There seems to be lots of blues (and some almost-blues) coming this way for the weekend.
But first, take note that today is 09.09.09. It will be the last of these repeating, single-digit dates until Jan. 1, 2101. What does it mean? There are lots of things going on, including big Beatles news (no, not a reunion!). And even this kind of stuff. What does that have to do with the blues? Probably zip, but it was fun looking it all up. BlueNotes had to have something to do over a long Labor Day weekend while relaxing at his West Virginia Blues Fortress of Solitude.
Now back to the blues.
Here's what's coming up for the next few days:
Let's start with Friday night, which will give some of us fits trying to pick a show to attend.
At Moondog's you can experience the power of Curtis Salgado's fine soul music -- soaring vocals and sizzling harp. He was my favorite moment at the Pittsburgh Blues Festival.
Meanwhile, way across town at the Palisades Ballroom in McKeesport, Burgh soulman Billy Price hooks up with the always-tough Nighthawks for a show in which both bands plan to set up together, and alternate songs throughout the night. Sounds like spontaneous blues combustion could occur. And a lot of fun.
BlueNotes had long ago made a commitment to attend the Palisades with some friends (yes, he has a few), so we'll have to rely on comments from Bluzer, who sounded like he was going to make the Salgado show his goal for the weekend, to hear about that show.
On Saturday night, Boz Scaggs shows up at the Carnegie Music Hall in Homestead. Now I know he's not exactly a bluesman, but over the years his work seems to have been graced by the soul of the blues.
Even on Monday night, there are even some blues to check out, as Australian-based acoustic bluesman Geoff Achison comes to the Thunderbird Cafe. He's got a great rep as an acoustic player.
Also this weekend, starting tomorrow night, is the Carnegie Arts & Heritage Festival, with a lot of emphasis on local blues bands. They have many other events and music as well -- check it out here. But here's the blues schedule:
Thursday, September 10
5:00-6:30 p.m. Sweaty Betty
6:30-8:00 p.m. Dave Iglar
Halftime - EMJ Band
Friday, September 11
4:30-6:00 p.m. Soirée Band
6:00-7:30 p.m. Groove Merchant
7:30-9:00 p.m. Mahajibee Blues Band
9:00-10:30 p.m. Bill Toms
10:30-12:00 p.m. Jill West and Blues Attack
Saturday, September 12
Noon – 4:00 p.m. Battle of the Bands
4:30-6:00 p.m. The Elliots
6:00-7:30 p.m. Trainwreck
7:30-9:00 p.m. Gary Belloma
9:00-10:30 p.m. Mansfield 5
10:30-12:00 p.m. Joe Grushecky
Go forth and enjoy.
Posted
Sep 09 2009, 01:00 AM
by
Jim White