Volume Twenty-Three, Number Two • February 2018 TINSLEY ELLIS

Thursday February 8th @ Chrome • $15 THE NACE BROTHERS Thursday February 22nd @ Chrome – $10 BSO will be participating in The Foundation’s Month of HART. We’ll be passing Friday the hat to collect funds at the Jason Ricci show on Thursday,February 15th. We did this in February 2017 at the Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials show and raised $600. February 23rd The Blues Foundation encourages affiliate blues societies to have events during the month of February to raise funds. As both an incentive and thanks to the Blues @ Zoo Bar Society that raises the most funds during their Day of Hart, The Blues Foundation will arrange for health screenings in the local community for their musicians and society members, all free of charge. The Blues Foundation established the HART Fund (Handy Artists Relief Trust) for Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns. The Fund provides for acute, chronic and preventive medical and dental care as well as funeral and burial expenses. Chrome Lounge JASON RICCI 8552 Park Drive, Omaha 402 - 339 - 8660 and the BAD KIND All shows 6 pm unless noted The Blues Society of Omaha Presents Thursday Feb. 1st...... JJ Thames and the Violet ReVolt ($10) Thursday Feb. 8th...... Tinsley Ellis ($15) Thursday Feb. 15th...... Jason Ricci ($10) Thursday Feb. 22nd...... The Nace Brothers ($10) Thursday March 1st.....The Brian England Groove Prescription ($10) Thursday March 8th...... Jeff Jensen Band ($10) Thursday March 15th...... Sugar Ray Rayford ($15) Thursday March 22nd...... The Bel Airs ($10) Saturday March 24th...... The All-Star Band ($15) Wednesday February 14th @ Zoo Bar Thursday March 29th...... Selwyn Birchwood ($10) Thursday February 15th @ Chrome – $10 PAGE 2 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA

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

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

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

Sundays 9am-Noon on KIWR 89.7 Rick Galusha’s “PS Blues” Pacific Street Blues & Americana podcast: http://kiwrblues.podOmatic.com/entry/2010-02-03T11_00_49-08_00

Lincoln’s KZUM Radio - Nebraska’s only community radio, and you can listen to it on the web at KZUM.org. Monday – 3:00-6:00pm “World Gone Wrong Blues” Tuesday – 3:00-6:00pm “Group W Blues” Wednesday – 3:00-6:00pm “Highway Blues” • 8:30-10:00pm “Radio Gumbo” Thursday – 3:00-5:00pm “Blue Water Mixtape” Friday – 1:00-3:00pm “Women’s Blues & Boogie” • 3:00-6:00pm “Hudson Blue” Saturday – 6:00-7:00am “Beale Street Caravan” • 7:00-8:00am “Juke in the Back” Sunday – 2:00-4:00pm “Back at the Chicken Shack” BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 3 JJ THAMES and the Violet Revolt Thursday February 1st • $10 Chrome Lounge • 8552 Park Dr, Omaha, NE The Detroit Free Press said it best, “She’s young and beau- tiful to look at, she’s a wonderful storyteller and her vocals are consistently breathtaking. Her shows are electrify- ing, and crowd-pleasing. This doe-eyed Motown (Detroit, Michigan) native has the “it” factor. Look out world.”

Her debut album, Tell You What I Know (2014 DeChamp Records), received much acclaim and stayed in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Singles Sales Chart for 21 weeks – 2 of those at #1. The album also made it as high as #3 on the Billboard’s Blues Chart.

It’s clear that soul-blues is her calling. At age 30, Thames’ stage presence and vocal delivery are more reminiscent of singers from the golden era of the artform than they are of most blues belters on the scene today. Her delivery is never rushed, and her ability to express deep emotion is on par with someone twice her age as she delivers every- thing from downhome juke joint stylings to full-blown torch songs, all containing messages of positive affirmation. --Marty Gunther Blues Blast Magazine

--From the artist’s website

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

BSO CORPORATE SPONSORS BLUE CLUB Cheryl Holtzen Matthew Barges Daniel Meyer 7 Oaks Investments Integrity Wealth Mgmt. Mo Barry Greg and Leslie Nichols Glenn & Sheila Bauer Craig Kelley, Inserra & Kenny & Linda Benton John Pollack & Karen Berry Michael & Victoria Donaldson Kelley Law Firm Robin & Elizabeth Bracy-Robson Marty Roarty Kit & Pam Kelley Steve & Lisa Krueger Geoff Clark Paul Sandstrom Scott Kirk Jody Marker John Doocy Mikel Schmidt & Leslie Eurek Royce & Jo Kreitman Roger & Sheri Slosson David & Kristine Evans Ann Scolaro Terry O’Halloran Ernest Sutherland Gary Gates Sid Sidner Tammy Trahan - Corner Bar Dan Van Houten Jason Groenjes Tim Sorrell Richard Wolken Dan Hamann Bob & Becky Swift CORPORATE Bel Air Merchant’s Association Mike & Sally Hansen Bill & Denise Teeple Duane Barber Christy Rossiter &112 North Duck Todd Higgins Rodney Thorngate Mitch Bolte Mama’s Pizza West Melvin Koenig Carlos Torres Jim Bradford, Jr. Pietro DDS - James Pietro Susan & Troy Krupicka Greg Virant & Lynn Kost Virant Chip Davis West Point Rack John Langwith Don Younts Chick Ganz Ra Neurological – RDS Skin Care Heidi Macy Down Under Lounge Paul Gerber Sundiata Malenik Hawk’s BBQ, Conrad Good SPECIAL Bonnie Mercer & Kim Burns Chris & Brenda Hawkinson Paul Scott Hoagbin Blues Band Bill Bahrke Steve & Nancy Mether John Watt PAGE 4 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA

Thur February 1 Scott Ellison 5-8 Fri February 2 Jane Doe And The No Names February 7, 8, 9, 10 9-12:30 6-12am Sat February 3 Bucka Ruse Lincoln Exposed 9-12:30 Sun February 4 Music Festival Swamp Boy Blues Band 5-8 Wednesday Fri February 9 Nashville Reject February 14 @ 6pm 9-1230 Sat February 10 Jason Ricci Blow Your Top (ZZ Top Cover Band) 9-12:30 Sun February 11 Saturday Blue House and the Rent To Own Horns February 17 @ 6pm 5-8 Sat February 17 Blues Project Nita and the Pipe Smokin’ Charlies 8-11 Sun February 18 Wednesday Bobby Messano 5-8 February 21 @ 6pm Thur February 22 Walter Wolfman Washington Andy Sydow 5-8 & The Roadmasters Fri February 23 Ro Hempel Band 9-12:30 Friday Sat February 24 February 23 @ 7pm Jay Statham & The Tokie Show 8-11 Nace Brothers Sun February 25 Taylor Scott 5-8 ALL FREE NO COVER SHOWS BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 5 THE REDWOODS TINSLEY ELLIS Thursday February 8th • $15 IN MEMPHIS Chrome Lounge • 8552 Park Dr, Omaha, NE

“Feral blues guitar...non-stop gigging has sharpened his six- string to a razor’s edge... his eloquence dazzles...he achieves pyrotechnics that rival Beck and Clapton.” --Rolling Stone “Ellis unleashed a torrent of dazzling musicianship pitched somewhere between the exhilarating volatility of rock and roll and the melancholic passion of urban blues.” --Los Angeles Times

BluesEd band, The Redwoods, traveled to Memphis in Jan- “Raw and righteous, funky and strong.” --Village Voice uary to take part in the International Blues Challenge, per- --From the artist’s website forming on historic Beale Street in the Youth Showcase. The band performed for a large crowd at Club 152 on two occasions: once as a part of the BluesEd clinic and also for the IBC Youth Showcase. Their performances and the success of the BluesEd program helped to spark interest among blues societies from around the country in the pos- sibility of creating their own youth blues programs similar to BluesEd. In addition to watching the performances of the competing blues bands each night, members of the band also took part in many of the attractions the city has to offer, in- cluding touring the Gibson guitar factory, visiting the Mem- phis Drum Shop, exploring the legendary Sun Studio, and checking out the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. The Redwoods also experienced the Southern cuisine, enjoying the bar- becue and fried chicken. “It was too good to be true, walking down Beale Street and hearing a different blues band playing at every venue each night. Besides the great food and the spectacular bands, the best part of the trip was getting to experience it all in with some of my best friends. Playing in the IBC with the Redwoods in Memphis reaffirmed my love of performing and my love of the blues, and I can’t wait to go back some- day.” -Sam McDermott, keys Band members, including Sam McDermott (keys), Mike Mc- Dermott (drums), Hunter Neumayer (guitar and sax), Ro- man Constantino (guitar), Henry Tomsu (bass), Madeline Reddel (vocals), and Olivia Klein (vocals), would like to thank BluesEd and the BSO for providing them with this amazing opportunity to experience the IBC on Beale Street. It was the trip of a lifetime to be able to enjoy the blues and the city of Memphis with their bandmates and families. NINETEEN BLUES ACTS UNDER ONE ROOF AND OUT OF THE COLD! Featuring Bryce Janey, Eric Jerardi, Anthony Gomes, Jason Ricci, Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys, Heath Alan Band, Malcolm Wells & the Two Timers, Amanda Fish Band, Grand Marquis, Kilborn Alley, Steepwater Band, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal. Always a great party and annual fundraiser for the Central Iowa Blues Society. BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 7

Blues in February & March

[Thu Feb 01] [Sun Feb 18] Scott Ellison at Corner Bar (5:00 pm) (Corner Bar) Bobby Messano at Corner Bar (5:00 pm) (Corner Bar) JJ Thames and the Violet ReVolt – Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) [Mon Feb 19] [Fri Feb 02] Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) Wayne Baker Brooks – Zoo Bar Lincoln (5:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) [Wed Feb 21] Curly Martin and Friends at Holland Ctr 1200 Club (8:00 pm) (1200 Club at Holland Walter Wolfman Washington & The Roadmasters at Zoo Bar (6:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Performing Arts) Sebastian Lane Band at Harney Street Tavern (9:00 pm) () [Thu Feb 22] Mace Hathaway at Growler USA (9:00 pm) (GrowlerUSA) Andy Sydow – Corner Bar, Fremont (5:00 pm) (The Corner Bar) The Nace Brothers – Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) [Sat Feb 03] Here Come The Mummies at Slowdown (9:00 pm) () Steve Lovett – Harney St. Tavern (9:00 pm) (The Harney Street Tavern) [Sun Feb 04] Swampboy Blues Band at Corner Bar (5:00 pm) (Corner Bar) Steve Lovett – Cedar Lounge (6:00 pm) (Cedar Lounge) [Mon Feb 05] Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) [Tue Feb 06] Crabby Blues Band at Shuck’s (119th & Pacific St.) (6:00 pm) (Shucks) [Wed Feb 07] Mace Hathaway at Harney Street Tavern (9:00 pm) (Harney Street Tavern) [Thu Feb 08] Tinsley Ellis – Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) Steve Lovett – at Jazz (6:00 pm) (Jazz – A Louisiana Kitchen) Mighty Jailbreakers at Ozone (6:30 pm) () FIRST TUESDAY FUNDRAISER [Fri Feb 09] With the Crabby Blues Band CIBS 24th Winter Blues Fest at Des Moines Marriott (5:00 pm) (Des Moines Downtown Marriott) featuring Bucky McCann Steve Lovett – at Jazz (6:00 pm) (Jazz – A Louisiana Kitchen) [Sat Feb 10] Tuesday, February 6th from 6 to 9 pm CIBS 24th Winter Blues Fest at Des Moines Marriott (4:00 pm) (Des Moines Downtown Shucks, 119th & Pacific, Omaha Marriott) Megan Jean & the Klay Family Band @ Deepedish House Concerts (7:30 pm) (Deepe Dish House Concert) 10% of revenue donated to BLOW YOUR TOP (zz top tribute) at CORNER BAR Fremont (8:00 pm) (The Corner Bar) a local Omaha charity [Sun Feb 11] Blue House & The Rent to Own Horns at Corner Bar (5:00 pm) (Corner Bar) [Mon Feb 12] Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) [Tue Feb 13] Josh Hoyer & The Soul Colossal Fat Tuesday at Zoo Bar (6:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) [Wed Feb 14] Jason Ricci – Zoo Bar Lincoln (6:00 pm) () [Thu Feb 15] Jason Ricci – Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) Steve Lovett – at Jazz (6:00 pm) (Jazz – A Louisiana Kitchen) Kelley Hunt at Bourbon Theater (Lincoln) (8:00 pm) (Bourbon Theater) Swamp Jam at B Bar (8:30 pm) (The B Bar) [Sat Feb 17] Blues Project – Zoo Bar Lincoln (6:00 pm) () Nita & The Pipe Smokin’ Charlies at Corner Bar (8:00 pm) (Corner Bar)

IMPORTANT CHANGE FOR BANDS AND BARS Please send your schedules and gigs to this NEW email to be listed in “Blues Notes” and on omahablues.com website: [email protected] PAGE 8 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA

Blues in February & March

[Fri Feb 23] [Fri Mar 16] Nace Brothers – Zoo Bar, Lincoln (5:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Earl and Them $10 – Zoo Bar (5:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Charlie Burton at Barley Street Tavern (9:00 pm) (Barley Street Tavern) Ro Hemple Band – Corner Bar, Fremont (9:00 pm) (The Corner Bar) [Sat Mar 17] Earl and Them $10 – Zoo Bar (6:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) [Sat Feb 24] Jay Statham and The Tokie Show – Corner Bar, Fremont (8:00 pm) () [Mon Mar 19] Kris Lager Band at Waiting Room (9:00 pm) (The Waiting Room Lounge) Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) [Sun Feb 25] [Tue Mar 20] Taylor Scott – Corner Bar, Fremont (5:00 pm) (The Corner Bar) Tinsley Ellis – Zoo Bar, Lincoln (6:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) [Mon Feb 26] [Wed Mar 21] Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) Chris Duarte Group at Lookout Lounge (8:00 pm) (Lookout Lounge) [Thu Mar 01] [Thu Mar 22] The Brian England Groove Prescription – Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) Bel Airs – Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) [Fri Mar 02] [Fri Mar 23] Sebastian Lane’s Barley Street Blues Jam (9:00 pm) (Barley Street Tavern) Carolyn Wonderland at Zoo Bar (5:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Titanium Blue at Dog House Saloon (Waterloo) (8:00 pm) (Dog House Saloon) [Mon Mar 05] Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) [Sat Mar 24] The Johnny Winter All-Star Band – Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) [Tue Mar 06] Crabby Blues Band at Shuck’s (119th & Pacific St.) (6:00 pm) (Shucks) [Mon Mar 26] Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) [Thu Mar 08] Jeff Jensen Band – Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) () [Thu Mar 29] Selwyn Birchwood – Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) [Sat Mar 10] Big Daddy Caleb and the Chargers – Zoo Bar, Lincoln (6:00 pm) (Zoo Bar) Joanne Shaw Taylor w/ Sebastian Lane Band at Reverb (8:30 pm) (Reverb Lounge) [Sun Mar 11] SEBASTIAN LANE’S BARLEY STREET BLUES JAM Blues Angels @ The Corner Bar in Fremont (5:00 pm) (Corner Bar) First Friday of every month! [Mon Mar 12] 9pm-1am at Barley Street Tavern Gooch & His Las Vegas Big Band at Ozone (6:30 pm) (Ozone) NO COVER!! [Thu Mar 15] Sugar Ray Rayford – Chrome Lounge (6:00 pm) (Chrome Lounge) 9:00 pm / 21+ Swamp Jam at B Bar (8:30 pm) (The B Bar) Wanna jam? We’re looking for players ranging from beginners to seasoned veterans of rock and roll to come out and strut their stuff, learn from each other and most of all have fun keeping music alive! Variety of instruments are welcomed...harmonica, drums, bass, keys, etc. Comment below if you’d like to join. OPEN BLUES JAMS Monday, January 1st @ 8:30 pm ZOO BAR Mondays @ 7 pm DOWN UNDER LOUNGE 136 N. 14th Street, Lincoln 3530 Leavenworth St. Omaha DOWN UNDER LOUNGE Monday, January 1st @ 8:30 pm 35th & Leavenworth, Omaha RUSTY NAIL PUB Thursdays @ 8 pm 143rd & Pacific St., Omaha SEBASTIAN LANE’S BARLEY STREET BLUES JAM Jams Start at 8:30 pm First Friday of every month • 9 pm-1 am at Barley Street Tavern BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 9 KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AWARDS CEREMONY – MEMPHIS, TN The Blues Foundation selected ry: Creating a Youth Talent and Development Program”, to Blues Society of Omaha as re- the worldwide participants attending the IBC. Could not be cipient of a 2018 Keeping the more proud to be a Blues Alive award because of member of Blues So- our innovative BluesEd youth ciety of Omaha! education program. The cere- --Nancy Walsh mony was held in conjunction with the 5 days of events that are part of the annual Inter- MEMPHIS national Blues Challenge – at PHOTOS BY which two of our BluesEd TRUDY bands performed in the Youth BREDTHAUER Showcase and at which the Omaha group presented a workshop, “The Blues Ed Sto-

January 20, 2018 — Memphis TN IOWA BLUES ARTIST WINS AT 34th INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE Iowa City blues musician Kevin B.F. Burt was the Videos of Kevin’s preliminary round performanc- winner of the Solo/Duo competition at the 34th es on Wednesday & Thursday nights at Lew’s International Blues Challenge (IBC), presented by Blue Note Bar & Grill, his semi-finals performance the Blues Foundation, on Saturday evening. In on Friday at Peoples on Beale and his finals per- addition, he won the Lee Oskar Best Harmonica formance on Saturday at the Orpheum Theatre award and the Cigar Box Guitar award for Most can be seen on the Central Iowa Blues Society’s Promising Acoustic Act. Kevin was among 235 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cen- bands & solo/duo acts from around the world en- traliowabluessociety/ tered into the 5 day event on Beale Street, which The Iowa entry in the Band category, the Avey in addition to the IBC competition, also features Grouws Band – Jeni Grouws from Decorah & Chris an International Showcase, a Youth Showcase and the Avey, Bryan West, Randy Leasman & Andrew Durham annual Keeping the Blues Alive awards. from the Quad Cities, advanced to the semi-finals before Kevin got the opportunity to participate in the IBC by vir- being eliminated. tue of winning the Iowa Blues Challenge (IABC) Solo/Duo The Redwoods, a youth act from Omaha/Council Bluffs competition in September, presented by the Central Iowa was sponsored by CIBS in the Youth Showcase Blues Society in Des Moines and co-sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society in Davenport, the South For more information: Skunk Blues Society in Newton and the Southeast Iowa Scott Allen, CIBS President & IABC co-chair Blues Society in Fairfield. (In 2018 the Linn County Blues (515) 480-4437, [email protected] Society in Cedar Rapids will also be an IABC co-sponsor.) Jeff Duskin, CIBS Administrator & IABC co-chair This was Kevin’s 2nd opportunity to participate in the IBC. (515) 494-6033, [email protected] In 1995, he and his band the Blues Instigators represent- (photo was submitted by Kevin & rights granted for promotional use as- ed the Central Iowa Blues Society at what was known sociated with the Iowa Blues Challenge/International Blues Challenge) then as the International Blues Talent Competition. PAGE 10 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA JOHNNY WINTER ALLPlus STAR “Down n BANDDirty” Johnny Winter Film Presentation

CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF ROCK/BLUES ICON JOHNNY WINTER AND MORE! Saturday, March 24th Chrome Lounge Film at 6pm Band at 7:30pm The Johnny Winter Band - has been wowing audi- ences everywhere with incredible music played by Johnny’s band and guest artists. Join Paul Nelson and The JW Band in a concert experience that prom- ises to be a Rock and Blues bash like no other. Fans will have a chance to gather and celebrate the music and spirit of one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time performed by some of todays top musicians. If you’re a fan of Blues and Rock music, you can’t miss this show... This official “Johnny Winter Concert Event” features original members from Johnny’s band including John- ny’s protege guitarist and Grammy award winner - Paul Nelson who toured the world with Winter and recorded on and produced his last # 1 Billboard Blues charting, Grammy and BMA winning Album “Step Back” as well as performing on the David Letterman and Jimmy Kim- mel TV broadcasts. JWAB will also be doing a series of concerts and festi- vals in celebration of the world wide release of John- ny’s award winning documentary film “Down & Dirty: The Johnny Winter Story.” BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 11 JASON RICCI and the BAD KIND Wednesday February 14th • Zoo Bar • Lincoln, NE Thursday February 15th • $10 • Chrome Lounge • 8552 Park Dr, Omaha, NE presence. Nicknamed “Moon Cat” (a street name he once used in Nashville and New Orleans to avoid police detec- tion), Jason has been an almost constant force for decades in the studio, festivals, club dates and press. Love him or hate him, through performing, singing, song writing, teach- ing, harmonica playing and activism in the fields of L.G.B.T., mental health and addiction, it is not an overstatement that this young, white, queer, skateboarding, punk rock loving, multiple-convicted felon is currently changing the world through music and education. Jason was a featured performer on Johnny Winter’s Grammy award winning CD ‘Step Back’ (2014) Has received multiple Nominations 2009 – 2018, and won a Blues Music Award in 2010 Jason Ricci is one of the most popular harmonica players on the planet today. Listed in almost every top ten list of play- Featured performer at the Rock & Roll hall of fame with ers on the internet today, Jason Ricci, is a polarizing force Zac Brown & for the Blues always in the spotlight and on the tips of critics’, artists’ Band induction in 2015 and fans’ tongues everywhere. Through two-plus decades Jason has worked and/or recorded with Junior Kim- of endless touring, TV appearances, recordings and the in- brough, RL Burnside, Nick Curran, , Ana ternet, Jason Ricci’s style of playing is so revolutionary and Popovic, , Joe Louis Walker, Peter Karp, influential that there exists an entire younger generation of Sue Foley, and many others. players imitating his music, clothes, gear, and even stage --From the artist’s website The Nace Brothers Thursday February 22nd • $10 • Chrome Lounge • 8552 Park Dr, Omaha, NE Friday February 22nd • Zoo Bar • Lincoln, NE Seasoned professionals, they’ve earned the respect of pro- moters, club owners, producers and peers for their dedica- tion to their craft, easy going confidence and their refresh- ing lack of pretense. A testimony to their dedication is the simple fact of high quality performances and musicianship for 31 years, in what has been deemed, A Lifelong Road Trip. In 1993 the title track “Club 15” was also on the compilation c.d. “Margaritaville Cafe - Late Night Menu” on MCA Records featuring Jimmy Buffett and various other artists. Fourth generation performers, their musical heritage began in the latter part of the 19th century with their great-great grandfather, the classically trained violinist Valandingham Nace. The legacy continued in the 1920’s and 30’s with writer, he led a top notch band to regional success with their grandfather Percy, a multi-instrumentalist and square songs like “Sing me the blues” and “Blue Notes”. Their 1997 dance caller. By the late 40’s, their father was playing box release “Roots of Steel” is a tribute to their father and the suppers and square dances. lessons he taught them. Johnny Nace progressed from playing rural dances to lead- In their 31st year as a touring group, the Nace Brothers are ing the house bands on the regional radio and television poised for a larger audience. Brilliant songwriting, expres- programs “Hillbilly Jamboree” and “Circle Six Ranch”. He re- sive vocals, soaring guitar and a rock solid rhythm section corded rockabilly in the late 50’s before finding his musical combine for entertainment at its best. home during the golden age of honky-tonk. An astute song- --From the artist’s website PAGE 12 BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA

BSO BAND DIRECTORY Band Contact Phone # / Email COUNCIL BLUFFS The Packages...... Rick Hillyard...... 712-420-1232 Street Level Band...... Steven Rains...... 402-980-7898 / [email protected] FREMONT Punching Puppets...... Lance Clark...... 402-727-1999 / [email protected] HASTINGS Peace Hogs...... Rich Mattison...... 402-469-5818 / [email protected] Smokey B. and the XYZ’s...... Byron Starr...... 402- 462-5879 KEARNEY OK Sisters...... Kate Fly...... 308-627-3021 / [email protected] LINCOLN Big Daddy Caleb & The Chargers...... Caleb Whisenhunt...... 402-202-9895 / [email protected] Blues Messengers...... Jake Wiese...... 402-601-4959 Church House Blues Band...... Danny Dakan...... 402-890-2533 / [email protected] The Dust Jackets...... Travis Koester...... 402 560 8415 / www.dustjackets.com Jared’s GoodTime BluesParty...... Jared Alberico...... 402-474-2473 John Walker and the New Hokum Boys...... John Walker...... 402-466-7254 Josh Hoyer & the Soul Colossal...... Josh Hoyer...... 402-416-3846 / [email protected] Jr. Stephens Blues Project...... Lary Lehman...... 1-800-422-1340 Levi William...... Levi William 402-310-2681, Cindy Patton 402-850-8549 / [email protected] The Mezcal Brothers...... Gerado Meza...... 402-438-5120 Tim Budig Band...... 503-719-3969 / [email protected] Upstairs Blues Band...... Caleb Long...... 402-430-1792 OMAHA 112 North Duck...... Michelle...... 402-210-9378 / [email protected] Back Alley Blues...... Craig A. Hassa...... 402-594-9147 Banjo Loco...... Blind Burrito...... 402-850-0245 Blue House with the Rent to Own Horns...... Joe Putjenter...... 402- 658-2222 / [email protected] Blues Angels...... A.J. Foyt...... 402-968-5593 / [email protected] The Blues Explosion...... Dave Skinner...... 402-330-7366 BluesEd...... Jason Groenjes...... [email protected] Brad Cordle Band...... Brad Cordle...... 702-533-2427 / [email protected] Chuck Brown and the Basement Devils...... Chuck Brown...... 402-610-1522 Drew Jude and the Cool Tones...... Drew Jude...... 402-714-1244 Elwin James and the Way Outs...... Patrick Peters...... 402-292-6435 / [email protected] George Walker...... George Walker...... 402-871-1469 Hector Anchondo Band...... Hector Anchondo...... 402-215-3956 / [email protected] Johnny Reef & the Shipwrecks...... Tommy Kriegshauser...... 402-517-8248 / [email protected] The Kris Lager Band...... Kris Lager...... 402-304-7269 Life of Riley...... Rebecca Packard...... 402-699-0958 / [email protected] Little Joe and Big Trouble...... Little Joe McCarthy...... 402-680-2924 / [email protected] Lou De Luca & the Delta 88’s...... Lou De Luca...... 402-677-7156 / [email protected] Luther James Band...... L.J. Johnson...... 402-213-5234 / [email protected] The Matt Gagne Blues Experience...... Matt Gagne...... 402-212-0694 / [email protected] The Mighty Sapphire Kings...... Bill Ferleman...... 402-658-1785 Neptunes...... John Hartley...... 402-995-2926 or 402-391-4762 The Omaha Blues Society All-Stars...... Craig Balderston...... 402-208-1068 / [email protected] Paul Scott Hoagbin Blues Band...... Paul Scott Hoagbin...... 402-689-1183 / [email protected] The Rex Granite Band...... Kevin Loomis...... 402-306-9342 / rexgranite@cox,net Rhythm Collective Reggae...... Frank Fong...... 402-556-3568 Rich Patton Blues and more...... Rich Patton...... 402- 841-1110 / [email protected] Rich Mattison and the Peace Hogs...... Rich Mattison...... 402-469-5818 Sailing In Soup...... Gunnar Guenette...... 402 599-9255 Soulfinger...... Barry Clark...... [email protected] Spike Nelson Trio...... Mike Nelson...... 402-612-1250 Stephen Monroe...... Stephen Monroe...... 402-699-5905 Steve Lovett Blues Band AND Steve Lovett-Solo Acoustic Blues...... Steve Lovett...... 402-660-7146 / [email protected] The Stimulus Packages...... Rick Hillyard...... 712-420 1232 Sue Murray / The WILDFIRE Band...... Sue Murray...... 402-533-4791 / [email protected] Susan Thorne Group...... Susan Thorne...... 402 968-4991 Swampboy Blues Band...... Tim Koehn...... 402-830-0021 / [email protected] Thrift Shop Radio...... K.C. Kelley...... 319-431-3508 Two Blue...... A.J. Foyt...... 402-968-5593 / [email protected] Vintage...... Charlie Ames...... 816-678-8360 / [email protected] BLUES NEWS • BLUES SOCIETY OF OMAHA PAGE 13 CD Review Kim Wilson • Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1 Severn Records Kim Wilson is one the best blues singers and Chuck on piano. harmonica players of our time. He has been The highly spirited “Bonus Boogie” opens the a favorite of mine since he helped found the cd. The instrumental is a great introduction Fabulous Thunderbirds decades ago. Muddy to the cd. Wilson also does great versions of Waters once said that Wilson was the best ’s “Teenage Beat” and “Blue and harp player since Little Walter! Lonesome”. On this album, there are sixteen songs. Four This is a cd that will appeal to harmonica en- cuts are originals and twelve are covers. Wil- thusiasts, but it will also be favored by tradi- son pays homage to the Chicago musicians tional Chicago blues lovers. I predict this out- and their classic songs that influenced him. ing will seal the deal for Wilson to be put in He performs the songs very traditionally, but he still man- the same category as the all-time blues greats that Wilson ages to give his own take on each song. Some of my favor- cut his teeth on. I am already looking forward to volume two! ite musicians accompany Wilson. Among them are the al- ways tasteful Billy Flynn on guitar and the late Barrelhouse --A.J. Foyt

WALTER WOLFMAN WASHINGTON & The Roadmasters at ZOO BAR February 21 @ 6:00 pm BANDS AND VENUES…HELP US HELP YOU!!! HELP US PUT MORE BUTTS IN MORE SEATS The Blues Society of Omaha maintains a powerful calendar of events on its website, omahablues.com. We invite all venue and band managers to take advantage of this free opportunity for promotion. Since we are an all volunteer organization, we ask you to get an account and help us by maintaining your digital space on this calendar. Our calendar has the following features: • A real-time page showing the most timely upcoming events. • A powerful search engine for users to find specific events by name, venue, band, and date. • Events pages that allow rich text, photos, and external links to band site and venue pages. Much of the page is generated automatically from the venue page. It also makes it easy for use to add events to their calendar and to use a map. • Venue pages that allow contact information and photos, map insets linked to full mapping, and links to external sites. • For bands, we have a band listing page with links to individual band pages. These are full free-form WordPress pages supporting text, graphics and links. • The site works well on mobile devices like smartphones. If you are interested, please contact Sid Sidner at [email protected] to learn more and to get registered for a free account today. Musical genres supported by the Blues Society of Omaha on our calendar. Blues • Surf Rock • R & B • Jazz • Rockabilly • Funk • Soul • Roots • Swing • Americana • Rock & Roll • Blue Grass

FOR BSO FORUSE: BSO USE: Date:______Date:______ Membership Membership card/s were card/s given were given Member       Member Amount paid: Amount ______paid: ______Cash CashCheck CheckCredit CardCredit Card MembershipMembership card/s need card/s mailed need mailed

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BENEFITSBENEFITS Join andJoin donate and donateonline atonline www.omahablues.com at www.omahablues.com or mail or this mail form this to: form to: Blues SocietyBlues Society of Omaha, of Omaha, Inc. Inc. ☞ P.O. BoxP.O. 241 Box698 241 698 Monthly newsletter Omaha,Omaha, NE 68124 NE 68124

Name ______Name ______ If this membership If this membership is a gift, isplease a gift, checkplease check ☞ Special events, parties AddressAddress ______here and here also and write also your write own your name, own address, name, address,

City ______City ______State ______State ______Zip ______Zip ______and phone and # phone on the # reverse on the reverseside. BSO side. BSO ☞ 10% off your bill on Mondays at Phone ______Phone ______gladly will gladly notify will the notify recipient the recipient of your gift.of your gift.

BAILEY’S BREAKFAST & LUNCH, E-mail ______E-mail ______

th 1259 S. 120 Street (next door  RENEWAL RENEWAL or  or BRAND  BRAND NEW DONOR NEW DONOR

to Bronco’s), Omaha, with your  General General Donor Donor...... $25 . . . . . $25 ● Monthly● NewsletterMonthly Newsletter – Blues Notes– Blues Notes current BSO Donation Card ● 1 Membership● 1 Membership Card provides Card providesmember memberdiscounts discounts for 1 person for 1 person

 Family DonoFamilyr Dono. . . . . r...... $40 . . . . . $40 ☞ Special pre-sale and discounted ● Monthly● NewsletterMonthly Newsletter – Blues Notes– Blues Notes ● 2 Membership● 2 Membership Cards provide Cards memberprovide memberdiscounts discounts for 2 persons for 2 persons

tickets to selected BSO events  Special Special Donor .Donor ...... $75 . . . . . $75 ● Monthly● NewMonthlysletter New – sletterBlues Notes– Blues Notes …and more ● 2 Membership● 2 Membership Cards provide Cards memberprovide memberdiscounts discounts for 2 persons for 2 persons ● Name● Listed Name in ListedBlues inNotes Blues Newsletter Notes Newsletter

 Corporate Corporate Donor .Donor ...... $125...... $125 ● Monthly● NewsletterMonthly Newsletter – Blues Notes– Blues Notes ● 3 Membership● 3 Membership Cards provide Cards memberprovide memberdiscounts discounts for 3 persons for 3 persons ● Name● Listed Name in ListedBlues inNotes Blues Newsletter Notes Newsletter

 Blue Club Blue Donor Club Donor...... $250...... $250 ● Monthly● NewsletterMonthly Newsletter – Blues Notes– Blues Notes ● 5 Membership● 5 Membership Cards provide Cards memberprovide memberdiscounts discounts for 5 persons for 5 persons ● Name ● Listed Name in ListedBlues inNotes Blues Newsletter Notes Newsletter ● 1 st Month● 1 stFree Month Business Free Business Card Advertisement Card Advertisement

 YES, GOYES, GREEN! GO GREEN! I choose Ito choose receive to my receive monthly my newslettermonthly newsletter by email byrather email than rather by U.S.than Mail.by U.S. I understand Mail. I understand that BSO's that cost BSO's to print cost to print & mail my & newsmail myletter news wouldletter be would $20/year be $20/year and I want and BSO I want to useBSO the to entiretyuse the ofentirety my membership of my membership donation donation for better for purposes better purposes in the in the cause to cause promote to promoteblues music. blues music.  NO, I preferNO ,to I preferreceive to my receive newsletter my newsletter by U.S. Mail.by U.S. I understand Mail. I understand that BSO's that cost BSO's to print cost & to mail print my & newslettermail my newsletter is $20/year. is $20/year. Therefore, Therefore, I I have considered have considered an additional an additional donation donation so that BSO so that is able BSO to is use able more to use funds more for funds better for purposes better purposes in the cause in the to causepromote to promoteblues music. blue s music. BSO BOARD OF DIRECTORS:  ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL DONATION DONATION: $ ______: $ ______BSO would BSO welcome would welcome any additional any additional donation donation you might you care might to make care totowards make ourtowards ongoing our ongoing Richard “Dick” Allen...... [email protected] projects includingprojects including the BluedEd the BluedEdyouth program, youth program, Nebraska Nebraska Blues Challenge Blues Challenge band competitions, band competitions, website upgrades,website upgrades, events, and events, many and more. many more. Mary Elofson...... [email protected] Thank youThank for your you taxfor yourdeductible tax deductible donations. donations. Your generous Your generous support wisupportll help wiKeepll help the Keep Blues the Alive Blues !!! Alive !!! Terry O’Halloran...... [email protected] Terry Sedivy...... [email protected] A Non-ProfitA Non 501(c)(3)-Profit 501(c)(3)Corporation Corporation Keepin’ the Keepin’Keepin’ Blues the Alive! Bluesthe Blues Alive! Alive! Nancy Walsh...... [email protected]

Blues Society of Omaha Blues Notes Editorial Staff President...... Mark Grubbs - [email protected] - 402-598-8644 Vice President ...... Glenn Bauer - [email protected] Editor: Treasurer...... NICK SCHULTZ Assistant Treasurer...... Terry O’Halloran - [email protected] Secretary...... Bonnie Mercer - [email protected] [email protected] Volunteer Coordinators...... Lisa & Steve Krueger - [email protected] Membership Coordinator...... Sher Newland - [email protected] Contributors: Merchandise Coordinator...... Vee Andersen - [email protected] Advertising Coordinator...... Annette Jensen - [email protected] A. J. Foyt, Nancy Walsh, Terry O’Halloran, Event Coordinator...... Cinda Tully - [email protected] Terry Sedivy, Jay Anderson, Trudy Bredthauer BSO Lincoln Representative...... Jo Kreitman - [email protected]