The Venice Blues Festival

The Venice Blues Festival

The Venice Blues Festival

The Venice Blues Festival returns March 22nd to the Venice Airport Festival Grounds for two days of blues-in and groove-in! The festival will have two stages and begins on Friday March 22nd at 4PM.

Highlighting this festival is the only area show for the legendary Average White Band!

But before we get to the headliners and their final tour, the festival begins with a solid lineup that shows the eclectic nature of this fest.

Local stars Steve Arvey & Biscuit Miller are coming together and part of the fun of this show will be the creativity. On their own these artists present entertaining shows but having witnessed a few of their infrequent collaborations you never know what is going to come next. These veteran Chicago Blues artists will bring this genre the stage.

Out of The Blue SRQ is a collaborative band that brings a “festival vibe” to the stage and is sure to have you up and dancing. Their music is infused with rhythm, and the artists individuality lends depth to their sound.

Concluding Friday’s show is Steeln’ Peaches. Billed as a “Rock n Roll Revue of the Allman Brothers Band” this band is strong enough to have played large festivals at Gasparilla and Suwanee. And as many of us know, there is a tight connection between the music of the Allman Brothers and blues. The early Allman Brothers sound introduced more than one blues fan to the genre.

On Saturday March 23rd anticipation builds as we come together to celebrate with and bid farewell to AWB as their tour passes through Florida for the final time. But before we “Cut The Cake” we get to welcome newcomers to the stage; artists that are making a buzz in the blues world.

Leilani Kilgore is as Nashville-based blues-rock firebrand who in a “Guitar World” interview indicated that she “studied players like Freddie King, and I started to take guitar seriously.” Leilani’s music contains intense vocals and fearless guitar solos. An early arrival is recommended to ensure that you do not miss this emerging artist.

Vince Johnson and the Plantation All-Stars have long been a staple on Beale Street in Memphis, TN. Mixing Chicago soul and Memphis Blues, the band has been performing for over 30 years and is a part of Memphis music history. Seasoned musicians of the Memphis music scene back the band, and they combine with Vince to bring you the true sound of the Blues. You will feel like family by the time you leave.

 

Robert “Lefty Preacher” Sampson comes from a long line of musicians including his parents, sisters, brothers, and cousins. Robert has placed in the finals of the International Blues Challenge on four occasions. Robert has performed with  the likes of Shirley King and Bob Stroger. On Robert’s self-produced 2016 album, “The Jukebox Boogie” he performed all 16 instruments on the album! Robert is touring in support of his forthcoming new release “They Call Me Lefty Preacher.”

Aww yeah! JP Soars and the Red Hots bring their dynamic set of music to Venice. Regulars at festivals and large events world-wide, this band is one of the treasures of Florida and not-to-be-missed. JP and The Red Hots are past winners of the International Blues Challenge, with JP receiving the prestigious Albert King Best Blues Guitarist Award. JP is also a world-renown builder of guitars and his cigar-box guitars command, and deserve, a premium price. After seeing JP play one of his classic instruments, you may feel the spirit move you to take one home.

Making his much-anticipated debut to our part of Florida is Mathias Lattin. Up for nomination for a 2024 Blues Music Award here is your opportunity to see and hear why. Mathias also is a recipient of the International Blues Challenge and Best Guitarist award – an honor achieved at 20-years-old; possibly the youngest to win both the guitarist and International Blues Challenge. Mathias became prominent on the Houston blues scene at 12-years-old, with veteran John Del Toro Richardson taking a shine to his talents. The national blues scene became aware of Mathias through his time in the Keesha Pratt Band and the buzz they generated up-and-down Beale Street during the 2018 International Blues Challenge.

 

Average White Band (AWB) are recognized as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. Their instrumental mega-hit ‘Pick Up The Pieces’ charted #1 on Billboard and sold over one million copies!

The band’s strength lay in their consistently accomplished songwriting, stretching across several gold selling albums and multi- grammy nominations for the legendary Atlantic Records. AWB took the influences of their R&B heroes – people like Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Donny Hathaway, and others – and developed their own ‘authentic’ sound which audiences worldwide embraced.

Additional chart-topping songs from AWB include ‘Cut The Cake’ and ‘Let’s Go ‘Round Again’. Featured in their recordings are AWBs versions of the hits ‘Love Won’t Let Me Wait’ and ‘Work To Do.’ The musical energy and trademark sound are remarkably true to the originals.

With constant revisitations and re-workings of AWB’s, and others’ classics in the mix, it is no surprise that the Average White Band is a multi-generational attraction. As AWB brings their 50-plus year career to a close, you will want to be with us at the Venice Blues Fest for the final celebration of their journey.

Tickets are recommended and are available at  https://www.venicebluesfest.com/

Scott Morris

Suncoast Blues Society Elections

Suncoast Blues Society Elections

Suncoast Blues Society Elections

SBS Board of Directors Vote is CLOSED

THANK YOU SBS MEMBERS!
WE WILL PUBLISH THE RESULTS SOON!

4th Annual Bradenton Cigar Box Fest

4th Annual Bradenton Cigar Box Fest

4th Annual Bradenton Cigar Box Fest

4th Annual Bradenton Cigar Box Fest

A spectacular weather day greeted fans for the 4th edition of Bradenton’s Cigar box Guitar Festival. The fest is becoming a “must attend” annual event. Noticeable was the large increase in attendance throughout the four venues hosting the event in Bradenton’s Village of The Arts.

Vendor booths selling Cigar box guitars and merchandise experienced a busy sales day, and many of the fans attended the fest with their newly purchased cigar box guitars.

This review will focus on acts at the largest venue of the four, Birdrock Taco Shack. In addition to David Shiplett’s “Shack,” other shows were at Cottonmouth southern Soul Kitchen, Chef Gaetono’s Ortygia, and The Dude and Mary’s.

While some of the acts were not strictly blues, all played numerous blues or blues-themed songs. This was clear from the opening act, Applebutter Express. A fan favorite, this band is known for their wonderful vocal harmonies. The large crowd in attendance for the 1 PM start time witnessed superb musicianship and a wide range of musical styles. Fronted by Kyle Biss and his non-stop Ukulele playing, Shannon Biss contributes vocals, Jason Baker also sings and plays a mean fiddle; and Zach Rodgers who normally plays upright bass but today sported a Cigarbox bass guitar.

The enthusiastic crowd thoroughly enjoyed the show which contained originals such as “Riley”,“Start a Fire”, and some originals which contain edgier and quirky but thoughtful lyrics. Their range was apparent when they played a bluegrass version of Alice Cooper’s “No More Mister Nice Guy.” Also performed was “Eleanor Rigby.” No wonder this band has played at fests like Wanee.

Next up, local musician Trevor Bystrom brought his Project to the stage. Much like Apple butter Express, Trevor has a large local fan base. “Stone Crab” Steve Arvey, being a part of the project, helped to increase the crowd size. This helped to ensure a close to capacity crowd at Birdrock. The Project {James Hershey, drums; Dominic Santini, bass) joined Trevor and his collection of cigar box guitars and one funky homemade guitar that was made from a goat skin covering and fishing line for the strings.

Trevor has a reggae vibe to his music, which when mixed with blues standards is quite unique and interesting. Trevor’s Anna Maria Island roots infuse his music  and the band delivered some deep cut blues, including from Reverend Gary Davis. Steve joined in for some standard blues issued from his 6-string cigar box guitar.

As expected, the vibe of the festival took a dramatic turn as arriving on the stage was Stumpy Joe (Joe Sweckard) and his ever-present companion, Farney. For those unfamiliar with the Cigarbox community, Farney is Stumpy’s single string bass. From the bottom up, the bass sits on a washtub, has a canoe paddle for the fretboard, and the string is industrial strength weed whacker string. If any instrument best describes what the cigar box community is about, it’s Farney. Stumpy Joe has built an entire sub-culture from his creation.

But do not kid yourself; Stumpy Joe is a fine musician, and frankly, could have a career as a stand-up comic if he chose to do so. Roadside stories appear throughout the act; many are side-splittingly funny, edgy and for adult-only consumption.

Taking the stage with Stumpy was Devin Williams on resonator guitar, with James Hershey on drums. This was my first-time seeing Devin, and  what a player he is. Devin’s finger-picking style classically fits his style of music. Steeped in the blues, Devin performed an excellent version of Keb Mo’s “Am I Wrong.”

Billed as a Pro-Jam, it was not surprising to see Steve Arvey back on stage. With Miguel on harmonica, the group cranked out a serious set of blues based Cigarbox music. Most moving was Steve’s version of “Amazing Grace,” which he dedicated to fellow Chicago blues artist and friend Kraig Kenning.

Closing the show was RB Stone and his unique trans-genre music. Joining RB, it was so good to see Pedro Arevalo (mostly) on bass, with Brent Winner on drums. The former Dickey Betts Band bassist did not disappoint as Pedro and RB played off each other during the opening part of the set, and more so when Trevor Bystrom and Stumpy Joe joined for a jam.

Creativity resulted when Stumpy told a story, that, well, in the spirit of keeping it clean, all that I can say is that I can never listen to Prince’s “Purple Rain” the same way ever again. Capitalizing on the story, RB and Stumpy created an on-the-fly song titled “The High Beams Boogie.” So ended a most memorable and enjoyable Bradenton Cigar Box Festival.

Scott Morris, former Treasurer, Suncoast Blues Society

(photos by Scott Morris) 

 

2024 – Tampa Bay Blues Festival Tickets

2024 – Tampa Bay Blues Festival Tickets

2024 – Tampa Bay Blues Festival Tickets

*** FINAL DAY FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS is March 31st 2024 ***

 

Tampa Blues Festival Tickets, St. Petersburg, FL.  April 12, 13 & 14, 2024

The Tampa Bay Blues Fest is coming soon and your Suncoast Blues Society (SBS) will be back in their usual spot next to the Artist tent.  And what a great lineup – you are not going to want to miss this!

If you are a current member of SBS, you are eligible to receive a $10 discount on your tickets so the cost for members will be:

  • Friday, April 12th – general admission – $60
  • Saturday, April 13th – general admission – $60
  • Sunday, April 14th – general admission – $60
  • 3 Day Pass – general admission – $170
  • NOTE:  We are NOT selling VIP passes

You will receive a confirmation email from the Suncoast Blues Society and your name will be placed on the “will-call” list at the gate.

If you are not a current member, you can sign up today to take advantage of this offer. https://suncoastblues.org/product/sbs-membership/

If you have any questions, contact us at membership@suncoastblues.org

 

10th Anniversary Camping With the Blues October 20-22, 2023

10th Anniversary Camping With the Blues October 20-22, 2023

10th Anniversary Camping With the Blues October 20-22, 2023

10th Anniversary Camping With the Blues
October 20-22, 2023

The venue is now the Florida Sand Music Ranch managed by the Will McLean Foundation.  It was previously the Sertoma Youth Ranch, and its emphasis on music is now even stronger.

Day 1 Friday –

  1. Soulful Femme hit the stage at 5:20pm. Lead singer Stevee Wellons announced she has been working with SBS favorite Kevin Burt and that her new CD contains a duo with her and Kevin. She and guitarist Cheryl Rinovato traveled from Pennsylvania. Great vocals – big sound. Very soulful.
  2. Street Preacher. Very ethnically diverse group. They competed at the IBC last year but were too busy this year, a good thing. They rocked the stage.
  3. Sister Lucille hit the stage at 8pm. Sister puts it all out there, from her head down to her red shoes – even had a song about her shoes. Sister started her career doing country at an early age and played Grand Ole Opry at age 19. They received a Blues Blast Award in 2020. Ended their set with a killer rendition of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Out On The Killing Floor.”
  4. Ray Fuller closed the night with his Texas style country blues that had everyone up rockin’ and dancing.

Day 2 Saturday –

  1. Dockta D and the Powers That Be hit the stage at 12:20pm. Dockta plays that harp and directs his band like a great showman. Always enjoyable. And what a great surprise when “Magic Dick” , famous harp player from the J Geils Band, joined them on stage. Big bonus!
  2. Alex Lopez was next doing what Alex does best – steady rockin’ blues with a purpose.
  3. Billy the Kid & the Regulators. Billy came with a great band. Billy gained fame being the guy that led the jams at Bruce Wheeler’s great Heritage Music Blues Festival in Wheeling, W.V. Good to see Billy. Gets down and dances with the crowd.
  4. David Julia came on at 4:20pm. Appropriate. It’s great to see how David has progressed since we (SBS) sent him to the IBC when he was 18 years old. Covered a favorite Damon Fowler song. Great set – great young man.
  5. Shaw Davis & the Black Ties. There is no doubt about Shaw’s ability to rock a stage.
  6. Joey Gilmore. Joey was like a breath of fresh air. Everyone was starving for some real Blues. Joey delivered. Rich golden voice supreme. Joey, among others, was very appreciative of our crowd that really knows when something is real. Joey got cheered like no one else.
  7. Slim and the Perkolators! While introducing the band Slim ends by saying, “and I’m Slim and I play a child’s toy.” Their music and Slim’s antics on stage have a childlike innocence. It all works and the fun they have on stage draws the crowd in.

Day 3 Sunday –

  1. Kurt Allen. This great band traveled from Kansas City to show their skills. Soulful, driving blues. Good bass lines – good vocals. Hope to see more of these guys in Florida.
  2. Eric Demmer. There was a lot of buzz about this band before their arrival. Rumors had it that Eric had just signed with Mike Zito’s Gulf Coast Records. They traveled from Houston and they did not disappoint. Hugo, their very demonstrative lead guitar, was very entertaining. Eric sings and plays a mean saxophone. Their bass player, “Double D,” is a Florida native and will help get this band back to Florida soon to perform. It’s in the works – stay tuned. Very entertaining!
  3. Frank Bang. Local favorite Frank gained notoriety while working at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago. Always a favorite.
  4. The Jimmys. Wisconsin band making their much anticipated return to Florida after playing the Bradenton Blues Fest 2 years ago and the SBS 25th Anniversary Party at Skipper’s last year. Great lyrics are often humorous. These guys have fun on stage and it transmits to the crowd. Very talented musicians.

Lafayette Reid