ISSUE 143 The Publication of The Linn County Society MAY 2006 BLUESMORE 2006 is coming August 5th with headliners Roomful of Blues & Nora Jean Bruso performing on the lawn of Brucemore Annually they are nominated for, and collect, multiple Gram- my and W.C. Handy Blues Awards with their horn-driven blend of swing, jump, Blues and soul. In the next several issues of The BLUESPAPER, we’ll preview the current band members who have followed founding mem- Above, Nora Jean Bruso; above ber Duke Robillard, and Ronnie Plans are full left, the current Roomful of Blues Earl and Lou Ann Barton who speed ahead for outstanding musicians. came along later. the annual BLUES- MORE festival to • Nora Jean Bruso, (above) born in the Mississippi Delta be held Saturday, area, the land that produced Son House, Willie Brown, August 5th, on the Robert Johnson to name a few, grew up in a family that lawns of the beau- embraced church music but at the same time ran a juke tiful Brucemore joint where legends like her hero Howlin’ Wolf appeared. mansion, which is Nora Jean has been named one of the ten great preserved today women in Chicago Blues by Chicago’s Museum of Science by the National and Industry. It has been said that she is ready and poised Trust for Historic Above, Brucemore as it appears from First Avenue. to take the world by storm, and has what it takes to be Preservation. This Blues festival is sponsored jointly by the the next “Queen of the Blues.” Linn County Blues Society and Brucemore, Inc., • Roomful of Blues, the horn-fueled, jumping, swinging, • The Ellis Kell Band is set to open BLUESMORE 2006. award-winning band, have just released their latest Alliga- Originally formed in 1990, The EKB has performed in the tor Records recording, “Standing Room Only,” to outstanding midwest at many clubs, concert venues and festivals. The reviews. The great Count Basie called them “the hottest band plays approximately 50% original maerial and 50% Blues band I’ve ever heard.” Downbeat has said the band cover tunes of Blues and Rock selections. is “in a class by itself.” Without a doubt, following 35 years The band’s first CD was released in 1993 with “Down on of performing, Roomful of Blues, is all this and more. the Levee,” (Continued on page 7)

©2006—Linn County Blues Society The BLUESPAPER/May 2006/1 Int’l Blues Challenge winner Joey Gilmore at Mahoney’s

The Linn County Blues Society is a non-profit several of the songs on Gilmore’s latest organization dedicated to the preservation, recording “The Ghosts of Mississippi.” promotion and perpetuation of Blues music in Cuban percussionist R.D. Hernandez Eastern Iowa, as well as to provide charitable contributions to other community organizations. completes the Gilmore band rhythm LCBS is an Affiliated Organization in The Blues section from behind the drum kit. Make Foundation’s international network. The no mistake about it, these guys are the BLUESPAPER is a monthly publication of LCBS. Blues real deal! Website: www.lcbs.org International Blues Challenge entrants Bluesline: 319/399-5105. are judged on Blues content, talent, The Leaders—Officers: originality, and stage presence through- President...... Dave Points out the week of competition. Most of the Vice President...... Secretary...... Michelle Points performing acts are already regional or Treasurer...... Susan Dergo state award winners, or have received By Ric Holmquest, LCBS Staff Writer sponsorship from their local Blues Societ- Directors at Large: ies or clubs. Bob DeForest, Bill Meeks, Bob Dorr 2006 International Blues Challenge The Linn County Blues Society, Missis- winner Joey Gilmore will perform at Chairs: sippi Valley Blues Society, and the Education...... Vacant Mahoney’s Irish Pub, 1602 E Avenue Central Iowa Blues Society have all Entertainment...... Gary Gibson NE, on Sunday, May 14, from 6-10 Membership...... Kevin Cutsforth hosted regional competitions in coordi- PM. Hot on the heels of his impressive Merchandise...... Andy Dergo nation with the Blues Foundation’s IBC, Parliamentarian...... Bill Meeks Memphis-based Blues Foundation IBC and sponsored Blues music performing Program...... Bob DeForest win, Gilmore brings his signaure style artists to memphis for the annual event. Public Relations...... Interested? of Blues and R&B to Mahoney’s in the Webmaster...... Evan Vulich Be sure to take advantage of this heart of Cedar Rapids’ Irish District. opportunity to see one of the best Blues The BLUESPAPER folks: Joey Gilmore’s win this past January bands in the world when Joey Gilmore Editor...... Chris Weinbrenner in Memphis is noteworthy, having now Photographers...... See bylines each issue performs at Mahoney’s! There is never a been recognized as the best unsigned Staff Writers...... See bylines each issue cover charge at Mahoney’s Irish Pub. Printing...... :...... Superior Press band on the planet! Distribution...... Andy Dergo & Bill Meeks The 22nd Annual International Blues P P P P Membership: Challenge features Blues music per- To learn more about The Linn County Blues Soci- formers from around the world, ety or to join, see the membership form printed on page 7. Your membership includes: performing and competing in venues • Discount admissions to many local Blues up and down famed Beale Street. The Cedar Rapids activities The IBC is the largest gathering of Blues Scene Says... • Monthly LCBS BLUESPAPER Blues music performers in the world, • Voting rights in the LCBS with over 130 competitors this year. Contact Information: When the dust had settled, Joe Gil- Deadline for news, band or club live entertainment more and his talented rhythm section listing, or advertising: 2nd Monday of month. Send to Chris Weinbrenner, PO Box 407, Williamsburg IA emerged as champions! 52361, phone/fax: 319/668-8113; The Joey Gilmore band is a power [email protected] or web: www.lcbs.org trio. Florida Blues legend Joey Gilmore has played his for over forty Moving? Send new address to LCBS, PO Box 2672, Cedar Rapids IA 52406-2672 so you won’t miss a years, performing throughout the single issue of your BLUESPAPER. and Europe. George Caldwell is large and in charge of the bass, and co-wrote

2/The BLUESPAPER/May 2006 For her SIRIUS show, Copeland will share stories of her life in the Blues and play Blues songs both familiar and obscure. “I warned them,” said Copeland. “I’m taking over the airwaves. It’s gonna be great.” • Sopranos stars pay a visit to Guitar Shorty While performing in Chicago at Buddy Guy’s Legends night- club on March 17, Alligator recording star Guitar Shorty re- ceived a visit from cast members of the acclaimed HBO • Soul and Blues singer Shemekia Copeland to show . , , host weekly Blues show on Sirius Satellite Radio , Steve Schirripa stayed the entire last set. “Little Steven” (Van Zandt), as he is known when playing Grammy Award-nominated soul and blues singer, Shemekia Copeland, will host her own weekly Blues radio guitar with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, could not resist show exclusively on SIRIUS satellite radio beginning April the temp-tation, and he joined Shorty on stage for an 22. Shemekia Copeland’s Blues Show will air on Saturdays extended, impromptu Jam session. from 1-7 PM ET on SIRIUS Blues channel 74. Copeland couldn’t be more excited, saying, “What kind of crazy • Eric Lindell to play Main Stage at people are working at SIRIUS to let me loose with a Jazz & Heritage Festival microphone every Saturday afternoon?” Newly signed Alligator artist Eric Lindell, whose debut Copeland, the daughter of the late Blues master Johnny release Change in the Weather hit the streets on April 4, will Clyde Copeland, burst on the scene in 1997 with her perform on the Main Stage at the New Orleans Jazz & debut CD, “Turn The Heat Up” when she was just 19, and heritage Festival May 5. Early press and radio response to his most recently, “The Soul Truth” in 2005. CD is simply astonishing.

‘Da Blues on KCCK: Friday: • 6-10 PM: da Friday Blues with John Heim • 10-11 PM: Backstage Blues • 11 PM to Midnight: Beale Street Caravan • Midnight Blues CD Saturday: • 6-10 PM: da Blues with Bobby D • 10-11 PM: The Crawfish Circuit • 11 PM-Midnight: The Melting Pot • Midnight Blues CD www.kcck.org

The BLUESPAPER/May 2006/3 New Releases from Blind Pig Records

As reviewed by Jamie Jorecki Lonnie incisive Blues and roots-rock is still here, LCBS Staff Writer Brooks, only slightly diverse with some slide John and acoustic guitar, sitar, mandolin Blind Pig Records is proud to present Mooney, and of course, a healthy dose of their first releases of 2006: a live CD and hard-rockin’ lead guitar. “Young from the Reverend Billy C. Wirtz and a Reba Guns” and “The Devil’s Guitar” are a collection of gems from the repertoire Russell. couple of my personal favorites. of one of the finest guitarists of his After Mark your calendar to see Popa generation, Jimmy Thackery. depart- Chubby live at this year’s Mississippi ing the Valley Blues Festival. • Rev. Billy Wash- Recorded live December 31, C. Wirtz is a ington D.C. area Blues band, The comic gen- 2005, at an authentic Texas road- Night Hawks, Thackery reemerged as house, J & J Blues Bar, My Heart’s in ius and a power trio. Jimmy Thackery & The gifted pia- Texas captures Smokin’ Joe Kubeck Drivers gained the spotlight as an & Bnois King’s special stage magic nist with an aggressive Blues-Rock guitar slinging eclectic, and clearly demonstrates what band. As a matter of fact, the Linn makes this dynamic duo so unique. wide range County Blues Society was proud to of subject Consi- have Thackery & The Drivers as our dered matter in first BLUESMORE headliner back in his “hymns.” by many 1994. Both CDs and DVD are avail- as long Administering a sharp wit and biting able now. satire, Wirtz has his “congregation” rolli- over ng in the aisles during his wacky live To be released May 9, the latest due, performances. Sermon From Bethlehem studio release from Popa Chubby this is is an excellent display of Billy live at his titled Stealing the Devil’s Guitar and Kubek schizophrenic best with non-stop old another dual live CD/DVD release & King’s comic favorites (Grandma VS. the from Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King first live Crusher) and soon-to-be classics (Fe- titled My Heart’s in Texas. recording. On New Year’s Eve, Joe, male Problems and The King & I). Bnois and the band tore it up for two Comedy aside, Billy knocks out some • Stealing the sets with their road-tested fan smokin’ Blues and boogie woogie Devil’s Guitar favorites mostly from the two Blind piano. Perhaps for the first time, this CD is Popa Chub- Pig releases, Show Me the Money showcases the piano brilliance of a ser- by’s most im- and Roadhouse Research. ious musician. There is also a DVD con- portant album They also performed two originals cert of this same live CD. to date, offer- especially written for the occasion ing a breadth and a pair of covers never recorded • The Essential Jimmy Thackery says it of creativity before. Again, there will be a live all in the title. This great collection of perhaps unex- DVD of this along with the CD and tunes from Thackery’s eight Blind Pig pected from Popa Chubby’s May 9. releases, dating from 1992-2000, the “King of New York City Blues” Remember, for these and a whole represent what many consider to be his who is best known for his signature lot more, check out the entire Blind most vibrant and creative period. hard hitting, guitar-driven anthems. Pig catalog catalog at Special guests include Duke robillard, Popa’s brand of progressive, lyrically www.blindpigrecords.com

4/The BLUESPAPER/May 2006 Iowa Blues Hall of Fame Induction: Class of 2005

Bob Dorr Steve George Joanne Jackson Fred Walk

Blues on Grand in Des Moines, Home Blues in Chicago. Deciding to pay tri- of the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame, honor- bute to their home roots, they be- ed the IBHOF inductees - Class of 2005 came the Linn County Blues Band. on Sunday, April 30. During their stint in Chicago, they shared Live music for the event was by Chi- the stage with Buddy Guy, James Cot- cago Rick’s Iowa Blues Hall of Fame ton, Junior Wells, Howlin’ Wolf. Revue featuring IBHOF members Shortening their name to Linn County, George Davis, Gilbert Davis, and they went to L.A. in ‘68 to record Harlan “Soul Man” Thomas. The four “Proud Flesh Soothseer,” an album of inductees performed with the band, almost all original tunes by the band. and an All-Star Jam followed. The band went on a cross-country tour performing with Albert King in Chicago, Eastern Iowa’s nominees: Dorr has produced six volumes of Led Zeppelin in Detroit, Eric Burdon & • Bob Dorr: Born in Chicago, Bob grew the Iowa Blues Compilation discs the Animals in New York. up listening to WLS Radio which inspir- resulting in Iowa artists getting air- Miller left the band to join the Elvin ed him to start singing when he was time across the globe, over 20 titles Bishop Band but eventually reformed about 8 with drum lessons at 13. His with The Blue Band. The Iowa Blues the band back in Iowa in ‘74 with cur- biggest influence is John Lennon with New Year shows that he organizes rent IBHOF member Ron DeWitte on the Blues of , B.B., Albert, have been a fixture since ‘93. guitar. Tom “T-Bone” Giblin (also an and having a major Bob Dorr was inducted into the IBHOF member) took over on key- impact as well. His first paid perfor- Iowa rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in boards after Miller joined the band mance was with Tortoise & the Hair for 2000 for his work with KUNI. Grinderswitch. a 9th grade dance after moving to In 2004, Fred Walk had the proud Davenport. • Fred Walk: Fred’s life was never honor of being part of the ceremony He became an announcer and music the same after hearing “Mystery that inducted Linn County into the Iowa director for KUNI Radio while at UNI in Train” by Elvis Presley when he was Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Cedar Falls while also leading the band, 11. But hearing Blues artists like John The Raggs Revue. Dorr has been the Lee Hooker and T-Bone Walker on • Steve George: Steve is currently the weekend host on KUNI since 1980 and the radio set forth his musical direc- featured vocalist with the Bob Pace has led the popular The Blue Band tion. When 13 he obtained his first Band operating out of Des Moines. He since ‘81 while at the same time form- guitar and later played trumpet in has performed with name artists Son ing his own Hot Fudge record label school bands, playing bass at his Seals, Otis Clay, Kenny Neal, Bob Mar- dedicated to recording Iowa talent. first paid gig in eastern Iowa. golin and Preston Shannon. His bands have shared bills with B.B. Walk joined The Prophets, a band King, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Bobby based out of Cedar Rapids, that • Joanne Jackson: Singer Jackson Rush, , Roomful of Blues, to also included singer/keyboardist comes from a rich musical heritage in name just a few. He has performed at Stephen Miller, also a member of her family and she first sang in public the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest four the IBHOF. They expanded their fan at the age of four. She has appeared times, twice at the Kansas City Jazz & base, performing in large Midwest in musicals here and abroad and sang Blues Fest, and in Memphis at B.B. King’s cities, which led to an offer to with the Count Basie Band. Her home- Blues Club as part of the Bluestock Fest. become the house band at Mother’s town is Newton, Iowa.

The BLUESPAPER/May 2006/5 Who’s Playing Where & When

CALENDAR Every Sunday: Checker's Tavern: BLUE SUNDAY, 8 PM (no cover) Every Sunday: Mahoney’s Irish Pub: Various artists (no cover) Membership Every Tuesday: Rumour’s Jam: T-Bone Giblin/Dan Johnson, 8-11 Every Wednesday: Fajita Factory CR: McMurrin & Johnson, 5-8 Discounts Save You$$$! Every Wednesday: Checker’s Tavern: Kevin B.F. Burt Solo, 6-9 Every Wednesday: Mahoney’s CR: D-Licious Vinyl w/Bob DeForest, 8-12 The following merchants have graciously offered discounts to Every Thursday: J.M. O'Malley's: T-Bone Giblin Jam Fest members of the Linn County Blues Society that flash their membership cards and the coupon below. MAY Thu. 4 Chrome Horse Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute Band w/Dan Whyms of Washington state, 9 PM • Save at...Dublin City Pub Fri. 5 Chrome Horse Sonic Holiday Get your discount drinks at Dublin City Pub. • Save at...Tic Toc Restaurant Coralville John Shultz/Bob Dunn at Confusions Cafe Buy one, get one 1/2 price, on any regular breakfast Davenport River Music Experience, Courtyard concert, entre or sandwich Bob Dorr & The Blue Band, 6-9 • Save at...Genghis Grill Sat. 6 Chrome Horse 3 Musicians and a Drummer 10% off entire ticket anytime Coralville Gary Gibson at Confusions Cafe, 6 PM • Save at...Papa Juan’s Chappy’s Safari Tornadoes, 9-1 10% discount on meals only Sun. 7 Checkers Tavern Jim Suhler Band • Save at...Hamilton Mortgage Mahoney’s Pub Everwonder $250 off closing costs (ask for Jessica) Fri. 12 Chrome Horse O’Connell Brothers Band * * LCBS COUPON * * Homestead Tornadoes at Zuber’s, 7-11 Keep your card & coupon in your wallet or purse & use it. Coralville Gary Gibson Group at Confusions Cafe Des Moines Moe Band at Raccoon River Brewing, 10:30 Sat. 13 Chrome Horse Funk Daddies Coralville Gary Gibson at Confusions Cafe, 6 PM Specializing in Sun. 14 Checkers Tavern Pat Ramsey Band RIBS, STEAK, PRIME RIB Mahoney’s Pub Joey Gilmore LOBSTER & CRAB Fri. 19 Hilton Inn, DM 2006 Iowa Blues Challenge Finals Featuring our award winning BBQ pork ribs Chrome Horse The Blue Band Seafood • 30 item salad bar Coralville Big and Easy w/Heim & Shultz, Confusions Kids Menus • Specialty desserts Sat. 20 Chrome Horse All That 90 Twixt Town Road • Marion Fifth Gear Bar Grand Opening Outdoor Party featuring 377-6386 Eric Sardinas LCBS meeting 1st Monday of month! Coralville Kevin “BF” Burt at Confusions Cafe, 6 PM See you at The Longbranch on June 5, 6:30 PM, Blend, CR John Shultz Organization w/Bob Dunn & for the LCBS June Meeting. Guests are welcome! Tim Crumley, 7:30 PM Des Moines Michael Burks (BLUESMORE 2005 head- liner) at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand Ave. Sun. 21 Mahoney’s Pub Soul Fusion A very special THANK YOU to these businesses who have signed Tuscan Moon Tornadoes, 6-9 up to help us Keep the Blues Alive: Fri. 26 Chrome Horse Ernie Peniston Band ✬Chappy's Safari Lounge ✬Cedar Brewing Co. Coralville Easy Does It w/Shulz/Bob Dunn, Confusions ✬16th Avenue Music ✬Chrome Horse IC Ped Mall Tornadoes at Friday Concert, 6:30-9:30 ✬J.M. O'Malleys ✬Mahoney’s Sat. 27 Coralville Kevin “BF” Burt at Confusions Cafe, 6 PM ✬Muddy Waters ✬KCCK 88.3 Coralville Tornadoes at Gus’s, 9-1 ✬Longbranch ✬Checker’s Tavern Dubuque Bob Dorr & The Blue Band at Busted Lift ✬Dudley Bros. Company ✬Ron Schantz Construction Sun. 28 Mahoney’s Pub Daddy O’s Funky Posse ✬Ralston Foods ✬Home Town Restyling Mon. 29 Waubeek Bob Dorr & The Blue Band at FB & Co. ✬Watson’s Auto Body, Inc. ✬Dublin City Pub Summer Kick Off Blowout ✬CRST ✬Stars

6/The BLUESPAPER/May 2006 Just Blues News...

BLUESMORE Continued

• The Ellis Kell Band: Saturday,May20 (Continued from page 1) GrandOpeningOutdoorParty! and its second CD in 2000 FifthGearBar&Grill with “Ellis Kell 4617JStreetSW Band & Friends - 2000.” The band currently features Ellis Kell on 366-2177 guitar and vocals, John Burchett on bass, Rick Stoneking on Featuring... keyboards, ‘Detroit” Larry Davison on harmonica, and Terry EricSardinas... Hanson on drums. alsoplaying: BLUESMORE Sponsors signed up MitchSmith,Shakin’Jake,DanBodicker, BruceKaiserBand&JustinCase! Thanks to Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust (CRBT) for being sponsor of the Main Stage; Homestyle Restyling signing up for the third year as Back Porch sponsor; and great old Doorsopenat3PM standbys, The Gazette and KCRG, as media sponsors. We $15Advance•$20atthegate couldn’t do it without you! •SponsoredbyBudweiser Alligator recording artist Michael Burks, BLUESMORE 2005 headliner, is coming to Blues On Grand in Des LMRProductions& Moines on Saturday, May 20. He’ll be promoting his LinnCountyBluesSociety latest release “I Smell Smoke,” featuring Burks’ feral guitar playing and gruff, soulful vocals.

Linn County Blues Society Application for Membership Name ______Phone _____/_____-______Street ______City/State/Zip ______eMail address ______❑ Annual Membership Dues: $20 ❑ Blues Booster/Corporate Sponsor: $100 Check below if you would like to share your talent with LCBS from one of these areas: ❑ Membership ❑ Newsletter ❑ Advertising ❑ Entertainment ❑ Concerts ❑ Merchandise ❑ Public Relations Please mail application and check to: Linn County Blues Society, PO Box 2672, Cedar Rapids IA 52406-2672. Contact us at www.lcbs.org or 319-399-5105, the Blues Hotline. Thank you for helping to keep the Blues Alive!

The BLUESPAPER/May 2006/7