News Volume 35 January 2012 - February 2012 “To Support and Promote the American Art of the Blues on the Treasure Coast”

The Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast, Inc. is a non-profit organiza- Officers Bob “Cougar” Whitt-President tion comprised of musicians, vocalists, song writers, bands and folks who just Patti Gamble-Vice President love music, especially the BLUES, here on the Treasure Coast of Florida. The Elaine Romano Souza-Treasurer Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast supports all types of music, however, the Caren Belowch-Rec. Secretary basis of the organization is the BLUES. The Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast has many fine community programs: Board of Directors Richard Griffith Blues Newsletter–Interesting articles, mailed every other month to members Tom Brown and distributed throughout the Treasure Coast. Sonny Owens Belowch Sandra Griffith Monthly membership meetings- Come and socialize with the other Blues Alliance members and discuss the local area blues scene. Advisory Committee Gerry Mullaney Member– The National Blues Foundation. Vern Melvin Steve “Hawk“ Levy Listed– The Blues Festival Guide, the “BIBLE OF THE BLUES”. Elaine Romano Souza Participant– The IBC, International Blues Challenge. Phone Committee Sandra Griffith Benefit Program– for local musicians. Newsletter Editor Patti Gamble Scholarships- Provides two worthy children with music scholarships to IRSC Eric McManis each year. Newsletter Printer Ocean Grafix Let Us Play Program- Recycle program providing instruments free of cost to children unable to buy or rent their own. Website Wes Neal Hooked on Blues - Supporting our bands each month. Media Teresa Vincent Tom Brown Blues website- Packed with blues information, music, lessons, scheduled events, happenings, links and more. Hot Line: 772-467-1851 www.bluesalliance.org www.myspace.com/bluesalliancetc

Next Blues Alliance Membership

Hooked on Blues Event Hooked on Blues Event Elections Meeting Greg Jackson and the Mojo Band The Nouveaux Honkies Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 Thursday, Mar. 8, 2012 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM Town Crier Pub at Tradition Treasure Coast Mall Pirates Cove/Marina 10501 SW Villiage Center Dr., Food Court 4307 SE Bayview St., Port St. Lucie, FL 34987 Stuart, FL 34997

Directions: 772-345-4577 Directions: 772-287-2500 Volume 35 Page 2 MEMBER BANDS Support our member bands by going out to see them. Upcoming Event-Blues Alliance Category 5: Stevie and the Hot Rods “Let Us Play” Recital/Jam, www.category5blues.com www.myspace.com/johnybeamsderfer by Elaine (Romano) Souza www.facebook.com/Cat5blues Joel Zoss www.reverbnation.com/category5blues www.joelzoss.com “It’s that time of year”…..No, Not Christmas. But, I’m The Mojo Band: The Party Dogs singing this tune in my head regarding our Fourth An- www.myspace.com/greggjacksonthemojo- www.thepartydogsband.com band Sophisticats nual Recital/Jam tentatively proposed for May, 2012. www.facebook.com/gjmojoband www.s-cats.com To refresh memories: The Blues Alliance of the Treasure The Nouveaux Honkies: www.nortonmusic.com Coast sensed the need to institute the “Let Us Play” Pro- www.tnhband.com or www.myspace.com/ Don Bestor/Trademark Duo/Trio gram in 2004. The availability of the arts and the ability thenouveauhonkies www.trademarkduo.com to participate in the arts in schools and elsewhere come Soul Rebel: www.trademarktrio.com and go with the fluctuation of the economy and other www.soulrebelband.com www.donplayspiano.com factors. We gratefully accept donations of new/used Stoney and the House Rockers: musical instruments from the public to benefit needy www.facebook.com/stoneyhouserkrs Masquerade Band children in our area. After presenting these instruments www.masqueradeband.net to the children for years, we felt a recital/jam would help Ben Prestage to enhance their appreciation of music and give them an www.benprestagemusic.com opportunity to present their capabilities to an audience Steve “ Hawk” Levy comprised of family, friends and all those interested in www.hurricanehawk.com the future of the children and music. The Pitbull of Blues Band www.thepitbullofblues.com Mary Ann Stefanik Our first recital/jam was funded by a grant. Since www.maryannsmusic.com then, no grants have been available. The “Port St. Lucie www.reverbnation.com/maryann Downtown Lion’s Club” was gracious in donating the David Shelley and Bluestone funds for the second and third events. “Ocean Grafix” www.davidshelleyandbluestone.com donated programs and certificates and the “American Legion Post 40” in Fort Pierce returned portions of the fees for the hall and clean-up. We’ve been so grateful for the generosity. At this time, funding is questionable. But, the planning is in the works and the show will go on…..it’s too important, and too much fun for everyone! If you haven’t had the pleasure of attending one of these events, you have missed an evening which is so unique and special. We will keep you informed….and it’s free!!!

To continue the mission of the “Let Us Play” Program, if anyone wishes to donate new/used musical instruments, provide storage for the instruments, or donate time as a committee member, please contact The Blues Alliance: (772) 467-1851. Our web site is: www.bluesal- liance.org.

And by all means….please!!! If you know a child who has an interest in music but little or no means to obtain an instrument, please con- tact us. We especially welcome written requests from the children themselves. “Happy New year”, everyone!

Nicolette Smith and Alexandra Smith receiving their certificates Volume 35 Page 3

The Year in Reviewby Patti Gamble

2011, well it was a great year for The Blues Alliance.

New members, new ideas, some new programs topped the list of happenings.

Thanks to our all-volunteer board that help to preserve and promote blues music on The Treasure Coast.

Over the years we have been well-represented at the annual IBC events in Memphis. Even in the nation’s most stressful economic times, we continue to do so! The IBC has been increased to a four day event!

The BATC has increased memberships, sponsors and ideas to keep the blues alive in 2011. We MUST keep going! And we will! We MUST have a blues organization in our local counties. The philosophy is this: you pay your dues locally, we pay nationally. Thus, we all support The American Art of the blues! It’s NOT, repeat NOT what you get for your money! The National Blues Foundation is sup- ported by you and me!

In 2011, our Recital/Jam was a huge success thanks to Elaine Romano Souza and Tom Brown. The BATC works with Helping People Succeed and Future Generations Music Enrichment Program of Fort Pierce for this yearly event. Thank you to The Port Saint Lucie Downtown Lion’s Club for the generous donation to help us fund this project. The turnout was great and the Core Band headed by Gerry Mullaney, did a fantastic job working with the children.

Instruments have been donated and stored for our Let Us Play Program. All it takes is a child to write us a letter of need and voila…. we make their dream come true!

Our now, Hooked on Blues Event supports our bands each month. We simply check with the band, check with their site and connect at their gig. We do not book these events; we just hook up and have a good time.

The Alliance had the annual playoffs at Mickey Finn’s this year and Joel Zoss and The Pitbull of Blues Band will be going to Memphis the end of January. We wish you all the best. The Alliance will be contributing to their trip through our funds and through the two benefits we have produced. The BATC helps to “launce careers in music”, says, long standing member, Vern Melvin.

Two music scholarships were awarded this year through IRSC to, Joshua Schiffke and James Staggs. We wish you well in your future endeavors. Ben Prestage As you have noticed, our monthly meetings are no longer always on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. We have had to change things up a bit to include our Hooked on Blues Event. As always, you are noti- fied via e-mail and newsletter of meetings and events.

Congratulations to Ben Prestage on his BMA nomination for instrumentalist of the year for Diddley Bow! Ben, you’re unique and a true bluesman, we wish you the best!

2011 was an incredible year for Mark Barnes! Mark won the LA Music award for composer of the year! Also, let’s not forget “Casa Morningside”, loved it, loved the music!

The best human achievements are passed from generation to generation through a language made up of symbols called music. These symbols are the keys to exchanging creative thoughts. Let us all value music, especially for us the blues and to increase the awareness of music study….pass it on! V T Y, Patti Volume 35 Page 4

Stevie B. and Friend Soul Rebel at Kona, Jensen Our girl, Ellen, with Catrina at Crawdaddy’s

Joel Zoss @ Finz’s Waterfront Grille BATC Core Band: Patti, Michael, Rich, Al and Gerry Josh, Rich, and Denny of The Pitbull of Blues Band Benefit for IBC

Port St. Lucie Downtown Lion’s Club JAMES L. AUTIN, M.D. Sinus –Ear- Nose- Throat Facial Plastic Surgery Meeting place Bristo on the Green Care of the Professional Voice 2nd Tuesday of every month at MUSICIAN’S SPECIAL Includes: Consult with Dr. Autin, Video Exam of Vocal Cords and complete Hearing Evaluation $99.00 11:45AM P. O. Box 9301 Port St. Lucie, FL 34985-9301 10377 S. US #1, PSL Phone for appointment (772) 337-3700 psldowntownus.lionswap.org Featured Sponsors

Holiday Party Recap by Sandy Griffith

The Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast had a very successful holiday celebration and fundraiser on December 8th at the Am Vets Post 92 of Jensen Beach. All who attended were greeted by members of the Post. Everyone took their covered dishes, which were “ DELISH,” to the ban- quet room, where we lined up a great buffet, including desserts. But the lineup for the evening's music offerings were even MORE appealing.

First up for the evening were the members of the Blues Alliance's Core Band. They were headed up by Gerry Mullaney on lead guitar and vo- cals, Al Nawrocki on bass guitar and vocals, and Mike Heneks on guitar and vocals, rounded out by Rich Griffith on drums, and Patti Gamble rocking the vibes!!! They grooved out some great blues and R & B tunes, and even did a Christmas song or two...much to everyone's delight. The current Core Band is one of the Blues Alliance's best in our history. They recently appeared on January 13th at Finz Waterfront Grille for the third fund-raising event to help send the two winners of our Playoff of Bands to the prestigious International Blues Challenge held in Memphis January 31st – February 4th.

After the Core Band played, Joel Zoss, our solo act winner, performed. His magical and soulful tunes, and versions of well known early blues' favorites, were much appreciated by all that night. No wonder he has written songs for !!!

Our other winner, The Pitbull of Blues Band, took the stage next and left no doubt that there were many reasons, both musically and perfor- mance-wise, that these experienced and talented musicians would crank out hard-driving blues that really BARKED the tunes with lots of soul. They were grounded well by Josh Rowand, lead guitar, vocals, banjo and harmonica. They were SOLIDLY backed and blended with Denny Rowand, Josh's dad, and long-time bass guitarist and vocals. They played lots of blues and Beale Street tunes, and told stories of past times to the steady, powerful beat of Richie Coricelli's drums. It all tied in so well to bring an end to an absolutely wonderful evening. We'd like to say a special thanks for the warm hospitality of the Am Vets Post 92...a GREAT holiday time was had by all!!! Volume 35 Page 5

Rating 10 How Can I Go On?

Sugar Ray and the Bluetones Evening Severn Records

Ray Norcia, harp, was appropriately nicknamed Sugar because of his sweet vocals. Between 1994 and 1997 was the lead singer and front man for “”. In 1999 he collaborated with on the “Superharps” album. He has been a guest vocalist on countless albums by everyone from to Michelle “Evil Gal” Wilson”. He more recently recorded two albums in Italy with guitarist Maurizio Pugno. Ray is also an accomplished bandleader and he fronts his own band “Sugar Ray and The Bluetones.”

The Bluetones are one of the most balanced Chicago based Blues bands. Although former guitarists include Kid Bangham and Paul Size, the guitar spot has for many years been filled by . Monster Mike Welch first made his own mark with the 1996 release of his debut recording “These Blues Are Mine” on the Tone-Cool label. He has seven record- ings (some without his “Monster” nickname), the latest being the 2009 import “Just Like It I s”.

On piano is the formidable . Geraci has played with everyone including Muddy Waters; was a member of “Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters”, and has fronted his own band “Little Anthony and The Locomotives.” He has three albums under his own name including the brand new jazzy “Serendipity”, just released this past August.

Bassist Mudcat Ward plays both electric and standup bass. He has recorded with Sleepy LaBeef and Hubert Sumlin among others, and also has been a longtime member of both “Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters”, and “Ron Levy’s Wild Kingdom.” He has been with Ray throughout his recording career. Drummer, Neil Gouvin, has also played with everyone, and has been a member of “Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters”. I have been a fan of Sugar Ray and The Bluetones ever since 1989 when they first released “Knockout” on the Varick label. This is their seventh album overall and fifth on the Severn Records label. It is truly a band effort.

Sugar opens with “I’m having a Ball” written by Blues mandolinist Johnny Young, especially nice is Geraci’s piano solo. ’s “You Know My Love” is also included and it features Welch’s guitar. “Evening” the Mitchell Parish/Harry White composition re- corded by T-Bone walker is also re-worked, as Sugar’s chromatic harp playing opens the track. Welch’s solo on this track evokes the passion of the moment. Ray has included seven originals including “Dear John” and “Too Many Rules and Regulations” the later of which is receiving a significant amount of airplay. Guitarist Welch contributes “Hard to Get Along With You”; while bassist Ward con- tributes ‘That’s Not Yet One of My Blues”.

This latest from Sugar Ray and The Bluetones is highly recommended. “Sugar Ray and The Bluetones” continue to make fabulous recordings but there is nothing like seeing them “live”. Go out and see them.

Richard Ludmerer

The BATC welcomes new members: Chris and Kathy Muscarella, Gary W. Scott and Bill Solon

BB Kings Volume 35 Page 6

In Memoriam

Rest in Peace , lovely songbird of the blues.

73 years old

Etta passed away with family, 1/20/12. Tom Brown (Board) and Lauren Lopanzino (WPTV Ch. 5) At Atlantis Shuttle Launch (last one)

Robert Johnson’s Final Resting Place(s) By Vern Melvin

Robert Johnson, acknowledged King of the Delta Blues, died August 16, 1938 in Greenwood, Mississippi. That much information can be verified by official documents. What can’t be verified is exactly where Robert Johnson’s body was buried. But let’s back up a minute and look at how Robert Johnson died. Not surprisingly, for a man for whom much mystery has surrounded, that is not exactly conclusive either. The most reliable information on how Johnson died came from someone who was actually at the scene back in 1938. According to David “Honeyboy” Edwards, blues legend and sometimes “running partner” of Johnson’s, Johnson was poisoned by a jealous husband (or a jealous girlfriend) at a house party out in the country near Greenwood, Mississippi. According to Edwards, he and Johnson were at the house party to play music and Johnson was flirting with the wife of the house-owner who, in an act of revenge, put lye or rat poison in an open bottle of whiskey and gave it to Johnson to drink. Edwards states that Johnson became increasingly ill as the night wore on and eventually became so sick he had to be taken back to Greenwood where he died several days later (I heard Edwards, who died earlier this year at 96 years old, recount this story at a blues festival workshop several years ago).

Now, getting back to the location of Johnson’s grave, there are, believe it or not, three designated burial spots.....each purportedly Johnson’s final resting place. The location of the grave sites, with identifying markers/tombstones, are within a few miles of each other in church graveyards outside of Greenwood. These locations are Morgan City, Quito, and just north of Greenwood. As I’ve shared before, I have been making a trip back to the Delta annually since my initial “blues pilgrimage” in 2004. Each time I return I make a stop at each gravesite, not because I have some weird obsession with Johnson’s graves, but to see what momentos various blues fans from around the world leave at the these graves. It may be a half empty bottle of whiskey, coins, notes, guitar strings, photos, etc., etc., etc. (I also make a stop at Sonny Boy Williamson’s burial spot outside of Tutwiler for the same reason.... usually an interesting array of harmonicas are scattered around his tombstone).

Why three gravesites for Robert Johnson, there is no definitive answer, other than over the years information has continued to sur- face to suggest that each “additional” location has more authenticity as his true resting place than the previous one(s). Roger Stolle, blues scholar and owner of Cat Head Store and Records in Clarksdale, Ms. once shared with me that, in an effort to increase store business, he was considering starting a rumor that Robert Johnson is actually buried under his store:):)!

Finally, should you decide to conduct your own blues pilgrimage in the future I would highly recommend using Steve Chesebor- ough’s very helpful book, Blues Traveling: The Holy Sites of Delta Blues. Cheseborough’s book not only has a comprehensive listing and discussion of all significant blues sites from Memphis to New Orleans, but detailed directions to these site (directions as good as mapquest!). Volume 35 Page 7 Support our Sponsors, They Support the Blues! Take a moment to discover our corporate members and think of them when you are doing business. They contribute much needed funds to the organization and some even offer members discounts too. They share your love of the music and they showed their support for it where it counts, so let’s do the same for them. Corporate Sponsors, we will be featuring your businesses in our newsletter. You will remain here in the selected area of the newsletter for your business....plus, we will feature some members each month. Another perk coming back atcha!

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Name______Membership types and dues: Lup-Under 21, novice, 1st year, $10.00 Address______Student: $10 (full time student) Individual: $20 ______Household: $30 (2 members same address/2 votes) Mojo member: $40 (1 vote - free T-shirt or Hat) Phone______Band Member: $50 (1 vote) Corporate Member: $100 (1 vote, website and newsletter recognition) Payable, Mail To: E-Mail ______Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast P.O. Box 7192 Instrument(s) played ______www.bluesalliance.org / www.myspace.com/bluesalliancetc