LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hi Blues Fans,

This year is off to a great WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY start! The Walla Walla Guitar Proud Recipient of a 2009 Festival is starting the month Keeping the Blues Alive Award off with a power house line up, maybe the best one yet. OFFICERS Peter Rivera, Danielle Nicole, President, Tony Frederickson [email protected] Randy Oxford Reunion, Vice President, Rick Bowen [email protected] Coyote Kings with Tiphony Secretary, Open [email protected] Dames & Too Slim, Scott Treasurer, Ray Kurth [email protected] Pemberton, CROS (Charles Editor, Eric Steiner [email protected] Mack-IBC Band Finalist 2019), and much, much, DIRECTORS much more! There are still Music Director, Amy Sassenberg [email protected] some tickets available and Membership, Open [email protected] this will be a great time. It Education, Open [email protected] will be worth a last minute Volunteers, Rhea Rolfe [email protected] weekend getaway to kick off Merchandise, Tony Frederickson [email protected] the Blues Festival season. See Advertising, Open [email protected] the ad in this edition of the Bluesletter for more information. THANKS TO THE WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY 2017 STREET TEAM The Coeur d’ Alene Blues Festival includes Blues Music Award Downtown Seattle, Tim & Michelle Burge [email protected] nominees The Fabulous Thunderbirds with Kim Wilson and a West Seattle, Jeff Weibe (206) 932-0546 Northwest favorite son, Ben Rice! Harlis Sweetwater is up from North Sound, Malcolm Kennedy [email protected] California, up and coming Diego & the Detonators, the Bobby Northern WA, Lloyd Peterson [email protected] Patterson Band, plus a ton of other entertaining bands! See the ad Penninsula, Dan Wilson [email protected] in this edition of the Bluesletter for more information. Port Angeles Area Alvin Owen [email protected] Central Washington, Stephen J. Lefebvre [email protected] Speaking of the Blueletter, the final ballot for the Best of the Blues awards is in this issue. So if you are a dues current member be sure Eastern Washington, Paul Caldwell [email protected] to vote for your favorites and express your opinion! It one of the Ballard, Marcia Jackson [email protected] big perks of being a member of the Washington Blues Society. And Lopez Island, Carolyn & Dean Jacobsen [email protected] if you’re not a dues current member, there is still time to join and vote for the BBs! At only $25.00 for a single or $35.00 for a couple SPECIAL THANKS per year it a great value and in addition to the above perks, there are Webmaster Emeritus, The Sheriff [email protected] many other great benefits to being a member! Washington Blues Society Logo, Phil Chesnut [email protected]

Our annual Blues Cruise Raffle will be kicking off this month also! MISSION STATEMENT So be sure to stop by the Merchandise table and get your raffle ticket The Washington Blues Society is a nonprofit organization whose purpose early. We will be at almost of all the festivals and will have some new is to promote, preserve, and advance the culture and tradition of blues inventory for you to check out too! music as an art form. Annual membership is $25 for individuals, and $35 for couples. The Washington Blues Society is a tax-exempt nonprofit Be sure to stop by and say “Hi” well you are out and about! Look organization and donations are tax-deductible. The forward to seeing many of you as we get rolling this year. Washington Blues Society is affiliated with The Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee.

WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY P.O. BOX 70604 SEATTLE, WA 98127

Tony Frederickson President. Washington Blues Society Member, Board of Directors, The Blues Foundation (2015-2017)

2 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society In This Issue...

BLUES RIFFS 2 Letter from the President 3 2019 Blues Society Officers & Directors 4 Contributing Writers & Photographers 5 Letter from the Editor

BLUES NEWS 6 Notes from the 2019 International Blues Challenge 10 Tisha Meitmann: A Musical Tribute 11 Save the Date: 2019 BB Awards!

FEATURE ARTICLES 9 Little Bill’s Blues 15 Little Bill’s 80th Birthday at the Triple Door 18 Celebrating 30 Years of Blues in 2019

BLUES REVIEWS & PREVIEWS 15 Little Bill’s Birthday Bash at the Triple Door 16 CD Reviews 28 Preview: March Blues Bash 29 Walla Walla Guitar Festival Preview 30 Two Alligator Artists Return to the Pacific Northwest! 6 WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY STUFF! 20 Washington Blues Calendar This month, the Bluesletter features coverage of the 2019 International Blues Challenge, celebrates Little 22 Updated Washington Blues Talent Guide Bill’s 80th birthday and includes a preview of the Walla Walla 24 Membership Benefits & Membership Form Guitar Festival. 25 Washington Blues Jams & Open Mics 26 Washington Live Blues Venue Guide 31 Voting Ballot: 2019 BB Awards

ABOVE: Samatha Weston reading the Bluesletter! (Photo by Jesse Weston)

COVER IMAGE: Celebrating Little Bill’s 80th Birthday at the Triple Door! (Photo by Blues Boss)

March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 3 MARCH2019 BLUESLETTER Volume XXX, Number III

PUBLISHER Washington Blues Society

EDITOR Eric Steiner (editor@ wablues.org)

PRINTER Pacific Publishing Company (www.pacificpublishingcompany.com)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rick J. Bowen, Tony Frederickson, Malcolm Kennedy, Amy Sassenberg, Erica Peto, Little Bill Engelhart, Daniel McMillin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Eric Steiner, Alex Brikoff, Tom Daniel, Corrie Julian Eubanks, Larry Star of Musicshooters, Amy Sassenberg, Jesse Weston, Blues Boss, Nalani Hadfield, Paul Brown, Photography Walla Walla

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4 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Hi Bluesletter Readers, of the Blues (“BB Awards”) process. Please see page 31 of this issue for this year’s voting ballot. Welcome to the March Bluesletter! This month, I was fortunate to return to the International Blues Challenge in we are honoring one of our Memphis and I highly recommend this Blues Foundation event blues community’s legends, for every blues fan’s bucket list. I was surprised at the changes I’ve Little Bill Engelhart. I hope noticed in and around Beale Street as I had not been back since 2017. that the tribute concert that I hope readers will appreciate my story and photos included in this Randy Oxford’s planning issue and I plan to include reasons for readers to get to Beale Street will be SRO and I know in Bluesletters throughout the year. Our band, Sammy Eubanks and that this will be a star-stud- the Work’In Class finished second in the finals and our Wednesday ded evening of great music. showcase featured some of the finest blues talent from the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. The issue also honors the memory of Tisha Meit- Until next month, please go out and support live blues! mann of Engel’s Pub in Edmonds. She worked at Engels’ for eight years and Daniel McMillin captures an event that celebrated her Eric Steiner, Editor life with a heartfelt remembrance. Ten years ago, Washington Blues Washington Blues Society Bluesletter Society members voted Engel’s as best blues club in our annual Best Board of Directors, The Blues Foundation (2014-2017)

March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 5 BLUES NEWS

Notes from the 2019 International Blues Challenge Magical memories from Memphis... By Eric Steiner shared passion for blues music. It was fun British Columbia. Our showcase was one to reconnect with “Hawkeye” Herman from of 25+ similar opportunities to catch live I was very fortunate to return to Memphis Oregon, Mark Patrick from Michigan and blues on Beale Street. for the International Blues Challenge and “Hurricane Harold” Tremblay from the the Keeping the Blues Alive Awards this Twin Cities. I learned that our band took second place year. I hadn’t been back since 2017. I was en-route to SeaTac (because of the pennies surprised with many positive changes that One of the challenges of the blues I was pinching). Sammy Eubanks and I noticed this visit. I leearned a lot at the competition is to see new blues talent but The Work’In Class’ set from the finals workshops at the Hall of Fame. I liked the in an event that features live blues in over is on YouTube and I highly recommend panel on trends in the blues music industry 18 clubs on or near Beale Street, seeing just Bluesletter readers experience it. I saw the sponsored by the Consulate General 10% of the performers can be a stretch. band’s first and second sets on Beale Street of Canada that included insights from Wednesday and Thursday feature two and each one was explosive. I liked the Grammy-winning Boo Mitchell. It was a nights of competition and the semi-finals full-band sound with horns and keyboards thrill to listen to Bruce Iglauer’s stories about whittle the field down from 260 acts to and Sammy’s inclusion of an early BB King his early days in the blues at his booksigning 48. To get to the finals, acts are further number among his original material was of Bitten by the Blues: The Alligator Records winnowed down to 10 slots. an exceptional choice. Story. I returned downstairs to the Hall of Fame to see new exhibits included stage Wednesday’s Pacific Northwest showcase clothes of legendary drummer Sam Lay was a real highlight of my return to Mem- and Little Brother Montgomery’s hat. phis. Tony Frederickson ran the venue like Washington Blues Society volunteer Drew clockwork and the day featured each of our Berendts facilitated the donation of the entrants, Sheri Roberts-Greimes and Sam- hat with Betsy Goering as it was in her my Eubanks and The Work’In Class and husband’s extensive blues collection near our youth representatives, Nick Mardon Chicago. Betsy’s late husband, Barrelhouse and Amanda Kitchpanich. I was very im- Chuck, would approve. pressed with the set led by Eric Rice with Scotty Harris on bass and Rick Bowen on When I was on the Board of Directors of drums and the Blue Hearts Duo from the The Blues Foundation from 2010 to 2013, Fraser Valley Blues Society in Abbotsford, I developed many friendships rooted in a

6 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society Right: Sheri Roberts-Greimes (Photo by Amy Sassenberg) To: Sammy Eubanks, Scotty Harris and Ken Danielson (Photo by Tom Daniel)

Steve Lime (Keyboards), Micheal Lenke ( Trumpet), Charles Swanson (Saxophone), Sammy Eubanks (Guitar & Vocals), Scotty Harris (Bass) and Ken Danielson (Drums) (Photo by Corrie Julian Eubanks)

Facing Page Right Middle: Little Brother Montgomery’s Hat (Photo by Eric Steiner) Facing Page Lower: Sammy Eubanks... Walking in Memphis (Photo by Corrie Julian Eubanks)

March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 7 8 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society NEWS & REVIEWS

Me and Bobby Lee... “After a few songs, it became obvious that we would spend the evening in G.” By Little Bill Englehart (Photo of Little Bill by the Blues Boss) All musicians, at one time or another, get “I'm Nashville bound and I would be the call to fill in for someone in the group obliged if would go with me and the boys,” that can't make the date. The one that I will he said. never forget is when I received a call that a bass player needed a sub. He actually used the word obliged. Just like being in a Roy Rogers movie. I told him I The leader of the band was a guitar picker would give it some thought. I took a seat at name of Bobby Lee. No last name just Bob- the bar and noticed he was sitting with the by Lee. He said they leaned toward classic owner. country. I could definitely use the $100 so I told Bobby Lee I was in. I thought or hoped that we were being fired when Bobby waived me over. Just as I got to First off, I had never seen a drum kit that the table I heard the owner ask: “Bobby Lee, large. It took up the better part of the band- I love your band but who is the fat chick?” stand. After playing the first song, I was pretty sure this was the drummers first job Without missing a beat Bobby proudly said, EVER!! “Why, that's my wife.”

Bobby did all the singing and had the most I just walked away. unusual set up for a tip jar. It was a red bed- pan placed inside the podium where all the song lyrics were. Bobby would sing a song, Her other offering was singing harmony turn the page and go right in to the next with Bob. Between slapping the tambou- one. The one thing that was missing is he rine on the wrong beat and singing just flat never told us what key he was in. After a enough flat to make your head turn, we few songs, it became obvious that we would were in for a long night. Now the wife was spend the evening in G. bit on the heavy side. Quite a bit! When she felt the power she would be hittin' that tam- Bobby's wife was also part of the band. Her bourine and jumping up and down Just like instrument of choice was, of course, was in at an outdoor church meeting. tambourine (bet you saw that one coming!). Finally, after what seemed like a real long time we took a break. I went to the john and Bobby Lee came in behind me. Now picture this. We are both standing at the urinal and Bob looked me straight in the eye and said, "Bill, I like your bass playing.”

for your Washington Blues Society Membership Perks! see page 24

March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 9 NEWS & REVIEWS

Tisha Meitmann - A Musical Tribute Celebrating the life of a woman who created community at Engel’s in Edmonds By Daniel McMillin

It was an event that we never thought we’d be presenting, and one that we never wanted to do. Tisha Meitmann ~ A Musical Tribute was held on Jan 27, 2019, at the place where most of us met Tisha, Engel’s Pub in Edmonds, where she worked for many years.

Tisha didn’t just work at Engel’s, she created community there. She drew people to the pub and to her with fun events that involved everyone. From scavenger hunts, Easter pot lucks and Easter egg hunts to softball and skee ball teams, karaoke, open mic and booking bands, Tisha was all about getting people together to have fun and she included everyone. Tisha was all about others and never about herself.

The event was like Engel’s Tuesdays Open Mic on steroids with two solo artists, one duo and 14 electric bands of musicians who performed from 11:00 AM until 11:00 PM. Michael Mestres started early in the day. Astley, Joey Houck, Keith Anderson, Kevin 50 musicians and hundreds of friends and He was followed by Steven Padilla, Kevin Sutton, Larry Star, Marty Vadalabene, family who attended this incredible 12- Andrew Sutton & Jim McLaughlin. The Mary McPage, Matt Newman, Michael hour, blowout event. Shortcutz started the electric band portion Baxter, Michael Mestres, Nelson Dagett, of the event followed by Stoned America, Phil Blodgett, Randy Hiatt, Ray Roberts, This was a day for Tisha and the room felt Larry Star, Mary McPage, Tim Turner Ricky Flores, Ricky Lynn Johnson, Ricardo her love. Band, Tweety and the Tom-Cats, Chester Blanco, Scott E Lind, Steve Crabtree, Steve Dennis Jones Band, Joey Houck Band, Fletcher, Steve Schlecht, Steven Padilla, Author’s Note: Tisha worked at Engel’s Scott E Lind, Town Hall Brawl, LONE Ted Pickett, Terryn Bunnell, Tim Turner, Pub for eight years. She died on January STATE, Hot Mess, The DogTones and the Tom Austin and Tom Dostal. 5, 2019 of a brain aneurysm while on Moon Daddy Band vacation in Las Vegas with her 13-year old The day was captured on camera by son Dylan and boyfriend Eamon. Tisha was It was very apparent that all the Christina Ballard. Tina is a very talented admitted to the hospital in Las Vegas on musicians played from their hearts and photographer and an incredible lady December 28th. She had two surgeries that delivered emotional performances. who gives and gives, and loves to shoot were unsuccessful. Tisha was healthy in all musicians’ live performances, portraits and other aspects. She was an organ donor and Musicians included: Bill Davis, Billy Reed, candid photos. Tina shot all the musicians she saved the lives of four people. Bob Stark, Chester Dennis Jones, Chris in the alley for promo material and many of Leighton, Dano Mac, David Chavez, Diane Tisha’s friends and family. Above: Tisha Meitmann Forsyth, Don Forsyth, Fred Holzman, Photo by Larry Star of Musicshooters George Michael, Gina Holloway, Guy Engel’s owner, Dawn Vinberg, and her staff Johnson, Jesse Weston, Jevon Powell, Jim were incredibly patient with the more than Barnes, Jim Leslie, Jim McLaughlin, Joel

10 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society Save the Date!

2019 Best of the Blues Awards The Washington Blues Society’s annual Best of the Blues Awards (“BB Awards”), presented in partnership with the Anacortes Brewery, returns to the Northwest Music Hall in Everett on Sunday, April 28th to honor musicians, artists, events and venues nominated by blues society members in 32 award categories.

The 2019 B. B Awards show will feature performances by select nominees and recognize new inductees into the Washington Blues Society Hall of Fame. The nominees once again represent the very best blues performers from throughout the Pacific North- west nominated by Washington Blues Society members. The BB Awards recognize the past, present of future of blues music in the Evergreen State.

The 2019 BB Awards will be held on Sunday, April 28th at the Northwest Music Hall, 1402 Southeast Everett Mall Way, Everett, Washington. Doors will open at 2:30 PM with a 3:00 PM show time. Please plan on celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Washington Blues Society at the free after-party from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. More details, will be online at www.wablues.org and in the April Bluesletter!

March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 11 12 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 13 14 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society Little Bill’s Birthday Bash at the Triple Door! Let’s celebrate Little Bill Engelhart’s 80th birthday in style on March 17th!

By Erica Peto Blue Notes musicians have shifted over the North America, Reverend Dave Brown years, Little Bill’s music has never ceased to (poetry), Hadi Al-Saadoon on trumpet, Greens and blues might bring to mind the entertain audiences locally and beyond. Terry Morgan on bass, Jesse Weston on the Seattle Seahawks but this St. Patrick’s Day, keyboard, Billy Joe on trumpet, and Pat Lee green harmonizes with the blues for a very Randy Oxford has considered Little Bill (assistant on stage to Little Bill). special musical tribute to legendary blues his mentor for the past 30 years, starting man Little Bill. when Randy played for Little Bill’s 50th Of course, the guest of honor, Little Bill, will birthday celebration in Tacoma. Randy and be performing and there will also be other Boogie on over to the Triple Door in Seattle friends have produced a tribute concert for surprise guests. on March 17th to help Bill Engelhart, better Little Bill on his 70th, 75th, and now 80th known as Little Bill, celebrate his 80th birthday. It is sure to be a night to remember. Wear birthday. A blues veteran since 1956 when your green and get ready to groove to some he formed a teenage band, Little Bill has You won’t want to miss the lineup of amazing blues starting at 7:30 PM. been keeping our toes tapping for more musicians belting out the blues to honor than six decades. Little Bill. Performers include Patti Allen, Tommy Morgan, Buck England, Mark Riley, In 1959, a Little Bill and the Blue Notes Randy Oxford, Rod Cook, Billy Stapleton, song titled “I Love an Angel” landed on the Chris Leighton, Billy Barner, Jim King, Jeff national charts in the top 100. While the Menteer, Angelo Ortiz, United by Music

March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 15 Blues you can use... CD REVIEWS

James Buddy Rogers and Steve Cropper on guitar. The CD kicks her talk sing story telling. She co-wrote the Everytime off with the anthemic “Ain’t Got Time for album with guitarist Joe Reggiatore, who (JBR Records) Hate,” a powerful look over the horizon ‘s skills run the gamut of blues, roots and followed by the recognition and celebration country rock. The opening track is clever of the diversity of our nation, “Americans.” history lesson on women in Rock, and There are many high points on this CD for Cribbs gets introspective on “Wouldn’t Maple Ridge, British Columbia guitarist me, including an impassioned cover of John Change A Thing.” She encourages us all and singer-songwriter James Buddy Prine’s “Great Rain” and the set’s closer, “Go to draw strength from hard times on the Rogers gets right to the point on his latest to Sleep Little Baby” (with eerie guitar parts world music tinged ‘Freedom,’ and the tale release, Everyday, out in January of 2019 from Kimbrough filling out the song nicely. of a wild women “Lucy Left Chicago,” is a by putting the word “Live Blues” on the I highly recommend America’s Child for the playful romp. Rick J Bowen cover in large print. The five song EP was way it stands up fiercely to bigotry, hate and release just in time for his appearance at division in America today (or in any age). Doug Deming & the Jewel the 2019 International Blues Challenge The acoustic “Smoked Ham and Peaches” Tones in Memphis as a companion piece to is a nice detour away from the electric Complicated Mess that event and a declaration of how he songs for Copeland and I particularly (EllerSoul Records) enjoyed the way this song stresses the feels blues music is meant to be heard importance of authentic experiences, “Raw, Rough, Dirty.” The set recorded in this case, smoked ham and peaches: at The Blues Can in Calgary opens with I first discovered Doug Deming & the “when the whole world seems fake, give the instrumental “Puddle Jumper,” a Jewel Tones five years ago when he worked me something real.” Shemekia Copeland is gritty shuffle that highlights Rogers fret with Dennis Gruenling who had just nominated in four categories in this year’s work and multitude of influences. The released a CD with Doug and company. Blues Music Awards: Album of the Year, Both were outstanding, so I was elated Texas Blues “Come Back to Me,” builds Contemporary Blues Album, Vocalist of easy over a familiar walking bass line. to see Complicated Mess. On this release the Year and Contemporary Blues Female Doug has special guests Kim Wilson, Little The title track is a romantic ballad with Artist honors. Songwriters John Hahn and clever arrangement that is deceptive in its Charlie Baty, Madison Slim, Sax Gordon Will Kimbrough are up for Song of the Year and Bob Welsh. The 13 tracks feature three simplicity and artifice. The straight-ahead for “Ain’t Got Time for Hate.” – Eric Steiner covers and the balance Deming originals. rocker “Can’t Get You Off My Mind,” is full Complicated Mess opens with the title cut of energy and the fine set closes with the Editor’s Note: Celebrate America’s Child with a medium tempo swinging groove swinging “All I Need.” Of note is the fact th at Seattle’s Jazz Alley on March 26 and that highlights Deming’s sensational vocals that drummer Mike Woodford was a sub th 27 , followed by a show at Portland’s Jack and tough guitar chops. Wilson adds for the gig and had only met and played th London Revue on 30 . This summer, ethereal harp fills to the smoldering “Sweet with Rogers the night before. Amazing. Shemekia Copeland will play the Waterfront Poison” and he busts a pair of adroit solos. th -Rick J Bowen Blues Festival in Portland on July 6 and \. Madison Slim adds his considerable blues the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival harp talents to the loping shuffle “Need My Shemekia Copeland on July 21st. Baby” and Wilson is back for “Blues Stop America’s Child Knockin’” a tune Lazy Lester (to whom (Alligator Records) Janie Cribbs and the T this album is dedicated along with Susan Rust Band Mickelson and Barrelhouse Chuck) cut Queen of Fire for Antone’s in 2001, A couple of standout Shemekia Copeland’s ninth CD, America’s (Singing Tower Music) tracks are “Deep Blue Sea” a slow blues Child, is receiving a lot of well-deserved with a Ronnie Earl feel and “Someday recognition and landing on blues and The second album from Whidbey Island Pretty Baby” on which the horns of Sax Americana playlists worldwide. Released group Janie Cribbs and the T Rust band, Gordon and Tino Barker lend a Roomful in August of 2018, the dozen songs feature Queen of Fire, is a heartfelt tribute to of Blues sound. The instrumental “Captain’s an all-star line-up of blues and Americana women everywhere who have experienced Quarters” features Little Charlie, and has musicians, including John Prine on vocals, the struggles of being a strong woman in a jazzy touch, as does the fast paced horn Paul Franklin and Al Perkins on lap steel, our demanding world. Cribbs is a vocalist led instrumental “Rat Killin’,” and “Cookin’ Rhiannon Giddens on African banjo, who styles herself after pioneers and heroes at the Kitchen” is a Texas shuffle. Very, very Emmylou Harris and Mary Gauthier on such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Big Mama highly recommended. Malcolm Kennedy background vocals and Will Kimbrough Thornton, Etta James, and Janis Joplin in

16 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society Walter Trout Boys on their final albums, 2012’s Double Buddy Miles’ “Them Changes” and Sleepy Survivor Blues Dynamite and 2014’s Wrapped Up and John Estes’ “Leaving Trunk.” The 10 songs (Provogue) Ready, and touring with them across the were recorded last year in Texas, New York world. The 10 original tracks on Somebody (Daryl’s House, as in Daryl Hall), Michigan Save Me were written by project producer, and his home blues club in San Francisco, After making over 40 albums, journeyman engineer Eric Corne who also adds harp to Biscuits and Blues. I highly recommend Kil- three tracks. “Time to Get Movin’” is a driv- lin’ It Live because it’s an exceptional docu- guitarist Walter Trout decided the time ing blues with Rayford up front and center, ment of a Tommy Castro live show. I have was right to record a full set of blues songs, and with Corne on a couple of harp solos. only one complaint or suggestion: Only 10 covering his favorite artists and sharing “You and I” is a soul blues with horns, back- songs? How ‘bout 10 more on a second CD? some rare gems that spoke to him with ing vocals and an organ wash. “I’d Kill for – Eric Steiner new meaning. The dozen new tracks on You, Honey” is an intense swaggering blues Survivor Blues, released in January of 2019, with Eamon Ryland on slide guitar as Suga- Editor’s Note: Celebrate Killin’ It Live! in are not all straight-ahead blues, but they ray sings “I beg and plea for you honey/ Tacoma, Seattle and Conway this month as certainly are given Trout’s treatment of fire down on my knee for you honey/I commit a Tommy Castro & The Painkillers return to branding. Recorded at Robby Krieger’s bad deed for you honey/tell me baby would the Pacific Northwest. studio in Los Angeles, the set Begins with you really do the same for me?” One of Jimmy Dawkins’ “Me, My Guitar and the standout tracks is “Sometimes You Get Kirk Fletcher the Blues,” a blistering slow blues that the Bear (Sometimes the Bear Gets You)” Hold On seemingly was written for Trout. From which I could imagine BB King covering. (Elaysia Music) there he moves through deep cuts from Toe tapping beat, keys and horns fleshing the catalogs of BB King, Sunnyland Slim, it out, and stinging guitar by Rick Holm- Otis Rush, J.B. Lenoir, John Mayall, Magic strom topped with Sugaray’s vocal prowess. Sam and Elmore James. Sugaray Rayford “Is It Just Me” is reminiscent of a 70s soul Kirk Fletcher had long stints with both joins him on an incendiary run-through charting hit and “Dark Night of the Soul” is the Fabulous Thunderbirds and the Man- of modern Chicago Blues “Women Don’t a towering blues with emotive vocals, war- nish Boys and has done projects with Joe Lie,” and Krieger sits in on ethereal slide bling blues harp and Ryland’s biting guitar. Bonamassa among others. Hold On is his guitar on a lazy read of Mississippi Fred Highly recommended. Malcolm Kennedy fifth solo release and has been nominated McDowell’s delta blues “Goin’ Down to The for a 2019 Blues Music Award for Contem- River.” Trout shares in the album notes that Tommy Castro & The porary Blues Album to go with his four “Old Blues songs somehow make me feel Painkillers previous nominations for Guitarist. For this better,” so for him this album is a soothing Killin’ It Live release, Kirk used an organ trio format with balm passed on from one survivor as a (Alligator Records) Jonny Henderson on keys and Matt Brown gift to a world in need of healing. -Rick on drums on the eight original tracks. From J Bowen the opening lines of Kirk’s searing guitar on Tommy Castro’s newest CD – a live record- “Two Steps Forward” I knew this was going Sugaray Rayford ing released by Alligator Records on March to be a rocker. “You Need Me” has a mellow st Somebody Save Me 1 – showcases his latest band, The Painkill- flowing funk beat and “Sad, Sad Day” has a (Forty Below Records) ers, as they work through eight originals and pounding beat as Kirk sings “it seems like two covers on Killin’ It Live. The Painkillers the harder to make it work/the further you are long-time Tommy Castro bassist Randy run away” then lays down a commanding McDonald, drummer Bowen Brown and solo. Kirk takes things way down low for the Sugaray Rayford now has 14 Blues Music keyboardist Michael Emerson. This band soulful sounds of the soul blues ballad “The Awards nominations with BB King Enter- has been together for four years and, true to Answer.” The tour de force is the muscular tainer of the Year five times in a row from form at any Tommy Castro show, the songs rocker “Time’s Ticking,” soaring and scorch- 2015 to 2019, Soul Male Artist in 2018 and tend to be longer jams performed live rather ing guitar backed by a solid rhythm crew. 2019. If you have seen Sugaray perform you than their studio versions. The CD opens One of my favorite tracks is “Gotta Right” know he leaves it all on the stage. Some- with a rollicking “Make It Back to Memphis” with tis head bopping grove and stinging body Save Me is the follow-up to 2017’s The and continues to sample cuts from Tommy’s guitar lines. Kirk saved the title track for World We Live In which garnered nomi- 15 albums. I particularly liked “Shakin’ the last, a sweet soul piece guided by the organ nations for Vocals and Soul Blues Album. Hard Times Loose” and “Can’t Keep a Good and with Jade McCrea sharing lead vocals. Rayford was the front man for the Mannish Man Down” as well as notable covers of Highly recommended. Malcolm Kennedy

March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 17 Celebrating 30 years of blues in 2019 The Washington Blues Society was founded and incorporated in 1989

By Malcolm Kennedy The membership grew from 42 to 150 in the first year. By November of 1992, we had almost 400 and we currently have over 1,000 In 2009 and 2010, I wrote a series on the history of the Washington members. Blues Society culled from the pages of the Bluesletter from the first issue in 1989 through 1995. It is not my intention to rehash that, but The first interim President was Marlee Walker. Ray Varner was I will try to hit on some very special moments. I will also include President by the incorporation date, and in 1990, Nick Vigarino the highlights of our Bluesletter Vol. I, Number I. became the first full-term President and Cholo Willsin was the first multi-term President from 1993-1995. In the first issue from April of 1989, blues society president Ray Varner said “We’re shiny legal and squeaky clean! We have non-profit As I read the earliest Bluesletters, it was hard to determine what and tax-exempt status with the Feds and the State of Washington.” was being done by the blues society and what was being done by James Harmon was on the cover and had an upcoming show April individuals as the Officers of the Washington Blues Society Board 4th at the Ballard Firehouse for his Rivera Records release Extra as Board members were often also the leading organizers of events, Napkins. festivals, benefits and fundraisers.

There was a list of 42 original members and a request to those who The Bluesletter has grown from a four-page black & white hadn’t paid the balance of their $12 annual membership to please publication to a full color glossy 32-page publication. Several years pay soon, so that there would be sufficient cash flow to “promote ago, we also did a few 40 page issues, too. The Bluesletter is still gigs, pay postage etc.” and a request of the 30 folks also on the produced by an all-volunteer group of writers, photographers and mailing list who are not yet members to join up. The Bluesletter artists. also thanked several people involved since the inception, including graphic designer Scott Davis, Computer whiz Bill Yates, interim I read of plans to produce a concert, fundraising for said with a Board members Marlee Walker, Terry Furlong and Catherine raffle featuring 20 new albums plus 10 used rare out of print LPs Cooper and to Patrick Lynch for inspiration. and a bonus collection of bootleg tapes of previously unreleased material. The list of albums included Junior Parker w/ Bobby Bland The winners of the first BB Awards held March 11th at the Owl Blues Consolidated, Duke Records 1958; Freddie King Sings, Big Café, in 18 categories were as follows and this list includes all Walter Soul of Blues Harmonica. As I read the list, I immediately nicknames as published in the Bluesletter): thought that, “Yes, I’d like 10 raffle tickets please!

Acoustic Guitar: Jack Cook In January of 1990, Ray Varner submitted a grant proposal to Male Vocalist: John “Mr. Soul” Hodgkin the Seattle Arts Commission for the blues society to present RL Bass: Victor “Too Bad” Little Burnside and Piedmont songster John Jackson at the Northwest Female Vocalist: Kate Hart Folklife Festival in May. Keyboards: Dick Powell Harp: Mark DuFresne In 1992, with assistance from volunteers, Seattle Times music critic Drums: Chris “Zippy” Leighton Paul de Barros and assistance from the Seattle Arts commission Album: Tonight I Want It All-Kate Hart & the Bluestars and private donors, we presented North Mississippi Hill Country Electric Guitar: David Brewer artist Jesse Mae Hemphill (winner of a 1991 W.C. Handy Award for Songwriter: David Brewer Historical Album), Piedmont pickers Etta Baker and Del Rey and Brass: John Hodgkin Pacific Northwest Women in Blues with Laurette Langille, Kathy Writer: Ray Varner Hart and Sheila Wilcoxen at Folklife. Blues Club: Owl Café Best Blues Band: Kate Hart & the Bluestars The blues society started Pacific Northwest Blues in Schools in Entertainer: Lily Wilde the early 1990s and this has grown to feature former Education New Band: Trouble at Home Director Roy Brown’s and Dennis “Zab” Zyvoloski’s Passing the Hall of Fame: Isaac Scott Torch program to encourage and support youth artists.

18 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society For many years, our monthly meetings we now call our Blue Bash started off with a solo/duo act, often acoustic, followed by announcements, door-prize raffles of CDs, show tickets and festival tickets. A few times a year there is some blues society business and then an electric band. Everything from top regional acts to breaking artists, and sometimes touring artists, have been featured at these monthly free shows.

The Washington Blues Society has helped many festivals and local events with volunteers, including Folklife, Bumbershoot, Granite Falls R&B Bash and Railroad Days, the Fremont Fair, Woodinville Community Fair, Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival, Swinomish Blues Festival, and more recently, the Snoqualmie Blues Festival organized by Phil Chesnut at Snoqualmie Railroad Days, Deb Rock’s’ Blues for Food Fest and the Mt. Baker Rhythm & Blues Festival.

Above: Former Blues Society President Nick Vigarino at 2016’s Harvest Festival In July 1993, we hosted a blues cruise on the Virginia V with Nick Vigarino’s Meantown Blues and Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88’s. (Photo by Paul Brown reprinted from the August 2016 Bluesletter) We also have held fundraisers for Childhaven, Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, Food Connection, hurricane relief bene- public radio), Winthrop and Mount Baker (blues festivals), Suzanne fits for Andrew in 1992 and Katrina in 2005, artists like Isaac Scott, Swanson and Jef Jaisun (photography), Barbara Hammerman Dick Powell, Jho Blenis, Hans Ipsen, Paul Green and many more. (promoter) and the Highway 99 Blues Club (blues club).

Reading the early issues of the Bluesletter, I was reminded at how The Washington Blues Society is very active in the International the blues society has always worked to support artists, clubs and Blues Challenge in Memphis. Starting with semi-final competitions musicians in need. The blues society maintains a modest Musi- held across the state to the state, the finals are held at the Taste of cians Relief Fund to help musicians in need, and while our work Music in Snohomish to select our band and solo/duo acts who will in this area is confidential and not included in our Bluesletter, I represent the blues society in Memphis. was heartened to know that the Washington Blues Society has been compassionate, caring and committed to support our state’s blues Over the years, a number of our representatives have made it community. From day one. into the finals. In 2001, Junkyard Jane was a finalist as was Nick Vigarino’s Back Porch Stop in 2011. In 2012, The Wired! Band won More recently, the Washington Blues Society has held a raffle for the 1st place, and in 2016, the duo of Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons won Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise to support the Musicians Re- 1st place. This year, Sammy Eubanks & the Workin’ Class came in lief Fund, which was started by Sheri and Raven Humphries, who 2nd place. also put on the annual Raven’s Jam for Cans supporting Northwest Harvest. I hope that many early Board members and contributing writers would consider adding their stories in an upcoming Bluesletter to In 2009, The Blues Foundation honored the Washington Blues further celebrate the first 30 years of the Washington Blues Society. Society with the Keeping the Blues Alive Award in the Affiliate – USA Blues Society category. Blues society volunteers have been Author’s Note: The collection of Bluesletters in my archives is instrumental in assisting promoters, festivals, radio DJs, Seattle’s incomplete between 1989 and 1997 (the first year we have a complete blues club and others receive this well-deserved international set). We have 35 of the first 93 issues, and if any reader has any of recognition. The list of Keeping the Blues Alive Award recipients these early issues, please contact me at [email protected].) associated with the Washington Blues Society includes the late Ted Todd and Marlee Walker (DJ, commercial radio), John Kessler (DJ,

March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 19 CALENDAR

March 2018 Washington Blues Society Calendar Note: Please confirm with each venue the start time and price. We also apologize for any errors. Please submit all details to our online calendar at www.wablues.org. MAR 1 FRI MAR 7 THU MAR 11 MON Garage Bar & Grill, Bremerton: Mark Hurwitz & Gin Creek, 6pm Bake’s Place: Mark DuFresne Band, Bad Albert’s: Annie Eastwood & Madison Ave Pub: Monday Blues Lincoln Theater Mt Vernon: Curtis 9pm Friends ft Beth Wulff, 6pm Review, 7pm Salgado & the Painkillers, 8pm Cafe Zippy’s, Everett: Hambone Conway Muse, Back Room Lit Lab: Madison Ave Pub: Stacy Jones Band & Wilson w/Joel Astley, 7pm March Madness = Humor in Writing, MAR 12 TUES The Cory Vincent Group, 7pm Conway Muse: Mama Dirty Skirt, 8pm 6:30pm Collector’s Choice Restaurant: Pub 282: The CC Adams Band, 7-9pm J&M Café: True Romans, 9pm Conway Muse: Marc Smason & Washington Blues Society Blues Bash Timber Monster Brewing Co, Sultan: Friends, 7:30pm Ristrettos Coffee Lounge & Wine Bar, 7pm Brett Benton, 6:30pm Couth Buzzard Books Espresso Maple Valley: Brett Benton, 6pm Buono Café: Jazz Abbey, 7:30pm Salmon Bay Eagles: Eric Madis & Blue MAR 13 WED MAR 17 SUN Fremont Abbey Arts Center: Madness, 8pm Stephanie Anne Johnson, Angela Bake’s Place: Billy Stapleton & Annie The Triple Door: Little Bill’s 80th Soffe, Jess Pillay, 7:30pm MAR 8 FRI Eastwood Duo, 8pm Birthday (tribute concert) 7:30pm Pantages Theater: Trombone Shorty Conway Muse: Tommy Castro & The At Michele’s, Richland: Nerve Center, & Orleans Avenue, 7:30pm Painkillers, 7:30pm 8pm MAR 18 MON Penn Cove Brewing Co: Nick Engels Pub: New Venture, 8pm Buzz Inn Granite Falls: Moon Daddy Madison Ave Pub: Monday Blues Vigarino,7:30pm J&M Café: Lonnie Williams, 9pm Band, 9pm Review, 7pm Rockfish Grill, Anacortes: Sheri & Da The Triple Door: Ruthie Foster w/ Conway Muse: Muse Bird Cafe w/ Boyz, 7:30pm Nickel & Rose, 7:30pm Emily Anderson, Collin Stackhouse & MAR 20 WED Salmon Bay Eagles: Stickshift Annie Levi Ware, 7:30pm w/ Kimball & the Fugitives, 7pm J&M Café: Lonnie Williams, 9pm Conway Muse: The Badd Dog Blues MAR 14 THU Savoy’s Blues Underground: Jelly Nectar Lounge: Karl Denson’s Tiny Society, 8pm Bad Albert’s: Annie Eastwood & Rollers, 8pm Universe, 7pm Dawson’s Bar & Grill: Mark Hurwitz & Friends ft Billy Stapleton, 6pm Vintage Café: Brett Benton Duo, 7pm Gin Creek, 9pm Conway Muse, Back Room Li Lab: Sip Marcus Whitman Hotel: Walla Walla to the Spoken Word Event, 6pm MAR 21 THU MAR 2 SAT Guitar Festival, 5pm J&M Café: True Romans, 9pm Bad Albert’s: Annie Eastwood & Friends ft Bill Chism, 6pm 13 Coins Bellevue: Michele D’Amour Salmon Bay Eagles: Mobius Jones, Salmon Bay Eagles: Kimball & the & the Love Dealers, 7:30pm 8pm Fugitives, 8pm Conway Muse: Low Lily, 7:30pm Conway Muse: Cascadia Groove, 7pm The Metro Hall: Recovery Blues The Triple Door: Ruthie Foster w/ J&M Café: True Romans, 9pm Benefit, 7pm Conway Muse: Muse Bird Cafe w/ Nickel & Rose, 7:30pm Nectar Lounge: Karl Denson’s Tiny Carolyn Cruso, Misty Flowers & Tracy The Vogue a liquid lounge, Chelan: Universe, 7pm Spring, 7:30pm Brett Benton, 8pm MAR 15 FRI Salmon Bay Eagles: All Stars No Eaglemont Golf Course: The Chris Stripes Band, 8pm The Amarillo, Monroe: Brett Benton Eger, Band 8pm MAR 9 SAT Duo, 7:30pm The Cliffhanger, Lynnwood: Moon Live Music in The Living Room, Daddy, 7pm Conway Muse: DEAL- Celebrating the Collectors Choice: $cratch Daddy, Marysville: Joe Seamons & Tina Dietz Grateful Dead, 7:30pm 8pm 7pm Conway Muse, Bard Room: Petunia & Conway Muse: McPage & Powell MAR 22 FRI Pub 282, Camano Island: Cory The Vipers, 8pm 7:30pm Conway Muse: Jasmine Greene Band, Vincent, 7-10pm Couth Buzzard Books Espresso Conway Muse: Baby Gramps & Blue 7:30pm Snohomish Eagles: Mad Bojo, 8pm Buono Café: The Jump Monkeys, 7pm Flags & Black Grass, 7:30pm Dawson’s Bar & Grill: Joe Blue & the Stewart’s On First: Moon Daddy Band, Dawson’s Bar & Grill: Mark Hurwitz, Easy Monkey Taphouse: Stickshift Roof Shakers, 9pm 9pm 9pm Annie w/ Kimball & the Fugitives, 8pm J&M Café: Boogie Chillin’, 9pm The Loggers, Sultan: Brett Benton, Disco Bay Detour, Port Townsend: Firefly Lounge, Bellingham: The Swimdeck Gastropub, Port Orchard: 7pm Bread & Gravy Trio, 8pm Naughty Blokes w/ Michele D’Amour Mark Hurwitz & Gin Creek, 7pm Doyles Public House, Tacoma: Jerry & the Love Dealers, 8pm The Showbox: Galactic, 8pm MAR 4 MON Miller Trio, 8pm Musicquarium Lounge at the Triple Madison Ave Pub: Monday Blues Elliott Bay Pizza & Pub: Chris Stevens Door: Joe Blue & the Roofshakers, MAR 23 SAT Review, 7pm & Annie Eastwood Duo, 7pm 9pm Marcus Whitman Hotel: Walla Walla Oxford Saloon: Mojo Cannon, 8:30pm Club Crow, Cashmere: Polly O’Keary & The Rhythm Method & Junk Belly, Guitar Festival, 5pm The Triple Door: Curtis Salgado & the MAR 6 WED 8:30pm Pub 282, Camano Island: $cratch Painkillers, 8pm Bake’s Place: Billy Stapleton & Annie Daddy, 7-9pm Conway Muse: Christy McWilson Eastwood Duo, 8pm MAR 16 SAT Experience, 7:30pm Crow Island Farms, Stanwood: Brett MAR 10 SUN Conway Muse: Danny Barnes, 8pm Benton, 6pm Conway Muse: The Whateverly East Shore Unitarian Church: The Half Engels Pub: Jesse James & the MOB, Marcus Whitman Hotel: Walla Walla Brothers (Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Brothers, 7:30pm Guitar Festival, 5pm Eve!) 7pm 8pm Grinders Hot Sands: Mark DuFresne J&M Café: Lonnie Williams, 9pm Fireweed Terrace: Midlife Crisis & the Band, 8pm Alimony Horns, 8pm

20 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society March 2018 Washington Blues Society Calendar Note: Please confirm with each venue the start time and price. We also apologize for any errors. Please submit all details to our online calendar at www.wablues.org. MAR 23 SAT (CONT’D) MAR 30 SAT Madison Ave Pub: Moon Daddy Wildflower Wine Shop, North Bend: Band, 7:30pm Tommy Wall & Friends, 7pm O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Tacoma: Mark Bake’s Place: Goodnight Suzie, 7pm Hurwitz & Gin Creek, 7pm Collectors Choice: DreamWreck, 8pm Pub 282 Camano Island: Michele Conway Muse: Michele D’Amour & D’Amour & The Love Dealers,7pm the Love Dealers, 7:30pm Stewart’s On First: Stacy Jones Band, Conway Muse: Stardrums & Lady 9pm Keys w/ Lonnie Williams, 8pm Third Place Commons: $cratch Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley: Joey Daddy, 7:30pm DeFrancesco Trio w/ Pharoah Sanders, 7:30pm MAR 24 SUN Easy Monkey Taphouse: Trailer Park Kings, 8pm The Spar Tavern: Mark Hurwitz & Gin Creek, 7pm Historic Everett Theater: After Midnight-Eric Clapton Tribute/ Feelin’ MAR 25 MON Alright Joe Cocker Tribute, 7pm Local 20 Taproom, Sedro Wooley: Madison Ave Pub: Monday Blues Brett Benton, 8pm Review, 7pm Metronome Coffee, Tacoma: Mark Hurwitz & Sheryl Clark Duo, 7pm MAR 26 TUE North City Bistro & Wine Shop: Alma y Azucar Sextet, 8pm Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley: Shemekia Copeland, 7pm Oxford Saloon: Blvd Park, 8:30pm Port Townsend Brewing Company: MAR 27 WED John Nelson, 5pm Vino Bella Wine Bar: Surround Sound J&M Café: Lonnie Williams, 9pm Band, 7:30pm Wild Buffalo, Bellingham: The Dip w/ MAR 28 THU Laura Jean Anderson, 9pm Bad Albert’s: Annie Eastwood & Friends ft Kimball Conant, 6pm MAR 31 SUN Conway Muse: Penny Opry, 7:30pm Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley: Joey Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley: Joey DeFrancesco Trio w/ Pharoah DeFrancesco Trio w/ Pharoah Sanders, 7:30pm Sanders, 7:30pm Hotel Albatross Ballard: Brett Benton J&M Café: True Romans, 9pm High Water-Songs from the Delta, Vintage Café: Brett Benton, 7pm 8pm MAR 29 FRI Clock-Out Lounge: Revel In Dimes Conway Muse: The Sky Colony & Wait a Minute Chester (Celebrating 10 years of playing at the Muse!) 8pm Conway Muse: Wayne Hayton Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley: Joey DeFrancesco Trio w/ Pharoah Sanders, 7:30pm Disco Bay Detour, Port Townsend: Muddy Souls, 7pm Easy Monkey Taphouse: Billy Stapleton’s Powerhouse, 8pm Engels Pub: Moon Daddy, 9pm J&M Café: The Swamp Dogs, 9pm The Red Dog Saloon, Port Orchard: The Padillacs, 8pm The Vogue a liquid lounge, Chelan: Brett Benton, 8pm

March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 21 TALENT GUIDE Whom to Hire, Get in Touch Please send any updates, additions or corrections to both [email protected] and [email protected]. We’re working to build a better Bluesletter!

# Charlie Butts & The Filtertips 509.325.3016 Jeff Boutiea & the Blues Choo Train 425.345.5399 Charlie Saibel 360.357.8553 Jeff “DRUMMERBOY: Hayes: 206.909.6366 44th Street Blues Band 206.714.5180 or 206.775.2762 Chester Dennis Jones 253.797.8937 Jeff & The Jet City Fliers 206.818.0701 Chris Egar Band 360.770.7929 Jeff Menteer and The Beaten Path 425.280.7392 A Chris Lord 425.334.5053 Jeremy Serwer 520.275.9444 Chris Stevens’ Surf Monkeys 206.236.0412 Jesse Weston 425.610.0933 A.H.L. 206.935.4592 Coyote Blues 360.420.2535 Jill Newman Band 206.390.2623 Al Earick Band 253.278.0330 Crooked Mile Blues Band 425.238.8548 Jim Caroompas (Rumpus) 925.212.7760 Albritten McClain & Bridge of Souls 206.650.8254 Curtis Hammond Band 206.696.6134 Jim McLaughlin 425.737.4277 Alice Stuart & the Formerlys 360.753.8949 Jim Nardo Blues Band 360.779.4300 AlleyKatz 425.273.4172 D Jimmy Free’s Friends 206.546.3733 Andrew Norsworthy andrewnorsworthy@ yahoo.com Daddy Treetops 206.601.1769 Joe Blue and the Roof Shakers 425.766.7253 Andy Koch’s Badd Dog Blues (formerly Badd Dog Dana Lupinacci Band 206.860.4961 Joe Cook Blues Band 206.547.1772 Blues Society) 360.739.6397 David Hudson / Satellite 4 253.630.5276 Joe Guimond 509.423.0032 Annette Taborn 206.679.4113 Dennis “Juxtamuse” Hacker 425.423.9545 Joel Astley 206.214.7977 Annieville Blues 206.994.9413 Dick Powell Band 425.742.4108 John “Scooch” Cugno’s Delta 88 Revival 360.352.3735 Author Unknown 206.355.5952 Doug McGrew 206.679.2655 John Stephan Band 206.244.0498 Doug Skoog 253.921.7506 JP Hennessy 425.273.4932 B Dudley Taft 513.713.6800 Julia Francis and the Secrets of Soul 206.618.4919 Baby Gramps Trio 425.483.2835 Julie Duke Band 206.459.0860 Back Porch Blues 425.299.0468 E Junkyard Jane 253.238.7908 Backwoods Still 425.330.0702 El Colonel 360.293.7931 Badd Dog Blues Society 360.733.7464 Ellis Carter 206.935.3188 K Bay Street Blues Band 360.731.1975 Eric Madis & Blue Madness 206.362 8331 B.E.S.T. Band 206.817.1663 K. G. Jackson & The Shakers 360.896.4175 Bill Brown & The Kingbees 206.276.6600 F Keith Nordquist 253.639.3206 Keith Scott 773.213.3239 Billy Barner 253.884.6308 Fat Cat 425.487.6139 Kevin & Casey Sutton 314.479.0752 Billy Shew Band 253.514.3637 Filé Gumbo 425.788.2776 Black River Blues 206.396.1563 Kid Quagmire 206.412.8212 Blackjack Kerouac 206.697.8428 Julia Francis & the Secrets of Soul 206.618.4919 Kim Archer Band 253.298.5961 Blackstone Players 425.327.0018 Kim Field & The Mighty Titans of Tone 206.295.8306 Blue 55 206.216.0554 G Kimball Conant & The Fugitives 206.938.6096 Blue Healers 206.940.9128 Gary Frazier 206.851.1169 Kosta Panidis (Kosta la Vista) 509.991.7623 Blues on Tap 206.618.6210 Greg Roberts 206.473.0659 Blues Playground 425.359.3755 Groove Tramps 720.232.9664 L Blues Redemption 253.884.6308 Gunnar Roads 360.828.1210 Blues Sheriff 206.979.0666 Lady “A” & The Baby Blues Funk Band 425.518.9100 Blues To Do Monthly 206.328.0662 H Larry Hill 206.696.1789 Leanne Trevalyan 253.238.7908 Bobby Holland & The Breadline 425.681.5644 Hambone Blues Band 360.458.5659 Lissa Ramaglia 206.650.9058 Boneyard Preachers 206.755.0766 or 206.547.1772 Hambone Wilson 360.739.7740 Little Bill & the Bluenotes 425.774.7503 Brian Butler Band 206.361.9625 Heather & the Nearly Homeless Blues Band Brian Hurst 360.708.1653 425.576.5673 Lucille Street [email protected] Brian Lee & The Orbiters 206.390.2408 Hot Mess Duo 206.214.7977 Bruce Govan 206.817.1663 Hot Wired Rhythm Band 206.790.9935 M Bruce Koenigsberg / Fabulous Roof Shakers Hungry Dogs 425.299.6435 Maia Santell & House Blend 253.983.7071 425.766.7253 Mark A. Noftsger 425.238.3664 Bruce Ransom 206.618.6210 J Mark Hurwitz & Gin Creek 206.588.1924 Bump Kitchen 253.223.4333 or 360.259.1545 Jack Cook & Phantoms of Soul 206.517.5294 Mark Riley 206.313.7849 Jam Animal (206) 522-5179 Mark Whitman Band 206.697.7739 C James Howard 206.250.7494 Mary Ellen Lykins Band: 360.395.8540 C.D. Woodbury Band 425.502.1917 James King & the Southsiders 206.715.6511 Mary McPage 206.850.4849 CC Adams Band: 360.395.8540 Janie Cribbs and the T.Rust Band 360.331.6485 Michael ‘Papa Bax’ Baxter 425.478.1365 Charles White Revue 425.327.0018 JD Hobson 206.235.3234 Michael Wilde 425.672.3206 or 206.200.3363

22 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society Michal Miller Band 253.222.2538 Steven J. Lefebvre 509.972.2683 or 509.654.3075 Michelle D’Amour and The Love Dealers Stickshift Annie Eastwood 206.941.9186 425.761.3033 Susan Renee’ “La Roca Soul” Sims 206.920.6776 Miles from Chicago 206.440.8016 Suze Sims 206.920.6776 Moon Daddy Band 425.923.9081 Mule Kick 216.225.1277 T N Terry Hartness 425.931.5755 The Bret Welty Band 208.703.2097 Nick Vigarino 360.387.0374 The EveryLeaf Band 425.369.4588 Norm Bellas & the Funkstars 206.722.6551 The Fabulous MoJo Kings 206.412.9503 The Jelly Rollers 206.617.2384 P The Mongrels 509.307.0517 or 509.654.3075 Paul Green 206.795.3694 The Nate Burch Band 425.457.3506 Polly O’Kerry and The Rhythm Method The Naughty Blokes 360.393.9619 206.384.0234 The Rece Jay Band 253.350.9137 The Soulful 88s/Billy Spaulding 206.310.4153 R The Spinoffs/Dawnzella Gearhart 206. 718.1591 Rafael Tranquilino Band /Leah Tussing The Tonic 206.214.7977 425.329.5925 The Wired Band 206.852.3412 Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely 425.239.3876 or The Wulf Tones 206.367.6186 or 206.604.2829 425.359.3755 Tim Hall Band 253.857.8652 Randy Norris & The Full Degree 425.239.3876 Tim Turner Band 206.271.5384 Randy Oxford Band 253.973.9024 Tommy Wall 206.914.9413 Raven Humphres 425.308.3752 Town Hall Brawl 206.940.9128 Red House 425.377.8097 Two Scoops Combo 206.933.9566 Reggie Miles 360.793.9577 Richard Allen & The Louisiana Experience 206.369.8114 U Richard Evans 206.799.4856 Unbound 425.231.0565 Right Hand Drive 206.496.2419 RJ Knapp & Honey Robin Band 206.612.9145 V Robert Patterson 509.869.0350 Virginia Klemens Band 206.632.6130 Rod Cook & Toast 206.878.7910 Roger Rogers Band 206.255.6427 W Ron Hendee 425.280.3994 West Coast Women’s Blues Revue 206.940.2589 Roxlide 360.881.0003 Willie B Blues Band 206.451.9060 Russ Kammerer 206.551.0152 Willie & The Whips 206.781.0444 Rusty Williams 206.282.0877 S Sammy Eubanks 509.879.0340 Scott E. Lind 206.789.8002 Scotty Harris 206.683.9476 Scratch Daddy 425.210.1925 Shadow Creek Project 360.826.4068 Sheri Roberts Greimes 425.220.6474 Smokin’ J’s 425.746.8186 Son Jack Jr. 425.591.3034 Spencer Jarrett 510.495.4755 Stacy Jones 206.992.3285 Star Drums & Lady Keys 206.522.2779 Steve Bailey & The Blue Flames 206.779.7466 Steve Cooley & Dangerfields 253.203.8267 If you don’t know your googily moogily from your wang dang doodle, join the Washington Blues Society!

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PERKS! Receive monthly Bluesletter in your mailbox* Monthly All-Ages Blues Bash email notices SIGN UP Member discounts for BB Awards and Holiday Party ONLINE AT WABLUES. $2 off the cover charge at the Highway 99 Blues Club (Seattle, WA) ORG. OR, 10% off purchases at Silver Platters (any location) FILL OUT 10% discount at the Westport Inn (Westport, WA) THE FORM $1 off the cover and 25% off food at the Raging River Saloon (Fall City, WA) BELOW & $5 off the show admission for Friday 9:30 shows at Jazz Alley† MAIL IT IN. And more! For the complete, most up-to-date list of membership benefits, visit wablues.org

PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT ARE APPLICABLE. THANKS! ¨ New ¨ Renewal ¨ Address Change ¨ Individual Member $25 ¨ Couple $35 ¨ Band—First Member $25 ¨ Band—Additional Member $20 ¨ Sponsorship—Gold $1,000 ¨ Sponsorship—Silver $600 ¨ Sponsorship—Bronze $400

Name ______

2nd Name (couple) ______

Band Name (if applicable) ______

Address ______

City ______State ______Zip ______

Phone ______E-mail ______

Please tell us how you heard about the Washington Blues Society: ______

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE FOLLOWING FUNDS: ¨ Musicians Relief Fund in the amount of $ ______providing assistance to local musicians in their time of need ¨ Passing the Torch Fund in the amount of $ ______educating the next generation of local musicians

TOTAL ENCLOSED: $ ______. Please send check or money order to WBS PO BOX 70604 ¨ PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES SEATTLE, WA 98127

* Due to postage fees, non-US residents will receive their Bluesletter electronically † With valid WBS membership card and advanced reservation. Reservations must be made by calling Jazz Alley at 206-441-9729 and requesting the WBS Special. This offer is not applicable to all shows.

24 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society JAMS & OPEN MICS Go Out and Support Local Live Music! Jam hosts listed and Open mics are either blues-friendly or full band-friendly. Please send listings & updates to [email protected] to contribute to this listing! SUNDAY Wee Blu Inn Again Bar and Grill, Darrell’s Tavern, Shoreline - Open Mic JB Bungalow, Juanita, Kirkland - Bremerton - Tim Hall Band Jam 830-11 PM Heather B Blue’s Open Mic/Jam 192 Brewing, Kenmore - 192 Blues Session – 5-9 PM Dragon Gate, Des Moines - Open Jam 8-11PM Jam w/The Groove Tramps 3-7 PM All 9-11 PM Luther’s Table, Renton – Open Mic Ages. TUESDAY Filling Station, Kingston - Open Mic 7 7-930 PM Anchor Pub, Everett - Open Jam (2nd PM All Ages, Styles & Instruments The Village Inn Pub, Bellingham - Bean and Vine, Everett - Open Mic Sunday) 2-5 PM All Ages // Jazz Jam Welcome Jam w/Jimmy D 8-11 PM (3rd & 4th Sunday) 5-8 PM All Ages 6-9 PM Grumpy D’s Coffee House, Seattle Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Blues Royal Esquire Club, Seattle - Sea- Blue Moon Tavern, Everett – Jam with - Open Mic 630-9 PM Jam w/Mark Whitman (Last Thursday the Moon Dogs 7-10 PM Town All-Stars 8-10 PM George’s, Kirkland - Heather B’s Open of the month) 8-11 PM Antique Sandwich Co. Tacoma - Open Captain Jacks, Sumner - Open Mic Mic/Jam 7-9 PM Slippery Pig Brewery, Poulsbo - Blues hosted by Lady Carter & Gents 7 PM Mic 7-10 PM Hi-Fidelity Lounge, Bremerton - and Brews Jam Night w/Thys Wallwork Dave’s of Milton - Blues and Beyond Collectors Choice Restaurant, Open Mic 8 PM (All Ages) 7-11 PM Snohomish - Acoustic Open Mic w/ Jam with Jerry Miller trio 7-10 PM Hopvine Pub, Seattle - Open Mic 8PM Gordon & Purdy’s Pub, Sumner - Patrick Thayer & the Reclamation Elmer’s Pub, Burien - Jam w/Billy Open Blues Jam 7-11 PM Project 6-10pm Shew 7-11 PM Jazzbones, Tacoma - Live It Out Loud All Ages Jam 3rd Wednesday 6-9:30 Stoneway Cafe, Seattle - Acoustic Club Crow, Cashmere - Jam Session Engel’s Pub, Edmonds - Jam Night w/ PM Open Mic 7-10 PM (1st Sunday of the month, 7-10 PM) Dano Mac 8-11 PM Madison Ave Pub, Everett - Unbound Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, Couth Buzzard Books Espresso Paragon, Seattle - Open Mic 9 PM–12 Blues Jam 7:30-11 PM Stanwood - Tightwad Thursday Jam Buono Cafe, Seattle - Buzzard Blues Pogacha, Issaquah - Jam Hosted by 8-11 PM Open Jam w/Kenny Mandell 7-9 PM Muk Cafe, Langley - Open Mic 7 PM Doug McGrew. 8 PM -21+ Rhythm and Rye, Olympia - Jazz Jam Nauti Mermaid, Port Orchard - Open (1st Sunday A ll Ages) Poppe’s 360 Neighborhood Pub, hosted by Tarik Bentlemsani 7-9 PM Mic 7-11 PM Dawson’s, Tacoma – Tim Hall Band Bellingham - Open Mic Night w/Brian The Dam Bar, Port Angeles - Open Nickerson Street Saloon, Seattle - 7-11 PM Hillman 6:30-9 PM Mic 7 PM Open Mic 9 PM to 12 (Open Jam last El Sarape Cantina, Shelton - Open Oxford Saloon, Snohomish - Acoustic Wednesday of each month) Stewarts, Snohomish –-Open Jam w/ Band Jam 3rd Sunday 4-8 PM Open Mic Jam, All Ages 7-10 PM Pole Cat and Co. 7-11:30 PM Old Triangle, Seattle - Jeff Hass Open Finaughty’s, Snoqualmie Ridge - J&M Café in Pioneer Square, Seattle Mic & Jam 8-11 PM Rolling Log, Issaquah - Open Jam w/ Tommy Wall’s Wicked Blues Jam - Blues Jam 9-11 PM Doug McGrew, 8 PM – 12 AM Skylark Café, WSeattle - Open Mic 7-11PM Stewart’s, Snohomish - Tuesday Jam 8PM San Juan island Brewing Co, Friday Peabo’s Bar and Grill, Mill Creek - night w/the Shortcuts 8 PM Harbor – Open Mic 6-8 PM Stoneway Cafe, Seattle - Acoustic Peace N Love Jam w/ Tommy Cook, Stoneway Cafe, Seattle - Acoustic Eric Rice & Scotty Harris 7-10 PM Open Mic, 7-10 PM The Loft Pub, Victoria B.C - Open Jam Open Mic, 7-10 PM 7 – 11 PM Tony V’s Garage, Everett - Open Mic The Royal Bear, Auburn - Unloaded Slippery Pig, Poulsbo - Monthly All 9-11 PM Jam Session 6-10 PM Ages Open Mic 7 PM Twin Dragon, Duvall - Open Jam 7:30- FRIDAY Darrell’s Tavern, Shoreline - Jazz Jam Tim’s Tavern, Seattle - Open Mic 7PM 7-10 PM 11 PM La Copa Café, Seattle - Victory Music Tweede’s Café, North Bend - Open The Tin Hat, Kennewick - Open Mic & Open Mic 6:30 – 9:00 PM, All Ages Mic 6:30-9:30 PM Jam w Mondo Ray Band 7-11 PM Urban Timber Coffee, Sumner - Open MONDAY North End Social Club, Tacoma - The Living Room Coffee, Marysville Mic 6:30-10 PM All Ages Mac’s Triangle Pub, Seattle - 8-10 PM Open Mic w/Kim Archer 8-11 PM - Open Mic, 6-9 PM Dragon Gate, Des Moines - Open Jam Ben Moore’s, Olympia – Open Mic Nectar Lounge, Seattle - Mo Jam Rhythm and Rye, Olympia - Open Mic 9-11 PM Mondays 9 -11 PM 7-10 PM Night hosted by Scott Lesman 8-11PM Dread Knott Brewery, Monroe - Open The Cherry Bomb, Port Angeles - Dawson’s, Tacoma - Music Mania Jam Mic 7-10 PM 7 -11 PM Blues Jam with Big Al & the Gang 7-10 PM THURSDAY Kana Winery, Yakima – Open Mic The Swiss, Tacoma - Open Mic Hosted 7-10 PM by Chuck Gay 7-10 PM Anchor Pub, Everett - Open Mic 9-11 WEDNESDAY PM All Ages Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle- Open Red Dog Saloon, Maple Valley - Jam Mic with Linda Lee 3rd Thursday 8PM The Cedar Stump, Arlington - Open w/Scotty FM & the Broadcasters 7PM 192 Brewing Company, Kenmore Jam w/The Usual Suspects 7 PM Wicked Cider, Kennewick WA - Riverside Pub, Wenatchee - North - Open Mic 7-10 PM Wicked Jamz/Open Mic Every Other Port Gardner Bay Winery, Everett Central Washington Blues Jam (2nd & Bethel Saloon, Pt Orchard - Open Friday 6-10 PM - Open Mic 6:30-9:30 PM 4th Mondays) 7-10 PM Mic 8PM Dave’s of Milton - Open Jam with The Mill, Milton - Open Mic with Black Dog Arts Cafe, Snoqualmie - All Power Cell 8-11 PM Walker Sherman 7 PM – 10 PM Ages Open Mic 7 PM SATURDAY Dawson’s, Tacoma - Blues Jam w/Billy The Mint, Victoria B.C - Open Mic with Blue Moon, Seattle - Open Mic 8PM Café Zippy’s, Everett - Victory Music Pete and Mo Shew 730-11 PM Collectors Choice Restaurant, Open Mic (1ST Saturday) 5:30 -8:30 Drunky Two Shoes BBQ - White The Village Taphouse and Grill, Snohomish – Blues Jam w/Usual PM All Ages Center – Uptown All-Stars Jam 7:30PM Marysville - Jam Night with Scotty Suspects 8-11 PM Harris and Tommy Cook 7-10 PM Oxford Saloon, Snohomish - Couth Buzzard Cafe, Seattle - Open All listings are subject to change, Haunting Rock Jam 730-11 PM Emerald of Siam, Richland - Open Mic 7:30-10 PM please check with the venues for the Mic/Band showcase w/Barefoot Jacksons Sports Bar and Clubhouse, Dawson’s, Tacoma - Linda Myers most up to date information. Randy/Dirty River Entertainment 8PM Yakima - Open Jam 8-11 PM (All Ages until 10:45 PM) Wicked Wednesday Jam 8-11 PM

March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 25 VENUE GUIDE Where the Music Is Happening Please help us keep our talent guide, jam and open mic listing, and venue guide as up to date as possible: [email protected] & [email protected].

SEATTLE Seamonster Lounge Dave’s of Milton, Milton Yella Beak Saloon, Up Town Pub, Port Downtown and 206.992.1120 253.926.8707 Enumclaw Townsend West Seattle Skylark Cafe & Club Dawson’s, Tacoma 360.825.5500 360.344.2505 206.935.2111 253.476.1421 Red Bicycle Bistro, Vashon Bad Albert’s Tap and Grill Slim’s Last Chance Saloon Delancey’s on Third -Renton Island 206.789.2000 PENINSULA 206.762.7900 206.412.9516 Bremerton, Port Orchard, 206.463.5959 Barboza Stoneway Café’ Destination Harley Sequim & Shelton 206.709.9442 206.420.4435 Davidson, Fife Bethel Saloon, Port Orchard EAST SIDE Ballard Elks Lodge The Crocodile 253.922.3700 360.876.6621 Bellevue, Bothell, Kirkland & 206.784.0827 Woodinville 206.441.4618 Doyle’s Pub, Tacoma Brother Don’s, Bremerton Blue Moon Tavern The High Dive 253.272.7468 360.377.8442 Bakes Place, Bellevue 206.675.9116 206.632.0212 Elmer’s Pub, Burien Casey’s Bar and Grill, Belfair 425.454.2776 Café Racer The Moore 206.439.1007 360.275.6929 Beaumont Cellars, 206.523.5282 206.682.1414 Emerald Queen Casino, Cellar Door, Port Townsend Woodinville Capitol Cider The Ould Triangle Tacoma 360.385.6959 425.482.6349 206.397.3564 253.594.7777 206.706.7798 Cherry Bomb, Port Angeles Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar, Café’ Solstice, U-District The Paramount Forrey’s Forza, Lacey 360.797.1638 The Westin -Bellevue 206.675.0850 360.338.0925 425.638.1000 206.682.1414 Clear Water Casino, Central Saloon The Royal Room Jazzbones, Tacoma Suquamish Central Club, Kirkland 206.622.0209 206.906.9920 253.396.9169 360.598.8700 425.827.0808 Conor Byrne Pub The Tractor Tavern Jeremy’s Farm-to-Table Disco Bay Detour, Discovery Crossroads Center, Bellevue 206.784.3640 206.789.3599 Restaurant and Market Bay 425.402.9600 Columbia City Theater The Triple Door Theater and 360. 748.4417 360.379.6898 Grazie, Bothell 206.722.3009 Musicquarium Johnny’s Dock, Tacoma Little Creek Casino, Shelton 425.402.9600 C&P Coffee Company 206.838.4333 253.627.3186 800.667.7711 Horseshoe Saloon, 206.933.3125 The Sunset Tavern Junction Sports Bar, Grand 7 Cedars Casino, Sequim Woodinville Darrell’s Tavern 206.784.4880 Mound 360.683.7777 425.488.2888 206.542.6688 The Showbox 360.273.7586 Halftime Sports Saloon, Gig Kirkland Performance Easy Monkey Tap House 206.628.3151 Louie G’s, Fife Harbor Center, Kirkland 206.420.1326 425.893.9900 Tim’s Tavern 253.926.9700 253.853.1456 Egan’s Ballard Jam House 206.789.9005 Lucky Eagle Casino, Manchester Pub, Port 192 Brewing, Kenmore 206.789.1621 425.424.2337 Town Hall Rochester Orchard El Corazon 206.652.4255 800.720.1788 360.871.2205 Mt Si Pub, North Bend 206.262.0482 425.831.6155 88 Keys Muckleshoot Casino, Morso, Gig Harbor Hard Rock Café Seattle 206.839.1300 Auburn 253.530.3463 Northshore Performing Arts 206.204.2233 800.804.4944 Center, Bothell Third Place Books Next Door Gastropub, Port 425.984.2471 Highway 99 Blues Club 206.366.3333 Nikki’s Lounge, Covington Angeles 206.382.2171 253.981.3612 360.504.2613 Northwest Cellars, Kirkland Thirteen Coins /13 Coins 425.825.9463 J&M Café- Pioneer Square 206.682.2513 Nisqually Red Wind Casino, Old Town Pub, Silverdale 206.402.6654 Olympia 360.473.9111 Pogacha of Issaquah, Tula’s Jazz Club 866.946.2444 Issaquah Jazz Alley 206.443.4221 The Point Casino, Kingston 206.441.9729 Old General Store Steak 360.297.0070 425.392.5550 Vera Project House & Saloon, Roy Rolling Log, Issaquah, Little Red Hen 206.956.8372 Pour House, Port Townsend 206.522.1168 253.459.2124 360.379.5586 425.392.2964 Vito’s Rhythm & Rye, Olympia Sky River Brewing, Mac’s Triangle Pub 206.397.4053 Red Dog Saloon, Port 206.763.0714 360.705.0760 Orchard Redmond 425.242.3815 Nectar Lounge Riverside Golf Club, Chehalis 360.876.1018 206.632.2020 SOUTH PUGET SOUND 360.748.8182 Snoqualmie Casino, Auburn, Tacoma, Olympia, Silverdale Beach Hotel, Royal Bear, Algona Snoqualmie Neptune Theater Chehalis, Algona, Spanaway Silverdale 253.222.0926 360.698.1000 425.888.1234 206.682.1414 & Renton Soul Food Coffee House, Neumos Silver Dollar Pub, Spanaway Sirens Pub, Port Townsend Redmond 206.709.9442 Auburn Eagles 253.531.4469 360.379.1100 253.833.2298 425.881.5309 North City Bistro, Shoreline Stonegate, Tacoma Slaughter County Brewing Chateau Ste. Michelle 206.365.4447 Bob’s Java Jive 253.473.2255 Co., Port Orchard Winery, Woodinville 253.475.9843 The Spar, Tacoma 360.329.2340 Owl and Thistle 425.488.1133 206.621.7777 Capitol Theater, Olympia 253.627.8215 Swim Deck, Port Orchard The Black Dog, Snoqualmie 360.754.6670 The Swiss, Tacoma 360.443.6220 Paragon 425.831.3647 206.283.4548 Charlie’s Bar and Grill, 253.572.2821 The Dam Bar, Port Angeles The Den Coffee Shop, Olympia Uncle Sam’s, Spanaway 360.452.9880 Salmon Bay Eagles 360.786.8181 Bothell 253.507.7808 Treehouse Café, Bainbridge 206.783.7791 425.892.8954 206.842.2814

26 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society Twin Dragon Sports Bar, Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Urban City Coffee, MAX at Mirabeau Hotel, Duvall Saloon Mountlake Terrace Spokane Valley 425.788.5519 425.737.5144 425.776.1273 509.924.9000 Seasons Performance Hall, Village Wines, Woodinville Longhorn Saloon, Edison Useless Bay Coffee, Langley Yakima 425.485.3536 360.766.6330 360.221.4515 509.453.1888 Vino Bella, Issaquah Lucky 13 Saloon, Marysville Varsity Inn, Burlington The Vogue, Chelan Red Lion Dam Bar Spokane, 425.391.1424 360.925.6056 360.755.0165 509.888.5282 WA (Summer Concert Wild Rover, Kirkland Main Street Bar and Grill, Veterans of Foreign Wars Yakima Sports Center Series) 425.822.8940 Ferndale Post #2100, Everett 509.453.4647 509.326.8000 360.312.9162 425.422.8826 Rico’s Pub Pullman NORTH SOUND McIntyre Hall, Mt Vernon Wild Buffalo, Bellingham EAST OF THE CASCADE 509.3326566 La Conner, Mount Vernon, 360.416.7727ext.2 360.392.8447 MOUNTAINS Scotty’s Steakhouse, Stanwood, Everett, Marys- Mirkwood Public House, 13th Ave Pub, Lynnwood Kalispell, MT Eastern Washington, ville Snohomish, and Other Arlington 425.742.7871 406.257.8188 Montana, Idaho, and Other Points North 360.403.9020 Points Templin’s Resort, Post Falls, Anelia’s Kitchen and Stage, Mount Baker Theater, ID CENTRAL & EASTERN Arbor Crest Winery, La Conner Bellingham 208.773.1611 WA Spokane Valley 360.399.1805 360.734.6080 The 219 Lounge Sandpoint, Yakima, Kennewick, 509.927.9463 Angel of the Winds Casino, Oak Harbor Tavern, Oak Chelan, Manson, Roslyn, and ID Barlows, Liberty Lake, WA Arlington Harbor Wenatchee 208.263.9934 509.924.1446 360.474.9740 360.675.9919 The Bartlett, Spokane AntoLin Cellars, Yakima Barrister Winery, Spokane Big Lake Bar and Grill, Old Edison Inn, Bow 509.747.2174 509.961.8370 509.465.3591 Mount Vernon 360.766.6266 The Hop, Spokane 360.422.6411 Peabo’s, Mill Creek Branding Iron, Kennewick Bing Crosby Theater, 509.368.4077 509.586.9292 Spokane Big Rock Cafe & Grocery, 425.337.3007 The Moose Lounge, Coeur 509.227.7638 Mount Vernon Port Gardener Bay Winery, Brewminatti, Prosser d’Alene, ID 360.424.7872 Everett 509. 786.2269 Bigfoot Pub, Spokane 208.664.7901 509.467.9638 Boundary Bay Brewery and 425.339.0293 Brews & Cues, Yakima The Roadhouse, Spokane Bobbi’s Bar, Plummer, ID Alehouse, Bellingham Razzals, Smokey Point 509.453.9713 Valley 360.647.5593 360.653.9999 208.686.1677 509.413.1894 Brick Saloon, Roslyn Bolo’s Bar & Grill, Spokane Bubba’s Roadhouse, Sultan Rockfish Grill, Anacortes 509.649.2643 Viking Tavern, Spokane 360.793.3950 360.588.1720 Valley 509.315.4547 Café Mela, Wenatchee 509.891.8995 Byrnes Performing Arts Rockin’ M BBQ, Everett 509.888.0374 Whiskey Jacks, Ketchum, ID Center, Arlington 425.438.2843 Boomers Classic Rock Bar & 208.726.5297 Campbell’s Resort, Lake 360.618.6321 Rocko’s, Everett Grill, Spokane Valley Zola, Spokane Chelan 509.368.9847 Cabin Tavern, Bellingham 425.374.8039 509.682.4250 509.624.2416 360.733.9685 Skagit Valley Casino, Bow Bucer’s Coffeehouse Pub, Club Crow, Cashmere Moscow, ID Café Zippy, Everett 360.724.0205 509.782.3001 208.596.0887 425.303.0474 Snazzy Badger Pub, Deepwater Amphitheater at Chateau Rive, Spokane Cedar Stump, Arlington Snohomish Mill Bay Casino, Manson 509.795.2030 360.386.8112 360.568.8202 509.687.6911 Coeur d’Alene Casino, Conway Muse, Conway The Oxford Saloon, Der Hinterhof, Leavenworth Worley 360.445.3000 Snohomish 509.548.5250 800.523.2464 Conway Pub, Conway 360.243.3060 Emerald of Siam, Richland Daley’s Cheap Shots, 360.445.4733 The Repp, Snohomish 509.946.9328 360.568.3928 Spokane Valley Eagle Haven Winery, Sedro Gilbert Cellars, Yakima 509.535.9309 Woolley The Madison Pub, Everett 509.249.9049 Dan & Jo’s Bar, Valley, WA 360.856.6248 425.348.7402 Hop Nation Brewing, Yakima 509.937.4040 Engels Pub, Edmonds The Anchor Pub, Everett 509.367.6552 Eichart’s, Sandpoint, ID 425.778.2900 425.374.2580 Ice Harbor Brewing 208.263.4005 Emerald City Roadhouse / Tulalip Casino, Tulalip Company, Kennewick Idaho Pour Authority, Harley Davidson, Lynnwood 888.272.1111 509.586.3181 Sandpoint, ID 425.921.1100 The Green Frog, Bellingham Icicle Brewing Co. 208.597.7096 Emory’s on Silver Lake, 360.961.1438 Leavenworth Iron Horse, Coeur D’Alene, Everett The Rumor Mill, Friday 509.548.2739 ID 425.337.7772 Harbor Kana Winery, Yakima 208.667.7314 Everett Theater, Everett 360.378.5555 Jackson Street Bar & Grill, 425.258.6766 509.453.6611 The Shakedown, Bellingham Spokane Main Street Studios, Walla Grinders Hot Sands, 360.778.1067 509.315.8497 Shoreline Walla The Village Taphouse & Grill, John’s Alley Tavern, Moscow, 206.542.0627 509.520.6451 Marysville ID Old School House Brewery, H2O, Anacortes 360.659.2305 208.883.7662 360.755.3956 Tony V’s Garage, Everett Winthrop 509.996.3183 Kamiah Hotel Bar & Heart of Anacortes, 425.374.3567 Steakhouse Riverside Pub, Wenatchee Anacortes 208.935.0545 360.293.3515 509.888.9993

March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 27 March Blues Bash Preview Celebrate the blues at our monthly Blues Bash at the Collectors Choice Restaurant in Snohomish!

Compiled by Music Director Amy everyone dancing. Born to parents from rocking the blues, funk, soul, and even a Sassenberg South Louisiana, Reji Marc is a self-taught little country. The all-star lineup features musician raised in Seattle. Sought by major Joel Astley on harmonica and Jesse Weston The Washington Blues Society hosts a labels at an early age, he says he retreated on keyboards, who have also been burning members’ meeting and Blues Bash, free from the ills of the music industry and up venues across Washington as Hot Mess. and open to the public, every second traveled to the villages of Southeast Asia They are joined by guitarist Joey Houck, Tuesday of the month at Collector’s Choice for a decade, only to rediscover himself drummer Max Figarsky, saxophonist Derek in Snohomish, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Two and his love for the art of making music. deGroot and bassist Scotty Harris, fresh great acts, giveaways, microbrews, dancing Reji Mark was kind enough to lend his from his triumphant turn at the International and fun. This month’s Blues Bash is voice to the Washington Blues Society Blues Challenge in Memphis with Sammy Tuesday, March 12th, at Collector’s Choice fundraiser last month for the International Eubanks & The Work’In Class. The Restaurant in Snohomish, from 7 to 9:30 Blues Challenge youth representatives and Washington Blues Society audience at p.m. he dazzled the crowd. We’re so happy to this month’s Blues Bash can expect a high welcome him to our monthly Blues Bash! energy show, exceptional musicianship, Starting off the evening is the super-soulful crowd engagement and danceable grooves! Reji Marc. He’s described as an artist who Our second act of the evening will be the builds memories with great original music, Washington Blues Society debut of Chicken inspires the young dreamer and keeps Hawk! This is a six-headed monster band

Above: Chicken Hawk - Joel, Max, Joey, Scotty, Derek & Jesse (Photo by Nalani Hadfield) Right: Reji Marc (Courtesy of Reji Mark)

28 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society PREVIEWS The 2019 Walla Walla Guitar Festival is Here! This year’s festival features a Randy Oxford Band reunion, Danielle Nicole, “Too Slim” & more! Once again, the quaint little city of Walla the Marcus Whitman Ballroom. Starting What an awesome way to wind down after Walla becomes a hotbed of blues, rock, and the show off is fingerstyle blues guitarist this incredible weekend. roots music with the Walla Walla Guitar extraordinaire Terry Robb. Robin Barrett Festival, this month March 8, 9, & 10. Over & Coyote Kings, featuring BB Award Blues society members receive a 6% these three days we’re featuring 25 acts in nominee Tiphony Dames, and with special discount on Three Day Passes with the 10 venues, almost all within a four block guest Tim “Too Slim” Langford follow with code COYOTELUV. radius in beautiful Downtown Walla Walla. their Rocket CD pre-release party. Next And if you get here a day early on the 7th, is The Randy Oxford Reunion with Patti And as always… It’s gonna be a LARGE The Eagles Club will be the new home of Allen, Rafael Tranquilino, and Richard time!!! the Pre-Fest “Shaman’s Jam,” being hosted Sabol returning to the Randy Oxford Band this year by Randy Oxford, Bill Mattocks, for a joyous musical celebration. Last-minute tickets and further information and Dan “The Reverend Danny G” Goodall. is online at https://wallawallaguitarfestival. It’s a great party and musical appetizer for And finally headlining at The LARGE Show com the weekend. Once Friday hits you’ll be is Peter Rivera, the voice of five Top 10 Rare glad you took your vitamins because there’s Earth hits and multiple gold and double- SO much to see and hear. Don’t believe me? platinum albums! Peter mixes his great Here are some highlights… new music with classic rock and roll hits like “Get Ready,” “I Just Want To Celebrate,” On Friday the 8th the music begins about “Hey Big Brother,” “I Know I’m Losing 5 pm with a few mellow shows at local You,” and “Born To Wander.” A legendary tasting rooms, serving as a warm up for star to top off the show! the Walla Walla Guitar Festival opening concert at 7 pm. This year, it’s being held You’d think this would be enough for in the Marcus Whitman Ballroom again Saturday, but we’re just getting rolling and and features the amazing Danielle Nicole! it ain’t over ‘til it’s over. Photo of Typhony Dames and Randy Oxford Along with three 2019 BMA nods (Best (Courtesy of Photography Walla Walla (Reprinted Female Contemporary Blues Artist, Best After The LARGE Show comes the multi- from the Inland Empire Blues Society newsletter) Bass Player, and Best Female Vocalist), venue, The Guitar Crawl, featuring The Danielle was also a Grammy nominee this Gino Matteo Band and Gary Winston and year for her Cry No More album! Danielle is the Real Deal at the VFW, The Rae Gordon a powerhouse entertainer and The WWGF Band and The Wasteland Kings at the Opening Concert is a do not miss! Eagles, and Scott Pemberton Band along with The Doc Martin Band at the Dacres. After the concert and starting about 9 pm At midnight, the Tarwater All-Star Jam will it’s time to shake it up with the multi-venue be hosted by Vaughn Jensen at The Dacres. Walla Walla Guitar Festival Kick-Off Party, with Cros and Diego Romero at the VFW, Sunday starts with the Sunday Gospel The StepBrothers feat. Jennifer Kemple Brunch at 11 in the Marcus Whitman and Junkyard Jane at The Eagles, and The Ballroom. Amazing brunch (remember Women Who Rock Showcase featuring the omelets last year?) served with equally Stacy Jones Band and Polly O’Keary and the amazing music from Rae Gordon! Rhythm Method at The Dacres. Topping off the 2019 Walla Walla Guitar On Saturday the 10th the music eases in at 1 Festival is the second annual, Jazz at the pm with The Acoustic Showcase, featuring Fest, on Sunday afternoon at 2 PM at the Planes on Paper’s guitarists Navid Eliot and Courtyard Marriott and featuring Pat Jacob Navarro. Barclay (guitar), Gary Hemenway (keys), Michael Agidius (sax), Gary Gemberling At 2 pm the festival gets into full swing (trumpet), and Doug Scarborough (bass). with an expanded The LARGE Show at

March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 29 PREVIEWS Welcome Back to Two Alligator Records Artists! Tommy Castro & The Painkillers and Curtis Salgado & Alan Hager!

By Eric Steiner Indian School Road celebrated the 20th anniversary of the venue and it was a thrill I’ve enjoyed Tommy Castro’s music ever to celebrate the blues with Tommy Castro, since I saw him live for the first time 18 Bob Corritore and Dave Riley, Billy Flynn, years ago at the Century Ballroom on Diunna Greenleaf and the late Barrelhouse Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Stickshift Annie Chuck. and the Overdrive opened up the evening highlight their most recent CD, Out of Her I also fondly remember the Triple Door Mind. show promoting the Triple Trouble CD on Telarc Records, which featured Tommy This month, Tommy Castro and the Castro, Jimmy Hall and Lloyd Jones. Painkillers return to the Pacific Northwest to celebrate the March 1st release of their I hope that Bluesletter readers will join newest CD on Alligator Records, Killin’ Tommy Castro and the Painkillers in It Live. The band will play Jazzbones in Tacoma, Seattle or Conway as I have Tacoma on the 8th, the Triple Door in always thought that Tommy Castro was Seattle on the 12th and the Conway Muse one of the most talented bluesmen of his in Conway on the 13th. In between their generation. I’ve included a review of Killin’ Tacoma and Conway shows, the band will It Live in this issue and look forward to his Tommy Castro at the 2015 San Diego Blues play two shows in Alberta: Sherwood Park next release on Alligator Records. Festival (Photo by Tim & Michelle Burge on the 9th and Calgary on the 10th. Tommy Castro leads the band on guitar Curtis Salgado at the Triple Door and vocals and the latest line-up of Painkillers features Randy McDonald Save the date: March 15th! on bass and background vocals, Bowen Brown on drums and Mike Emerson on Curtis Salgado, the 2018 Blues Music keyboards. Formed six years ago, the Award-winning Soul Blues Male Artist of band has released two critically-acclaimed The Year, will perform at The Triple Door CDs on Alligator Records, Method to My in Seattle on Friday, March 15, 2019. With Madness in 2015 and Stompin’ Ground in a career spanning more than three de- 2017. cades, Salgado is a one-of-a-kind talent whose music is as compelling as his story. I am pleased that my CD collection has From co-fronting The Robert Cray Band to most, if not all, of Tommy Castro’s releases leading his own band (and recording nine on Blind Pig, Telarc and 33rd Street solo albums) to helping transform John Records as well as one on his own Heart Belushi into “Joliet” Jake Blues to touring Curtis Salgado at the 2017 Waterfront Blues And Soul label. This year, he’s celebrating the country with Steve Miller and Santana, Festival in Portland, Oregon (Photo by Tim & th his 10 anniversary with Alligator Records he is a true musical giant. NPR calls him Michelle Burge) as he launched his partnership with Bruce “a blues icon” with a “huge voice.” His lat- Iglauer’s groundbreaking record label with est full band CD, The Beautiful Lowdown, the Hard Believer CD. was named by Blues Blast Magazine as the 2016 Soul Blues Album of The Year. His Since that initial show on Seattle’s Capitol newest release, Rough Cut, is a stripped- Hill in 2001, I’ve seen Tommy Castro down acoustic CD with his band guitarist play a number of original, high energy Alan Hager. As a special part of this full- blues shows, including Biscuits and Blues band concert, Salgado and Hager will per- in San Francisco, Seattle’s Triple Door form a set of songs from Rough Cut as a and the Rhythm Room in Phoenix. That duo. show at Bob Corritore’s blues club on

30 March 2019 BLUESLETTER Washington Blues Society 2019 Best of the Blues Voting Ballot All ballots from dues-current members must be received by April 9, 2019 by a Board member or at the blues society’s PO Box. MARK DUFRESNE MALE BLUES PIANO/KEYBOARD WASHINGTON BLUES VOCALIST AWARD Michael Baxter RECORDING LIFETIME ACHEIVEMENT Joel Astley Jesse Weston John Maxwell “Even Good AWARD Sean Denton Jimmy Holden Dogs Get the Blues” Michael Baxter Eric Rice Brian Butler “Butler’s Blues” Rod Cook ACOUSTIC BLUES GUITAR Michele D’Amour & The Love Mark DuFresne BLUES FEMALE VOCALIST Rod Cook Dealers “Wiggle Room” Sheri Roberts Greimes Nick Vigarino WASHINGTON BLUES Annie Eastwood John Maxwell BLUES CLUB SOCIETY HALL OF FAME Tiphony Dames Madison Ave Pub (INDIVIDUAL) Stacy Jones BLUES INSTRUMENTALIST Highway 99 Blues Club Raven Humphres – OTHER Collector’s Choice Restaurant Michael Baxter ELECTRIC BLUES GUITAR Jon Perry (violin) & Lounge Steve Bailey Eric Rice Mike Marinig (flute) Lissa Ramaglia CD Woodbury Leanne Trevalyan (rub board) BLUES WRITER Jeff Menteer Rick Bowen BEST NON-FESTIVAL Dave Miller NEW BLUES BAND Malcolm Kennedy BLUES EVENT Chicken Hawk Eric Steiner Jones Family Christmas SLIDE BLUES GUITAR Hot Mess Amy Sassenberg Issaquah Gas Station Blues Eric Rice Lori Hardman Band Snohomish Blues Invasion Billy Stapleton BLUES PHOTO IMAGE Polly O’Keary Blues Jam 4 Jeff Menteer BLUES BAND Lori Hardman Bluesletter cover Nicaragua Nick Vigarino Stacy Jones Band Dec 2018 by Dario Impini Red House Alan Edwards Bluesletter cover BEST REGIONAL BLUES BLUES BASS Harpdog Brown & the Uptown Feb 2019 by Denise Hathaway FESTIVAL Lissa Ramaglia Blues Band Spring Sunbanks Bluesletter Mt Baker Paul Quilty Collection by Paul Brown Winthrop Scotty Harris LITTLE BILL & THE BLUE Sunbanks Patrick McDanel NOTES TRADITIONAL BLUES GRAPHIC IMAGE BLUES ACT Michele d’Amour & The Love BEST COMMUNITY BLUES CHRIS LEIGHTON BLUES Brain Lee & The Orbiters Dealers “Wiggle Room” CD FESTIVAL DRUMMER AWARD Madison Avenue Blues Review cover by Tim Sutherland Ebey Island Freedom Fest Rick J Bowen Eric Madis & Blue Madness 28 Years of Blues Salmon Bay Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Tommy Cook Eagles poster by Phil North Bend Blues Walk Robin Crane SOLO/DUO BLUES ACT Chestnut Hot Mess Mt Baker Poster by Steve OPEN BLUES JAM BLUES HORN Sheri Roberts Greimes Perringer Madison Ave Pub – Unbound Lonnie Williams Rod Cook Blues Jam Mike Marinig BLUES DJ Peabo’s Peace & Love Jam Ron Hendee BLUES PERFORMER Johnny Horn Sunday with Tommy Cook, Brandon Hailey Stacy Jones Robin Kay Eric Rice & Scotty Harris Nick Elguezabal Polly O’Keary Clancy Dunigan 192 Brewing Blues Jam with Joel Astley John Kessler The Groove Tramps PAUL GREEN BLUES Patti Allen Leslie Fleury HARMONICA AWARD WASHINGTON BLUES Mitch Pumpian BLUES SONGWRITER KEEPING THE BLUES SOCIETY HALL OF FAME Willow Stone Stacy Jones ALIVE AWARD (BAND) Joel Astley Michele D’Amour Ed Maloney Fat James Band Polly O’Keary Malcolm Kennedy Jr. Cadillac Amy Sassenberg The Slamhound Hunters

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