Cool Issue 190 The Publication of the Linn County Blues Society - lcbs.org May 2010 O E D O E T O E COO TIME Free! Kids activities LIBER TY CENTRE

Hot food BLUES & BBQ

2 7 6 2 - 6 0 4 2

5 Cold beer

A I , s apid R r a d

Ce Cool music

2 7 6 2 x o B O P SUNDAY, MAY 30

y t e oci S s e u l B y t n u o C n n i

L Noon-10 p.m. Liberty Centre Park North Liberty BBQ’Loo & Blues Too Featuring: Corner of E. 4th & Mulberry Streets Dennis “Daddy-O” McMurrin Lincoln Park in downtown Waterloo & the Demolition Band Craig Erickson BBQ C Bob Dorr & The Blue Band Kids A ontest! Rib-Ea ctivities! ting C Kevin “B.F.” Burt & the Instigatorg s on test! northlibertyiowa.org/bluesandbbq

FREE EVENT! In this May 2010 issue — Friday, July 16 Saturday, July 17 Hot Hand Blues Band at Parlor City Pub 1st Annual Irish District Music/Arts Festival Bluesmore 2010 5:30-9:30PM 5:30PM - 9:30PM Big Mo’s CD review is in the bag! Avey Brothers Mark Selby Diplomats of Solid Sound still performing Plan to be there. Flock Of rocks New Bohemia district at Parlor City Pub Other activities include a KCBS Sanctioned Local LIVE music schedules barbeque contest, kids activities, chili contest, rib-eating contest and some of the best BBQ around. Blues at CSPS McMurrin & Johnson bring Blues to the schools Main Street Waterloo is proud to support the LCBS

©2010 May-Linn County Blues Society The Linn County Blues Society is a way Hot Hand Blues Band cool, non-profi t organization dedicated Blues at CSPS to the preservation of Blues music in A very cool show at Parlor City Pub Eastern Iowa as well as to provide The Holmes Brothers May 5 • Carrie Rodriguez May 12 charitable contributions to other commu- photos and story by Bill Ray nity organizations. LCBS is an Affi liated legionarts.org Organization in the Blues Foundation’s aster Sunday, April 4, the Hot Hand Frank Zahorik, of Lisbon, plays a mean blues international network. The BLUESPAPER Blues Band gave a very cool perfor- harp and also has an excellent voice. He took is a monthly publication of the LCBS. The Holmes Brothers Website: lcbs.org Emance at Parlor City in Cedar Rap- lead vocal duties on songs like “Caldonia” and Wednesday, May 5, 8 pm ids. A good-sized crowd showed up to hear the Hank, Jr.’s “Family Tradition.” Zahorik also LCBS Offi cers The spine-tingling harmonies, boundless energy and music even though it was a holiday. played harmonica and interchanged leads with President - Andy Dergo telepathic musicianship of the Holmes Brothers, Sher- Vice President - Evan Vulich Secretary - Steve Springer man Holmes, Wendell Holmes and Popsy Dixon, are all Treasurer - Sue Dergo but unique in the world, mixing Saturday night’s road- house blues with the gospel harmonies of Sunday’s ser- Directors at Large Bob De Forest, Bill Meeks, Frank Wilson vice. USA Today calls the Holmes Brothers’ vision of American roots music “masterful and convincing,” while Chairs Entertainment Weekly says, “The Holmes Brothers are Education: Gary Gibson PR Chair: Stephanie Heck juke-joint vets with a brazenly borderless view of Ameri- Entertainment - Greg West can music.” Membership - Kevin Cutsforth Merchandise - David Andrews CSPS, 1103 Third St SE, Cedar Rapids, 319-364-1580 Tim Razor on bass The Bluespaper & LCBS folks legionarts.org, midwestix.com Editor - Evan Vulich DeWitte on guitar during a slow, melodious ver- Photographers - Bill Ray, see bylines $17 in advance, $21 door Ron DeWitte on lead guitar sion of the instrumental classic, “Sleep Walk.” Staff Writers - Bill Ray, see bylines Tim Razor added to the vocal mix with his Distribution - Andy Dergo, Bill Meeks Band members include Ron DeWitte on raspy blues renditions of “Sweet Home Chica- Parliamentarian - Bill Meeks guitar and vocals, Frank Zahorik on har- go” and “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag.” Tim Program - Bob De Forest Carrie Rodriguez Web Admin: Evan Vulich monica and vocals, Tim Razor on bass and plays bass with authority and high energy--a Wednesday, May 12, 8 pm vocals, and Butch O’Connell on drums. The fun guy to watch as he always enjoys the beat. Membership Carrie Rodriguez’ journey from teenage violin stu- band plays a combination of blues, soul and Then there’s local favorite Butch O’Connell To learn more about the Linn County rock standards, with a touch of cowboy blues on drums who seems to be able to play any Blues Society or to join, see the member- dent to touring the world with the likes of Chip Taylor thrown in for some extra spice. genre of music with crisp rhythm and polished ship form in this Bluespaper or the LCBS (famed of “Wild Thing”), Lucinda Williams DeWitte, veteran guitar player and Iowa experience. The guy could play drums for any website. Your membership includes; and Alejandro Escovedo has resulted in eight in • D i s c o u n t a d m i s s i o n s to m a ny l o c a l Music Hall of Famer, always gives a superb band. as many years. The acclaimed singer, songwriter and performance on his instrument. His smooth Probably my favorite tune for the evening Blues activities. vocals on songs like “Georgia,” “You’ll Never was a slow, haunting fi ve-minute version of • Monthly LCBS Bluespaper. violinist returns to her roots on her new release, Love & Find Another Love Like Mine,” and “Stand “Ghost Riders In the Sky” with Frank Zahorik • Voting rights in the LCBS elections. Circumstance, a covers featuring songs by Rich- • Being a part of the groove! By Me” are as good as you’ll hear anywhere taking lead vocal and Ron DeWitte laying down ard Thompson, Townes Van Zandt, M. Ward and Merle on any stage. those deep guitar notes that remind one of Wyo- Bluespaper Contact information Haggard. ming and Montana vistas. It was truly a classic Send news, band or club live entertain rendition of a classic cowboy blues song. -ment listings or advertising to: The Hot Hand Blues Band is most active in Evan Vulich at: [email protected]. CSPS, 1103 Third St SE, Cedar Rapids, 319-364-1580 the summer. As with most musicians in this legionarts.org, midwestix.com Bluespaper Ad Rates area, each is a member of other musical groups $14 in advance, $18 door and enjoys playing a variety of musical styles. $15.00 - Business card size - 2” x 3.5” $25.00 - Quarter page ad - 3.5” x 4.75” Talking with DeWitte during a break, he $50.00 - Half page ad - 4.75” x 7.25” mentioned that he and his wife, singer Lynne $100.00 - Full page - 7.5” x 10” Rothrock, spent much of the winter on the cruise ship musical circuit. Traveling thousands Submission Requirements- All ads, of miles on the ocean to all parts of the world, photos or scanned images, either color Helping people Blues in the Schools! he said the food was good and the pay was ex- or black/white, need to be 300ppi. Native make great The McMurrin and Johnson Band will be performing at two in- cellent for playing just a few times during a Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, JPG, TIFF, music and week. But though the overall experience was EPS, PDF, BMP accepted. Ads created in dependent ‘Blues in the Schools’ programs in May 2010. The fi rst Word may cause dimentia, severe cramp- pursue their is at Johnson School Friday, May 21 from 5:30-7:30 PM. The sec- rewarding, sometimes being on board a ship for ing and diarrhea. Deadline for submis- so many days was confi ning. He seemed to be sions is the 19th of the month. dreams for over ond is at Polk School Wednesday, May 26 from 1:30-3:30 PM. The glad to be back in Iowa and playing music on 43 years. times were set so parents could attend with their kids. The band dry land. Moving? Send your new address to; 4651 1st Ave SE members are Dennis ‘Daddy-O McMurrin’ on guitar and vocals, Parlor City continues to sign and feature LCBS, PO Box 2672, Cedar Rapids, IA Cedar Rapids, IA Dan ‘DJ’ Johnson on bass and vocals, ‘Skeeter’ Louis on sax and excellent bands. The performance by the Hot 52406-2672 so you won’t miss a single 319.378.1720 vocals, and Eric Douglas on drums. The goal is simply to expose Butch O’Connell on drums, Frank Zahorik issue of your Bluespaper. Hand Blues Band certainly added to this most guitarcenter.com kids to blues, rhythm and blues, and roots rock n roll. on harmonica welcome trend. 2 / Linn County Blues Society ©2010 ©2010 Linn County Blues Society / 7 District Be sure to tune in to Bob Dorr’s 1st annual Irish music fest Local Music Blue Avenue blues show on Iowa Public music & art converge at Shores Central Park May Calendar Radio, Sunday evenings 5-6:30pm. (90.9FM in Linn and surrounding counties) Sat. 1 Fire House Jam w/ various players, 4-8PM The Spy Bar, Marion Bryce Janey 8-12 Shuey’s Brian Muench from St. Louis

Sun. 2 Parlor City Pub Skeeter Lewis & The All-Stars Y Sat. - The Firehouse- Jam with various players 4-8PM

Mon. 3 Blues On Grand Tommy Castro, 8PM $15.00 R Sun.- Mahoney’s - Various artists-Never a Cover, 6pm Sun. - Parlor City Rocks New Bohemia District! Tue. 4 Parlor City Gibby’s Lab Jam, 9PM E Tue. - Gibby’s Lab Jam, Chrome Horse, 8-11PM Wed. 5 CSPS The Holmes Brothers, 8PM $15 adv $21 door V Next Door McMurrin & Johnson Thur. -J.M.O’Malley’s-T-Bone Giblin Jam Fest E Thur. 6 J.M. O’Malley’s Electric Mule, 9-1 Shuey’s Last Call Johnny Lang

Fri. 7 Chappy’s Safari Trailer Park Romeos reunion, 9-1 LIVE at the Ryman Ernie’s McMurrin & Johnson, 6-9PM The LCBS meets the 1st Monday of each month. Concord Records The Hub, Cedar Falls Blue Band, 6-9PM See you at the Longbranch on May 3, 6:30PM for the Sat. 8 Fire House Jam w/ various players, 4-8PM LCBS general meeting. Guests are welcome! Style Vs. Affectation Jerseys Mike & Rob Show, 9-1 The Pumpers include from left to right; Tom “T-Bone” Giblin-keyboard, Troy Harper on drums, Next Door 4Box O Rocks, 9-1 90 Twixt Town Rd., Marion • 377-6386. Bryce Janey on lead guitar, Perry Welsh lead vocal and harmonica and Dave Bader on bass guitar. We all remember Johnny Lang as one South Main Events Bryce Janey, Monticello, 9-11PM The fi rst annual “Irish District Music and Arts Fest” will be held Sat. June 12th of the best in a generation of “Mini Ji- Sun. 9 Parlor City Pub Useful Jenkins Specializing in at the historic Shores Central Park building lot at 700 16th St. N.E. in Cedar Rap- mis” a few years ago. But it’s “Mini Jimi” no more with Johnny Lang at Mon. 10 George’s, Iowa City Kilowatt & CannonSaul 8-11PM RIBS, STEAK, PRIME RIB, LOBSTER & CRAB ids. The event is a neighborhood based celebration of music, art and food, designed Featuring our award winning what seems to be the peak of his game. Tues. 11 Parlor City Gibby’s Lab Jam, 9PM to bring together creative fun-loving people of all ages. Our intent is to bring folks He’s got the licks and the chops and Thur. 13 J.M. O’Malley’s Skeeter Lewis All Stars, 9-1 BBQ Pork Ribs! down to the neighborhood for a good old summer gathering. The fest will kick off his songs are fi rst rate. Not really a cel- Next Door Mike & Rob Show, 8-11 Seafood • 30 item salad bar at 1:00PM. with Craig Erickson and Flying Carp, an up-and-coming jam band of ebratory set, this recording features Shuey’s Jason Brown Kids menus • Specialty desserts the highest order, followed by the eclectic Pawned Scum at 2:15. Next up at 3:45 is music dealing with subjects that have Fri. 14 Ernie’s-Houby Days McMurrin & Johnson 8-11PM taken some thought. It’s paced well and Iowa City-based Dr. Z’s Experiment followed by the famous Perry Welsh of old Linn the CD recording is nicely done. He’s Sat. 15 Fire House Jam w/ various players, 4-8PM County blues band fame and his latest group, the Pumpers. Finally at 7:30, the party- developed an individual hard-edged Duma’s, Marion Mike & Rob Show, 9-1 ing O’Connell Brothers will take the stage to round out a full day of music and fun. blues/rock crossover sound with back- Ernie’s-Houby Days Tom Bruner & Dan Johnson Trio, 3-6PM In between bands, there will be dance troupes, performing artists displaying their ing from a fi ne professional band mostly Ernie’s-Houby Days McMurrin & Johnson w/ Skeeter 8-11PM from the Twin Cities. He sings in tune Pitchers, Marion Bryce Janey 8:30-12:30 wares and a general carnival atmosphere. The fest will be held rain or shine and cool- and the harmonies are extra nice and Shuey’s Terry McCauley ers with the beverage of your choice are encouraged. Admission is $5.00 at the door his vocal sound is really intense – which Sun. 16 Parlor City Pub Shawn Kellerman with proceeds going to a special neighborhood friend and cancer patient in need. gets me to part 2. Visit the web site at: irishdistrictfest.com. Tue. 18 Parlor City Gibby’s Lab Jam, 9PM Johnny Lang’s singing begs the ques- tion: When does style become affec- Thur. 20 J.M. O’Malley’s Gibby & friends, 9-1 tation? What do I mean by that? That Shuey’s Mike & Rob Show, 7-10PM his vocals never hold still & settle in – Dublin City McMurrin & Johnson, 8-11PM busy – over the top - and after a while it Swisher Bryce Janey 5-7:30PM. 1441 Marak Rd. wears me out to listen to him. I’ve had Fri. 21 Fifth Gear, CR Electric Mule, 9-1 the same complaint with other artists Next Door McMurrin & Johnson Band w/ Skeeter 9PM Guitars in all genres but in the blues: Joe Louis Sat. 22 Fire House Jam w/ various players, 4-8PM Walker & Candye Kane come to mind Cooter’s Slide Williams solo, 3-6PM Amps – where the artists’ individual vocal Shuey’s 4Box O Rocks, 9-1 sound distracts from the performance. Am I getting old or do I get an “Amen” Tue. 25 Parlor City Gibby’s Lab Jam, 9PM Repairs from the congregation? Thur. 27 J.M. O’Malley’s Perry & The Pumpers, 9-1 Style is a distinctive manner of expres- Piano Lounge, CR Mike & Rob Show, 8-11PM sion. Affectation is speech or conduct Shuey’s McMurrin & Johnson, 7-10PM not natural to one’s self. Where is the Fri. 28 Beaver Creek, CR Mike Williams solo, 7-11PM line between an artists’ ability to ex- Friday’Loo, Waterloo Perry & The Pumpers 5PM press themselves and a human vocal IC Concert Series Dave Moore, David Zollo, Shame Train sound that is almost freakish? Answer- ing that question is the responsibility of Sat. 29 Fire House Jam w/ various players, 4-8PM the listener. Gus’s, N.Liberty Mike & Rob Show, 9-1 Chrome Horse Perry & The Pumpers, 9-1 While you’re pondering that, enjoy a butt-kicking live set recorded at one of Sun. 30 N. Liberty Blues & BBQ Noon -10PM See cover for lineup the world’s hallowed halls. 3639 1st. Ave. SE Pawned Scum includes from left to right; Dave Bader, Ball Headed Capon, Scott Larsen, * Notice: Gibby’s Lab Jam will be moving to starsguitars.com 319.362.1881 — John Heim (A.K.A. “Big Mo”) Parlor City beginning in May! Tom Erger and Phil Seidel. 6 / Linn County Blues Society ©2010 ©2010 Linn County Blues Society / 3 Diplomats of Solid Sound Flock of Funk Still performing groove it up at Parlor City Pub photos and article by Bill Ray photos and article by Bill Ray

he Diplomats of t was standing room only by the Solid Sound are second set of Flock of Funk’s Tstill around. As Iperformance at Parlor City on with any musical group that April 11. Playing lots of , exists over a period of years, soul, and rhythm and blues, this local changes happen and adjust- area band brought dancers close to the ments must be made. front of the stage and enthusiastic ap- Hammond B-3 organ play- er, Nate Basinger, moved to preciation from the listening audience. Austin, Texas last fall to pur- sue wider musical interests. Diplomette singer Kathy Ruestow has moved to the “The Govenor of Funk”, Bruce Chadima Chicago area to pursue a boards, the old Percy Sledge standard master’s degree in nursing was transformed into a tune of beauty. and become an RN. She also The other gem was an extended ver- had throat surgery at the be- sion of the Spinners’ classic “I’ll Be ginning of 2010 and needed Around,” with Billy Davis crooning a few months for her voice to recover and strengthen. lead vocals that had many in the audi- Back in Iowa, the other ence singing along and remembering old romances. band members were still Doug Roberson, Sarah Cram (Parlor City). Kathy Ruestow and Nate Basinger on Hammond B-3 working at their own day Flock of Funk only performs publicly jobs and performing with various musical this Spring in Iowa. Starting with a four- about once a month. Billing themselves groups. And they will forego a European day stint of appearances in mid-March at as “The Ultimate Party Band,” they tour this summer to accommodate all the the SXSW music festival in Austin, the Dennis “Daddy-O” McMurrin and Tim Razor have upcoming shows this summer ongoing personal changes. But, the Dip- group returned to the Midwest and gave and fall at Parlor City and the Chrome lomats are still together. They just won’t shows in St. Louis, Chicago, Dubuque, Billy Davis on saxophone and lead Horse. be performing as frequently as they have Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. vocals is perhaps the focus of the mu- This group defi nitely knows how to in the past. I caught their soul and blues show at the Billy Davis wails on the saxophone Blue Moose in Iowa City on March 25 and sic show. But all the band members offer pleasing entertainment! their performance at Parlor City in Cedar sing well and represent some of the Rapids on March 28. Their fans were wait- best instrumental talent in the region. Tomaso’s ing and were rewarded with some great Denny Ketelson plays Hammond musicianship and soulful singing. Paul Kresowik on drums (Blue Moose) B-3 and synth, Dennis McMurrin is Pizza Eddie McKinley was wailing away on on guitar, Tim Razor plays bass, and tenor saxophone, as was David Basinger on Bruce Chadima is on drums. baritone sax. Doug Roberson deftly han- lead vocalists were delivering wonderful With total talent like that in one 364-4313 dled the guitar and bass guitar parts while performances that had dancers and table group, Flock of Funk really rocked the Paul Kresowik provided spirited rhythm listeners tapping their feet and singing joint and made a warm, Spring Sun- on drums. It was great to hear Nate Bas- along. Official Pizza inger on keyboards again with his inventive It was great to hear the Diplomats of day evening even more pleasant. Hammond B-3 riffs and solos. Solid Sound again after so many months Two songs stand out as performance of Bluesmore! Sarah Cram and Kathy Ruestow, the of not having them around. Music fans in gems in my recollection. A long, ex- 3234 Center Point Rd. Diplomettes, were obviously having a joy- this region should mark their calendars tended version (instrumental only) ful time singing together again. From the for June 18 when this excellent band (and of “When A Man Loves A Woman” David Basinger and Eddie McKinley opening vocal da-oops of “I’m Blue (The that’s all of them) will perform outdoors gave Davis a chance to play his sax- Gong Gong Song)” through “Nobody’s at the Iowa City Friday Night Concert Se- ophone with a smooth and sublime So it was with much excitement that we Gonna Stand In My Way!” and “I’m Al- ries this summer. They also plan on re- delivery that was simply gorgeous. learned that the entire group of Diplomats ready Gone” to the personal and meaning- leasing their long-awaited CD of original Interwoven with great solos by Mc- and Diplomettes would be performing ful “Soul Connection,” the two female songs sometime in October. Murrin on guitar and Ketelson on key- Denny Ketelson on Hammond B-3 and synth

4 / Linn County Blues Society ©2010 ©2010 Linn County Blues Society / 5