BluesView
By Big Earl Matthews
Hi folks, I am writing this up on the first day of summer and if this is any indication of things to come it’s going to be a hot one. I’m going to recommend that you drink lots of water and hang out with some cool blues musicians.
Some things to keep an eye on this summer. Every Sunday in Moke Hill at the Hotel Leger they are having a Blues BBQ party. There is a different band each week, great food and a huge shaded pool right next to the stage. I will be there with the Cryin’ Shame on the 9th but, check out their FB for who’s playing when.
You can check out Rob Hill Band at P. Wexford’s on July 1st. Rob Jazzy Blue sound goes great with any of the couple dozen beers they keep on tap. Jeramy Norris and the Dangerous Mood with be up at the Hotel Leger on the 4th for a night of danceable blues you can use.
If you want to cool down, you can head up to Sac on the 7th to check out Lydia Pense and Cold Blood at Swabbies. Lydia has been one of the most recognized voices out of San Francisco since 1969. Her band is going just as strong as ever and is well worth checking out.
On the 21st I will be back up at the Torch Club in Sac with the Cryin’ Shame. It’s one of the most fun places to play in my opinion. You can catch the B-4 Dawn Band Feat. Terrie Londee at Yosemite Lanes. They mix Classic Rock, Funk, R&B and Blues. On the 25th you can catch Blues Legend Robert Cray at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. Robert’s voice is so clear, powerful and his guitar playing is incredible. I have been a fan for years; this is one to catch.
On the 28th you have a couple of pretty compelling choices. You could head over to Mountain Winery and check out Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang, or you could head to The Blues and Bones Festival in Calaveras. I’ll Start with Buddy Guy. I have seen Buddy 4 times; he is a showman. He can outplay just about everyone I have ever seen on guitar and has the voice and the stage presence to move the biggest crowds in the world. True Blues Royalty.
This year’s Blues and Bones is looking pretty hot as well. Headlined by John Nemeth, who is one of the hottest blues singers I have ever seen. He can sing clear as a bell like an R&B crooner or he can come at you with a growl perfect for some juke joint blues. His harmonica is an extension of his hand and in just one listen you can hear why this man is hot on the heels of stardom. Rounding out the festival this year from San Jose, Maxx Cabello Jr. from Sac the Ben Rice Trio, from Fresno AC Miles from our neck of the woods Jeramy Norris and the Dangerous Mood and The Marc Chauvette Band. Tough Choice but, these are the kind of problems we like.
Don’t forget folks this are now three blues jams in our area to check out. Wednesdays at Haven Acres hosted by Jeramy Norris. Thursday at the Barkin Dog hosted by Dave Dow and another one at Garlic Brothers Stockton also organized by Jeramy Norris.
Have a great month, and I hope to see you out at a show.
