Volume Twenty-Three, Number Nine • September 2018 The Jimmys on the River City Star

M U S I C F E S T I VA L FREE, ALL AGES OUTDOOR FESTIVAL Sunday, September 30th 7 OAKS HEADQUARTERS Sunday, September 23 from 4 PM to 6 PM 13304 West Center Road, Omaha www.rivercitystar.com for tix and info Food trucks will be on site, please no outside food or drink. 2PM: GATES OPEN 3PM: SEBASTIAN LANE 4:15PM: ALASTAIR GREENE 6PM: THE DANIELLE NICOLE BAND 7:45PM: ELEKTRIC VOODOO 9PM: FIREWORKS!

Tuesday, Sept. 11th Sunday, Sept. 16th @ 5 pm — HURRICANE RUTH — TAS CRU Wednesday, Sept. 12th @ 6 pm • Zoo Bar, Lincoln @ 6 pm Friday, Sept 14th @ 5:30 pm • The B Bar, Omaha BEATLES ($5 cover) Thursday, Sept. 20th @ 6 pm Wednesday, Sept. 12th LAURA RAIN AND @ 6 pm THE CAESARS HURRICANE RUTH ($5 cover) Chrome Sunday, Sept. 30th Sunday, Sept. 30th @ 5 pm @ 5 pm ROCKIN’ JOHNNY BURGIN WEBB WILDER ($5 cover) Lounge 8552 Park Drive, Omaha 402-339-8660 The Blues Society of Omaha Presents RUSTEMBERFEST Legendary Thursday Blues Matinees and more All shows 6 pm unless noted otherwise Saturday, Sept. 8th Thurs. Sept. 6th...... Renee Austin ($10) atat 1-291-29 DragwayDragway Thurs. Sept. 13th...... Mary Jo Curry and Tombstone Bullet ($10) Thurs. Sept. 20th...... Reverend Raven & the Pacific Junction, IA Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys ($10) Thurs. Sept. 27th...... The Zac Harmon Band ($12) BSO presents Thurs. Oct. 4th...... Biscuit Miller and the Mix ($10) Hector Anchondo (5 pm) Thurs. Oct. 11th...... Orphan Jon and the Abandoned ($10) Thurs. Oct. 18th...... The Jimmy Carpenter Band ($10) and Sebastian Lane Band (7 pm) Thurs. Oct. 25th...... Wicked Grin ($10) PAGE 2 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA

Why Join the Blues Society of Omaha with Your Membership Donation? The Blues Society of Omaha, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 1998. We are an all-volunteer organization with over 800 dues-paying members. BSO’s mission is “Keepin’ the Blues Alive”. We are recognized as one of the top Blues Societies in the country. With the help of your tax-deductible donation we continue to promote blues music, blues musicians, and live music venues & events. Among our many projects and accomplishments are these: • BSO promotes musicians and venues by maintaining a comprehensive live music calendar on our website, omahablues.com. BSO also distributes free monthly news flyers with calendars to numerous public gathering spots to inform the general community of live music shows in the area. • BluesEd is a non-profit youth artist development program created and sponsored by Blues Society of Omaha. The BluesEd program began in 2001 to provide opportunities for young musicians to learn blues music in a series of workshops and to play with other students in a band format. Our BluesEd bands always are impressive and they have performed at some of the finest festivals & venues in and around Omaha. • The Blues Society of Omaha has hosted an annual Nebraska Blues Challenge competition for local bands since 2011. All of the participating bands are showcased in judged public events as they compete for a package of prizes and the honor of representing BSO at the International Blues Challenge competition held in Memphis. All of the winning Nebraska bands have gone on to receive national attention and acclaim while making BSO proud! • BSO produces and/or sponsors various music events throughout the year. • BSO is a contributor to and supporter of Playing With Fire, a series of free outdoor concerts held each summer in Omaha since 2004. • BSO provides support to The Zoo Bar, Lincoln’s legendary and award-winning blues venue. BSO is a sponsor of the annual ZooFest music festival. • In conjunction with Toy Drive for Pine Ridge, BSO hosts an annual toy drive and concert fundraiser for the children of Pine Ridge Reservation. • BSO regularly produces charitable events for musicians in need. As a member and donor, you are entitled to great membership benefits: • Free subscription to “Blues Notes”, our monthly newsletter that will keep you abreast of blues events in the area, blues CD reviews, and other articles of interest to blues connoisseurs! • E-blasts with late-breaking blues news. • Special pre-sale and discounted tickets to select events. • Discounts offered by generous local businesses. • Pride in belonging to a group dedicated to “Keepin’ The Blues Alive”!

Please consider switching to the GREEN VERSION of Blues Notes. You will be saving the planet while saving BSO some expense. Contact Susan Keith at [email protected] to switch to e-mail delivery and get the scoop days before snail mail members!

BLUES ON THE RADIO: Mondays 1pm-3pm on KIOS 91.5 “Blues in the Afternoon” with Mike Jacobs You can listen to the live stream at www.kios.org

Sundays 9am-Noon on KIWR 89.7 Rick Galusha’s “PS Blues” Pacific Street Blues & Americana podcast: https://anchor.fm/pacific-street-blues-and-americana

Lincoln’s KZUM Radio - Nebraska’s only community radio, and you can listen to it on the web at KZUM.org. Monday – 3:00-6:00pm “World Gone Wrong Blues” Tuesday – 3:00-6:00pm “Group W Blues” Wednesday – 3:00-6:00pm “Highway Blues” • 8:30-10:00pm “Radio Gumbo” Thursday – 3:00-5:00pm “Blue Water Mixtape” Friday – 1:00-3:00pm “Women’s Blues & Boogie” • 3:00-6:00pm “Hudson Blue” Saturday – 6:00-7:00am “Beale Street Caravan” • 7:00-8:00am “Juke in the Back” Sunday – 2:00-4:00pm “Back at the Chicken Shack” BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 3 RENEÉ AUSTIN Thursday, September 6th @ 6 pm ($10 Cover) • Chrome Lounge, Omaha Austin embraces a deliciously wide range of roots enced a series of true styles: She belts the blues with sass, swings nimbly miracles and her voice on R&B, and fires off some rousing gospel. For good has returned. Her new measure, she also shows she can take it uptown with a CD, “Songbirds & An- sultry, soulful ballad. gels”, hit the streets The Philadelphia Enquirer April, 2018 with a sold- Maybe you saw her on Morgan Freeman’s Blues Diva’s out Release on PBS? Or, you may have caught her singing live for a show at the world re- season opener for the WWE SmackDown with 6 million nowned Dakota Jazz viewers? Six-time Minnesota Music Award Winner and WC Club. She also just Handy Best New Artist Nominee, Reneé Austin, calls her signed a worldwide new music a mix of Soul/ Gospel/R&B with a hint of Tex- digital distribution deal as. The Hill Country raised multi-instrumentalist and with The Orchard, a singer-songwriter rose to national attention in 2003 with division of Sony Music. her first international release, “Sweet Talk” which includ- Reneé was Executive ed the spine-tingling duet “Pretend We Never Met” with Producer for Songbirds 3-time Grammy Winner, fellow Texan and friend Delbert & Angels and wrote all 13 tracks working with McClinton. Mark Fredell Producer/ Guitarist Da- Austin released 3 CD’s between 1997-2005: “Dancin’ With vid Grissom (Mellencamp, Dixie Chicks, Storyville, Allman Mr. Blue”, “Sweet Talk” and “Right About Love”, opening Brothers, Joe Ely) for 4 songs recorded in Austin, Texas. Aus- for respected artists such as Los Lobos, Delbert McClinton, tin worked with Producers Douglas A. Smith (P Funk, Nikka Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Keb Mo and Costa, Vann Hunt) and Christopher Furst (Studio 65 Owner, Robert Cray. Sadly, just two short weeks after the release of Engineer, Mixing, Mastering) for the other 9 songs recorded “Right About Love”, Reneé’s singing career was halted just in Minneapolis. MN. Austin’s voice has been compared to as her star was rising. Tragedy struck when during a surgi- Anita Baker, Tina Turner, Regina Belle, even a female Mi- cal procedure, Austin’s left vocal nerve became paralyzed. chael McDonald. Watch the video of Reneé’s inspirational Unable to sing or speak above a whisper, Austin began a story at reneeaustin.org new life without music. From the Artist’s website But, after years of struggle and heartache, Austin experi-

Check out B.J. Huchtemann’s column Hoodoo Blues each week in the Omaha READER for info on upcoming shows and other news in the roots-blues music scene. Look for B.J.’s byline under the Music tab at thereader.com

BSO CORPORATE SPONSORS Blue Club Mitch Bolte Hawk’s BBQ – Steve & Nancy Mether Absolutely Fresh Seafood Robin & Elizabeth Bracy-Robson Chris & Brenda Hawkinson John Pollack & Karen Berry Glenn & Sheila Bauer Chick Ganz Bill & Brenda Bahrke Mikel Schmidt & Leslie Eurek Chip Davis Conrad Good Mo Barry Ann Scolaro Kit & Pam Kelley Paul Gerber Kenny & Linda Benton Sid Sidner Royce & Jo Kreitman Steve & Lisa Krueger Geoff & Elaine Clark Terry Smith Terry O’Halloran Jody Marker John Doocy Tim Sorrell Lonnie Thomas James Pietro, DDS David & Kristine Evans Jeff & Vicki Suchomel Tammy Trahan - Corner Bar Roger & Sheri Slosson Gary Gates Bill & Denise Teeple Ernest Sutherlin Dan Hamann James Thele Corporate Dan Van Houten Mike & Sally Hansen Vickie Tiffin Bel Air Merchant’s Association Richard Wolken Todd Higgins James & Jacqueline Tischer Integrity Wealth Management Susan & Troy Krupicka David Vanlandingham Mama’s Pizza West Special Tom & Heidi Macy Greg Virant & Lynn Kost Virant Paul Scott Hoagbin Blues Band Down Under Lounge Vanessa Marie John Watt West Point Rack Bonnie Mercer & Kim Burns Caleb Whisenhunt PAGE 4 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA What’s New with BluesEd? Our 17th year of BluesEd was absolutely one of the busiest Us and Them Blues Band - Ann Giebler & Victoria Hawkins and best years yet! Our student bands entertained and de- Vertigo Blues Band - Rainbow & James Dark lighted audiences large and small all over Lincoln, Omaha Additionally, many other parents helped with photography, and surrounding areas where we made many new fans. videos, storing and transporting equipment, social media Our season officially concluded on Aug. 5th with our Season and promoting & encouraging each of our 7 bands. Finale at The Waiting Room before our senior students head out to their respective colleges and technical schools. Many The BluesEd Leadership team (pictured below: Tami Tom- thanks, as always, to the Blues Society of Omaha for the su (not shown) Drew Johnson, Laurie Neumayer, Trudy amazing support and encouragment for our BluesEd bands. Bredthauer, Sean Gillen, Chris Shouse, Ann Giebler, Susie Without a doubt, the best Blues education program in the Hemphill) manages the business end of BluesEd which in- country (possibly world?) hails from Omaha, Nebraska! cludes many essential tasks: auditions, accounting, securing venues and performance opportunities, social media, work- Awards shop scheduling, fundraising, scholarships, website, mar- The Anna Jane Abbott Memorial Scholarship: keting and promotion, equipment, organizing events, and Josie Jennum from Us and Them Blues Band. many other details large and small that have kept BluesEd The Ron Cooley Award for Most Improved Band: strong, growing and thriving for 17 years! Blue Sunday The BluesEd Brad Cordle Award: Hunter Neumayer from The Redwoods Acknowledgements Not only are the student musicians in BluesEd incredibly talented and hard-working but so are the all the BluesEd volunteers! We could not do it without the many, many par- ent (and a couple former parent) volunteers. Each band has a Lead Parent (LP) and Performance Coordinator (PC) who does the bulk of the “work” in the bands from communi- cating to each band to loading/unloading & hauling equip- Finally, we are already looking forward to next year and we ment for each and every gig. The LP’s and PC’s of BluesEd need your help! Auditions for BluesEd will be held in Feb- are simply the unsung heroes and are owed a great deal of ruary of 2019. If you know of middle or high school student praise and gratitude: vocalists and/or instrumentalists that are proficient in their instrument and are ready to perform in a band we would Blue Sunday: JD & Carolyn White & Jill & Jeff Nelson encourage you to send them our way. We will have more Far & Wide Blues - Drew Johnson & Doug Watkins information on our website at www.BluesEd.com. Five Minute Drive - Dawn Abboud & Tracey Ryan MANNIX - Julie Nichols and Chris Steffen Thanks for helping us “Keep the Blues Alive!” The Redwoods - Laurie Neumayer & Tami Tomsu Trudy Bredthauer, BluesEd Leadership Team — B.S.O. Mailbag — Dear BluesEd members, Hey BSO! I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Valerie Abbott, BluesEd, and the Blues Soci- Just wanted to give you all some HUGE thanks - ety of Omaha for selecting me as the 2018 recipient of the Anna Jane Abbott Memorial Schol and proper Kudos for a great week of Blues! From arship. As a first year BluesEd student, I am very honored to have been chosen! the BSO’s celebration at Jazz on the Green, to the I want to thank all the students, clinicians, parents, and members of the Blues Society of wonderful show of support at the In the Market for Omaha for all their encouragement, devotion, advice and hard work for making this program Blues to our BluesEd Season Finale on Sunday, it what it is today. Thank you for everything you do! was quite a week of Blues! I really enjoy being part of Us and Them as well as getting the opportunity to play with Far & Wide and Vertigo this summer. I’ve made so many friends and memories because of Personally, in all my years of being in BluesEd, I BluesEd. These are things that I will always cherish and never forget. have never seen this much cooperation or support It still surprises me to have been selected when I think about all the wonderfully talented between our two groups. I am especially grateful and dedicated musicians in this program who were all incredibly deserving of this award. to see so many of our Blues Society board mem- This scholarship will help me continue my passion for learning music. I hope to have a career bers, officers and key volunteers at our BluesEd in the music industry one day. Wherever life takes me, music will always be an important part events. Thanks for taking the time to support our of who I am. immensely talented students and the BluesEd Thank you again. I hope I make Anna Jane’s family and the people who nominated me parents who work so hard behind the scenes. proud of the person and performer l am becoming. Thank You So Much, Chris Shouse, Josie Jennum BluesEd Leadership Team BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 5

BluesEd Clinician Ron Cooley Retires Henry Tomsu of The Redwoods: Henry appreciated how Ron knew a lot about Jazz and the- ory and how he shared stories and experiences. Logan Hawkins of Us and Them Blues Band: I have memories of showing up to a clinic thinking a song was really good and then Ron would make us turn our in- struments down and play it quiet and I then realized how much work the song needed. You need to be able to play a song quietly before you can make it sound good loud. I have a memory of going to Ron’s house for a guitar lesson and when I got there his wife left right away and Ron told me that “us guitar players are always too loud for her” Hunter Neumayer of The Redwoods: I always appreciated his stories and sage advice. He always had something to say about everything. Ben Curran of Mojo Bag 2012-2014: What made Ron a great clinician is his broad knowledge of music. He taught me a lot about theory and how everything works in music. He is one of the best musicians living in the Midwest. Tag Ryan of Crimson Dawn, 2010-2013: One time at a clinic at Russo’s (RIP) we needed to come up with an ending to “fine and mellow” & time was short. I offered a crude line to end the song. Ron said “Cheesy, but it works. Let’s roll with it.” The lesson is to accept what works before what is “hip.” If your decision is really so bad, that will reveal itself in time. (Let’s just hope it’s as easy to change as the ending to a song!)

One of our BluesEd clinicians, Ron Cooley, is retiring from BluesEd this year. We were lucky to have Ron teach our student musicians for as many years as we did but we know his golf game is calling him now. We will keep Ron’s num- ber on speed-dial, just in case. We dug into the archives for a few of these photos. Enjoy the throw backs. Several of our current and former students and directors were able to pass along a few words about how Ron im- pacted the BluesEd students:

Former Directors Bill and Barb Fisher: Bill and I are so thankful for all your help and expertise over the years. You’ve been such a positive influence on so many young musicians (our own girls included) You’re an amazing musician and teacher as well as an amazing person. Enjoy all your free time!!! Former Directors Kevin and Chris Shouse: Kevin and I were able to lean on Ron for advice not only about the musicianship part of our program but also for ad- vice and mentoring about student/band issues. He was a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. Enjoy your grand kids and golf game! From the BluesEd Facebook page PAGE 6 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA

Sunday, September 2nd @ 5 pm Jonesin’ For Janey Friday, Sept. 7th @ 5 pm (FAC) Thurs, September 6th @ 7 pm Earl and Them Open Jam with the Tuesday, Sept. 11th @ 6 pm Tim Budig Band Blues Beatles Friday, September 7th @ 8 pm Wednesday, Sept. 12th @ 6 pm 4 On The Floor Hurricane Ruth Sunday, September 9th @ 5 pm Thursday, Sept. 13th @ 6 pm Blues Angels Brave Combo Thursday, September 13th @ 6 pm Wednesday, Sept. 19th @ 6 pm Mace Hathaway Laura Rain and the Caesars Sunday, September 16th @5 pm Thursday Sept. 22nd Tas Cru and his band of through Sat. Sept. 24th Tortured Souls ($5 cover) (6 pm Thursday and Saturday, 5 pm Friday) Thursday, September 20th @ 6 pm Lincoln Calling Laura Rain and the Caesars ($5 cover) Friday, Sept. 28th @ 5 pm (FAC) Sunday, September 23rd @ 5 pm Rockin’ Johnny Burgin Swampboy Blues Band Sunday, Sept. 30th @ 5 pm Sunday, September 30th @ 5 pm Webb Wilder Rockin’ Johnny Burgin ($5 cover) BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 7 The Mary Jo Curry Band Thursday, September 13th @ 6 pm ($10 cover) Chrome Lounge, Omaha

for 2016. The CD was selected to represent the Prairie Crossroads Blues Society in the Blues Foundation’s, Best Self-Produced CD competition. Curry’s college training was in theater performance and voice. Her professional career started as lead singer in a popular rock cover band. While doing a show with a local theater group, Mary Jo was “discovered” by the- ater talent scouts who wanted Mary Jo to audition for a role in a major touring troupe; this audition led to a stint as a professional theater performer. Five years ago she fell in love with blues music, and was soon invited to join a Central blues band. The band quickly re- alized that Mary Jo was the real deal, and the band re- structured itself to feature Mary Jo as the lead vocalist. Mary Jo Curry is an electrifying, engaging, entertaining, Mary Jo is joined onstage by her husband, Michael Rapi- powerhouse blues vocalist based in Central Illinois. Leg- er, who plays lead guitar, acts as band leader, and shares endary, BMA nominated, international recording artist, in the songwriting duties. The last 5 years have been the James Armstrong, said that “Mary Jo has a voice, confi- incubator to allow Mary Jo to shape her sound and her di- dence, and stage presence that is hard to find these days.” rection as a blues performer, and she is now ready to bring Mary Jo’s newly released CD entitled “Mary Jo Curry” has her blues to the world. been getting significant air play and rave reviews. Peter Merrett, PBS106.7, Melbourne, Australia said, “Mary Jo Cur- From the Artist’s website ry was born to sing the Blues because this voice cannot be taught to you but rather has to come from deep down in one’s soul. Apart from possessing a mesmerizing voice Cur- ry can write one helluva’ Blues song.” Blues Blast Magazine said, “Mary Jo Curry is a powerful debut release of the first order.” The CD was pro- duced by the incomparable James Arm- strong. The album provides the listener a great cross section of the type of music you will hear when you attend a Mary Jo Curry live performance. The CD features 4 original songs written or co-written by Mary Jo, and 5 outstanding blues com- positions where Mary Jo puts her stamp on songs previously recorded by female blues greats that have inspired her. The CD has been in the top 10 of the RMR Top 50 Classic Blues Album Chart for 24 weeks, 3 weeks at the #1 spot. The CD garnered the #5 spot on the Top Classic Blues for all of 2016. Three songs from the CD have made it to the #1 spot on the RMR Top 50 Classic Blues Song Chart, with four songs landing in the Top 10 Classic Blues Songs for 2016. Mary Jo’s talent has been recognized by the honor of receiving the Kankakee Area Music Awards, “Best Blues Artist” PAGE 8 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA

— RUSTEMBERFEST — Saturday, Sept. 8th featuring Hector Anchondo Band Sebastian Lane Band Krank Daddies

Rustemberfest supports Hope For The Warriors, a nonprofit Veteran service organization that provides assistance to combat wounded service members & their families! Rockabilly & Blues Bands, Hot Tail Honeys Burlesque, Drag Races, Burn-Outs Exhibition, Pin-Up Contest, Hot Wheel Races for the Kids, Awards & Auctions! Rockabilly & Blues Bands, Hot Tail Honeys Burlesque, Drag Races, Burn-Outs Exhibition, Pin-Up Contest, Hot Wheel Races for the Kids, Awards & Auctions! — GATES OPEN 7AM — 10AM – DRAG RACING STARTS 11AM – MINI BIKE DRAGS (Fastest Time Wins Trophy) 12 NOON – BURN OUT COMPETITION 1PM PIN UP CONTEST (preceded by National Anthem) 1:30PM – Rock-a-Billy Band 2PM – CAR SHOW JUDGING STARTS (with 30 second ALL REV) FAC at The B! 3PM – BIG WHEEL RACES 3:30PM – Rock-a-billy Band Fridays at 5:30 4PM – ROAD TRIP AROUND TRACK (Drag Racing ends at 5PM) 5PM – Blues Society of Omaha presents Aug. 31st Tim Budig Band HECTOR ANCHONDO 6PM – AWARDS & LIVE AUCTION Sept. 7th Gary & Fred (preceded by 2nd Annual Undie Run) 7PM – Blues Society of Omaha presents Sept. 14th Hurricane Ruth SEBASTIAN LANE BAND — Hot Tail Honeys ROUND #1 — Sept. 21st Jumpin’ Kate & Bone 8:30 – Rock-A-Billy Headliner Sept. 28th Scott Moyer Band KRANK DADDIES Sept.August 28th Scott Moyer Band (with Hot Tail Honeys Burlesque) — Hot Tail Honeys ROUND #2 — Oct. 12th Jeff Jensen Band 10:30PM – BIG RED RAWKIT RIOT Oct. 19th Skyla Burrel Blues Band BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 9

Thursday, September 20th @ 6 pm ($10 cover) • Chrome Lounge, Omaha

“They are very, very good. That’s why I keep having The Westside Andy/Mel Ford Band, he’s played just about them back at my club” everywhere and with anyone of note in the blues world. --Buddy Guy He’s been with Reverend Raven since leaving his band in 2015. “Andy Linderman is one of my very favorite harp play- ers. His tone and phrasing are tops in my book.” Hohner lists him as an endorser alongside Rod --Gary Primich, premier harp player Piazza, Toots Thielemans, & Corky Siegel, among many other great players. Bringing crowds to their feet at the hardest to please and sophisticated night clubs in the Midwest, Reverend Ra- Andy has shared the stage with James Cotton, Luther Alli- ven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys play traditional son, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Charlie Musselwhite, blues, straight up with a big dose of passion. With smoking Doobie Brothers, Richie Havens, Muddy Waters, Gary Prim- grooves, served up with hot and smooth sting- ich, Jimmy Johnson, Tab Benaoit, Hubert Sumlin. ing guitar they play original songs peppered with nods to Slim Harpo, Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers, Billy Boy Arnold, Voted the Best Blues Band In Milwaukee Junior Wells and the three Kings. by The Shepherd Express Reader’s Poll in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Born and raised on south side of , the Reverend has been playing the blues since 1971 when he first saw 2011 Blues Blast Music Award Nominee for Freddy King play at the Kinetic Theatre in Chicago. After Best Blues Band” and “Best Song” 16 year hitch in the Navy, Chief Raven moved to Milwau- 2015 Blues Blast Music Award for Best Live CD kee where he began a long friendship and collaboration with Madison Slim, long time harmonica player for Jimmy 2015 Independent Blues Scene Award for Best Live CD Rogers. 2016 Blues Blast Music Award WINNER for Since 1990 he has opened for B.B King, Gatemouth Brown, “Live Blues Recording” Pinetop Perkins, Koko Taylor Band, Junior Wells, Bil- 2016 Independent Blues Award for “Best Live CD” ly Branch, Magic Slim, Elvin Bishop, Sugar Blue, Lonnie Brooks, William Clarke, Lefty Dizz, Rod Piazza, Fabulous Reverend Raven’s and Westside Andy’s 2015 Albums Thunderbirds, Duke Robillard, Jeff Healey, Trampled Un- both hit the Root Music Reports Top 30 derfoot, Mike Zito, Nick Moss, Tommy Castro and numerous others at festivals and at Buddy Guy’s Legends where he 20th Anniversary CD, My Life, hit #1 on the has been on rotation as a headliner for 16 years. Roots Radio Music Chicago Blues Chart Westside Andy is one of the premier harp players to come 2018 Blues Blast Award Nominee for out of Wisconsin along with Jim Liban, Steve Cohen, Mad- “Band of the Year” and ison Slim, Matthew Skoller and Cadillac Pete Rahn. A long “Vintage/Historical Recording” time member of Paul Black’s Flip Kings and his own band, From the Artist’s website PAGE 10 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA

ATTENTION ALL NEBRASKA MUSICIANS 8th ANNUAL NEBRASKA BLUES CHALLENGE ENTRY DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 9, 2018 It is time to register your band to compete in the 8th Annual Nebraska Blues Challenge! Paul Gerber will be coordinat- ing the NBC entries and competition events. Please send an email to [email protected] to obtain entry forms and all other specific information. Registration deadline will be September 9, 2018. All Nebras- ka bands are eligible to enter. Bands must include one band member who is a current member of the Blues Society of Omaha. In regards to Western Iowa bands, any Iowa band must have 50% of their members living in Nebraska OR within a 50-mile radius of Omaha. Competition rounds will be held on Sunday afternoons during October at the Chrome Lounge in Omaha.- Ac tual dates and performance times will be announced soon after the entry period is complete. All participating bands have the opportunity to build their fan base by showcasing their music to new listeners during the NBC performances. The BSO invites all live music fans to attend in support of their favorite band and to enjoy this celebration of Nebraska blues music and our amazingly talented musicians from the area. Highest scoring band from each preliminary round will advance to the final round. Highest scoring band overall will receive $1500 in travel expense money to represent Nebraska at the 35th International Blues Challenge held January 22-26, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee, on historic Beale Street. Performing at the IBC’s in Memphis is a huge opportunity for artists looking to further their professional career. The IBC is an annual event sponsored by the Blues Foundation and it has become the world's biggest blues gath- ering and the most respected showcase for blues musicians ready to be crowned from amongst other bands representing affiliated blues societies from around the world. Artists competing in Memphis perform in front of blues labels, promoters, booking agents, publicists and journalists. They also have the opportunity to network with other artists and professionals. The IBC is a judged “Battle of the Bands” in which competitors take the stage and play a short set judged by blues professionals. The acts are judged based on an established set of criteria. The Nebraska Blues Challenge will follow a similar set of criteria. Competing in the IBC's in Memphis can be a stepping stone for musicians serious about a professional career. Industry professionals say that winning the International Blues Challenge gives the top band the equivalent of $100,000 in blues industry awareness and publicity. Phoenix, AZ, bluesman Bob Corritore, Blues Music Award winner and Keeping the Blues Alive Award recipient, says of the IBC's “I once thought that going to the IBC's (International Blues Challenge) was all about the band competition, and perhaps for some it is. But for a number of years now I have chosen to attend to be a part of what I feel is the bigger picture of this event. To me this event is a family gathering of blues people who come to get the feeling of community that is so powerfully demonstrated in these few days. Everyone is there for the blues, and that’s a powerful thing.” Visit https://blues.org/international-blues-challenge/ for more infor- mation about the 2019 IBC. Nebraska Blues Challenge Prizes The 1st Place band will receive $1500 as Travel Expense Money to compete in the 2019 International Blues Chal- lenge in Memphis ***AND*** several paid gigs in the region representing the Blues Society of Omaha as the Nebraska Blues Challenge winner including the Central Iowa Blues Society’s Winter Blues Fest in Des Moines; the Soaring Wings Wine, Beer, Blues and Balloon Festival; and more! The Blues Society of Omaha is an all-volunteer non-profit organization formed in 1998. The BSO mission of “Keeping the Blues Alive” is demonstrated by our efforts in supporting blues music, musicians, venues, festivals and special events such as the Nebraska Blues Challenge. BSO is recognized by artists and industry leaders as one of the most active and enthusiastic blues societies in the country. BSO's decision to participate in the Inter- national Blues Challenge underlines a focus on showcasing Nebraska’s amazing musicians, creating a broader recognition of this talent and supporting the blues music genre at the local, national and international levels. BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 11

Blues in September & October

[Sun Sep 02] [Wed Sep 19] Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore at Waiting Room (5:00 pm) (The Waiting Room Laura Rain and the Caesars at the Zoo Bar (6:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Lounge) Groovin with Grover & Friends Jam At The Opollo (9:00 pm) (The Opollo) Jonesin’ For Janey @ The Corner Bar (5:00 pm) (The Corner Bar) [Thu Sep 20] [Mon Sep 03] Reverend Raven & the Chain Smoking Altar Boys @ Chrome (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) Laura Rain and the Caesars @ The Corner Bar (6:00 pm) (The Corner Bar) Zoo Bar House Band and Open Blues Jam – No Cover, Zoo Bar Lincoln, NE (7:00 pm) Juke Butter at Growler USA (8:00 pm) (Growler USA) (Zoo Bar) [Fri Sep 21] Michelle Eva Becker @ The Omaha Lounge (7:30 pm) (The Omaha Lounge) Jumpin Kate and Bone at the B Bar (5:30 pm) (The B Bar) [Tue Sep 04] Fantastic Negrito @ Bourbon Theatre (8:00 pm) (Bourbon Theatre) Open Mic Night at Therapy Bar (7:00 pm) (Therapy Bar & Grill) [Sun Sep 23] Mitch Towne Jazz Organ Trio & Guests at Jambo Cat (7:30 pm) (Jambo Cat) The Jimmys on the River City Star (4:00 pm) (River City Star) [Wed Sep 05] Swamp Boy Blues Band @ The Corner Bar (5:00 pm) (The Corner Bar) Groovin with Grover & Friends Jam At The Opollo (9:00 pm) (The Opollo) [Mon Sep 24] [Thu Sep 06] Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) Renee Austin @ Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) Zoo Bar House Band and Open Blues Jam – No Cover, Zoo Bar Lincoln, NE (7:00 pm) Open Jam with the Tim Budig Band @ The Corner bar (7:00 pm) (The Corner Bar) (Zoo Bar) Juke Butter at Growler USA (8:00 pm) (Growler USA) Michelle Eva Becker @ The Omaha Lounge (7:30 pm) (The Omaha Lounge) [Fri Sep 07] [Tue Sep 25] Earl and Them, Zoo Bar, Lincoln, NE (5:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Open Mic Night at Therapy Bar (7:00 pm) (Therapy Bar & Grill) Gary and Fred at the B Bar (5:30 pm) (The B Bar) Mitch Towne Jazz Organ Trio & Guests at Jambo Cat (7:30 pm) (Jambo Cat) Big Head Todd & Blue Moon Ghetto at Shadow Ridge (7:00 pm) (Shadow Ridge Country [Wed Sep 26] Club) Groovin with Grover & Friends Jam At The Opollo (9:00 pm) (The Opollo) 4 on the floor @ The Corner Bar (8:00 pm) () Sebastian Lane’s Barley Street Blues Jam (9:00 pm) (Barley Street Tavern) [Thu Sep 27] Zac Harmon Band @ Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) [Sat Sep 08] Hector & Sebastian & Rockabilly Bands at Rustemberfest Car Show/Drag Races at I-29 [Fri Sep 28] Dragway (10:00 am) (I-29 Dragway) Rockin’ Johnny Burgin at the Zoo Bar (5:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Sailing in Soup at Harney St. Tavern (9:00 pm) (Harney Street Tavern) Scott Moyer Band @ B Bar’s Blues FAC (5:30 pm) () Blue House on the River City Star (9:00 pm) (River City Star) [Sun Sep 09] Swampboy Blues Band Blues Cruise aboard River City Star (3:00 pm) (River City Star) [Sun Sep 30] Blues Angels at The Corner Bar (5:00 pm) (The Corner Bar) Danielle Nicole, Elektric Voodoo, Alastair Greene, Sebastian Lane Band @ 7 Oaks Music Fest (2:00 pm) (7 Oaks Blues Festival) [Mon Sep 10] Rockin’ Johnny Burgin @ The Corner Bar (5:00 pm) (The Corner Bar) Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) Webb Wilder at the Zoo Bar (5:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Zoo Bar House Band and Open Blues Jam – No Cover, Zoo Bar Lincoln, NE (7:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) [Mon Oct 01] Michelle Eva Becker @ The Omaha Lounge (7:30 pm) (The Omaha Lounge) Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) Zoo Bar House Band and Open Blues Jam – No Cover, Zoo Bar Lincoln, NE (7:00 pm) [Tue Sep 11] (Zoo Bar) bluesbeatles – Zoo Bar Lincoln, NE (6:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Michelle Eva Becker @ The Omaha Lounge (7:30 pm) (The Omaha Lounge) Open Mic Night at Therapy Bar (7:00 pm) (Therapy Bar & Grill) Mitch Towne Jazz Organ Trio & Guests at Jambo Cat (7:30 pm) (Jambo Cat) [Tue Oct 02] Open Mic Night at Therapy Bar (7:00 pm) (Therapy Bar & Grill) [Wed Sep 12] Mitch Towne Jazz Organ Trio & Guests at Jambo Cat (7:30 pm) (Jambo Cat) Hurricane Ruth @ Zoo Bar (6:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Groovin with Grover & Friends Jam At The Opollo (9:00 pm) (The Opollo) The Underhill Family Orchestra at Harney Street Tavern (9:00 pm) (Harney Street Tavern) [Thu Sep 13] Mary Jo Curry @ Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) AJ Foyt in Two Blue – The Fire Barn – Waterloo, NE (6:00 pm) (Fire Barn (Waterloo)) Mace Hathaway @ The Corner Bar (6:00 pm) (The Corner Bar) Here come the Mummies at The Slow Down (7:00 pm) (The Slowdown) [Fri Sep 14] Hurricane Ruth @ the B Bar (5:30 pm) (The B Bar) [Sun Sep 16] Tas Cru and his band of Tortured Souls @ the Corner Bar (5:00 pm) () Reverend Horton Heat w/ Big Sandy @ Bourbon Theatre (7:30 pm) (Bourbon Theatre) [Mon Sep 17] Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) Zoo Bar House Band and Open Blues Jam – No Cover, Zoo Bar Lincoln, NE (7:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Michelle Eva Becker @ The Omaha Lounge (7:30 pm) (The Omaha Lounge) FIRST TUESDAY FUNDRAISER [Tue Sep 18] Open Mic Night at Therapy Bar (7:00 pm) (Therapy Bar & Grill) The Crabby Blues Band is taking Marcus King @ Bourbon Theater, Lincoln (7:00 pm) (Bourbon Theatre) Mitch Towne Jazz Organ Trio & Guests at Jambo Cat (7:30 pm) (Jambo Cat) the month off to enjoy the Labor Day Holiday. BANDS AND BARS Join us again in October for Please send your schedules and gigs to some great music and support [email protected] to be listed in “Blues Notes” and on omahablues.com website for local Omaha charities. PAGE 12 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA

Blues in September & October

[Wed Oct 03] [Tue Oct 16] Groovin with Grover & Friends Jam At The Opollo (9:00 pm) (The Opollo) Open Mic Night at Therapy Bar (7:00 pm) (Therapy Bar & Grill) [Thu Oct 04] Mitch Towne Jazz Organ Trio & Guests at Jambo Cat (7:30 pm) (Jambo Cat) Biscuit Miller @ Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) [Wed Oct 17] Juke Butter at Growler USA (8:00 pm) (Growler USA) Groovin with Grover & Friends Jam At The Opollo (9:00 pm) (The Opollo) [Fri Oct 05] [Thu Oct 18] Sebastian Lane’s Barley Street Blues Jam (9:00 pm) (Barley Street Tavern) The Jimmy Carpenter Band @ Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) Big Daddy Caleb & The Chargers at Growler USA (9:00 pm) (Growler USA) Juke Butter at Growler USA (8:00 pm) (Growler USA) [Sat Oct 06] [Mon Oct 22] Sailing in Soup at Harney St. Tavern (9:00 pm) (Harney Street Tavern) Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) [Mon Oct 08] Zoo Bar House Band and Open Blues Jam – No Cover, Zoo Bar Lincoln, NE (7:00 pm) Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) (Zoo Bar) Zoo Bar House Band and Open Blues Jam – No Cover, Zoo Bar Lincoln, NE (7:00 pm) Michelle Eva Becker @ The Omaha Lounge (7:30 pm) (The Omaha Lounge) (Zoo Bar) [Tue Oct 23] Michelle Eva Becker @ The Omaha Lounge (7:30 pm) (The Omaha Lounge) Open Mic Night at Therapy Bar (7:00 pm) (Therapy Bar & Grill) [Tue Oct 09] Mitch Towne Jazz Organ Trio & Guests at Jambo Cat (7:30 pm) (Jambo Cat) Open Mic Night at Therapy Bar (7:00 pm) (Therapy Bar & Grill) [Wed Oct 24] Mitch Towne Jazz Organ Trio & Guests at Jambo Cat (7:30 pm) (Jambo Cat) Groovin with Grover & Friends Jam At The Opollo (9:00 pm) (The Opollo) [Wed Oct 10] [Thu Oct 25] Groovin with Grover & Friends Jam At The Opollo (9:00 pm) (The Opollo) Wicked Grin at Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) [Thu Oct 11] [Fri Oct 26] Orphan Jon @ Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) Bobby Rush, Kenny Neal, & Much more at Blues Masters at the Crossroads (7:00 pm) [Fri Oct 12] (Blue Heaven Studios) (Salina, KS) Fleetwood Mac at Pinewood Bowl (8:00 pm) (Pinewood Bowl Theater) [Mon Oct 29] Daddy Mac & The Flak @ Growler USA (9:00 pm) (Growler USA) Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) [Sat Oct 13] Zoo Bar House Band and Open Blues Jam – No Cover, Zoo Bar Lincoln, NE (7:00 pm) Sailing in Soup at Growler USA (9:00 pm) (Growler USA) (Zoo Bar) [Mon Oct 15] [Tue Oct 30] Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) Open Mic Night at Therapy Bar (7:00 pm) (Therapy Bar & Grill) Zoo Bar House Band and Open Blues Jam – No Cover, Zoo Bar Lincoln, NE (7:00 pm) Mitch Towne Jazz Organ Trio & Guests at Jambo Cat (7:30 pm) (Jambo Cat) (Zoo Bar) [Wed Oct 31] Michelle Eva Becker @ The Omaha Lounge (7:30 pm) (The Omaha Lounge) Heather Newman Band, Zoo Bar, Lincoln, NE (6:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Groovin with Grover & Friends Jam At The Opollo (9:00 pm) (The Opollo) OPEN BLUES JAMS ZOO BAR Mondays @ 7 pm • 136 N. 14th Street, Lincoln CORNER BAR, FREMONT Thursday 9/6 @ 7 pm Monday, Sept. 3rd @ 8:30 pm Open Jam with the Tim Budig Band DOWN UNDER LOUNGE BARLEY STREET TAVERN 3530 Leavenworth St. Omaha Tuesdays @ 7 pm Open Jam with the Scott Moyer Band DOWN UNDER LOUNGE Monday, September 3rd @ 8:30 pm 35th & Leavenworth, Omaha SEBASTIAN LANE’S BARLEY STREET BLUES JAM First Friday of every month • 9 pm-1 am at Barley Street Tavern SWAMPBOY BLUES JAM AT B BAR Jams Start at 8:30 pm 3rd Thursday of the month @ 8:30 pm M U S I C F E S T I VA L Sunday, September 30th for the 2nd annual 7 Oaks Music Festival with SEBASTIAN LANE, ALASTAIR GREENE, THE DANIELLE NICOLE BAND and ELEKTRIC VOODOO 7 Oaks Investments President PAUL WAGGENER is throwing a Big Old Blues Party at their headquarters at 13304 West Center Road in Omaha, Nebraska. Come on out for some great bands and enjoy an early Fall day with this FREE show! Free, all ages outdoor festival on Sunday, September 30th. This event is sponsored by BSO member Paul Waggener and 7 Oaks Investment Corporation. It is hosted by the Blues Society of Omaha and Thunderhead Brewing Taproom. Food trucks will be on site, please no outside food or drink. 2PM: GATES OPEN | 3PM: SEBASTIAN LANE 4:15PM: ALASTAIR GREENE | 6PM: THE DANIELLE NICOLE BAND 7:45PM: ELEKTRIC VOODOO | 9PM: FIREWORKS!

ALASTAIR GREENE

SEBASTIAN LANE

DANIELLE NICOLE BAND PAGE 14 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA BSO 20th Anniversary Celebration with Shaun Murphy

We had a great turnout for the Blues Society of Omaha’s 20th Anniversary Celebration with Shaun Murphy at Midtown Crossing. Lots of smiling faces and a great showing of BSO apparel for the event. BSO Vice President Glenn Bauer and BSO Volunteer Coordinator Steve Kreuger stepped up and sent in some nice photos of those in attendance and the band. BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 15 Zac Harmon Band Thursday, September 27th @ 6 pm ($12 cover) • Chrome Lounge, Omaha Zac Harmon is an award-winning gui- guitar with Sam Myers, a friend of his father’s. Two years tarist, organist, singer, and songwriter later he was playing with Dorothy Moore, Z.Z. Hill and other whose distinctive style combines the well-known blues artists who were passing through on re- best of old-school soul-blues artists gional tours. with modern lyrics and themes that In the early eighties, at age 21, he moved to Los Angeles to bring the blues into a new century. take a real shot at the music business. He worked as a studio His new Blind Pig CD, Right Man Right musician at first and eventually established a very successful Now, is contemporary music that proves just how alive and career as a songwriter and producer. He worked on major relevant the blues is today. films, television shows, and well-known national commer- Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Zac Harmon is a cials, even being hired at one point by Michael Jackson as a true embodiment of the music that emanated from the city’s staff writer for his publishing company. historic Farish Street district, home of blues legend Elmore BluesWax said of a festival appearance, “Harmon’s stage James. Given that Zac was exposed to a lot of music in his show is like a Blues symphony where he segues from one home, neighborhood, and local culture, it’s not surprising that song to the next without a moment’s hesitation, building a he turned out a blues musician. His mom played piano, and head of steam that is orgasmic. Mixing classic boogie gliders his dad, the city’s first black pharmacist, played harmonica with originals, he builds a West Side guitar sound that’s and tended to the needs of artists such as Muddy Waters, almost as sweet and simultaneously rough as classic Magic B.B. King, Ike and Tina Turner, Albert King, and Little Milton. Sam into a showcase presentation that takes a lot of pages His next door neighbor was a music instructor who would from Buddy Guy as far as dynamics. His hour on stage went host friends such as Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and Harry by in an instant.” Belafonte in her home. Another neighbor, Bill Farris, a blues In another live review, Jazz Now said, “His show affirmed all scholar who worked with noted folklorist Alan Lomax and the hoopla that surrounds those dubbed as the hottest new founded the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the act… Soulful vocals, breathtaking showmanship… His flashy University of Mississippi, recorded a number of Delta blues guitar style belies the solid sound that he radiated on every artists in his home, including Skip James. tune, admirably backed by a fantastic band.” Zac started his professional career at age sixteen, playing From the Artist’s website

HURRICANE RUTHWednesday, Sept. with 12th @special 6 pm • Zoo Bar, guest Lincoln SCOTT HOLT Friday, Sept 14th @ 5:30 pm • The B Bar, Omaha Hurricane Ruth LaMaster is a vocal powerhouse with a style meant jam sessions. Musi- all her own. Hurricane Ruth earned her name because no cians came to the Glendale one believed that such a large sound could come out of such from all over the region to a small woman! perform. Many genres were “Pipes like this are what people are hearing when they represented; blues, jazz, refer to someone “belting out the blues.” country, and big band. All of – Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro, Mary4Music.com these styles are represented in the music Ruth writes and performs today. Ruth remem- “This is a band that comes from the school of blues that bers, at the tender age three, sitting on her Dad’s lap, while says play it from the heart and they hold nothing back. he played drums in these jams. She would keep time on the As for musicianship, they have spent ample time in the ride cymbal while he played. These Sunday sessions are woodshed, honing their skills. This is a band that kicks some of Ruth’s earliest and fondest memories. major butt and takes names.” – Bill Wilson, Reflections in Blue Ruth has performed with John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Taj Mahal, Ramsey Lewis Trio, Sam & Dave, Fenton The POWER of Big Mama Thornton; FIRE of Janis Joplin; Robinson, Maynard Ferguson and his orchestra, and most boundless stage ENERGY of Tina Turner, and SOULFULNESS recently; Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Royal Southern Broth- of Aretha Franklin all rolled into a petite dynamo! erhood, and Ronnie Baker Brooks. Ruth’s vocals are deeply The great WILLIE DIXON once told Ruth “You’re the only hur- rooted in traditional blues, but make no mistake, she can rock ricane I can appreciate”. the house! Ruth has opened for renowned rockers: Heart, Ju- das Priest, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, and Steppenwolf. The Glendale tavern, in Beardstown, Illinois, was Milt La- Master’s, (Ruth’s father), business. Sunday at the Glendale From the Artist’s website PAGE 16 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA

BSO BAND DIRECTORY Band Contact Phone # / Email COUNCIL BLUFFS The Packages...... Rick Hillyard...... 712-420-1232 Street Level Band...... Steven Rains...... 402-980-7898 / [email protected] FREMONT Punching Puppets...... Lance Clark...... 402-727-1999 / [email protected] HASTINGS Peace Hogs...... Rich Mattison...... 402-469-5818 / [email protected] Smokey B. and the XYZ’s...... Byron Starr...... 402- 462-5879 KEARNEY OK Sisters...... Kate Fly...... 308-627-3021 / [email protected] LINCOLN Big Daddy Caleb & The Chargers...... Caleb Whisenhunt...... 402-202-9895 / [email protected] Blues Messengers...... Jake Wiese...... 402-601-4959 Church House Blues Band...... Danny Dakan...... 402-890-2533 / [email protected] The Dust Jackets...... Travis Koester...... 402 560 8415 / www.dustjackets.com Jared’s GoodTime BluesParty...... Jared Alberico...... 402-474-2473 John Walker and the New Hokum Boys...... John Walker...... 402-466-7254 Josh Hoyer & the Soul Colossal...... Josh Hoyer...... 402-416-3846 / [email protected] Jr. Stephens Blues Project...... Lary Lehman...... 1-800-422-1340 Levi William...... Levi William 402-310-2681, Cindy Patton 402-850-8549 / [email protected] The Mezcal Brothers...... Gerado Meza...... 402-438-5120 Tim Budig Band...... 503-719-3969 / [email protected] Upstairs Blues Band...... Caleb Long...... 402-430-1792 OMAHA 112 North Duck...... Michelle...... 402-210-9378 / [email protected] Back Alley Blues...... Craig A. Hassa...... 402-594-9147 Banjo Loco...... Blind Burrito...... 402-850-0245 Blue House with the Rent to Own Horns...... Joe Putjenter...... 402- 658-2222 / [email protected] Blues Angels...... A.J. Foyt...... 402-968-5593 / [email protected] The Blues Explosion...... Dave Skinner...... 402-330-7366 BluesEd...... Trudy Bredthauer...... [email protected] Chuck Brown and the Basement Devils...... Chuck Brown...... 402-610-1522 Elwin James and the Way Outs...... Patrick Peters...... 402-292-6435 / [email protected] George Walker...... George Walker...... 402-871-1469 Hector Anchondo Band...... Hector Anchondo...... 402-215-3956 / [email protected] Johnny Reef & the Shipwrecks...... Tommy Kriegshauser...... 402-517-8248 / [email protected] The Kris Lager Band...... Kris Lager...... 402-304-7269 Life of Riley...... Rebecca Packard...... 402-699-0958 / [email protected] Little Joe and Big Trouble...... Little Joe McCarthy...... 402-680-2924 / [email protected] Lou De Luca & the Delta 88’s...... Lou De Luca...... 402-677-7156 / [email protected] Luther James Band...... L.J. Johnson...... 402-213-5234 / [email protected] The Matt Gagne Blues Experience...... Matt Gagne...... 402-212-0694 / [email protected] The Mighty Sapphire Kings...... Bill Ferleman...... 402-658-1785 Neptunes...... John Hartley...... 402-995-2926 or 402-391-4762 The Omaha Blues Society All-Stars...... Craig Balderston...... 402-208-1068 / [email protected] Paul Scott Hoagbin Blues Band...... Paul Scott Hoagbin...... 402-689-1183 / [email protected] The Rex Granite Band...... Kevin Loomis...... 402-306-9342 / rexgranite@cox,net Rhythm Collective Reggae...... Frank Fong...... 402-556-3568 Rich Patton Blues and more...... Rich Patton...... 402- 841-1110 / [email protected] Rich Mattison and the Peace Hogs...... Rich Mattison...... 402-469-5818 Sailing In Soup...... Gunnar Guenette...... 402 599-9255 Soulfinger...... Barry Clark...... [email protected] Spike Nelson Trio...... Mike Nelson...... 402-612-1250 Stephen Monroe...... Stephen Monroe...... 402-699-5905 Steve Lovett Blues Band AND Steve Lovett-Solo Acoustic Blues...... Steve Lovett...... 402-660-7146 / [email protected] The Stimulus Packages...... Rick Hillyard...... 712-420 1232 Sue Murray / The WILDFIRE Band...... Sue Murray...... 402-533-4791 / [email protected] Susan Thorne Group...... Susan Thorne...... 402 968-4991 Swampboy Blues Band...... Tim Koehn...... 402-830-0021 / [email protected] Thrift Shop Radio...... K.C. Kelley...... 319-431-3508 Two Blue...... A.J. Foyt...... 402-968-5593 / [email protected] Vintage...... Charlie Ames...... 816-678-8360 / [email protected] BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 17 BISCUIT MILLER AND THE MIX Thursday, October 4th @ 6 pm ($10 cover) • Chrome Lounge, Omaha needed a bass player for one night. That one night lasted for over ten years as Biscuit became the permanent bass player for the Lonnie Brooks Band. “The years I spent with Lonnie were invaluable to me as a musician. I learned so much about the music business and being on the road – we played some incredible gigs such as President Clinton’s inauguration and I met and performed with many of my own idols while traveling with Lonnie and the band. During the winter months, we didn’t tour as much, so I spent time sitting in with various musicians and in 2000 I formed Bis- cuit and the Mix to fill up some of the down-time”. During this time, he recorded a CD “Come Together”. One of the bands Biscuit frequently sat in with was the up and com- ing Anthony Gomes Band. During one of those sessions, he was asked to join the band full time and he decided to take Anthony up on his offer. During the five years with the An- thony Gomes Band, they released five CD’s, Unity, Sweet Stringin’ Soul, Long Way Home, Music is the Medicine, and the latest, Live at the Triple Door. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago by his Grand- A touring schedule of over 250 gigs a year in the US and mother; he was given his childhood nickname, Biscuit, after abroad have led to a dedicated fan base. In 2012 Biscuit’s fun always being in the kitchen and underfoot while she was and funky style of bass playing earned him the Blues Music trying to cook. Growing up at Grandma’s house also gave Award for Bassist of the Year. He also took 2nd place in the Biscuit his love and appreciation for music, as gospel and bassist category in the Blues Matters International Writers soul were played in the home on a regular basis. Poll. Biscuit Miller and The Mix are once again on the road While visiting his friend Datrick’s house one afternoon, Bis- with his latest CD “WISHBONE” and ready to bring a smor- cuit spotted a four string electric bass sitting in a corner gasbord of fun to your party. What’s better than a bowlful of collecting dust and decided to check it out. The bass be- Soulful, Funky Blues stew? A pipin’ hot Biscuit, of course! longed to Datrick’s older brother, Darnell, who taught him From www.bluespros.com a couple of songs. Biscuit took to it like a fish in water, “It was easy to play and I fell in love with it immediately”. So at the tender age of eleven years old, Biscuit Miller was born into the “Blues”. It didn’t take long until he formed his first band, Clever, with Ivan Wallace, his childhood friend. They moved to Minneapolis in 1982 where Sonny Rogers taught him a lot about playing basic blues. During his time with Rogers, they record- ed “They Call Me the Cat Daddy”, which won Rogers a Handy Award DAVE ALVIN AND JIMMIE DALE GILMORE for Best New Artist. Unfortunately, Sunday, Sept. 2nd @ 5 pm • Waiting Room Lounge Sonny passed away before he was able to accept the award. Biscuit then went on to play with other LAKE STREET DIVE respected blues artists such as, Tuesday, Sept. 4th @ 7 pm • Slowdown, Omaha Mojo Buford (formerly with Mud- dy Waters) and Lady Blue (backup vocalist for Ike and Tina Turner). TODD RUNDGREN One day, Biscuit received a phone Monday, Sept. 24th @ 8 pm • Waiting Room Lounge call requesting him to come back home to sub for Chicago’s own Tix and Info at www.sundayroadhouse.com legendary Lonnie Brooks who PAGE 18 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA

BLUES YOU CAN USE! Sun. 9/2 Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore @ Waiting Room RIVER CITY STAR TH. 9/6 Renee Austin at Chrome BLUES CRUISES Fri. 9/7 Big Head Todd at Shadow Ridge Country Club Sat. 9/8 Rustemberfest Rockabilly, Blues, Car Show plus Drag Races at I-29 Speedway Sun. 9/9 Swampboy Blues Cruise Tues. 9/11 Blues Beatles at Zoo Bar Wed. 9/12 Hurricane Ruth at Zoo Bar TH. 9/13 Mary Jo Curry & Tombstone Bullet at Chrome Sunday September 9th @ 4 pm TH. 9/13 Here Come the Mummies at Slowdown Sun. 9/16 Tas Cru at the Corner Bar SWAMPBOY Sun. 9/19 Reverend Horton Heat/Big Sandy at BLUES BAND Bourbon Theatre Sunday, September 23rd @ 4 pm Tue. 9/18 Marcus King @ Bourbon Theater Wed. 9/19 Laura Rain at Zoo Bar Thurs. 9/20 Laura Rain at the Corner Bar TH. 9/21 Reverend Raven & the Chain-Smokin’ Altar Boys at Chrome TH. 9/27 Zac Harmon at Chrome Fri. 9/28 Rockin’ Johnny Burgin at Zoo Bar Sun. 9/30 7 Oaks Music Festival w/ Danielle THE JIMMYS Nicole, Elektric Voodoo, Alastair Greene, Sebastian Lane Band Friday, September, September 28th 9 to 11:30 pm Sun. 9/30 Webb Wilder at Zoo Bar Rock the Boat Cruise with TH. 10/4 Biscuit Miller at Chrome TH. 10/18 Jimmy Carpenter Band at Chrome Fri. 10/12 Fleetwood Mac at Pinewood Bowl Wed. 10/17 Paul Nelson Band @ Zoo Bar TH. 11/1 Heather Newman @ Chrome Wed. 11/7 Gary Clark Jr. @ Orpheum Theater TH 11/8 Michael Charles @ Chrome BLUE HOUSE and the Sat. 11/10 Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band @ Reverb RENT TO OWN HORNS! TH. 11/15 Bobby Messano @ Chrome See www.rivercitystar.com for tix and info 11/17 John Prine w/ Conor Oberst @ Orpheum BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 19 BLUE HOUSE with the RENT TO OWN HORNS inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame The beginning of 2017 brought in an addition to the band, as Brian England was brought in to play organ. This brought the lineup of Blue House members up to it’s current number of 7, with Joe Putjenter on drums, Dave Eames on Guitar, Mike Gallegos on bass, Stan Harper on saxophone and keyboard, Scott Vicroy on saxophone, Joel Edwards on trumpet, and Brian England on organ.

All original and current members of Blue House (Joe Putjenter, Brian England, Dave Eames, Mike Gallegos, Stan Harper, Jon Novak, Joel Bute, John Woolcott, Scott Vicroy, Joel Edwards) On July 28 of this year, Blue House with the Rent to Own Horns was inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame at an event in Norfolk, NE. All of the original and current band members were there to both receive their plaques and to perform for a sellout crowd. Blue House was originally founded in 1990 by Joe Putjenter, Jon Novak, John Woolcott, and Joel Bute. The band has been performing steadily regionally, and nationally for the last 28 plus years, and has recorded 5 albums. Brian England Joe Putjenter “It was a blast to perform in front of so many friends, Blue House is still gigging on a regular basis and can still fans and family. The band is very proud and honored to be seen almost any weekend around Omaha, Lincoln or be included in such an elite group of fellow Nebraska any place that enjoys live music. musicians.” --Joe Putjenter All the current and former members have remained friends along the way, and after 28 years it’s still fun. To top it all off, this year the band receives another honor, as Blue House with the Rent to Own Horns is being inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame.

Joe Putjenter, holding HOF plaque Mike Gallegos John Woolcott, Stan Harper PAGE 20 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA

Andrea von Kampen w/Evan Bartels Saturday, September 8 at 8 PM-11 PM $7 adv. $10 Day of Show

The B Side of Benson Theatre 6058 Maple St. • Omaha, NE “We were completely blown away.” - NPR All Songs Considered With over 5 million Spotify streams and counting, Nebraska-based songwriter Andrea von Kampen has quickly established herself in the recording studio and on the road. Her deft guitar work and intuitive song construction display striking maturity, and her effortless vocal delivery has been praised by Hear Nebraska as “soulful and worn-in.”

Reverend Horton Heat, Fantastic Negrito, Featuring Big Sandy Edem Soul Music Sun September 16, 2018 8:00 pm Fri September 21, 2018 8:00 pm

The Marcus King Band, Drive-By Truckers, Bishop Gunn T. Hardy Morris Tue September 18, 2018 8:00 pm Wed October 3, 2018 8:00 pm

For tix and event info see www.bourbontheatre.com BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 21

Lisa Mann • Hard Times, Bad Decisions JAY RAY RECORDS Portland’s Lisa Mann is an it is definitely Mann that shines on the outing. award winning bass player. The excellent opening title track can be related to by ev- She has won the Blues Mu- eryone that has made bad choices- all of us! “Doghouse” sic Award for bass in 2015 is a lively cut that I really enjoy. The seventh track, “Ain’t and 2016. She is also an ex- Nunna Yo Bizness” is an enjoyable number that has a great ceptional singer and writer. gospel flavor. Mann wrote the majority Mann has won many awards, but the general public doesn’t of the songs on this disk. It know her. That is their loss! I think that this cd has a lot celebrates relationships and of cross-over appeal and should be appreciated by a wide coming back from self-in- range of listeners. flicted wounds. The musi- cianship is stellar from Mann’s band and guest artists, but --A.J. Foyt, The Blues Society of Omaha

The Brian England Groove Prescription Featuring Matt Wallace Hammond Hash Browns This is a cool sort of concept album. It has instrumentals the finest anywhere! that are based on food – or as England says, “Blue Food”. It England composed all twelve has some of Omaha’s best musicians. Musicians that equal songs. The songs are blues based with a bit of fusion feel. The cd opens with a great BSO SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH tune intitled “Mushroom Pop- corn”. It has some funky sax 2018 NEBRASKA BLUES CHALLENGE supplied by Matt Wallace. The annual Nebraska Blues Challenge will be held during There is also some nice elec- October this year and we are looking for volunteers to tric piano played by England. Cut four is entitled “Biscuits help with the logistics of the event. There will be up to & Sausage Gravy”. It has some excellent sax provided by 3 preliminary shows and a final competition, all held Wallace once again. The interplay between Craig Balderston on Sunday afternoons at Chrome Lounge. We are on bass and Joey Gulizia on drums is very impressive! looking for volunteers to help in contacting the bands. More support should be given to local musicians in Omaha. Also looking for volunteers for help during the actual Our musicians compare quite favorably to musicians any- events with tasks such as tracking time for each band’s where- as this cd demonstrates! performance and serving as stage hands for the shows. This is a very enjoyable cd. England is an outstanding key- Basic stuff, we just need the boots on the ground to make board player and Hammond organ player in particular. It is it happen. Paul Gerber is organizing this upcoming event uplifting and very original. I believe this is even for people and could definitely use a hand. Please contact Paul by that don’t normally like instrumental albums. Go on-line email at [email protected] and get yourself a copy. Support local music, and also do or talk to Paul any Thursday at Chrome Lounge, where yourself a favor! you’ll find him volunteering as our doorman. --A.J. Foyt Blues Society of Omaha Native Omaha Days Presents RHYTHM BLUES & ARTS FEST Saturday September 15th, a celebration of urban music, arts & culture. BIG DADDY KANE headlines the music performances with his many rap/hip-hop hits while LAKESIDE brings their classic funk/R&B sound and soulful SUNSHINE ANDERSON sings her chart-topping “Heard It All Before” along with some great new songs. Other regional acts will also perform. The RHYTHM BLUES & ARTS FEST will also host pop-up shops with regional arts and crafts. Food and beverages from local favorites are will also be available. Tickets start at $15 with VIP packages available. Gates open at 3PM. Music from 4 pm till 10 pm. FESTIVAL LOCATION: Lewis and Clark Landing located at 515 North Riverfront Drive in Downtown Omaha, NE Tix and event info @ www.rbafest.com

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 YES, GOYES, GREEN! GO GREEN! I choose Ito choose receive to my receive monthly my newslettermonthly newsletter by email byrather email than rather by U.S.than Mail.by U.S. I understand Mail. I understand that BSO's that cost BSO's to print cost to print & mail my & newsmail myletter news wouldletter be would $20/year be $20/year and I want and BSO I want to useBSO the to entiretyuse the ofentirety my membership of my membership donation donation for better for purposes better purposes in the in the cause to cause promote to promoteblues music. blues music.  NO, I preferNO ,to I preferreceive to my receive newsletter my newsletter by U.S. Mail.by U.S. I understand Mail. I understand that BSO's that cost BSO's to print cost & to mail print my & newslettermail my newsletter is $20/year. is $20/year. Therefore, Therefore, I I BSO BOARD OF DIRECTORS: have considered have considered an additional an additional donation donation so that BSO so that is able BSO to is use able more to use funds more for funds better for purposes better purposes in the cause in the to causepromote to promoteblues music. blue s music.

Richard “Dick” Allen...... [email protected]  ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL DONATION DONATION: $ ______: $ ______BSO would BSO welcome would welcome any additional any additional donation donation you might you care might to make care totowards make ourtowards ongoing our ongoing Mary Elofson...... [email protected] projects includingprojects including the BluedEd the BluedEdyouth program, youth program, Nebraska Nebraska Blues Challenge Blues Challenge band competitions, band competitions, website upgrades,website upgrades, events, and events, many and more. many more.

Terry O’Halloran...... [email protected] Thank youThank for your you taxfor yourdeductible tax deductible donations. donations. Your generous Your generous support wisupportll help wiKeepll help the Keep Blues the Alive Blues !!! Alive !!! Terry Sedivy...... [email protected] Nancy Walsh...... [email protected] A Non-ProfitA Non 501(c)(3)-Profit 501(c)(3)Corporation Corporation Keepin’ the Keepin’Keepin’ Blues the Alive! Bluesthe Blues Alive! Alive!

lues ociety of maha B S O Blues Notes Editorial Staff President...... Mark Grubbs - [email protected] - 402-598-8644 Vice President ...... Glenn Bauer - [email protected] Treasurer...... Sid Sidner - [email protected] Editor: Assistant Treasurer...... Terry O’Halloran - [email protected] Secretary...... Bonnie Mercer - [email protected] JAY ANDERSON Volunteer Coordinators...... Lisa & Steve Krueger - [email protected] [email protected] Membership Coordinator...... Susan Keith - [email protected] Merchandise Coordinator...... Vee Andersen - [email protected] Advertising Coordinator...... Annette Jensen - [email protected] Contributors: Event Coordinator...... Cinda Tully - [email protected] A. J. Foyt, Terry Sedivy, Terry O’Halloran, BSO Lincoln Representative...... Jo Kreitman - [email protected] BluesEd Director...... Trudy Bredthauer - [email protected] Dick Allen, Jenn Czuba, Nancy Walsh