Blues&JazzView
by Eric Benson
If you luv music you’re gonna love this
Well as I wrote in the 5th grade when asked to write a verse about this time of year about the seasons; “Yes spring has sprung and with it we full of weeds”. Yes the blossoms are blooming and ‘tis the season to be sneezin’ and to be wheezin’. On the home front a lot of things to do in the downtown Motown area, bring a handkerchief.
Blue Monday Invitational Jam returns to the Barkin’ Dog Grill this April 10th with Ultra Lounge, with special guest Barry Finnerty Jazz guitarist. Barry is a virtuoso guitarist front man who has played with: Miles Davis, Brecker Brothers, BB King, the Crusaders, Tower of Power to name a few. We will be playing some of the music and arrangements of bands he has played with as well as some crowd pleasers of the Doors, Stones, and some Pop.
We have been blessed with great musicians and great attendance every Monday for months now so come on down for all the way live music. We will be playing everything from straight ahead Jazz, funk, Latin, Rhythm and Blues and yes some POP with special guests sitting in for dancing and listening. The band is a super group of all the best players in the area with 7-piece house Band hosting. The Blue Monday Band features: lead vocalist, guitar and bass player Dave Sousa, Johnny Valdes guitar, Tim Allen bass, vocals, Dave Hawks on drums, Eric Benson & Pat Governor on keys, and horn section: Andrew Rosenblum Sax, trumpet, and Jamie Dubberly trombone. Show from 7 to 10 PM with food and drink available in an all age venue. Call the Dog for reservations: 572-2341. If you play, come on down and sit in with the best musicians in the area, it’s gonna’ be smoking!
The Barkin’ Dog Grill for March features: in April; 7th Larry Stewart Jazz guitarist & Unit 7, 8th Traditional Funk band, 10th with Eric Benson Blue Monday Party invitational Jam with Barry Finnerty, 11th Poetry with Gillian Wegerner, 15th with Hwy 99 Band, 20th ARTWALK with Tony & Tough Times Blues, 21st Bourbon Street Blues Band, 28th Valley Jazz Company, and every Thursday Jazz invitational Jam with the mighty Dave Dowe Keyboards.
Off the beaten track the West side theatre is Newman brings in a few shows in April. Saturday April 1st Rudy Columbini & the Unauthorized Stones Tribute, a nine-piece Theatrical Rock performance made up of seasoned pro’s playing the music of the stones. And Saturday April 8th the band Boys of summer do an Eagles Tribute. Check out WWW.westsidetheatre.org. for the details.
One of the newer venues bringing in live music in our hometown is the Portal, located at 1324 Caldwell Ave. A converted warehouse space with a dedicated stage with lineup and Hammond B-3 organ! The lowdown on the how down for what’s coming up in April; 1st Celestial Shambala, a super group with Steve Ashman of Zasu Pitts, Barry Melton of Country Joe & the Fish, David Aguilar of Steve Miller Band, Roy Bluemenfelf of Blue Project, and April *the; Big Earl’s Dance Party featuring Shad Harris and Rob Hill, and April 15th Mr. Chris Murphy’s show British Invasion, Shagadelic Celebration, and all star lineup of local talent. Mr. Uncle Lonny Presents making it happen.
Come back out for third Thursday Art Walk 5 to 9:00 PM for some great art and music in the downtown! .Lowdown on the jam session in the downtown: Barkin’ Dog Thursday night jazz jams with Dave Dow, Queen Bean Sundays open mike night also in an all age environment.
Remember please support our local live venues for live music and the arts. So take some time out to hear some live music and the arts of our own town as well this month, think globally and act locally.
All the best, peace out! Eric Benson, cell 209- 918-7033.
