns –fat, sumptuous, and swinging. Records heyday intheir 25and 30years ago. classic manner in the soul of Stax and Hi that album the has “every ingredient of Kuelker Louis St. inthe authority as to enthrall listener.” the Michael conveyvocals much so commitment and (1996) by noting that “Shannon’s gritty Shannon’s second CDMidnight in Memphis Steve Hoffman of CDUniverse praised “a blend and soul of blues.” Southern-fried Richard Skelly All inthe Music Guidecalls Womack, sound that and aspecialized a cross Reddingand Otis Bobby between he has avoice that’s as being often described Memphis, from church the to juke. the Yet do –from Mississippi to up many as so bluesmen blues.”the hardso to get airplay for atbecause it time the was R&B... was I inserted myall CDs, reason the know, Irecorded when blues, Iplay blues. the You blues, I’ve the experienced interview. “I know the in arecent phone man,” Shannon declared connection.soul doesn’t acknowledge the Shannon’s music, but he influencesinPrestonsoul time. You can hear those Clay.Otis It was amagic ing withGreen Al and Willie Mitchell was work- producer and songwriter overwhile at Hi Records Dave, and Wilson Pickett, Sam Redding, & Otis Stew”Soul for hits by backingthe “Memphis MGs& the laying down T airwaves with Booker Stax Recordsthe ruled Detroit’svaled Motown. “Soulsville USA”- ri 1960s and ’70s,when Memphis during the Preston Shannon came “I am really ablues 2012 M performing in was working and reston Shannon ississippi Post-Dispatch V alley said B lues Garner, played guitar and Shannon’s became where inChrist, of pastor, the God W.E. missionary Pentecostal inthe Church father was apreacher and his mother a himself chopped and picked cotton. His parents were sharecroppers and Shannon from Olive Branch, Mississippi, where his Memphis with his family at age the of eight bringing apackage of blues wrapped insoul. Streetas King the –would of Beale be that Memphis’ best-kept secret–he’s known Shannon to play year’s this festival knowing The Mississippi Valley invited Blues Society comparisons Reddingand to Otis Green.” Al stoked with passion and longing, worthy of andvoice: startlinglyimmediate, gruff stories on And solos. the there then is the of lines and lyrical the re-telling songs’ the F Born in1947,ShannonBorn moved to esit v al listened to what was playing on radio the devil’sR&B the music. Islipped [out] and devil’sin the blues music called and –they and country. My parents, didn’t they believe had three categories of music: blues, gospel, right note and put clamp the on. neckthe and come down until Ifound the were singing in.Iwould at start top the of musicians had toout ...find what key they and everybody’s yelling out ‘eamen.’ The you, and you might break out inasong and tell what Lord good the has done for –you standwas atestimonial up service church,in the was order– it their of service taught me how to play by ear. In days those and listening to him,” said Shannon. “He musical inspiration. “Back days inthose 1950s],you [the only “I reallyfrom learned just watching him 7 | 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org al v esit F and from the from and by Karen McFarland Karen by lues B on Super Bowl Sunday, Bowl Sunday, Super on alley V Then, in February of this year, Preston Preston this year, of in February Then, up finishing is project next Shannon’s the country learning is of the rest Now – this was his band that used to play with with used play to that band his – this was I ‘Man, said, he “And said. Shannon him,” on Rain” “Purple of version your heard just in use it if we mind you would and the radio, exciting, kind of album?’ That’s the tribute you know!” episode of an on featured was Shannon The Voice NBC’s 50 than more of audience an reaching to very educational “It’s people. million the chance TV and how works, know in who are people meet soto many the got “I Shannon. said the business,” all the judges,” for audition to opportunity Blake Christina met: Aguilera, he whom of Levine. Cee Adam and Lo Green, Shelton, judges all four video shows YouTube The their feet tapping their and heads bobbing Hour,” “Midnight of version Shannon’s to of level the next for chosen not was he but competition. the James, Elmore to newhis CD: a tribute a received he’s And guitar. the slide of king from Memphis of gigs outside of number The on Voice appearance his Shuffle Boogie Soul dance. line Shannon’s knew. already Memphis what been have music Memphis to contributions note a musical with the city recognized by in the sidewalk between Diamond the Black B.B. from down just Superior, Club and “Preston says: Beale on It Street. King’s Beale of King Street.” Shannon, ississippi 2012 M 2012 CD, heard me me heard CD, , featured the , featured garnered three Grammy Grammy three garnered (1999) were produced by by produced (1999) were Shannon continued playing on Beale on playing continued Shannon about excited more much Shannon’s a song with luck some had 2011, he In Break the Ice Break CD, debut Memphis in Both Midnight Horns. Memphis and All in Time Mitchell and Memphis, in Mitchell Willie those two for the songs of most wrote All inalbums. Time nominations. out come didn’t album next his but Street, label. another 2006, on until him in the for been happening what’s of recording 2010, his In years. two past YouTube on became a hit Tonk” “Honky Weisburg Ira instructor when dance Florida called created he dance in a line used it Shuffle Boogie explained Soul. Shannon tonk” liked the term “honky Weisburg that different of versions many to listened and – Brown James by one – including songs said He Shannon’s. finally picking before the of version funked-up his adapted he shuffle a walking with bass blues straight Bland. Blue Bobby from shows, live his of a staple become has that Z, the “David Rain.” “Purple Prince’s the Purple of producer Rain Beale ’94 and on in 1993 or it Street play my of been one It’s it. record I should said ever done. I’ve that songs talked-about most that’s and player, a blues-guitar like I play the Internet.” all over It’s the difference. with Fink, who toured had Dr. Last year, they me “told He calledPrince, Shannon. Prince CD to a tribute together putting were In 1994, Shannon was “discovered” at the at “discovered” was 1994, Shannon In He got a gig in 1988 touring with soul with a gig in 1988 touring got He Shannon started performing when he got got when he started performing Shannon But his parents finally relented somewhat, somewhat, finally relented parents his But Record’s Bullseye Blues label. Shannon’s Shannon’s label. Bullseye Blues Record’s a keyboardist and producer for Rounder Rounder for producer and a keyboardist club. Boogie Levy, Ron Rum Beale on by Street Beale Street, with regular gigs at B.B. King’s King’s B.B. gigsBeale at regular with Street, Memphis, playing the clubs up and down down and up the clubs playing Memphis, as he was doing. He and his band stayed in stayed band his and He doing. was he as they weren’t playing guitar at the same time, time, the same at guitar playing they weren’t as good as the other singers he heard, and and heard, he good singers as the other as his own band, reasoning that he was just just was he that reasoning band, own his with her for three years, and then formed then formed and years, three for her with Woman” for Stax in 1975. Shannon stayed stayed in 1975. Shannon Stax for Woman” her Grammy-nominated hit “Woman to to “Woman hit Grammy-nominated her singer Shirley Brown, who had recorded who recorded had Brown, Shirley singer quit his day job and pursue a solo career. a solo career. pursue job and day his quit by day. After 20 years, Shannon decided to Shannon 20 years, After day. by warehouse supervisor for a hardware store store a hardware supervisor for warehouse in Memphis bands while working as a as while bands working in Memphis Shannon was playing guitar and singing singing and guitar playing was Shannon Saw” and “Born Under a Bad Sign” for Stax. Stax. for Bad a Sign” Under “Born and Saw” that Albert King was recording “Crosscut “Crosscut Albert recording was that King out of high school, around the same time the same high around school, of out King.” King.” from B.B. King, Albert King, and Freddie Freddie Albert and King, King, B.B. from I do my own thing, but I’ve got influences influences got I’ve thing, but own I do my the guys that I try to emulate now. Of course Of course now. I try that the guys emulate to favorite is Albert King,” he said. “Those said. he are Albert is King,” favorite is the King of the Blues, B.B. King, but my my but King, B.B. the Blues, of the King is when he was 12. “Naturally my influence my 12. “Naturally was when he and bought Shannon his first electric first his guitar Shannon bought and Howlin’ Wolf, Elmore James.” James.” Elmore Wolf, Howlin’ at that time – B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Waters, Muddy King, time – B.B. that at 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org8 | W Happy Accidents all happeningall inour house.” housethe from Jimi Hedrix to Howlin’ Wolf. It was my older brother and sister brought into everything folks listened to alot of and jazz blues and R&B, and surrounded by music my entire growing-up life. My that duringinEmporia, “I her childhood was into my bones. Icouldn’t help it.” “really wasn’t by It’s design. just kindof what seeped insistswho that into her entry blues the scene gravity-defying heights.” Not for bad amusician playing work together toeachcomposition lift to writing, “Hunt’s and vocals captivating piano- bawdy soul-shouter,” magazine and Blues Revue voice that’s gospel powerful part yearning and part Onion her latest offering, 2011’s Gravity Loves You). anthemsboogie-fueled such as “I’m (from Ready” “Love” (from her 2009CDMercy onwhether poignant, impassioned such as ballads glorious, unrestrained singing and piano-playing, concert- and festival-goers nationwide with her debutself-titled album in1994,Hunt has wowed it thinks didn’tcritic, who workall out.” brazenly and naïvely, and just assumed that it would singer’s fired, and (c)Inow get as paid much.’” twice here evenknows there’s anything different, (b)the hours, and Iremember ‘Well, thinking, (a)nobody my gourd.’ And Ijust slammed it out for acouple I’m going to pretend like I’m not ‘I’m going to pretend like I’m about all and this, that moment, Ijust made aconscious decision: in school, but never inthis “I Icould, mean, Iknew Iwas because doing it said, ‘Oh my we hope God, you can sing.’ totime and start, guys the looked at me and just supposed to sing just didnot show up. And it was up, and we were paid, being and that gal the was an event at college the inEmporia, where Igrew that had. And they one night we were playing for singing at Iwas just all; playing keyboards these 21 or whatever,” says Hunt with alaugh. “I wasn’t brother’s and were friends, these older guys –like anyone.tell interview, though, she did. actually She just didn’t confidence. As she admits during our recent phone that Kansas-based the musician never lacked for piano –it’s skills andher funky fiery to easy imagine Kelley Hunt: Saturday, June30,9:30p.m., Tent A resident of Lawrence, Kansas, Hunt says Hunt’s meanwhile, reviews, have found The luck finding ablues Good fan, or blues-music Laughing, Hunt says, “I just stepped into it “I was pretty much horrified,” she continues. “When Iwas about 17,Iwas inaband with my 2012 M praising her “socially charged with lyrics a soulful blues vocals a perfect match bluessoulful aperfect vocals for singer/songwriter’sthe joyously smoky, listeninghile to Kelley Hunt perform– ississippi . Since release the of her kind of setting. So at kind ofat setting. So scared out of of out scared V ) or foot-stomping, alley B lues is for her fell away from playing it. It ‘Oh, clear: became this putto be else up on piano the bench –everybody day,– once that, realized they every Iwas asking but Ihad to have my hands on it, and pretty soon thought my sister and brother would probably play, myso painted dad turquoise them blue. My parents beat upwas so that black the keys were worn down, was refurbished from aplayer piano,” says Hunt. “It piano. “My parents got an old upright piano that music. I’m really attracted to that.” and there’s Ithink of adose that kinds of inall full-out approach of singing with your whole soul, such aheavy thread of that blues. inthe Ilove that and sang inchurch Iwas when younger, and there’s heard Ialso alotthink. of gospel music growing up, blues, she says, “came through party osmosis, I doing some performing, either by myself or with a arts,”fine she says, “almost weekend Iwas every Kansas. “But eventhough I was school of inthe a music-composition major at University the of nascent inspired skills songwriting her to pursue 16, “to help make money to go to college” –and her and sing –she inher performed first band, at age F She was also, by age three, enraptured by the Consequently, Hunt’s early affection for the As ayouth, Hunt continued to play piano the esit .’” v al says Hunt. “I said, ‘Look, Iwant to doaCD of promotions and kinds of all things for artists,” company“whose was doing and booking ‘Screw I’m this. swimming.’” –what’reswim you gonna And Ithought, do?’ Ihad amomentshock. So of ‘Sink thinking, or divorced, and Iwas asingle mom, and Iwas in that Hunt says “came about Iwas because newly Hunt came with 1994’s Kelley Butthat?’ it worked out!” old, and Iwas by myself ….How hell the didIdo ‘How Iwas when 20years …?Istarted on Earth for area schoolsystems. other bands, and teaching workshops songwriting through performances, solo jam sessions with way possible,” and wound up supporting herself could get. Iwould just put myself out there inany kindofgetting performance opportunity every I up,” Hunt says, “I just working started right away, and you’re kinds of all opportunities focused, open and that was my own equipment Icould support so myself performing, Discovering that “especially ifyou’re driven, She met Out Loud Talent manager Berman, Al Her professional breakthrough, though, really “I back now,” look she says, “and Iwonder, little graduation.” want to stop of Ididn’t Irealized when little band, and that’s kind can’t doany said, ‘You know what? I down with my folks and gonna teach. And Ijust sat great training –or ifIwas opera at KU, was which – Iwas singing almost all was going to go into opera amusicbe therapist, ifI to ifIwas going decide to a minor invoice, “I had including her addition of undergraduate studies, two and years ahalf of parents helped me get some basis, andon my afull-time immediately writing started out of university. the “I consequently dropped her parents’ blessing – says Hunt, –with who performance mode,” to go into full-time the would you like to do?’ said, ‘Well,they what then, And astonishingly enough, Hunt says that after “So Imade choice the , the solo album album solo , the .” of things.’ those

9 | 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org al v by Mike Schulz Mike by esit much fun,” says fun,” much I’m not F lues B alley V ? That’s what was happening!’ I love those I love happening!’ was what ? That’s calls the musician’s “versatile piano skills piano “versatile calls the musician’s Blues fans can likely expect more happy happy expect likely can more fans Blues “because Hunt, says fun now,” more is “Music the track. And we kept it in. If I would’ve taken I would’ve in. If it kept we the And track. stuff, other some taken out would’ve it out, that ‘Who went, so I just keep, to I wanted that too, cares accidents.” happy City the Kansas what of more – and accidents Star – when Hunt voice” dexterous uncommonly and the Mississippi set at Saturday-night her performs LeClaire to return first her Festival, Blues Valley so was it (“God, years. in four Park can’t “I engagement. Davenport last her of Hunt vocal accidental her with Unlike back.”) go to wait they 17, though, expect can age them at debut butterflies. the accompanying without I understand and it, about relaxed more much I’m already I’ve dead tomorrow, if I drop ‘Hey, that, it doing on I plan And life.’ my the timehad of dead tomorrow, drop every gonna I was as if night fun really when I was really, was It know? you horrified. not I’m now but younger, gonna just I’m there. up whenparalyzed I get .” enjoy ississippi each other, each other, 2012 M 2012 is, forgetting that if that forgetting is, this.’” , because I’m usually playing playing usually , because I’m . I mean, everybody. I mean, “For example,” she continues, “on the Gravity “on continues, she example,” “For “I think the main perk of analog is the is analog think perk of the main “I Five albums later, Hunt and Berman continue Berman and continue Hunt later, albums Five CD, there’s a cut called ‘Shake It Off It called a cut ‘Shake there’s CD, You Loves over- crazy, a throw-down, just It’s Away.’ Right ridiculous. While just It’s boogiethe-top number. ‘God going, all just were we recording, were we a of out shot were we like in!’, … ! Strap almighty the I start track, of the end toward And cannon. laughing an acoustic grand piano, but it means we can we means it but piano, grand acoustic an times see many and other each hear the I love And the immediacy that. of I love and happen. can surprises that be to on going sound’s that the keeper, this one’s warmth of the sound,” says Hunt. “That and Hunt. says the sound,” of warmth my of one I record, When the immediacy it. of everybody have to do is to things there favorite canwe mean always doesn’t It time. thesame at be room in the same up thinking, ‘Yeah. I can do I can thinking, ‘Yeah. up Hunt’s on serving co-producers as collaborate, to been which have all – CD releases three of last minimal only with analog, mixed and recorded in digital studios. time spent for wanted to it. Soit. when time of my life,” life,” my time of him,” she says. “And I had given him a tape given I had “And says. she him,” “Which turned into the best into turned “Which An acclaimed, Blues Music Award-winning Award-winning Music Blues acclaimed, An player just came in and asked me what I what me asked in and came just player say, ‘Holy shit, guess what! Aretha Franklin’s guitar Franklin’s Aretha what! guess shit, ‘Holy say, ‘Oh, this is my opportunity!’ I’d call my mom and mom call my I’d opportunity!’ this my is ‘Oh, I ended And freaked out. me just It song!’ a do on from feeling very crushed and grief-stricken to, very grief-stricken to, feeling crushed and from wonderful people in the business, and I just went went I just and in the business, people wonderful and I got the help of a lot of really soulful, really of a lot of the help I got and Hunt adds. “Fortunately for me, the stars aligned, the stars me, for “Fortunately adds. Hunt and singing – and it turns out he kept he out turns it – and singing and loved loved the piano playing me – just songs my of a bunch of up I’m what? know Al called ‘You said, him, he months prior to her Out Loud Talent meeting. “I Talent Loud Out her to prior months Cocker, and Etta James, Finnigan met Hunt a few Hunt met Finnigan James, Etta and Cocker, life. my time of hardest – who toured with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Joe Hendrix, Jimi of the likes with – who toured the during was it and musicians, of list a stellar would it be?’ And I thought of Mike Finnigan.” Mike of be?’ it I thought would And native Kansas fellow – and vocalist/keyboardist together put Mike and L.A., to out So I went this.’ anybody produce it, in your wildest dreams, who wildest dreams, your in it, produce anybody and everything. He said, ‘Well, if you could have have could if you ‘Well, everything. said, and He all my own music, and these are my goals … ’ goals my these are and music, own all my 10 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org | F Coco Montoya: Saturday, June30,10p.m., Bandshell Mayall. Ihave ...Do to come down there ...?’” me. ...He back. ‘No, called really this is John was some of English the cats inthere teasing bartending at aBritish pub. Ithought ...So it Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. “I was his Saturday bandshell performance at the in arecent phone interview, promoting Finding Soul His in several ways,in several from and to booze drugs David and Walter then Trout. present from Clapton to Mick Taylor. to live up to ghosts the of guitarists past” – against. It ...You difficult. became didhave down, you to start realize what you’re up once euphoriaa while, the all to starts come .” s ar e y was there for aminute.’ It up ended 10 being aBluesbreakerbe for however long Ilast. I a hugely lucky break: “‘I’m going actually to tape of it.” “And apparently sound the man gave John a Bluesbreakers, featuring then Clapton. Eric track on lead the 1966album the by the of Rush Otis the song ‘All Your Love’” – said. “So Ijust didabastardized version said itthey was his birthday,” Montoya somebody told me John was audience; inthe there Igot when up there and played, and an impression. “John happened to be session one night, and it obviously made fun.” was just a[guitar] jammer. Iwas just having I like having money inmy ... pocket. ... Ijust packed it in....Ilike having acheck. music world, and “I didn’t like broke. being didn’tdrummer aplace for see himself inthe pop the charts, self-taught the ruled funk After Collins’ he left band and and disco didn’t call the “make any at sense all.” hung up on him. 1970s– inthe fordrumming Collins Albert had quit music as aprofession after astint that back he called Bluesbreakers band early inthe 1980s.It’s Montoya to ask himto join legendary the 2012 M This period, he said, wasThis detrimental period, And live up to spirits the of guitarists But it wasn’t an he decade, said: easy “After Montoya aBluesbreaker being knew was Mayall, he said, had heard himat ajam “I wasn’t music inthe business anymore. I Montoya is first to the admit that getting “I didn’t it think was him,” Montoya said It’s not merely that Mayall called of John Mayall. Montoya,Coco persistence thank the or music the career of singer/guitarist , as Montoya played alongside Kal ississippi when Montoya when –who V alley B lues I like? What doIlisten to on road? the Ilet asked himsome questions: “What songs do zone. tohe push used himself out of his comfort that saw Montoya given reign free –which Back All toward sales. record some songs he didn’t love with an eye but he said labels the typically asked himto Alligator labels. regarded albums apiece for Blind the Pig and 1995 to 2007, he recorded three well- guitar workfiery but his soul. From also career as artist asolo known not just for his for worse. at with that.” peace Be what is. this Your own identity. For better or Clapton. Eric to be You you. can be That’s don’t have Jimi to be Hendrix. You don’t have comfortable and with his skills “You style: figure –and Mayall encouraged himto be But a guitar– both Collins mentor and father overly confident person, either,” he noted. an overlynever been confident player, or an hasfor– who now sober 18years. been “I’ve obviousthe prestige of said Montoya gig, the said, “People loved it.” competitive. That wasn’t healthy.” Still, he weren’t making music; we were just being night[But] was aguitar every battle. ...We And “I didn’t like to have guitar battles. ... a lot –for bravery, mostly,” Montoya said. on-stage guitar feuds with Trout. “I drank F Producer Keb’ Mo’, Montoya recalled, That didn’t happen with 2010’s IWant It Montoya said he’s proud of records, those That self-assurance has to led arespected There were plenty also of positives beyond esit on Ruf Records, departure abold v al my fan that’s base, great ....” whatever it is Iwish to play. ...And ifit pleases my career, Ishould happy Ithink be playing I’m looking towards now. At late this stage in ... The pop charts for me are not something ... At point, this I’m not going on to be MTV. want doing to be stuff that doesn’t me. please listen to his own muse: “At 60years old, Idon’t as Ican that got disappointed on album.” this hear me play amillion notes and play as loud he did:“There’s afew guys that really want to that he’d catch for some record, the flak and Jackson Browne’s “Somebody’s Baby.” avenues” –including agentle version of approach himdown lead different musical that, Montoya is letting cool-crooning this David vocalist lead Hidalgo.Lobos Not only awaya million miles from sound the of Los leaning into lilt that’s asmooth,soulful not as dominant the sessions, figure inthese but it’s Montoya singer the emerges who piercingly guitar lyrical work, of course, Guide “frightening.” But result, the as All the Music was much of asinger anyway.’” was achallenge, Inever because thought I Nobody’s really done that.’ Isaid, ‘Well, that said, ‘I’m going to concentrate on your voice. I just said, ‘Well, And what he doIdo?’ else knows you can playeverybody guitar.’ And another guitar album. You’ve got sixalbums; going to project dothis ...Idon’t want to do stuff, and stuff. soul He ‘Well, goes, ifI’m him know Ilove ’50sstuff, and doo-wop Montoya said that Keb’ Mo’ warned him The premise for album, the he said, was But he said he’s old too to doanything but noted, worked: “There’s plenty of by JeffIgnatius | 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org 11 al v esit F lues B alley V ississippi 2012 M 2012 12 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org | L Lady Bianca: Sunday,Lady Bianca: July1,5p.m., Bandshell SingstheBlues Lady in Inever sangSo topless –Inever got involved sing my butt And off, Iloved see? music. the for club the owners knew. ifthey But Icould was underage, it so wouldn’t have good been band. a environment. was Iwas singing Iknew All in job, Ididn’t know he was inthat dancers and stuff like that. When Itook the at, like, places where there were topless And guess where worked? they worked They square. conservative. So You’re such alady BiancaLady “He’d recalls, say, ‘You’re just so ensemble Harris Quinn Masterminds, &the album His Love Is Good”–from So her 1995debut checkgifts, out her performances of “Ooh, quick, introduction thrilling Bianca’s to Lady tugs at moving while heart the feet.” the (For a great hearty, talent whose refreshing approach magazinethat Blues led Revue renderings of blues originals and covers, and ily apparent artist’s inthe soaring soulful, also showedalso an for affinity aparticular King. My stepfather loved much.” so them Charles was one of my favorites. And B.B. Franklin, The Mighty Clouds of Joy ... .Ray listened to alot of gospel and R&B. Aretha me about music,” the she says. “We basically interestchildhood blues. inthe Thornton,Ernest Lee with much of her was four, and she credits her stepfather, Francisco area future the when blues artist City, she and her family moved to San the singing for many years. inKansas Born to come out and sing, Isang Biancame square Lady Iwas because so recent phone interview. “Quinn Harris named assurance that now she does at age 58. magnetism and blues-fueled electrifying the you might that think she eventhen boasted Harris,Quinn for whom she sang backup – by noted the San Francisco-based bluesman moniker at age 17–aname bestowed on her Bianca(born Thornton) was given her stage Tube.) “Heartbreak Hotel,” viewable both on You- 2012 M “It scary,” was very she continues, “and I Regarding of headliner the R&B the Beyond singing,Beyond young Bianca Thornton “He instrumental inshowing was very By age Bianca 17,Lady had already been “Oh, no,” she says, with alaugh, during our you when thatSo learn Bianca Lady any any hint of glamor, qualities that are read- confidence and brio and more than a ady Bianca. Her name suggests very of that –but it when was for time me Best Kept Secret –and Elvis Presley’s ississippi V .” to call her “ato call alley kind of club B .” ’.’ lues F in the Soul, on Harris Quinn Masterminds’ &the All .” re e h t topnotch R&Bbands that worked around musicdid the Iliked. There were some really “I don’t know where it was, actually, but he and Igot introduced to ...,” Quinn she says. lived inSan Francisco up on hill, areally tall Bay area” –among Harris’. Quinn them “We blues bands that had at they that inthe time “was just asinger with nicerhythm-and- the getting jobsinfast Bianca, food, as she tells it, she attended “for a couple of years,” where she me to stay with opera the and acolaratura. be her parentspleased wanted to no end: “They of Music,Conservatory she which says scholarship to prestigious the San Francisco Bianca applied for, and earned, afour-year that, and my stepfather wouldn’t, either.” mother would never come to anything venues as Big Al’s and The Brass Reel. “My any of her performances as such topless laughing, asked when ifher folks attended ones her parents didn’t necessarily approve of. thatgigs Bianca Lady continued to play were end,the Ireally loved her.” about her, and mimichow she sounded. In inch of everything toevery and find Itried something about Holliday Billie me, struck Bianca, “I didn’t really know about her. But Child.”the “Good Morning Heartache” and “God Bless Holliday,Billie and singing artist’s the classics production that found Bianca Lady playing Jon Hendricks’ Blues Evolution the of on-stage inapresentation of legend jazz performed. And two years later, she appeared Live Together”) that she herself wrote and (“Stop Telling me Lies” and “We Got to In 1970,Bianca made her recording debut At an age many when are high-schoolers “But Ididn’t finish,” she says of school the attemptIn apartial to appease them, “Oh never no, they Despite early these successes,nightclub the When she first got role, the says Lady esit v al

an album featuring two tracks came!” she says, call ‘playcall by ear.’” mind. What they what Iheard inmy sang and played or anything. Ijust classically trained four. But Iwasn’t artist. “Since Iwas piano,”the says the “I always played musical instrument. , a , a like mother and father going of to think this?’” out and doing it, ‘What Iwas thinking, are my “I young, was still and instead of just going ofbecause suggestiveness the of Zappa’s lyrics. she says, lasted only one month, partly Zappa. But her 1976tenure with musician, the as abackup singer and pianist for Frank about one o’clock, and Iwasn’t there. Ihad his songs. But he didn’t get down there until and he ran down there to have me dosome of nightclub,local and he heard me on radio, the BiancaLady with alaugh. “I was singing at a songwriter/producer Stanley Lippitt. met man the she would go – on to marry in1984,she career when, solo started truly Raisins commercials. Yet as she attests, her heardeven be singing California on several as Merle Haggard and Taj Mahal, and could recorded background for vocals such artists with Van Morrison from 1981to 1985, work followed; Bianca Lady frequently toured out there and able be confidence The confidence Ineeded. to go though Iwas afraid of it, it didgive me the forthankful that even because experience, fantastic guy.” him on other the werethey really big –Ionly got to sing with Sly.’ And Ididn’t get to sing with when them ‘One of days these I’m going to sing with music creative was so and always loved him.Ijust thought that the with his sisters, and Ialways loved his music, Francisco,” she says, “and Iwent to school forvocalist Sly Family &the Stone. and performing as apianist and background “taught me extravagance the of dressing Francisco gay icon Sylvester –who, she says, first jobswere singing backup for San the her at time conservatory, the and among her Bianca to again score professional work after why of heard agospel spin on Idon’t them. know into and Bach Chopin and Ikind Beethoven, to fit how I changing piano the and parts key signatures Iwas changingBecause arias. the Iwas all couldn’tbasically create my own music there. “I Ifelt, because left as ayoung person, that I received additional and vocal piano training. studied and music composition, theory and “He says he met me on radio,” the says Years of touring, studio, and commercial She laughs. “But to day, this I’m really Bianca toured Lady also period, this During “I lived upfrom hill the Sly inSan However, it didn’t long take for Lady I heard that, but Idid.” felt music, the and Igot when end –but Ididget to. He’s a . So Ipromised. So myself, to sing that.” ” – ” – | 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org 13 al v esit F lues B alley V ississippi 2012 M 2012 in the by Mike Schulz Mike by , 2005’s Let , 2005’s Myself by All how I felt about him. So we about I felt how it was so hot!” she exclaims exclaims she so was hot!” it 2003’s 2003’s Rollin’, Rollin’, “That’s right, I got the keys to the city!” the city!” the to keys I got right, “That’s And following her Davenport engagement, engagement, Davenport her following And “Oh my God my “Oh With Living Blues writing, magazine “He writes fantastic music for me,” says says me,” for music fantastic writes “He They also worked together to release 1995’s 1995’s release to together They also worked “It was a song called ‘Passion,’” she says, says, she called a song was ‘Passion,’” “It Eventually, though, the pair did meet, the though, pair Eventually, doors ’til they do.” ’til doors work, but I have them, so I’ll trying keep I have but work, city. I don’t know where in the city they in the city will where know I don’t city. Although my keys don’t seem work to don’t keys my Although she says. “I thought that was just fantastic. fantastic. just was that thought “I says. she California’s governor. California’s Brown, then Oakland’s mayor and now now and mayor then Oakland’s Brown, awarded a special citation, in 2002, by Jerry in 2002, by a special citation, awarded Society’s Hall of Fame in 2008, and was even was in 2008, and Fame of Hall Society’s she was inducted into the Bay Area Blues Blues Area the Bay into inducted was she Lady Bianca will return to California, where California, where to willLady return Bianca was a great set, but we almost died!” almost we set, but a great was with a laugh. “I was just breathing in hot air. It It air. in hot breathing just was “I a laugh. with temperatures this time around. temperatures that she’s hoping for more cooperative cooperative more for hoping she’s that her 2001 booking. She admits, though, 2001 booking. admits, her She the singer’s first appearance at the fest since the fest at appearance first the singer’s Mississippi Valley Blues Festival performance, performance, Festival Blues Valley Mississippi the artist’s signature style during her July 1 July her style during signature the artist’s rock,” local audiences will be treated to will to local be treated audiences rock,” strains – blues, country, gospel, jazz, and jazz, and gospel, country, – blues, strains synthesizes most major American vernacular American major most synthesizes “Lady Bianca’s music enhances and brilliantly brilliantly and enhances music Bianca’s “Lady it’s a very good combination.” it’s it to go and Stanley gets to put his lyrics to it – it lyrics to his put to gets Stanley and go to it – when I get to play the music the way I want I want the way the music play to – when I get argue about the work, but when it gets done done gets whenit but the work, about argue fantastic time. I mean, we fight and cuss and and cuss and fight we I mean, time. fantastic Lady Bianca of Lippitt, “and we just have a have just we “and Lippitt, of Lady Bianca Serving Notice. 2001’s 2001’s January’s this past , and Way Its Have Love and professional collaborations that includes includes that collaborations professional and and the first in a series of solo recordings the in a series first solo recordings and of songs written by Lady Bianca and Lippitt, Lippitt, and Lady Bianca by written songs debut, an album featuring featuring album an debut, Secret Kept Best And in 2001, we finally got married.” finally in 2001, we got And four years, and then we moved in together ... . in together moved then we and years, four kind of continued our friendship for about about for friendship our continued kind of want him to know to him want me, and I loved him, too – though I didn’t him, too I didn’t – though I loved and me, I don’t know why, but I think Stanley loved I think loved Stanley but why, know I don’t collaborations. this song. crying wrote were when we we “and the first of what would go on to be many be to many on go would what the of first my house” – the two also teamed up for for also up – the two teamed house” my says consisted of “wine and pork skins at at skins pork and “wine of consisted says and on their first date – which Lady Bianca – which Lady Bianca their date first on and left.” 14 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org | W Bobby Rush:Sunday, July1,8:30p.m., Tent Devil inDisguise you’re doing. Keep doing job, agood boy.’ good ... .’ And he said, ‘But I’m not. you’re Because you.’ heh heh And he then laughed. heh ‘Heh bullshitting me for along time. Ishould fire and he said, ‘You know what? You’ve been office.’ And Ijust know I’m fired. Iget there me and said,called ‘Listen, man, come to my Tramp alter-ego. “But Fat finally Daddy “didn’t know Iwas same the guy” as his (known as Fat Daddy), like Rush’s audiences, at most. And I’d then domy thing.” on-stage intwo, three seconds –10seconds getshoes, my dress on, shoes and come back over my dress clothes, unsnap my clown smack overalls the off, ’cause were they just smack mustache the curtain, the behind off, ahand!’ AndBobby-y-y Iwould Rush step showtime, let’s so get together and give ‘Ladies and gentlemen, now it’s for time I just told jokes and was funny. my face, myself and Icalled The Tramp. And wine inmy and pocket, amustache gluedon with acigar inmy mouth, and abottle of homeless guy. And at show, the Icame out a guy laying on street, the you know? a Like overalls, and put an old floppy hat on –like Iwentfew jokes. So and bought me some do?’” says Rush. “But Icould tell Iknew a performance. out of day the gig the before Rush’s first and promptly lostman the him,when pulled a comedian to open his shows, and he did– caveats, though, was that Rush had to find him by Ike hisTurner. friend One of the Havana the called Club, for ajobsecured engagementended at Island aRock venue ’56 ...”)that he was hired for an open- 1954...or (“in time ’55...it could’ve been Mississippi-basedthe Rush the recalls shares during our recent phone interview, blues artist has stripped down for agig. guitar.” I’mpart gonna strip down –just me and my show I’m doing with band, the and next the because, as he says, “I’ve got one of part the Double Rush “The titled Revue,” named so Festival, he’ll doing be inaconcert set so 2012 M “And next the night he brought his family Rush says that for sixweeks, his boss then d n “A “I thought, ‘Oh what God, am Igonna In one of many the entertaining stories he It won’t 76-year-old firstthe time the be . Just don’t people letthe know what year’s Mississippi Valley Blues Bobby Rush stage the takes at this hen Blues Music Award winner ,” he continues, “I would say, ississippi V alley B lues will follow. one step ...and ahead acclaim the and money you want to, dowhat you need foranalogy his career as what awhole: Do of eight dollars.”a raise down me,” to see says Rush. “And he gave me because “mybecause daddy never toldto. me not son inLouisiana came who to blues the Japan, Rush says he was adutiful preacher’s Center, and festivals throughout Europe and engagements at Hall, Carnegie Kennedy the nomination for Hoochie Man Showfor You aGood Time, his 2000Grammy about four or five matches, lit ’em, let’em go endthe of that it. So was my marker. Iused a second and it blew out, you’d get smut on you match the struck and letit burn for just with. But we big had these matches. And if didn’t have my anything mustache to paint hired to play. youngtoo to enter club the his band was slide-guitar sensation Elmore James –was as guitarist for ablues ensemble that featured late teenaged the 1940s,when Rush –serving after his family moved to Arkansas inthe first donning of an on-stage disguise, came would dofor free mean Ican make money for something I this.” He laughs. “I remember ‘You thinking, I didn’t know you doing could make money wanted to There be. wasn’t any guessing. But at then, knew years seven old, what exactly I guitar from as agift his cousin, and says, “I what Idotoday.” blues. that So was agreen light for me to do first guythe really who taught me to sing the taughtwho me how to play guitar, the and expressed that to me, and he was guy the been devil’s the music. But my daddy never music. And it may have “this was devil’s the F It’s hard not Rush’s to see as an story “I wanted amustache,” he says, “but I Rush says that hisand first paid gig, his At age Rush seven, received his first “At Icame when time the up,” says Rush, Long before his 2012Blues Music Award esit v al ?’” , and his to, to stay try I said Jane, Mary Jane Mary /Can’t you see last night /Igot but high didn’t go home / a woman, you know? Ising, ‘I So got high And I’m guyhigh. this thinks about talking ‘Mary Jane.’ I’m about talking reefer. Getting don’t know what I’m about talking Isay when I found me some suckers here, man. They JaneMary that didme wrong, Iknew too!’ So And he said, ‘Oh Ihad named yeah, agirl said, ‘I got aBside. It’s “Mary called Jane.”’ even more blind to single’s the side. flip laughs recounting when that one of was them song’s rather blatant innuendo, sexual but he producers apparently being unaware of the first gold record. He remembers record’s the hit Billboard single “Chicken hiswhen self-penned Heads” to enjoy national money and recognition, twenty dollars aweek? Come on night Saturday, Sunday. And Iwas making $35a night, that’s only 30aweek working Friday, traveling. Even ifyou’re making $10a But you aren’t making that much money If you’re cutting records, you gotta travel. didn’t travel much. Iwas only known locally. making that money,” Rush says, “and I so “It hurt my career Igot because spoiled forward. That’s how I’d doit, man.” another band ....Iwas just backward and another place and dotwo, three songs with onethis band, and at then my break I’d go to I’d go to one place at 8:30,dotwo songs with any than money sometimes 35dollars anight. That was more “Because Iwas making 20,25dollars ... as many as five inone evening. numerous Chicago nightspots –occasionally, evenings, playing guitar and singing at found himworking aday joband, inthe happened to my career,” Rush’s schedule to me financially, and worst the thing that were. it Calling “the thing to best happen – though afew pairs of sensible likely shoes after his family’s 1953relocation to Illinois Rushwhen hit Chicago the blues scene make adollar –lethimon in.’”) probablythey said, young ‘That boy to needs and guys probably these my knew father, and Iwas young.knew But Icould play guitar, says, “I guess,down deep inside, everyone out, and had smut on my lip.” (He laughs and Yet relentless the travel came with aprice. “Man, Iwas getting rich,” says Rush. No were disguises necessary, however, “He said, ‘We aBside,’” need says Rush. “I It wasn’t until 1970that able he was finally . Back in the early inthe . Back ’50s?One hundred ’s R&Bchart and Rush’s became guy was making in Chicago. , man!” | 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org 15 al v by Jeff Ignatius by esit F lues B alley V “When I woke up, when I let him know when I let him know up, I woke “When said, Brooks young, was when Ronnie Even was career a music to path Wayne’s instruction: of offers declined Dad’s he But see can influence he his that said Brooks that though, understands, patriarch The a new recorded He yet. done not he’s And coasting is Brooks think that don’t And that I was awake, he hurried and put the put and hurried he awake, I was that began Thus ‘No.’” I said, down. guitar father. his of the hands at education Ronnie’s age at Lonnie with stage on played first He band in Brooks’ years a dozen spent and nine a solo starting career. before come would He together. write would “we was I before. heard I never ideas that with up certain had ideas. his ... He of some using so good me, to felt that hit would he that licks stronger.” much it make I’d use it. I would a kid, as computers” into was “He different. no thinking about wasn’t “He said. father his saw when he play to wanted he Then music. when the bandstand to up the kids coming get to wanted He start playing. would Ronnie in.” me’; teach to you want ‘I say, didn’t “He ... I it.’ school for to go to want ‘I said, he do to wants He mother. his like he’s guess everything himself.” that I notice but it, hear styles. “I sons’ in his said. he bit,” a little disappearing seeing it I’m good me.” them sound to “Both of he Audiences, still attraction. the main he’s man.” the old hear to “want said, waiting is and said, he ago, years two album it. release label to and situation the right for I ever did in my the best one thinking it’s “I’m but think that, musicians “All said. he life,” me took It good a record. it’s saying just I’m want all don’t ... I write this stuff. to 15 years a hit.” unless I think it’s it with mess to talked, we day The either. reputation, his on 6 a.m., practicing bed to at gone he’d said he pool until playing after hours for guitar in myself keep to got “I’ve midnight: nearly s h ap e .” ississippi called called 2012 M 2012 (also on (also on , he collaborated collaborated , he – which in retrospect – which in retrospect All Music Guide Music All . The ’m not working as much as I’ve I’ve as much as working not ’m Lonnie 78-year-old said been,” interview. phone in a recent Brooks Most of his shows these days – including – including these days shows his of Most this to practical advantages are There Brooks in him early. music had Ronnie Since RoadhouseSince Rules I asked him when he decided he wanted decided him when he wanted he I asked coincided decision “retirement” Brooks’ with Long John Hunter and Phillip Walker Walker Phillip and Hunter John Long with Lone Star Shootout 1999’s on has schedule touring his and Alligator), a year 250 dates roughly from down wound he when I need it,” work just 50. “I about to said. this at performance bandshell closing his – are Festival Blues Valley Mississippi year’s Dynasty, Blues Family billed the Brooks as Ronnie sons and Lonnie father featuring All Baker Brooks. Wayne and Baker Brooks bandleaders, and guitarists are men three that is said, Lonnie appeal, the show’s and see to families love people that know “I together.” need keep to doesn’t – Lonnie arrangement sons’ his using instead together, a band long had Brooks – but musicians backing on Ronnie with band, a family envisioned a lot took just drums. It on Wayne and bass anticipated, he than together come to longer planned. had he take the form didn’t it and my have to do, to in mind I had what “That’s was he – but said he me,” with playing boys kids; period a to were referring when sons his 42. is Wayne 45, and now is Ronnie six, was son when older his recalled that guitar. my with him messing caught “I they a string grab theyOther do, kids, what I heard Ronnie,] ... [With it. on pull and the had ... He the guitar. somebody playing six. at it for feel him “a Chicago blues giant” with a “unique a “unique with giant” blues Chicago him “a unlike synthesis blues Louisiana/Chicago City Windy the competitive on else’s anyone scene.” seems to have ended a two-decade solo run have seems to classic 1979’s including label, the Alligator on Bayou Lightning “I had in mind to try to retire, but my boys boys my try but to in mind had retire, “I to there.’” out go ‘Let’s me, tellin’ keep belying or a beat missing Without retire. to Chicagoan the Louisiana-bred the joke, this thinking was about “I deadpanned: so I I needed money, But ago. 16 years about on.” kept new recordings, of release studio last his with Roadhouse Rules 1996’s Lonnie Brooks: Sunday, July 1, 9 p.m., Bandshell July 1, 9 p.m., Sunday, Brooks: Lonnie An An “Retirement” Active “I by Mike Schulz Mike by , he’s good ... ,’ that’s good that’s good ... ,’ , he’s . They don’t have to like me, but if they if but me, like to have . They don’t As for the enjoyment he still gets from still from he gets the enjoyment for As “I’ve crossed over with a white a white with over crossed “I’ve The move, he says, paid off. Not only only Not off. paid says, he move, The “So I said, ‘Let me find in the me a place ‘Let I said, “So “After the record came out,” he says, says, he out,” came the record “After The success of “Chicken Heads,” says says Heads,” “Chicken of success The whenever you do it, it’s fun.” it’s do it, you whenever man. Maybe you can’t do it often, but but often, do it can’t you Maybe man. laughs and says, “It’s like making love, love, making like “It’s says, and laughs say, ‘Well, damn ‘Well, say, me.” for enough Rush crowd, a live of in front performing try I can – and the ones I can’t, I certainly I can’t, the ones – and I can comedian, and I want to please everybody to I want and comedian, I’m a blues singer, I’m a stand-up a stand-up I’m singer, a blues I’m or ‘white’ issue with me. I’m a musician, a musician, I’m me. with issue ‘white’ or proud to be who I am, but it’s not a ‘black’ a ‘black’ not it’s be but to who I am, proud to know. I’m a black blues singer who is singer blues a black I’m know. to audience, and that’s what I want people people I want what that’s and audience, fame. “But I never crossed out the black the black out crossed I never “But fame. audience,” says Rush of his current current his of Rush says audience,” much for the people in our industry.”) in our the people for much career, and for the movie – he did so – he themovie for and career, thanking him for what he did for my my did for he what him for thanking says Rush. “But I sent him a couple notes notes him a couple I sent “But Rush. says get to meet Scorsese on a personal basis,” meet Scorsese a personal basis,” to on get . (“I was sorry I didn’t sorry was . (“I I didn’t series Blues The Scorsese’s acclaimed PBS documentary PBS acclaimed Scorsese’s to Memphis” segment of producer Martin Martin producer of segment Memphis” to and was even profiled on the “The on Road even profiled was and in 2003, released some two dozen albums, albums, dozen two some in 2003, released labels, founded his own label (Deep Rush) (Deep label Rush) own his founded labels, up signing with several blues and R&B and several with signing blues up over the next several decades, he wound several the next decades, wound he over and that’s what I needed.” what that’s and but easier, made commutes Rush’s were nearby, and I could get work all around, all around, work get I could and nearby, could get musicians out of all these states all these of states out musicians get could the center of the South. That meant I meant That the South. of the center Jackson, Mississippi, and that was, to me, me, to was, that and Mississippi, Jackson, And I looked on the map and found found and the map on I looked And South where I could centrally locate.’ locate.’ centrally I could where South was just too much work. too much just was Wednesday, and then leave again ... . It ... . It again then leave and Wednesday, on a Thursday and come back the next the back next come and a Thursday on Alabama, Louisiana, Texas ... . I’d leave leave ... . I’d Texas Louisiana, Alabama, was driving to Mississippi, Arkansas, Arkansas, Mississippi, to driving was work for me in Chicago anymore, so I anymore, in Chicago me for work in Chicago, but there wasn’t that much much that wasn’t there but in Chicago, “most of my work was in the South. I was I was in the South. was work my of “most resides. Mississippi, where the blues artist still artist the blues where Mississippi, and eventually led to his moving to to moving his led to eventually and Rush, “opened the doors” for his career, career, his for the doors” “opened Rush, woman did me like that, too!’” that, like did me woman what you’re doin’?’ And he said, ‘Yeah! My My ‘Yeah! said, he And doin’?’ you’re what 16 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org | Matthew Fury. &the Curry of scorching, driven you’ll set hear from should give you some of idea kind the ZZTop,Collins, and Joe Bonamassa. That influences include Sonny Landreth, Albert hot.”flaming The and guitardeep firm. here is driving and his craft, and his roots blues inthe sound and is him.This committed kid Ibelieve to roadthe and bring his blues to world, the he tells of us story the how he wants to hit ride,where us takes on anotherCurry fiery fire inhis voice. On‘Hear Highway,’ the with lyrics his the greatsells intonation and Blast Fury, &the Curry If IDon’t Got You. included on 2011debut the CDfor Matthew collaboration) International inthe place (first was by taken aTommy Castro bass. Greg Neville on and drums Jeff Paxton on is backed by –veteran Fury the performers playswho guitar, writes songs, and sings. He a teenage phenom from Normal, Illinois, MatthewCurry.com Matthew Curry &the Fury, 6:30p.m. Friday, June 29: Bandshell – Karen McFarland ReverbNation says that Matthew’s According to of areview CDinBlues the In 2011,Matthew was awarded second here! starts The party Matthew is Curry 2012 M , “Matthew’s are vocals tight –he also ississippi The song is guitar melodies. Clapton-like that features his sounding blues slow, Chicago- Darkness,” a “Blinded by the his composition for Competition Songwriting V alley B lues p.m. on Friday. Mississippi. Just at be bandshell the at 8:30 expatriate living on Chicago’s South Side.” alumnus sounds more like aMississippi Music Guide authentic that William Ruhlmann All inthe Anthony on Geraci piano. Their sound is so bassistdrums, Michael “Mudcat” Ward, and Mike Welch on guitar, Neil Gouvin on Joe Louis Walker. frequently recorded with Robillard Duke and offor Roomful Blues. legendary the He’s also business, including asix-year as frontman gig to collaborate with some of inthe best the with Ronnie Earl. His talent has allowed him since late the he ’70s,when formed aband blues and playing harmonica professionally that band this is really Covemaker’s KALA programs, Ifound out Sugar Bluetones Ray&the on one of Bob heard of guys either, these but Iheard when Festival. That means they’re I’d good. never it’sbecause Mississippi the Valley Blues but you come to listen to anyway them heard of most of musicians the at festival the Raful Neal, harmonicaRaful alocal player up in amusical family by led his father in1957, Kennyand Born vocals. grew master, and he excels on guitar, harmonica, dash of He’s funk. known as aswamp-blues that:reflect smoothand laid-back with a S Sugar Ray & theBluetones, 8:30 p.m. B KennyNeal.net Kenny Neal, 10:30p.m. F ugarRayAndTheBluetones.com aton Rouge, Louisiana, and his blues Kenny Neal hails from swamps the of You don’t to need go to Chicago or His current band includes “Monster” Sugar RayNorcia singing has the been I’m probably like most of you; you’ve never – Stan Furlong esit v al wrote,of Roomful Blues “This good. career. returning to Baton Rouge his solo to begin Canada’s Downchild Blues band before Let lifeLet flow! His is always energy upbeat and positive. mesmerizing, and you can dance to it, too. that came on after him.Kenny’s music is and he stole night the from zydeco the band hetime played our Fest, he was tent inthe – expresses of soul the Kenny Neal. The last Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. yearLast Kenny Neal was inducted into the recent Your CDis on Hooked Love Chicago/Memphis approach.” soul His most gritty Louisiana roots with asophisticated it as “oncedescribed again incorporating his Grammy nominations. The All Music Guide Flow album on Blind Pig Records, Let Life him to ayear take off; his comeback to tour and record until hepatitis Cforced State Department in1993.He continued in 1991won Theatre the World Award for Then Kenny expanded his horizons and marketed it as Big News from Baton Rouge! Records picked it up following the year and Greelee and Kingsnake Records. Alligator Bio on the Bayou, for Florida producer Bob In 1987,Kenny Neal cut his debut album, – Karen McFarland But none of information this really (2008),helped Kenny get four (!) Band. Later he fronted formed Neal the Brothers three of his brothers and relocated to Toronto with his guitar-playing, Kenny so Kennyadvised to on focus Buddy Guy’s bassist. Buddy player, and by 17,he was his father’s band as abass and guitar. At 13,he joined on to piano, bass, trumpet, harmonica, moved then child, Kenny mastered and Slim Harpo. As a Lester,Lazy Buddy Guy, included friends whose Africa forAfrica the Mahal. He toured with music by Taj Neale Hurston Hughes and Zora play by Langston in Mulebone workhis acting on Broadway for NewBest Talent (2010). , a

| 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org 17

al v Sum Mo Shoot esit in 2005, F in 2000, in 2009, which was lues B Supe Chikan What You See You What alley V , influenced by such musicians as Muddy Muddy as musicians such , influenced by in 2008, and Chikadelic in 2008, and At an early age, James got James age, early an At a a truck began driving for James adult, an As In recent years, taking lessons learned from his learned from taking lessons years, recent In For a 2006 interview with Super Chikan, visit a 2006 interview Super with For McFarland – Karen I like the guitar James made from a ceiling fan, a ceiling from made James the guitar I like covered in jeweled beads, mirrors, and working working and in jeweled beads, mirrors, covered the parallels kind functionality decorated Such lights! seen I’ve plays. and Chikan writes Super that blues of the deal real – a he’s times, and Chikan many Super a good on put to how who knows bluesman Delta seen never all-female his him with I’ve But show. Cocks Mississippi the Fighting – although band, Society Slocum, who Blues Mary Jo member Valley the Legendary them on R&B Cruise,heard says set! a superlative I predict fantastic. they’re Johnson, played fiddle one in local and played bands, string Johnson, Johnson, Jack Big uncles, his of known internationally an was his spent He musician. blues to town from childhood moving and Delta in the Mississippi town farms. family’s his on working instrument, musical first his grew up, he As a diddley bow. vary and improve to new with ways up came he the one-stringed on make could he the sounds bought he 13, of the age in 1964, at and instrument, the jukes, began hitting 19, he age At guitar. first his and Johnson, Jack Big uncle, his with bass playing a number for guitar and bass play to on went he Frost, Frank including bandleaders, blues Delta of Carr. Sam and Sr., Earnest Roy he the road, on stretches During the long living. showed he When songs. own his began composing him to friends, his to they the convinced songs them. So in 1997 Super record and a studio to go Blues album, Come debut Chikan his released Home to Roost He Berry. Chuck and Lee Hooker, John Waters, release to on went in 2001, Thang That Chikan Traditional for Award Music the 2010 Blues awarded with Also honored was in 2010, he Album. Blues nominations: Award Music Blues additional three the Year of Song the Year, of Entertainer King B.B. Male Blues Traditional and Store,” Dollar “Fred’s for Artist. made and instruments – who built grandfather guitars own his began building – James lures fishing discarded combines James instruments. other and create to cans gas Army parts old with guitar and guitars also cigar-box makes He “Chikantars.” hand-paints He instruments. one-of-a-kind other them with ornamenting instruments, his each of thedetailed Delta. scenes of RCReader.com/y/chikan. ississippi 2012 M 2012 Donna performed a tribute to slide master slide to performed a tribute Donna Liz got her first guitar at 16 and started playing started playing 16 and at guitar first her Liz got be don’t self-penned, but are songs Liz’s of Most who plays player a slide-guitar is Donna was 16, she 10. By age at guitar up picked Herula KFFA on appeared Donna Liz and Last year, Saturday; 4 p.m. at will a workshop Herula host McFarland – Karen James “Super Chikan” Johnson is a Blues Music Music a Blues is Johnson Chikan” “Super James Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks, Cocks, Super Chikan & the Fighting 10 p.m. songs. its style tips guitar Her soon after. professionally Hurt, John Mississippi influences: oldest her to hat with mixed Waters Muddy and Hopkins, Lightnin’ of blues the Chicago and Mayfield Curtis soul from in a style first Reed. washboard, Liz also plays Jimmy in many employed and in Louisiana popular made rhythm Creole that adding settings, blues traditional music. her to She’s cover. a classic out surprised busts when she history blues studying and to listening years spent both live in her panache, with tribute pays and presents she workshops in the interactive and shows the around festivals at the in Schools and Blues for world. styles. With modern blues and Delta, country, finger- plays she technique, guitar a percussive resonator her on guitar slide blues as style well as Triolian Steel a 1930s National including guitars, duo solo and her In Tricone. Steel National and songs of a mix plays Donna performances, acoustic Memphis including blueswomen, the early from the early Bessie and and Smith, Rainey, Ma Minnie, Robert Robert Johnson, including bluesmen, Delta Muddy Furry and Lewis, Blake, Blind Nighthawk, Waters. original blues writing and lead in bands playing and players slide-guitar famous influenced by songs aggressive an developed Donna singers. blues classic traditional of based a deep study on technique slide Robert Nighthawk, notably most guitarists, Delta is Moon CD The her with tribute paid she whom to Rising. his for Festival Blues the 2009 Chicago at Nighthawk also part She performed as celebration. centennial Cultural the Delta for symposium a Nighthawk of Arkansas. in Helena, Center historic his during Payne Sonny of guests radio as Biscuit the King during 50th-anniversary broadcast the keeping is this duo that you tell should That Fest. alive! blues old-style on 4 p.m. at will a workshop Mandeville host Sunday. Award-winning blues musician, songwriter, songwriter, musician, blues Award-winning based in guitar-maker and educator, artist, outsider James 11 children, of One Clarksdale, Mississippi. Ellis grandfather, His family. a musical from came

. , and playing lead playing , and Blues Challenge in Challenge Blues and this year Memphis the semifinals. to it made their at a judge I was Beale on Street, venue so I was impressed and their high-energywith Earnest Roy Jr. was born was Jr. Earnest Roy on September 25, 1958, September on in Clarksdale, Mississippi, his eye of the watchful under Earnest Roy guitarist father, Jackie with who worked Sr., John Turner, Ike Brinston, Walton, Wade Lee Hooker, Raymond Hill, many and Clarksdale the other of LizMandeville.com.

and

Liz Mandeville and Donna Herula represented represented Herula Donna and Liz Mandeville

– from EarnestGuitarRoy.Homestead.com – from From 1993 to 2001, Earnest played for the for 2001, Earnest played 1993 to From By 1989, Jim O’Neal of Rooster Blues Records had Records Rooster Blues of O’Neal 1989, Jim By shortly thereafter, featuring many of Liz’s original Liz’s of many featuring thereafter, shortly for traditional and classic blues. They formed a duo They formed blues. classic and traditional for Chicago women recognized their shared passion recognized their shared women Chicago table! When they met at the 2011 IBC, they at the met two When table! play washboard while lying on top of the judges’ the judges’ of top while on lying washboard play Stage presence: check is blurred by Liz trying by to blurred is check presence: Stage Instrumental talent: check. Originality: check. talent: check. Instrumental blues! Blues content: check. Vocal talent: check. talent: Vocal check. content: Blues blues! the Windy City Blues Society at the International Society the International Blues at City the Windy

DonnaHerula.com Liz Mandeville & Donna Herula, 8 p.m. & Donna Herula, Liz Mandeville

Earnest “Guitar” Roy, 6:30 p.m. 6:30 Roy, “Guitar” Earnest EarnestGuitarRoy.Homestead.com Friday, June 29: Tent 29: June Friday, from 2011. from Clarksdale Down to Going CD is recent blues and jazz festivals with Sam Carr. Earnest’s most Earnest’s Carr. Sam with jazz festivals and blues blues roots when he began touring and appearing at appearing and began touring when he roots blues world. In 2001, Earnest “Guitar” Roy returned to his to returned Roy 2001, Earnest “Guitar” In world. whose ministry aired in 320 nations around the around whose ministry in 320 nations aired international televangelist and pastor Rod Parsley, Rod Parsley, pastor and televangelist international Jack Johnson’s first album, Oil album, first Man Johnson’s Jack Prowler Midnight Frost’s Frank drums on and guitar album. Earnest’s other credits include playing drums on Big drums on playing include credits other Earnest’s touring and playing backup guitar for Albert King. for guitar backup playing and touring written in a San Diego hotel room while Earnest was room hotel Diego in a San written What My Little Girl’s Been Doing.” The song was song The Been Doing.” Girl’s Little My What a single called “Too Many Women & I Wanna Know Know & I Wanna Women Many calleda single “Too signed Earnest “Guitar” Roy to the label and released the label and to Roy signed Earnest “Guitar” led to his being regular performer on Soul on performer being regular his led to Train lead guitar, and he formed his first band at 14, which at band first his formed he and lead guitar, Jack Johnson. At age 11, Earnest Jr. began playing began playing 11, Earnest Jr. age At Johnson. Jack Clarksdale Rockers, whose members included Big Clarksdale whose included Rockers, members playing in his father’s band, Earnest Roy & the Earnest Roy band, father’s in his playing at five, and when Earnest turned eight, he began he when eight, Earnest turned and five, at bluesmen. Earnest’s father taught him bass guitar him bass taught father Earnest’s bluesmen. 18 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org | and his blazing steel guitar genre.” to stake aclaim as one of singers best the of his rockabilly and rock-and-roll, and Fuller is out blues are“Their with healthy laced of doses said about this RayFuller Bluesrockers: &the Blues Living Bluesthe Devilles). with Patrick McLaughlin and Hot also & Rod Manuel has (who spent many years touring Challenge inMemphis), and bassist Manny of at finalists the 2003International the Blues Gears), pianistthe Keith Blair was (who one was(who formerly with Terry Davidson & includes longtime Mark drummer Ward 19, 1954,inColumbus, Ohio. His band RayFuller.com Ray Fuller &theBluesrockers, 4p.m. them. secretcan’twhose kept be quiet once you hear festival! The Terry Quiett act Band is asleeper Randolph,Robert and Allison. Bernard Tab Benoit, Sardinas, Eric Cummings, Albert Wayne Shepherd, Walter Trout, Robin Trower, including Jonny Cray, Robert Lang, Kenny stagethe with international guitar legends way,the Terry the Quiett Band has shared shows ayear across America’s Heartland. Along 200,000-plus and miles played to close 300 charged blues-based music. Jimlegendary Gaines –is an outing of highly latest release, Just My Luck –produced by the Baker.Underwood and Rodney drummer His ofto leader the aband featuring bassist Aaron fromdecade acoustic asolo singer/songwriter Haland vocals. brought soulful Reed the featuring all riffs, his stunning guitar technique and sophisticated swing jazzy to rock-flavored material,original from haunting Delta blues power-trio cliché”every by performing striking TerryQuiettBand.com Terry Band, Quiett 2p.m. Saturday, June30:Bandshell – after Ray’s seeing band as opening the act Muddy Waters Guitarist RayFuller wason born December – Kristy Bennett This is agreat way to open day two of the Since Terry 2006,the Quiett Band has logged As his Web site says: “Terry Quiett explodes 2012 M

ississippi evolving past inthe of Kansas and has been plainsfrom rural the exaggerate. that his Web site doesn’t we found out firsthand The Muddy Waters, so Terry Quiett Band to Terry Quiett comes V magazine has alley B lues Come hear why! that way the made cut the all to bandshell. the Bluesrockers& the were one of few acts the hundreds of solicitations to play. RayFuller Blues Festival Entertainment Committee gets year,in 2011.Each Mississippi the Valley Rockin’ Blues the Guitars released shown to him.RayFuller &The Bluesrockers and nasty blues riff wisdom and lick every out. He paid attention close of pearl to every wasted on ayoung he Raywhen was starting hang out and from learn masters the were not on group’s the Web site, opportunities these to out to dinner and picked up tab. the As it says Fuller Bluesrockers &the and his own band band and its performance that he took Ray John Hooker Lee impressed was so with the Memphis bands on weekends working while for next the 20years played inasuccession of He beganplaying around town at age 18,and There he heard and fell in love with blues. the family moved to Memphis he when was eight. to down-and-dirty blues than easier anyone.” phrasing and can switch from deep-rooted soul Shannon is amaster of control vocal and Memphis ofbest legendary the singers. soul grooves, as hesoar soothes, and moves like the forceful, and expressive simmer and vocals Preston’sdescribes “His sound way: this raspy, T-Bone Walker. RayStiles at MNBlues.com enough to bring his name up to Mississippi the Street inMemphis,Beale and was impressed PrestonShannon.com Preston Shannon, 6p.m. F Born inOliveBorn Branch, Mississippi, Preston’s I first heard Preston Shannon inaclub on – Steve Heston esit in1987,Twist Fate of Somethin’ Shakin’ v al in2004,and Piece of Work King, Little Milton, and by influenced a style Albert Redding and plays guitar in a singer sounds who like Otis Street” King of“The Beale is for more than three years. entertainment committee Valley Blues Festival as wild andas wild crazyas Iam!” “Finally I’ve met somebody Ray’s hand and proclaimed, Bluesrockers,& the shook performance of RayFuller Cotton, after another seeing smoke backstage!” James slide, boy! Icould smell the was “That some hot hear: – exclaimed for to all Damn in1985,Damn Live in1999,Live

own to Preston Shannon’s set! chance to dosome line-dancing soul of your it’sSoul; line-dancing. soul Don’t miss this projectBoogie Shuffle flash-mob global called Tonk” was picked up by achoreographer for a Clay). Just recently, Preston’s version of “Honky Mitchell (acollaborator withGreen Al and Otis was produced by and includes songs by Willie three Grammy awards Time for in All All in Time in All Ice the Break Rounder Blues Bullseye subsidiary: connected Preston with Rounder Records. by producer/keyboardist Ron Levy, who he was “discovered” Street club inaBeale put together his own band, and thereafter soon that he could on dothis his own. In 1991,he Shirley Brown, and he gained confidence the he1987 when toured with soul-blues singer in ahardware store by day. Abreak came in his dues many (like so American unheralded 30 years of his career. of After decades paying labels as well as an obscure LPduring first the recorded ahandful of singles for avarietyof inhis teens legends still andwith these while Slim, and T-Bone Walker. He playing started Ray Charles, Sam B.B. Cooke, King, Guitar with blues and R&Bluminaries including on scene.” the among blues highest-energy the entertainers phrases and notes with homicidal fury. He is is abattle-scarred hard-ass. He slices off his The likesolos lava over anything inhis path.” His molten guitar pours his psychedelicized “sounds like acaged tiger before feeding time. reviewer on Amazon.com says his guitar work other blues players wouldn’t of. eventhink A He reaches for and sounds, licks riffs, that his unpredictable, guitar-playing. off-the-wall audiences forelectrifying with five decades David(born Kearney in1939)has been Hendrix and Buddy Guy, Guitar Shorty GuitarShorty.com Shorty,Guitar 8p.m. Preston recorded three albums for the Through years, the Shorty has performed Credited with influencing Jimi both – Karen McFarland (1994),Midnight in Memphis (1996),and Chicago Reader declares: “Guitar Shorty (1999).Preston was nominated for really sets Shortyreally sets apart is andwith body soul. What connectingvocals, directly guitar-playing and his fierce with his blistering, physical recordings. Shorty strikes shows and his incendiary his supercharged live , which , which | 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org 19 al . You . You v esit F lues B alley V magazine said of him: “MacLeod is is him: “MacLeod of said magazine It is during his unforgettable live live unforgettable his during is It He honors. many MacLeod garnered has – Glenn Cotabish Doug has has Doug on a workshop willMcLeod conduct been prolific as a as been prolific having songwriter, penned now several hundred His compositions. been have songs Albert by recorded AlbertKing, Collins, Son Seals, Louis Joe Eva Alvin, Dave Creach, John Papa Walker, King, Chris Thomas Coco Montoya, Cassidy, and Lee Billy Riley, veteran Records Sun life express These songs Armstrong. James that a level experiences on times and and each person they feel know listeners makes “Makes it: MacLeod puts As out. and inside huh?” mail, ya think your I been reading MacLeod shines that though, performances, his draws and entertains He the brightest. that the stories telling closer by audience that wonder no is It the songs. inspired a festival as MacLeod highly is sought-after music entertained has and performer countless at the world throughout fans festivals. folk jazz, and blues, international W.C. numerous for beenhas nominated including – awards Music Blues and Handy and the Year Artist of Acoustic in 2012 for Brand Album: NewBest Eyes Acoustic 5:30 p.m. at Saturday picking or playing bottleneck on his National National his on bottleneck playing or picking for MacLeod known is guitar, Reso-Phonic style of powerfully rhythmic and unique his churning of a blend acoustic-guitar-playing, influenced finger-picking intricate and bass and bass blues playing years early his by electric jazz and blues. journeys his into by gigs him sideman landed playing MacLeod’s Joe Big Smith, “Harmonica” George with Eddie “Cleanhead” Crayton, Wee Pee Turner, Lowell Vinson, Big and Fulson, Thornton. Mama in the Delta will hanging find portrait his He in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Museum Blues the “49 musicians of one as celebrated was in Art tradition” a new blues shaping . Blues Blues the of book Children Tipaldi’s Revue the of one but a style, of imitator a mere not will alive this sound keep that voices vibrant legend blues And century.” the next into who a man “There’s said: Edwards Honeyboy the blues!” play can ississippi . He . He at 13 years 13 years at in his old of hometown Iowa, Marion, in a blues trio his with on mother drums and also father his guitar. on 2012 M 2012 Game of of and Game . In 2001, he released Live released 2001, he . In , which many of you might know know might you of , which many . Bryce was in The Blue Band with with Band . Bryce Blue in The was Doug MacLeod is a gifted blues MacLeod a giftedDoug is blues Bryce Janey grew up in a musical in a musical grew up Bryce Janey 1995, Bryce CD, first his released In Bryce will that will be solo show his It Heston – Steve Saturday, June 30: Tent 30: June Saturday, Doug MacLeod, 3:30 p.m. Doug MacLeod, Doug-MacLeod.com songwriter who superb and guitarist and masters blues the old learned from carrying Whether is their tradition. on Bryce Janey, 2 p.m. Janey, Bryce BryceJaney.com guitar his been has playing and family started playing He 30 years. almost for Janeys. The named simply They were are Lee Billy Janey father his Both and he Fame. of Rock & Roll Hall in the Iowa five-piece or They still a four- perform as no mother his calledband Janeys; The Lee Billy Bryce and but performs, longer still Bryce headline the also band. a has the under performs that own his of band Group. Bryce Janey name Preach titled You Practice What Checkers at Live with that followed Tavern released he Next in Cedaris Rapids. Jane Baby Sweet the of fixture (another O’Malley’s J.M. at in scene), followed blues Cedar Rapids Heal by in 2006 and Janeys The 2002 by Blues released 2010, he . In in Night the two released he in 2011 and Soul, My Downalbums: Home Blues Life 2002. BryceBob 1999 to also Dorr from part-time Perry with play finds time to in Giblin T-Bone Tommy and Welsh the 2011 Iowa was He Pumpers. The in the winner solo/duo Challenge Blues become to on went and competition Challenge Blues a 2012 International semifinalist in Memphis. So don’t this year. festival our perform at sons native own Iowa’s of seeing one miss of two day off kicking stage the tent on festival! our

Back , Better both

: “It’s difficult imagine to : “It’s ’s Top Blues Albums – at – at Albums Blues Top ’s We the People and We Can’t Look in 2000, Can’t said that after seeing Albert after that said in 1969, the music King By soul. his into right went the mid-1970s, Cocowas drums in several localplaying then and bands rock-and-roll drums playing himself found After band. in Albert Collins’ Suspicion in 2010. You won’t want to miss this miss to want won’t in 2010. You won the Blues Music Award for Best for Award Music the Blues won Watch Your Back Your Watch – Steve Heston – Steve Gotta Mind Mind Gotta album Pig the Bling – including Coco in 1995 own his finally on started off – who had all held that spot in the past. spot – who all that had held Soon Coco John of became a member Coco Montoya was born in 1951 in Santa born was in 1951 in Santa Coco Montoya – from GuitarShorty.com – from on e .” charted on Billboard Billboard 12, respectively. 11 and numbers the People We of said this than album a better ever tracks he that Contemporary Blues Album of the Year. the Year. of Album Blues Contemporary 10 p.m. Montoya, Coco People, selling album. His 2006 follow-up, We 2006 follow-up, His theselling album. was his best-received, best- best-received, his was Back, Your Watch the world. His 2004 Alligator Records debut, debut, Records 2004 Alligator His the world. have kept him constantly in demand all over all over in demand him constantly kept have acclaim, and his renowned live performances performances live renowned his and acclaim, His recordings since then all received critical then all since received recordings His establish Shorty’s fame in his home country. country. home in his fame Shorty’s establish bluesmen), it took a tour of England to England of a tour took it bluesmen), legend in the making! legend All Back I Want It It I Want in 2002, Dirty in 2007, and Deal Know I’d Think Ya album, second His released Blues Artist at the 1996 W.C. Handy Awards. Awards. Handy the 1996 W.C. Artist at Blues then he Since Records. signed Alligator with which won an award for Best New for award an which won Travel, to Coco and point, that at parted ways Pig Blind Just Let Go Let . Coco and Just 1997’s by followed was and has released seven released has CDs and Bluesbreakers. He spent 10 years with John Mayall & the Mayall John with 10 years spent He Green, and Mick Taylor Mick and Green, for such guitar legends as Eric Clapton, Peter Peter Eric as Clapton, legends guitar such for Mayall’s band the Bluesbreakers, taking over taking over the Bluesbreakers, band Mayall’s stayed with Albert Collins for five years. Albert five with Collinsstayed for their guitar-playing on stage together. Coco together. stage on their guitar-playing long before Coco and Albert were showing off Coco showing Albert and before were long for hours on end in motel rooms. It wasn’t wasn’t It rooms. in motel end on hours for calling was to be a great blues guitarist. He He guitarist. blues becalling to was a great the guitar they on licks started trading and raised on rock-and-roll but soon realized his but rock-and-roll raised on Albert Coco took the shows, wing, his under Monica, California. He grew up as a drummer as up grew California. He Monica, 20 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org | ears will be opened. be ears will Saturday afternoon. Ihope you’ll join me. Your Redstone Room.Iknow where I’m gonna be Polyrhythmsthe Third Sunday Jazz at series the our 2004 festival and more recently played at critics. latesttheir has received notice from special the and Europe. They’ve recorded CDs, and seven traveled throughout United the States, Canada, Ensemble in1979,Ernest and his band have Illinois. Since forming New the Horizons Governor’s State University inUniversity Park, and master’s degree inmusical education from in Chicago and was awarded abachelor’s both has studied at Vandercook of College Music King Jr. DidImention that guy this is versatile? avant-garde music that would appeal to an what he what play some remarkably tight arrangements, Dawkins. While he can, and definitely does, well. It shows music. intheir after night, you get to know one another very with two core musicians playing together night have refined it to fitIwould them. guess that not imply to blues; their learn needed they they musictheir along way. the does This certainly playing, changing, adding, and improvising now. that goes The met story at they an open- around blues the for scene more than 10years Arbuckle Dustin vocalist have kicking been MorelandArbuckle.com Moreland &Arbuckle, 7:30p.m. ErnestDawkins.com. 5:30p.m.Ernest Dawkins Quartet, Tent, continued Saturday, June30: – Stan Furlong The New Horizons Ensemble appeared at This influential alto and tenor saxophonist If you like freedom, you’ Aaron plays acigar-box guitar along Guitarist Aaron Moreland and harpist/ 2012 M ’ s most noted for is “ dedicated to Martin Luther called gospel- waltz jazz influenced Prophet Prairie The swing, and His funk. latest CD, hear bluesalso (of course), Ornette Coleman fan. You’ ississippi “ Hymn for aHip King” ll like Ernest like Ernest ll guys have been Kansas, two these big click here. Well, I’m a talking Heard that before? to click. seemed all mic night, and it free-bop” Hailing from V alley , features a and and B ll ll lues KelleyHunt.com Kelley Hunt, 9:30p.m. what Iwanna do!” The rest is history. and Kelley wanna said: “I boogie-woogie! 88s.” asked Mary Kelley what she wanted to do, Norton, Burt Mary her to see “Queen the of the shewhen was 10years old, her mother took until one day,crying, Kelley kept coming home had to go.boogie-woogie ear was noand good, that telling her that playing by different piano teachers endured years of five agethe of three. Kelley She tells how she beganplaying piano the at CD, “Queenin asong called of 88s” the on her third Orleans gospel singer. Kelley tells her own story home, and her grandmother, was who aNew by her mother singing and jazz blues inthe Her love of music was inspired at an early age full-tilt boogie. Ican’t boogie. full-tilt wait her again! to see Kelley’s songs, but ballad-style her trademark is inyourdeep music Gospel heart. influenced and she writes passionate that lyrics touch you presence and superior and vocal skills, keyboard time.show She has acommanding every stage show McClinton! from Delbert Ihave loved her andset, came then back out later and stole the festival afew years she back, when didher own I saw her on bandshell the stage at our blues yearsBallroom ago, and she was fantastic! And from her piano. Isaw Park her at Electric the Waters), an intimate setting where Isat five feet blues Isawtimes. her inalocal bar (Muddy you don’t want to miss. get Better there early! Farmssome Dockery stuff. Charley Patton/early or Clarksdale maybe Down South Blues. That kindof down- home of show! This, inmy opinion, is to close being Mississippi, I’ve got Man to say: Horner keeps backbeat who the going. usually travel named with adrummer Brad edge or two inthere for measure. good They of thrown funk in,with at maybearock times blues,some Hill Country and of course abit together, play some great Delta blues along with cool, down-home-sounding harp. two, These sings and plays amean harp –Imean amean, a novelty. But Aaron has it right on. Dustin cigar boxes; some, of course, just like seem musician has. We have people playing seen all with other the standard guitars that ablues F – Ellen Clow – Ellen I have Kelley seen Hunt performlive three Kelley Hunt wasinKansas born City, Kansas. – Michael Livermore– Michael This is going one to be of tent those shows Having guys at these seen afestival in esit Inspiration v al –my favorite of her five albums. , this is, this my kind That’s That’s Jeff Banks &the Jeff Pain Killers, 3 p.m. Pocono Blues Festival along ago time LadyBianca.com 5p.m. Bianca, Lady Cumulus Media, and Cityview. Society, Budweiser, Summit Brewing, Blues Society, Southeast Iowa Blues Lizard Creek Blues Society, South Skunk Mississippithe Valley Blues Society, sponsored by Iowa Central Blues Society, on drums. onLocker bass, and George McCutchen Jeffsongwriter on Banks guitar, Jon year,this Pain the Killers feature singer/ Memphis. andtime cash to help in defray expenses Blues Festival, receive will they recording at set their Mississippi the Besides Valley Challenge inMemphis next February. state of Iowa at International the Blues MoinesDes inMay. Mississippi Misfits –at round final the in Cities bands Business –Serious and The from tough challenges by two Quad Pain emerged Killers! They victorious Iowa Blues Challenge: Jeff &the Banks Bandshell Sunday, July1: I remember Bianca Lady seeing at the The 2012Iowa Blues Challenge is Formed Moines inDes inJanuary of The Pain represent Killers will the Congratulations to winners the of the | 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org 21

. al , v esit F in 1998, , which quickly , which quickly lues B with his father and Cub Cub and father his with Lonnie Brooks has been has Brooks Lonnie alley features the musical family of of family the musical features Ronnie to father Brooks, Lonnie Baker Wayne and Baker Brooks solo established All have Brooks. and bands their own with careers worldwide. support fan gained six decades! almost for performing his in guitar play learned to He then made and Louisiana native which has Chicago, to way his 50 than more for been home his with up hooked he There years. released and Records Alligator Man Headed Two V Blues Brothers Brothers also was in the Blues . Wayne Ronnie Baker Brooks was playing guitar guitar playing was Baker Brooks Ronnie father’s his joined Baker Brooks Wayne – Steve Heston – Steve became famous for the “Voodoo Blues’’ Blues’’ the “Voodoo for became famous has He trademark. his now is that sound which was of one records, 15 total recorded Bayou Lighting Grammy-nominated his Blues in the movie also been featured He’s John and Aykroyd Dan 2000 with Brothers Goodman. dad’s his joined and nine age at on-stage released high He school. after right band Golddigger album debut his Award Handy which earned him a W.C. Artist. Blues Best New for nomination been has Band Baker Brooks Ronnie The ever the world around shows headlining that seen him knows who’s Anyone since. true. is Ronnie site Web his on says it what deep with soul and rock blues enlivens funk vocals rhythms. and modern hip-hop producer Minneapolis with Working collaborator a veteran Johnson, Jellybean Ronnie Jackson, Janet and Prince with them transforms and sounds takes roots Ronnie the ages. spans that something into Muddy that the way this to compares and blues Delta Mississippi took Waters Like his audiences. Chicago for it adapted is Baker Brooks Ronnie brother, and father also a songwriter. started in 1988, and a roadie as band 1997, in 1990. In in the band guitar playing Band. Baker Brooks the Wayne formed he Going Down, Something’s is release latest His Twista, artist platinum-selling featuring has Wayne Blue. Sugar and GLC as well as ever since himself for been a name making Mystery the album of 2004 release his Real from Blues awards five which received Music in the All stars four and magazine Guide the book co-authored he And 2000 movie. Blues for Dummies Koda. ississippi 2012 M 2012 The Brooks Family Blues Dynasty Blues Family Brooks The Well, they won the Blues Challenge that that Challenge the Blues they won Well, describe trio just a power them as To scene the blues thinkI sometimes that – Michael Livermore BrooksFamilyBlues.com. BrooksFamilyBlues.com. The Brooks Family Blues Family Brooks The Lonnie featuring Dynasty, Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks, 9 p.m. Brooks, Baker Wayne and year, along with Nick Schnebelen receiving Schnebelen receiving Nick with along year, Promising Most for the Albert award King history. is the IBC. the rest at And Guitarist two a true is band, This fit. family doesn’t Kris guitar, on a sister: Nick and brothers Danielle the drums, and on tight it keeping the vocals. They have They bass. share on the chemistry you and that the harmony up opens Danielle When see feel. can and soulful all vocals, just it strong, her with will you band wide This open. give blows so hear much do you Rarely goosebumps. They can you. at right coming emotion raw all the while roots, putting traditional play it. to feeling their own the early of a lot with somewhat, fading is like then a group But us. leaving artists blues you and along, comes Foot Under Trampled Waters, Muddy from influences hear can They play Wolf. Howlin’ and Dixon, Willie Aretha James, Etta of the passion with They take these Taylor. Koko or Franklin, their soul. them into wrap influences and , we have Trampled Under Under Trampled have , we Through a Woman’s a Woman’s Through , and Inarticulate Speech Speech (1982), Inarticulate Wonder (1984), A Sense of

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– Karen McFarland – Karen In April 2007, at the Bay Area Black Music Music Black Area the Bay 2007, at April In All Finally right! She met her songwriter/producer husband husband songwriter/producer her met She Born Bianca Thornton in 1953, by the in 1953, by Thornton Born Bianca Her Web site says that she’s had the had she’s that says site Web Her named Trampled Under Foot. Foot. Under Trampled named get down to Club Superior to see to this band Superior Club to down get won’t forget! won’t needed we said to and us found Kansas from she’s here with us, ready to give us a show we we a show us give to ready us, with here she’s friends some and the challenge, for there Royal Albert Hall in London. And in 2012 in And Albert in London. Royal Hall down I were and Nanci wife My in Memphis. 2009, she appeared with Van Morrison at the the at Morrison Van with appeared 2009, she (IBC) Challenge Blues the 2008 International into the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame. In In Fame. of Hall Coast Blues the West into them at see hear to and the opportunity had Performer. In March 2008, she was voted voted was 2008, she March In Performer. I them since for been waiting I have Festival! , Rollin’ Secret Kept Eyes Best named was Blues Lady Bianca Awards, Blues Valley the Mississippi to coming Foot were nominated for a Grammy Award: Best Award: a Grammy for nominated were has released six solo albums, three of which of three six solo released albums, has TUFKC.com Magic-O Records. Since 1995, Lady Bianca 1995, Lady Bianca Since Records. Magic-O 7 p.m. Under Foot, Trampled for various record labels as well as their own their own as well as labels record various for produced, written, and arranged five CDs CDs five arranged and written, produced, Stanley Lippitt in 1983. Together, they have they have in 1983. Together, Lippitt Stanley (1986). Beautiful Vision Teacher No Method, No Guru, No (1985), and Morrison, and appeared on his recordings recordings his on appeared and Morrison, House Belfast with and recorded backing vocals for Van Van vocals backing for recorded and with Opera Grand the at (1983), Live Heart the of Between 1981 and 1986, Lady Bianca toured Between toured 1986, Lady Bianca 1981 and and as a session singer she backed Taj Mahal. Mahal. Taj backed she singer a session as and keyboard player for Sly & the Family Stone, Stone, & the Family Sly for keyboard player mid-’70s she was a backing vocalist and vocalist and a backing was mid-’70s she opera. In her youth, she sang gospel and studied studied and gospel sang she youth, her In Brown, Mabel Scott, and Amos Milburn. Milburn. Amos and Scott, Mabel Brown, Ray Charles, Meade Lux Lewis, Charles Lux Meade Ray Charles, Smith. Her piano style is influenced by style influenced is by piano Her Smith. Franklin, Billie Holiday, and Bessie and Billie Holiday, Franklin, Koko Taylor, Dinah Washington, Aretha Aretha Dinah Washington, Taylor, Koko include Bobby “Blue” Bland, Etta James, James, Etta Bland, “Blue” Bobby include the age of four. Her vocal influences Her four. of the age gift of singing and piano-playing since since piano-playing and singing gift of by this Oakland artist! by I’m looking forward to an exciting set exciting an to forward looking I’m boogie to the deep blues of Otis Spann). Otis Spann). boogie of the deep to blues and her strong piano-playing (from (from piano-playing strong her and hear Etta James, maybe Tracy Nelson) Nelson) maybe Tracy James, Etta hear amazed by her deep, soulful voice (I soulful voice deep, her by amazed and noticing her pink tutu before being before tutu pink her noticing and 22 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org | his favorite. banjo, bass, and drums, piano), guitar is still While he plays other instruments (including hollow-body –Sage fell inlove with guitars. getting his first guitar at age eight –aGretsch and B.B. King. Hendrix, Keb’ Mo, Slash, Stevie RayVaughan, inspiration. Some of his influencesare Jimi for of all encouragement, their support, and Hal, and many other wonderful musicians – he was eight. He credits –and those Ellis, workshops Camp, (Rock Winter Blues) since participatingbeen inRiver Music Experience and lessons begantaking at age five, and he’s Rapids. He got his first guitar at age the of four participate inband, choir, and orchestra. enter and fall Bettendorf this Middle School Russell, Fitzgerald, Ella and B.B. King. She will influences are Big Mama Thornton, Reba age three and hasn’t slowed down. Sophia ’s could crawl. She singing started inchurch at shown interest inmusic from she time the Bluesthe Fest year. this Clapton. He is excited and honored to play at influences are Stevie RayVaughan and Eric playing guitar for about three years now. His interested inmusic at age and seven has been sure be to will amaze set their audience! the so Hal The have kids Reed. practicing hard, been Winter Blues program, by led Kell Ellis and of graduates of River the Music Experience’s Winter BluesAll-Stars, 3p.m. Sunday, July1: Tent Sage Weeber is originally from Moline. After Simon Ertzinger is originally from Cedar Sophia Pike is from Bettendorf, and has Craft is fromLevi Viola, Illinois. He became The Winter Blues All-Stars is acollaboration 2012 M ississippi V alley B lues catcher on team. freshman the baseball is a3.8-GPA honor student and starting the to classical. Along with his musical career, he kinds of music from blues to rock, country cello, guitar, and bass guitar. He loves all and has sinceto learned play double the bass, violin schoolorchestra inthe infourth grade, High inDavenport. School He playing started father has fed himover years. the diet of R&B, ’70sfunk, and Motown that his says his biggest musical influenceis steady the listens to and loves lots of different music, and hewhen enters Cooper fall. schoolinthe high band, andplay will snare line drum inthe High band schooljazz inthe and set drum plays percussion Pleasant inthe Valley Junior for more than of half his 13years. Cooper uptaking and drums playing has been music and whatever he could gigs find. south and west insearch of music the he loved college campuses and made occasional forays paying incoffeehouses gigs incities and at Phil Ochs, and Pete Seeger. he found Soon, Newport Folk Festival along Dylan, with Bob Hurt at atopical-songs workshop at 1963 the discovered blues the by Mississippi seeing John Providence inthe born River Delta.” He American who, as he laughingly puts it, “was bluesman. He is athird-generation Italian Europe. that has received accolades U.S. inthe and compositions, he has created of astyle his own Blackwell and Blind Blake with his original Johnson,Robert Blind Willie McTell, Scrapper of people such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, pickers everwith his tools –six-and 12-string and one of country-blues best the finger- a storyteller, ascholar of early and jazz blues, built areputation as abluesman, asongwriter, PaulGeremia.org Paul Geremia, 4:30p.m. F Connor Essary is afreshmanConnor at Essary Central Schou on started pianoCooper before Geremia’s background isn’t typical for a For more than 40years, Paul Geremia has esit v al of earlier the music his interpretation strings. Combining onstyles sixand 12 picking and slide and Texas finger- of Coast East the living performer possibly greatest the voice.soulful Paul is piano, and ahusky, guitars, harmonica, Sunday at 4:30p.m. helped revitalize. Pink Anderson careerespecially –whose he “Pony Blues,” Geremia said), and many others, fingering for achord from Charley Patton’s enthusiasm,” and showed proper himthe Howlin’ Wolf (“He tolerant was very of my Jackson, Yank House, Son Rachell, Skip James, people including Howard Armstrong, John an immeasurable depth of knowledge from of early the blues legends, thereby gaining tradition. He worked as opening for act some to his development and understanding of the influenceswerewith people whose beneficial Everything he does, fromEverything he does, singing, playing his music inone word, it would smooth. be night long. ...If you had to sum up Johnny and first note very andthe kept dancing them all fromshowman. dance the floor filled Rawls noted that he’s “a great singer and afantastic BluesSoul Album. nominated for 2012Blues the Music Award for Johnny’s latest CD, Memphis Still Got Soul, was Ace Spades of Blues Album. He won that award for 2009’s nominated for aBlues Music Award for Soul ’90s,hisin the 2006album Heart &Soul was in 1980with Johnny as bandleader. the band continued 13years after Wright’s death bandthe of singer soul O.V. Wright, and the and Joe Tex. By mid-1970s,Johnny the was in backing touring musicians such as Z.Z.Hill rhythmic pulse.” melody“Southern-soul template with aheavy Music sound Blues that has, as Soul memorable voice, songs, asoulful and aguitar one of Ifirst times heard those himthere: played Chicago the Blues Festival twice,and title “Soul-Bluesthe Renaissance Man.” He Blues Living of JohnnyRawlsBlues.com Johnny Rawls, 6:30p.m. – Karen McFarland conductGeremia will aworkshop on years, these During Geremia crossed paths A Blues on Stage of review Johnny live Rawls After releasing albums on numerous labels In April 2002,Johnny made cover the Rawls , atribute to his mentor Wright. magazine, where he was given music teacher got himgigs teens. that During time, his switched back to guitar inhis in schoolbands until he saxophone and clarinet as aboy. He went on to play from his blind grandfather 1951, Johnny guitar learned Born inMississippiBorn in says, ’s | 2012 Blues Festival • June 29 - July 1 • LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa • MVBS.org 23 al v esit F lues B alley V David is an endorsee for Hohner harmonicas and for Hohner harmonicas David is an endorsee Ring – Ann Maggie Brown is a tremendously talented singer Maggie will be spending the week before the McFarland – Karen Blues harpist, guitarist, singer, bandleader, and bandleader, Blues harpist, guitarist, singer, Ellis Kell, director of programming and McFarland – Karen Maggie Brown (BlueSKool, history of (BlueSKool, Maggie Brown the blues in song and dance) July 1, 6 p.m. Sunday, June 30, 5 p.m.; Saturday, he digs out his gigantic harmonica! His passion and gigantic harmonica! His he digs out his kids of all is unstoppable, and he leaves love for kids they came with. more than what ages with something adult continuing classes through has taught harmonica Community College for more than Tulsa education at harmonica classes children’s 10 years. He also teaches parks-and-recreation department. Tulsa for the Kids with Hal Blues Academy Winter (BlueSKool) Reed & Ellis Kell July 1, Sunday, 30, 3:45 p.m.; June Saturday, 4:45 p.m. and performer using her gift to not only entertain but educate, as well. I learned this firsthand when I saw Third Sunday Jazzher workshop at a Polyrhythms Series event. Maggie is the daughter of the late Oscar – a world-renowned composer and social Brown Jr. activist, and a legendary giant on the jazz scene. Mr. Brown passed on his artistic integrity to his daughter, who now uses her own voice to create images that excite and inspire. For 19 years, the songstress has Legacy: nationally toured her one-woman show, of Music, which follows the history and Our Wealth aAfrican-American music and covers evolution of wide range of musical forms. Cities, program in the Quad festival at an after-school teaching kids about the history of the blues through song and dance. educator Hal Reed was born in Mississippi just a feweducator Hal Reed was born miles from the Delta, where he grew up influenced a talented Southern folk-blues by his grandfather, love artist who, in addition to inspiring young Hal’s for the blues, taught Hal the need to pass it on from generation to generation. Reed is a veteran musician fronted various bands, on the Quad Cities scene. He’s and took one of them to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. community outreach at the River Music Experience in Davenport, is also a pillar of the Quad Cities blues and bandleader, As a guitarist, songwriter, scene. kept the Ellis Kell Band together for 22 years. he’s Ellis and Hal conducted a very successful Blues in the Schools residency a few semesters back, and this is their fifth year collaborating with graduates of the Blues program at Winter River Music Experience’s BlueSKool. ississippi 2012 M 2012 What would the Mississippi Valley Blues Valley What would the Mississippi With more than 40 years of performing experience, With As a child in Davenport, Michael Herman listened McFarland – Karen Photographer and educator David Horwitz of and educator David Horwitz Photographer Ring – Ann David Berntson (BluSKool) David July 1, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 30, 2:30 p.m.; Saturday, Hawkeye Herman (stories of the blues) (stories Herman Hawkeye July 1, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, David HorwitzDavid (blues photography) p.m. June 30, 2:30 Saturday, Workshop and BluSKool Performers BluSKool and Workshop Festival be without blues educator and harpist David Berntson? David brings it. Originally from Galesburg, (Oklahoma) Blues Club founder, Tulsa Illinois, this and drug/alcohol counselor prevention educator, continually shares his enthusiasm and passion for the blues with young people and adults. David presents Blues in the Schools at a number of venues, including alternative schools for at-risk students. Look out when Michael “Hawkeye” Herman exemplifies a range of possibilities in acoustic blues, and personifies and compelling versatile musicianship, originality, This workshop will artistry as a blues storyteller. learned about the blues from his showcase what he’s mentors. to the blues on the radio. Hawkeye spent much of his time as an aspiring blues musician in the late 1950s through the early 1970s listening to blues records, going out to see live performances, and seeking out older blues musicians for advice and itself.lessons whenever the opportunity afforded He was fortunate to sit at the feet and learn from White,many icons of the blues: Son House, Bukka Hopkins, Furry Lewis, Mance Lipscomb, Lightinin’ Sam Chatmon, John Jackson, Brownie McGhee, Rachell, Yank Charles Brown, “Cool Papa” Sadler, In the course of this and others. Walker, T-Bone blues “schoolin’” and being “brought along” by these wonderful artists, Hawkeye kept hearing one particular idea that seemed to permeate and define every encounter with these experienced elder statesmen of the music, uttered by each of them in their own way: “Play it like you feel it, son.” Tucson, Arizona, has been traveling to clubs and has been traveling to clubs Arizona, Tucson, of great blues musicfestivals for decades in search to capture on film.for his ears and visual images Keeping Foundation’s The winner of the 1999 Blues David has for Photography, Award Alive the Blues capturing moments of thespent more than 25 years have appeared in countlessblues masters. His works he was inducted into the publications. Last year, yearThis is his 25th Arizona Blues Hall of Fame. Blues Festival, Valley of shooting the Mississippi near the workshops willand the free photo exhibit work. showcase David’s , part of Martin Scorsese Martin ’s film, part of ’s documentary to film Road The – Karen McFarland – Karen – Steve Heston Heston – Steve Bobby Rush has decided perform solo has to Rush Bobby Bobby Rush was born Emmet Ellis born was Emmet Rush Bobby BobbyRush.net talent he has developed over the years.” over developed has he talent p.m. Rush, 8:30 Bobby his fans, reflects the polish and considerable considerable reflects and the fans, polish his guitar, writing songs, and interacting with with interacting and songs, writing guitar, Society. Award from the Mississippi Valley Blues Blues Valley the Mississippi from Award receive the RiverRoad Lifetime Achievement Achievement Lifetime the RiverRoad receive the Double Rush Revue. Bobby will Revue. Bobby also Rush the Double both shows combined, called appropriately called appropriately combined, both shows entertaining our audience with a version of of a version with audience our entertaining Bobby Rush’s caliber here, and he will he be and caliber here, Rush’s Bobby We are very lucky to have an artist of of artist an have to very lucky are We with his band and lovely female dancers. dancers. female lovely and band his with on occasion, but also still tours extensively extensively also still tours but occasion, on . Time a Good You Show Album, the Blues Music Award for best Soul Blues best Soul Blues for Award Music the Blues This year, Bobby Rush won won Rush Bobby year, This series Blues. The Memphis Pearce his showmanship was featured in Richard in Richard featured was showmanship his in Clarksdale, Mississippi. That same year year same That in Clarksdale, Mississippi. show recorded for a DVD at Ground Zero Ground at a DVD for recorded show He also had his always-entertaining live live also always-entertaining his had He . Lover CD Undercover his recorded and forming his own record label, Deep Rush, Deep label, Rush, record own his forming In 2003, he fulfilled his lifetime dream of fulfilled 2003, he of In dream lifetime his his current home of Jackson, Mississippi. Mississippi. Jackson, of home current his labels. In the early 1980s, Bobby moved to to moved 1980s, Bobby the early In labels. Philadelphia International, and Warner Bros. Bros. Warner and International, Philadelphia decade, Bobby would record on the Jewel, the Jewel, on record would decade, Bobby Over the next Galaxy Records. Galaxy Records. on Heads Chicken with his 1971 release 1971 release his with national attention attention national started getting started getting James. Bobby Bobby James. such as Elmore Elmore as such Arkansas, he would perform with people people perform with would he Arkansas, trips back to his family home in Pine Bluff, Bluff, in Pine home family his to back trips Earl Hooker, and Luther Allison. Also, on on Allison. Also, Luther and Earl Hooker, included blues legends such as Freddie King, King, Freddie as such legends blues included moved to Chicago, where some of his bands bands his of some where Chicago, to moved deep-South juke joints. In the mid-1950s, he the mid-1950s, he In joints. deep-South juke on a fake mustache and playing at different different at playing and mustache a fake on bow, and by his early teens he was putting putting was he teens early his by and bow, instrument, a primitive guitar or diddley or guitar a primitive instrument, for more than 50 years. He built his first first his built He 50 years. than more for his father. Bobby has been has Bobby performing father. his adopted his stage name out of respect for respect for of out name stage his adopted Louisiana town of Haynesville. He later later He Haynesville. of town Louisiana Jr.,the son of a preacher man, in the north- man, a preacher of son Jr.,the