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Volume 30; Issue 6 Dec 2009-Jan 2010
Inside this Tommy Castro will help us celebrate issue: our 30th Anniversary By Vj
Are you ready? It is time again for in the ‘90’s. His sax player, Keith Moffett’s Musings 2 our FREE All Ages Member Party Crossan was with Tommy then and and Tommy Castro will help us cele- is still with him now. The two of brate our 30th year them make an Blues Band Blowout 3 as an official amazing Harp Showcase Blues Society. amount of mu- The opening band sic! So you Out & About w/ Lizzie 4 will be Two-Tone really won’t Did You Know? Steiny, that slick want to miss dresser with the this show. harmonica in his BITS News 5 hand. And there Each year, the Saying Goodbye is more! How band that is run- about a drawing ner-up in the Blues Blast Awards for prizes. You competition to 6 30 Year Tradition could discover a go to Memphis new favorite or and compete in add to your col- the International Profile: Kenny Nichols 7 lection of old fa- Blues Competi- vorites. tion (IBC) is the opening band Member Party! 8 What if you are for our Member not a member? Party. This You can join at the door! For just year we have Two Tone Steiny and Board of $25.00, you get a year’s member- the Cadillacs joining us. You won’t Directors ship to SBS and free entrance to the be disappointed in their version of Meetings party. But you want to bring the West Coast Jump Blues. are the 2nd family? A Family membership is Tuesday of each $40.00, and the kids can come Members have received their ballots month, 7:00 PM along. What a bargain, and you will for the SBS Board members by now. at the SMUD be assisting in Keeping the Blues If you haven’t voted, please do. And Building, Alive when you introduce your family if you have, but haven’t mailed it 6301 S Street, to the Blues. back yet, just bring it to the party, Sacramento, CA. and drop it off in the ballot box. Our headliner, Tommy Castro, Folks at the front table will be glad to All SBS mem- took home the 2008 Entertainer of help you. Mark you calendars for bers in good the Year at the Blues Music Awards, December 13 now, and see you at standing are but he has been making music for the Member Party! many years. He first caught my ear invited to attend. at the Monterey Bay Blues Festival Flyer is on Page 8
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Volume 30; Issue 6 Page 2
Moffett’s Musings... Another two months have gone ber, we have our Annual Member Party and Board by and the Blues festival season elections. This year we have the Tommy Castro is nearing an end. We lost a few Band as the headliner. This is an opportunity to see good ones due to the economy, one of the Greatest Blues Bands of our time for but the news says it will improve FREE if you are a Sacramento Blues Society Mem- soon and hopefully we will have a ber. And for a bonus, Two Tone Steiny and the full schedule next year. Cadillacs are opening for Tommy. Tell you friends to join us in this Annual Party and membership concert. We had great events this last two Memberships will be available at the door. Member- By months, the Blues Band Blow- ships are $25.00 a year individual and $40.00 a year Dennis out in October and the Blues for families, and we make as many of our events as Moffett Harp Showcase in November. possible all-ages events. The Blowout is the SBS band competition that gives our local bands a chance to I would like to thank my Board of Directors. Patty, compete for a place in the Blues Foundation’s “Big” thanks for your efforts establishing the Musicians International Blues Competition in Memphis Tenn. Fund and the local Hall of Fame. Cynthia, thanks for The winner of the Single/Duo competition was Volker carrying on your great work with Blues in the Strifler, doing an impressive single performance and Schools. Sally, thanks for keeping us straight with Volker should do very well in Memphis. The Best your meeting notes, Linda, thanks for maintaining the Band (I am glad I was not a judge and had to vote, membership information. Kim, thanks for being Sec- as they were all winners) was Dave Channell’s band, ond Banana. Cathy, thanks for handling the newslet- Fire and Wheels. Congratulations to both. SBS and ter mailings, Dave, thanks for keeping the money others will be organizing fund-raisers for our straight. John and Stan, winners to help pay for the Memphis trip. We thanks for putting together all will be announcing the times and dates of the great shows we enjoyed these events. this year (again).
The Harp Showcase featured our headliner, me look good as President, Darrell Mansfield. He was backed by The and made this year a Great Used Blues Band, featuring Sean McGroarty. Year for the Sacramento Guests were Kevin Greenwood, Johnnie “Be Blues Society. And thanks to Good” Lopez, David Croall, Kyle Rowland Liz Walker, Valeriejeanne and Jean “Birdleg “ Pittman. And it was an- Anderson, and Hornitos Te- other great show for Sacramento Blues Soci- quila for getting me through ety members. You will see a sample of how this past year. Many of us will great our local musicians are when you come be returning next year to com- to the Member Party on December 13th. plete our 2-year term, and The first Blowout runner-up, Two Tone Steiny some of us will be candidates and the Cadillacs, will be opening for our for next year’s Board. headliner. I would like to thank all the Our shows keep getting better and better Two Tone Steiny is opening for new members that have thanks to the continuing membership support Tommy Castro at the Member Party. joined the Sacramento Blues as well as help from people like Randy of the Society. Our membership is Blue Room, Murray from the Powerhouse pub, always increasing. Thank you for the privilege of al- Brenda and Lynzi from Po Boyz, Tim at Constable lowing me to be your President of the Sacramento Jacks and of course, Marina Teixeira from the Torch Blues Society. Club. Support our local venues, because without them we would not have live music. Wouldn’t you I enjoyed it and will always remember the experience like to help with a show? Consider volunteering. of meeting such great musicians and blues fans. And I’ll always remember to Keep the Blues Alive. We have some great shows coming up. In Decem-
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Volume 30; Issue 6 Dec 2009-Jan 2010 Blues Band Blowout Winners representing SBS in Memphis
As ten groups competed to be the “solo/duo” and the band to repre- sent SBS in the International Blues Competition, we sat back and enjoyed the music of 10 acts in one afternoon. These two acts came out “on top”, and will Soloist—Volker Strifer make the trip to Memphis. Band—Dave Channell’s Fire and Wheels Other bands competing, left to right: Bobby Ray Watson & Mac, The Jokers, 2 Tone Steiny & the Cadillacs, Low-Down Dirty Dogs, Freewheelers, Isis & Cold Truth; Phil Berko- witz & the Dirty Cats; and Bluesion.
Don’t miss this show next year!
Harp Showcase a Big Draw this Year
We had a full house and then some at the Harp Showcase. Sean McGroaty of the Napa-Sonoma Blues Soci- ety brought the Used Blues Band along to back up a stellar group of harp players this year, and the band was up to the task. And thanks Sean, for all your assistance on this show.
Sean McGroarty Johnny “Be Good” Lopez Fred “The Deacon” Baker David Croall Kevin Greenwood
Kyle Rowland Birdlegg Pitttman Darrell Mansfield Darrell with Guitar winner Wendy Tellez
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Volume 30; Issue 6 Page 4
Out & About By Lizzie I unexpectedly found myself out on a Tuesday night never was a huge Dead fan, those long rambling (Happy Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corp!) and jams just confused me. I admit it. I’m pretty simple dropped in at the Torch. Don’t ya just love it that we & straight forward. Tell me a story, let me wander for can “drop in” at the Torch and always find some out- awhile but give me an anchor and the smooth, standing music? The Lew Fratis Trio was doing a sweet, soulfulness of Lew Fratis is a great anchor! great rendition of Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”. Dave Garrity (Sammy Winner for Best It’s an odd sort of night, the crowd is a mix of old and Bass Player) harkens back to the old Torch days of young, regulars and newcomers, but everybody digs the Luminators. He can play anything asked of him Sam Cooke and “Cupid” brings out the dancers and with precision and passion. Kenny Nicholas (one of while the floor is hopping we’re on to some reggae. the sweetest guys you can meet) though fairly new to But somewhere in here Lew decides to turn it up and the area in the last couple of years, has been turning the smokin good guitar player comes out to play. up everywhere. He’s an excellent drummer and is in Kenny and Dave are right there bringing it on home. demand by many players in the area. You can also Wow! check him out with the Low Down Dirty Dogs-another rockin’ band to get behind, but I digress. Together I know that there are some of you out there who they supply the rock solid bottom for Lew’s fantastic would like a little more musical content in these and diverse guitar playing. “reviews”. But that’s not what it’s about for me. It’s the moment, never to be had again. I have made a You know, there are a lot of fantastic guitar players in conscious decision to try and do only those things this town but Lew? Well, he not only plays guitar, he that further my journey. This night, this moment? sings to you. I mean really sings. I like to listen, I Well, it’s my journey, who the hell cares?
Did you know...? By Linda McShane
The Sacramento Blues Society is a totally all- volunteer Non Profit Organization. All business is conducted by volunteers. We have Committees (of sometimes just one Board member) and we are al- ways looking for help from our members. These newsletters, the BITS program, annual Hall of Fame awards, Gene Chambers Emergency Fund (for musi- cians in need) and our monthly events - all of these are managed by volunteers - usually Board mem- bers. You may have heard the old saying 80% of the work is done by 20% ... our membership is at 431 and we have a board of 11 that does just about eve- rything - let's see, that looks like about 3%.
Many of you have indicated on your SBS Member- ship application that you would be interested in vol- unteering, and we need you! You can volunteer for one day, one event or one committee, your choice. Please email [email protected] for more info and to tell us what you would like to do & when. Also, come to the events and introduce your- self to us. We'd love to meet you and have your sup- port and help! Come to a Board meeting and see how it's done. Think about being on the Board as well. It is a great opportunity to learn Board proce- dure, and it looks good on your resume. 4 5
Volume 30; Issue 6 Page 5
Blues In the Schools News As part of a program sponsored by the Mondavi Performing Center, the Sacramento the HOPE Foundation,. Blues In Philharmonic, Sacramento Ballet and many, many The Schools musicians Mick Martin, others. Jimmy Pailer, Joe Lev, Steve Namle, Kyle Rowland and Tess per- Lizzie was traveling this month and met with San formed for the Boys and Girls Club Diego Blues Society’s Blues In the Schools Commit- By in Midtown Sacramento. They did a tee members to share program ideas. She came Cynthia great job and the kids really enjoyed away with some fresh ideas we hope to incorporate Janes hearing live blues performed just for into our program. We are often asked to share our them. It’s surprising how many kids BITS program with other Blues Society’s and wel- never get a chance to hear music performed live, let come the opportunity to meet with our fellow Blues alone live Blues! educators! For the past two months, the BITS Committee has We’re in the planning phase of a new summer pro- become actively involved in the local arts community. gram for students and are exploring possibilities with Members of the Sacramento Blues Society have a local campus. We are also looking at various all- joined Mayor Kevin Johnson’s For Art’s Sake Initia- age venues for our annual end of the year benefit tive, a huge collaborative effort to expand Arts in the concert. In fact, we’re always looking for places that Sacramento region. It’s very important we become welcome our next generation of musicians – sadly, more involved in the overall community to ensure we they are few and far between. If you know of such have a voice and place in the growing arts scene. venues, please support them. Liz Walker and myself have joined the Arts and Edu- Save the date of March 13, 2010. We’re planning a cation Committee where we report on BITS activities, St. Patrick’s Day dinner and show – you’ll love it. successes and challenges. It’s a wonderful opportu- Stay tuned for more details! nity to interact with folks from the Crocker Art Gallery, SBS says goodbye to Big John By Jan Kelley, with assistance from SacBee interview, -José Luis Villegas, 2004 Big John Evans, on the road pounding and internationally acclaimed blues- out the blues since he was 12, lived his man Johnny Heartsman. Heartsman life with no regrets. He felt drumming brought Big John to Sacramento with many blues greats for 50 years around 1983, where they gigged and living the roving life of a musician around town and then around the opened up the world to him. He fa- world, making nearly a dozen trips to thered 10 children in his life, always Europe. The two bluesmen remained caring for them no matter where the close until Heartsman died in Sacra- road took him. Big John, 66, got his mento in 1996 following a stroke. name because of his size. He first be- gan his blues journey in Oakland and The health of each man had taken a completed it in Sacramento, passing back seat to his music. Heartsman had away on Monday, November 9, 2009. Photo by Bob Cosman diabetes, and Big John had suffered five heart attacks and four strokes. He met and was mentored by Little Junior Parker With the death of Johnny, Big John decided to lose and jammed with Ray Charles, Count Basie, Bobby some of his weight, dropping more than 100 pounds "Blue" Bland, Art Blakey, Sonny Payne and James with his renewed health consciousness. Brown's famous drummer, John "Jabo" Starks. Big John and the Chosen Few band were nominated His size and his sound, an up-tempo blues called a for the Best Blues Band at the Sacramento Sammies shuffle, set Big John apart. It was this shuffle that in 2004. He will be missed by many, and especially brought him to the attention of the late Sacramentan by the Blues community.
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Volume 30; Issue 6 Page 6 2009 Blues Blast Music Awards The Blues Blast Music Awards show was held Octo- the award to Koko’s daughter, ber 29, 2009 in Chicago at Buddy Guy’s Legends. It Joyce “Cookie” Threatt. Another was blues party heaven for the capacity crowd of highlight was the presentation of musicians, record label execs, radio jocks, promot- the Sean Costello Rising Star ers, managers, booking agents, and most impor- Award by the parents of the late tantly, fans from all over the world. The club jumped Sean Costello, Debbie Costello with six solid hours of top-notch performances by the Smith and Glenn Smith. best the blues has to offer. With the award presenta- tions scattered throughout the evening there was not What a memorable night of music, By Bo Ely much down camaraderie and a few sur- time, not even prises! Kenny Neal brought in Koko Taylor’s for my requi- band to back him up. Dave Gross performed site cigar with The Insomniacs who loaned keyboardist break! Alex Shakira to Nick Moss & The Flip Tops. Curtis Salgado sat in with both The Insomni- The 14,000 acs and Nick Moss & The Flip Tops. Other Blues Blast performers included Guy King, Lurrie Bell, Magazine John Primer, Billy Branch, Matthew readers from Skoller, Robin Rogers, Billy Boy Arnold, across the The insomniacs receiving their award Carlos Johnson, Chris James & Patrick United States Rynn with Bob Corritore, Eden Brent, The and all over the world chose the winners. The award Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Cedric Burnside & winners were: Best Contemporary Blues Recording, Lightnin’ Malcom, Dave Herrero, Shirley John- The Insomniacs – At Least I’m Not With You; Best son, and Albert Castiglia. Special appearances in- Traditional Blues Recording, Various Artists – Chi- cluded Billy Flint and Willy “The Touch” Hayner. cago Blues: A Living History; Best Blues Song, Albert Castiglia – “Bad Year Blues;” Chicago really is my kind of Best Blues Band, Nick Moss & The Flip Tops; town. Architectural master- Best Male Artist, Elvin Bishop; Best Female pieces fill the skyline, flower Artist, Robin Rogers; Best New Artist Debut boxes brighten the sidewalks, Recording, Chris James & Patrick Rynn – massive parks line Michigan Stop And Think About It; and the Sean Avenue, and Buddy Guy’s Costello Rising Star Award, Kilborn Alley Legends, which celebrated its Blues Band. 20th anniversary in June, graces the streets of Chi- Koko Taylor, “Queen of the Blues” posthu- Curtis Salgado and Bo cago. With the club moving to mously received the 2009 Lifetime Achievement a larger venue in 2010, a return visit surely will be in Award. Marie Dixon, Willie Dixon’s widow, presented order! THE SACRAMENTO BLUES SOCIETY: A 30 YEAR TRADITION OF BRINGING THE BEST BLUES TO SACRAMENTO by John Noxon
Thirty years of Blues… It's hard to believe, but the Looking back, it's amazing the great talent that the Sacramento Blues Society has been bringing the Sacramento Blues Society has brought into Sacra- Blues to Sacramento for over thirty years. We're ac- mento. Over our 30+ years of serving the local Blues tually older than the Memphis Blues Founda- Community we've brought in a fabulous "who's who" tion. Thanks to our founding members, including the of blues artists including Ray Charles, Robert Cray, late Phil Givant, Mick Martin, Big Mike and many oth- Papa John Creach, Bobby "Blue" Bland, John ers who started up the Society back in 1979. And if Hammond, The Memphis Horns, Floyd Dixon, Little we trace our roots back to the first Sacramento Blues Milton, Chris Cain, Smokin' Joe Kubek, Magic Slim Festival which started up in 1977, then we're a big 32 and the Teardrops, Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers, years old. Glenn Lane, Guitar Shorty, See page 7 –SBS 30 yrs 6 7
Volume 30; Issue 6 Page 7 Profile: Kenny “Kenbone” Nichols comes home Then there was Kenny Nich- create a foundation that includes ols, an amazing drummer, perfect timing and balance that sets AKA, “Kenbone,” on the Sac- a song into play. Kenny is married ramento Blues scene. Every- to such great bass players as Greg body who knows Kenny King, Joe Lev and Dave Garrity and knows his love of children; says, “when its good, it is something hence, his participation in the you don’t have to think about, it’s by Blues In The Schools (BITS) synchronicity.” Deborah program with Mick Martin. He Gregory gigs at the Torch Club with Aaron King, Lew Fratis, and Kenny is currently the drummer for the Dirty Low Jimmy Pailer, at Louie’s with Down Dogs, Lew Freitas Band, Jimmy Pailer and Steve Foster, at the Folsom Lew Freitas on Friday nights at the Torch Club, Hotel with Dave Channell, and participates whenever possible in the BITS Coopers and Regans with program. He has toured with Michael Furlong, Greg King and anywhere he Stoneground, Hotel California and a variety of is called to sit in with “the boys.” The interesting other signature bands. You can come see Kenny thing about this is that you must be VERY GOOD play out and about town most any evening. Contact to play with these musicians and Kenny Nichols fits Kenny for gigs at [email protected]. He is the bill. also on Facebook and My Space. Thanks for com- ing home, Kenny. Kenny’s Grandma Gladys bought him his first set of drums when he was in Elementary School. He played from the beginning as if it were second na- ture. He was born and raised in Sacramento, left for 10 years, and returned 10 years ago to give something of himself back to the Sacramento mu- sic scene. He is a dedicated family man and the proud father of two sons, Henry and Max. The boys play guitar and drums. If you know Kenny you know he loves to fish anytime, anywhere, with anyone, especially his brothers and Uncle Daryle in Oregon (Hubba Hubba!). Future dreams? Watch- ing the boys grow up and lots of fishing.
Kenbone’s style of play compliments all those he accompanies on stage. He’s flexible enough to rise to any occasion and easy going enough to make everybody happy. There is a special relationship between a drummer and a bass player, almost like being married. When it’s the right marriage they
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Joe Louis Walker, Charles Brown, and Chuck Berry. These are but a few of the great blues talents.
With your help we hope to continue to provide the local Sacramento Blues Community with quality shows and top talents. Here's to another great 30 years !
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Volume 30; Issue 6 Page 8
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Volume 30; Issue 6 Page 9 Welcome new SBS Band Members!
“Loads of Fun” 561 La Purissima Way 95819 (916) 455-3358 (916) 203-9781
Hire an SBS member band
Allie Marcel Blues Riot David J Eisel Kyle Rowland Mitch Kay & Groove Deluxe 916-451-1075 916-966-2992 916-236-9204 916-217-1263 Allie@Allie’s Alley.net [email protected] [email protected] Mr. December Band Andy Keane & Kinda Blue Delta Wires Linda Bracamonte mrdecembermusic [email protected] Prime Management [email protected] @yahoo.com 510-601-9277 Myspace.com/ Black Cat Bone Lisa Phenix [email protected] mrdecembertheband www.blackcatboneblues.net 916-719-6106 [email protected] Equinox Blues Review www.Lisaphenix.com O Street Jumps Stan Alves Dan 916 -944-7292 530-753-5265 Marshal Wilkerson & Smoked 916-969-3995 Cari 916-725-4889 Bluz Catz Sugar 916-769-7934 Gordon Groft Band 916-443-3392 Rick Donaldson Blues [email protected] 916-374-0874 marshalwilkerson@ Band [email protected] hotmail.com Jay Beaumont Bobby “Blue” Ray www.gordengroft.com 530-902-8600 Marta Gee rickdonaldsonbluesband.com Brad Wilson Band Johnny “Guitar” Knox [email protected] [email protected] Dave Croall & the Soothers Rock of Ages Mill Creek Blues Band 916-455-6349 [email protected] Dave Channell’s Fire & [email protected] [email protected] Wheels Band www.myspace.com/ Roy Rogers 916-705-8628 millcreekbluesband www.roy.rogers.com www.davechannell.com
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Volume 30; Issue 6 Page 10 Sacramento Blues Revue Steve Gatz & The Aces Sean McGroarty Rick Von Geldern Double Shuffle 707-490-8126 916-204-9800 [email protected] 209-217-7532 www.acesfan.com [email protected]
Spotted Dog Rockin’ Blues Steve Hall The Cold Truth Tim Noxon’s Rockin’ Blues Revue 1-888-468-8663 Isis 408-835-4168 Band Greg Gantrell 916-332-5417 [email protected] Myspace.com/coldtruthband Tim—916-201-4648 [email protected] www.stevehallblues.com George-916-343-3172 The Hucklebucks Steve Foster Band Stevenson Proffitt & the Doug James Two Tone Steiny & the 916-276-9170 Vintage Overtones 916-454-0577 Cadillacs [email protected] 916-475-2566 www.thehucklebucks.com 916-765-5564
[email protected] [email protected] The Used Blues Band Please Patronize these Businesses that Support your Blues Society
Northern California Blues Festival c/o: Matson Breakey [email protected] www.NorthernCalforniaBluesFest.com
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Volume 30; Issue Page 11 Please Patronize these Businesses that Support your Blues Society
313 Laurence Ave. Kansas City, Mo 64111
1-888-BLUESIN’ www.bluescruise.com
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P. O. Box 60580 Sacramento, CA 95860-0580
Blue Notes! is The official bi-monthly Newsletter of the Sacramento Blues Society. Send information for the newsletter to [email protected] or to Editor—Blue Notes! 4116 Lotus Avenue Sacramento, CA 95822
VISIT OUR WEBSITE! WWW.SACBLUES.CO M
Sacramento Blues Society COMMITTEES BOARD OF (SBS) DIRECTORS Blues In The Schools is a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit corporation Patty Furey & Cynthia Jaynes formed to preserve and promote BITS Benefit blues music as an art form. PRESIDENT Liz Walker Dennis Moffett The Sacramento Blues Society Blues Challenge Event is one of the oldest blues societies VICE PRESIDENT Kim Duvall in California, founded 1979. Kim DuVall Concessions/Merchandise SBS has kept the blues tradition Cathy Dubets & Kim DuVall alive in the Sacramento area by pro- SECRETARY Events moting the local blues music scene Sally Katen John Noxon & Stan Alves and bringing internationally re- Fundraising and Grants nowned artists TREASURER Debbie Galik to the region. Dave Alcock Gene Chambers Musician’s SBS is an affiliate member of Crisis Fund Committee The Blues Foundation. PARLIAMENTARIAN Patty Furey Cathy Dubets SBS provides educational opportuni- Hall of Fame ties for young people with the Foun- Patty Furey MEMBERS AT LARGE dation’s Stan Alves Membership “Blues In The Schools” Program. Linda McShane Patty Furey SBS produces a newsletter, Cynthia Jaynes Public Relations Willie Brown “Blue Notes” Linda McShane Bi-Monthly (six times a year) John Noxon Webmaster to our membership. Dave Baldwin
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