BluesView
By “Big” Earl Matthews
Hello friends and blues lovers! Summer is winding down and its time for the harvest. I have been scouring the web looking to see what is in store for us in September for local blues fans.
First off, every Thursday at the Garlic Brothers in Stockton Jeramy Norris and the Dangerous Mood hosts a blues jam. This is a type of open mic where musicians come together and play off the cuff. This is a great place to come for fun and an excellent place for musicians to network and meet new folks to play with. I myself met 2 of the guys with whom I started the Cryin’ Shame at a jam that Jeramy hosted many years ago.
On the 5th Jeramy Norris and the Dangerous Mood will be playing a free show at Barkin’ Dog. Jeramy is a veteran blues man with a whole bunch of talent and a crazy tight 3-piece band that can turn on a dime and will keep you engaged and dancing all night long.
On the 17th Rob Hill Band will be at Deva Cafe. Rob and the boys are really on fire these days. Their sound mixes up Jazz, Blues and Soul music with heartfelt vocals and dynamic music for a finished product unlike anything else you can find in the valley. Rob Hill Band is one of the bands to watch in our area and I do every chance I get.
On the 19th Big Earl and the Crying shame will be out at the Hughson Harvest. We will be there all afternoon playing on the main stage. This event is free and all ages so bring the whole family.
On Sunday the 20th Ron Tompson and the Resistors will be playing the blues in the Vineyard out in Lodi at Mettler Family Winery. Ron is a boogie guitar player who used to play for John Lee Hooker. Ron is considered to be one of the best guitar players in the bay area and has played with everyone in the blues world during his long career. Ron’s talent mixed with this beautiful location is a sure fire way to a good time.
Then on the 22nd George Thorogood and the Destroyers along with Tommy Castro and the Painkillers will be at Bob Hope Theater in Stockton. What can I even say about this one except that it will be one for the books. Two great bands, a whole lot of great songs, and some bands that will no doubt go down in the history books as some of the best. Plus the Bob Hope is a great medium size theater, not a bad seat in the house, honestly.
On the evening of the 25th, we will be out at Central Catholic High school playing at their annual fundraiser carnival. It should be a lot of fun and it helps to raise funds for scholarships.
There are shows going on in the 209 every day of the year. Go out and check out some of the great talent that is all around you. Support the people who make your area a great place to live and play. By the time this story runs the MAMA voting will have begun so make sure to vote for your favorite bands and have a great September.
Sept 5- Jeramy Norris and the Dangerous Mood @ Barkin Dog
Sept 17- Rob Hill Band @ Deva 7pm
Sept 19- Hughson Harvest Festival Big Earl and the Cryin’ Shame
Sept 20- Blues in the Vineyard, Lodi, Ron Tompson and the Resistors
Sept 22- George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Bob Hope Theater in Stockton
Sept 25- Central Catholic fundraiser Big Earl and the Cryin’ Shame
