BLUES BASH AT THE RANCH – PART TWO – SATURDAY

BLUES BASH AT THE RANCH – PART TWO – SATURDAY

BLUES BASH AT THE RANCH – PART TWO – SATURDAY

BLUES BASH AT THE RANCH – PART TWO – SATURDAY

Blues Bash at the Ranch runs Friday, March 15, 2024 through March 17, 2024 with three days of incredible blues.  Camping is optional.  Single day and weekend passes are on sale online through 3/11/24; after that tickets are available only at the fest.

Always family and pet friendly.  On Saturday, a full day of activities for children 12 and under; ie, painting, tie dye, piñata, hay ride and more!  Parents meet at the ranch playground to sign your children in.  Also, lots of great vendors on site.

Make sure to take part in our fabulous raffle.  Tickets will be sold Friday and Saturday; drawing is Saturday evening.  Main prize is an autographed electric guitar by all the bands (bands on Sunday will also sign the guitar).  Other great prizes include 2 weekend passes to the 2025 Blues Bash at the Ranch Festival, 2 weekend passes to the 2024 Rock & Roll Revival and 2 weekend passes to the 2024 Camping with the Blues Festival (passes do not include camping) and so much more!

Saturday morning kicks off at 11am with our guitar workshop with Champ Jaxon!  Open to all attendees, this will be fantastic.  Meet at the main pavilion with your guitar.  We’ve got a full day of music ahead.

Music starts at 12:15pm with the Street Preacher Band!  Street Preacher is an Americana roots rock band hailing from Jacksonville Florida; An impacting dynamic sound of resonating soul that pours out in each live performance to every audience. High energy original music from the influential depths of hard-hitting pure rock to storyteller old soul to the criminal sounds of southern rock & the blues.

The Champ Jaxon Band takes the stage at 1:45pm; Champ Jaxon is an old soul with a new perspective.

At 13 years-old, this aspiring blues-rock musician is based out of Southwest Florida. Champ has performed over 120 gigs with The Champ Jaxon Band in nine different states. He first performed on Music Row in Nashville in 2021 when he was just ten years old and Beale Street in Memphis a year later, representing the Southwest Florida Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge. He appeared on “The Ellen Show” with guest host Brad Paisley in December of 2021 and made his acting debut on NBC’s “Ordinary Joe” a month later. Champ also performed at the 2022 Young Artist Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, where he took home the “Outstanding Instrumentalist” honors.   There are too many accolades for this young man to list.  Check out this website for more info!  The blues have a great future!

At 3:15pm, Jared Petteys & the Headliners takes the stage!  With a sound as classic as the crackling of a Sun Records vinyl still spinning somewhere in Memphis, yet as fresh as the musical stylings of the 21st century, Jared Petteys & The Headliners are busy making waves with their genre-bending brand of tunes. Reminiscent of the vibrant heyday of rock n roll music, the band finds their origins in the styles of classic country, rockabilly, and blues all the while ushering in a new era of rock-and-roll that is as distinctive as the men who form it. Born in the marshes of coastal South Carolina, Jared Petteys (lead vocals/guitar), Stephen Palmer (upright bass), and Russell Lee (drums/backing vocals), blended their unique individualities and influences together to create a band with a rare sincerity that is not often seen in today’s industry. They have spent the past five years cutting their teeth in the South Eastern music scene while simultaneously running the roads discovering who they are and where they belong in the world as they plant roots in towns big and small across the country by burning down every stage they step on. Their high-energy, emotive stage presence is as lively as their melodies.

The Shaelyn Band is up next at 4:40pm – this band is taking the industry by storm!  The whole band has a cool vibe with a unique sound, and are very engaging with the audience. You can’t help but groove with them when they play.  Hope everyone has on their dancing shoes!

We take a dinner break at 5:45pm – lots of great food from our vendors or campers bring their own.

Power trio, Soul Miners Unions plays next at 6:30pm; they are a red hot blues rock power trio that sets the stage on fire with their killer tones, scorching riffs, and huge dynamic range.  Their diverse catalog and energetic live performances feature an explosive intersection of frontman Ben Brandt’s virtuosic guitar work and soulful voice, Liam Galiano’s powerful bass playing and songwriting, and Aidan Reeve’s full-throttle drumming style.  Soul Miners Union is quickly taking the blues rock world by storm.

At 8pm, RB Stone joins us on stage.  RB is a man who has lived the life that Americana, country, and blues songs are made of, so no wonder he writes and performs them so well. With years under his belt as a railroad worker, cowboy, plumber, Hollywood actor, truck driver and jet pilot, RB has a genuine knack for grit and guts with an undeniable talent that keeps audiences electrified.  Just as RB is a jack of all trades, he’s also a jack of all genres. A natural storyteller, RB is just as skilled at delighting engaged house-concert audiences with his country and folk-leaning songs as he is revving up festival goers with his band-backed blues and rock and roll. Whether playing an acoustic or electric guitar, RB is at home on stages of all shapes and sizes and knows how to deliver memorable performances for the most intimate or expansive of audiences.

We close out the evening at 9:30pm with the ever popular Biscuit Miller & the Mix with Rachelle Coba.

Biscuit is an electric blues bassist, singer and songwriter. He writes most of his own material, and has released three albums to date. In 2012 and 2017, Miller won a Blues Music Award in the ‘Instrumentalist – Bass’ category. His best known songs include “Lay It On Down”, “Bottle of Whiskey Bottle of Wine”, “Going Home”, “One More Mile”, “Monday Morning Blues”, and “Wishbone”.  Biscuit is well known for his 1000 watt smile that lights up the stage. Performing with the band is, Rachelle Coba, a high powered guitarist and vocalist.

After the last band plays, musicians who did not have to leave for other shows, will get up to jam.  Our evening jams are epic!

For more information on camping and tickets, please call Roseanne at 941-758-7585 or go online:

www.bluesbashattheranch.com      We can’t wait to see you at the bash!

Greg & Roseanne

Sarasota Cigar Box Fest Weekend

Sarasota Cigar Box Fest Weekend

Sarasota Cigar Box Fest Weekend

Sarasota Cigar Box Fest Weekend

March 8-9, 2024

Cigar box guitar fans and blues fans have much to look forward to as Big Top Brewery in Sarasota will be the focal point for a full day of music celebrating home-made instruments.

Hand-crafted string instruments found their start in the blues. Artists like Bo Diddley popularized instruments made from cigar boxes, borrowing a custom created by the sharecroppers who started blues music. The history of blues  is linked to homemade instruments. And this weekend is a musical celebration of this legacy.

Our area is fortunate that Steve Arvey calls it home. Raised on Chicago blues Steve has become one of the world’s premier cigar box guitar (CBG) players. Steve will open the weekend as he performs with  Shane Speal at Hot Sands Tiki Bar in Sarasota on March 8th. Shane is a builder, player, author, and historian of cigar box guitars and built his first instrument in 1993. Shane is credited for helping popularize this musical genre.

Saturday March 9th is the main event. In addition to Steve and Shane performing at Big Top, the fest will welcome John Nickel to Sarasota. A life-long musician beginning at the tender age of two, life events derailed his musical focus until 2009 when he built his first CBG. As John stated, “ I honestly feel like CBGs gave me a second chance at music” And that is the charm of this genre – it’s provided many without financial means, or without time – the ability to pick up an instrument easily and make music.

The Garbage-Men band is what home-made instruments are all about. Billing themselves as “promote recycling reuse & community service by playing music on instruments we make from garbage” you never know what pieces of someone else’s “trash” are turned into their musical, and our, “treasure.”

Resonator guitars, or Dobro’s, found fame in the early days of blues. And at this fest we are delighted to have Devin Williams in attendance. Devin is an emerging star and performs solo Delta Blues. Devin stays true to history while performing songs created by the originators of the genre and writes his own music that will take you back to the early days of blues.

Plenty of vendors will be on site, and our own Gary Drouin of Memphis Rub Band will have his home-built Hurricane Amplifiers at the fest. There will be a raffle for a homemade cigar box guitar.

BLUES BASH AT THE RANCH – PART TWO – SATURDAY

BLUES BASH AT THE RANCH – PART ONE/FRIDAY

BLUES BASH AT THE RANCH – PART ONE/FRIDAY

BLUES BASH AT THE RANCH – PART ONE/FRIDAY

Camping is optional. Single day and weekend passes are on sale online through 3/11/24; after that tickets are available only at the Fest. A full day of activities for children 12 and under on Saturday.

Friday night kicks off the festival at 5pm with our legendary Campers Acoustic Jam.  All attendees are invited to meet at the main pavilion with their music instruments to jam together.  You never know if one of our artists will be there leading it!

At 6pm, Calvin Duncan Jr. kicks off the festival; Calvin is a very powerful singer, songwriter, and musician. As a young child, he began his love of music with the piano and vocals, later taking his talents to the powerful guitar and drums. Calvin has been performing the Blues for quite some time now, continuing to make his way through the industry preserving the life of the blues. Not only is his band amazing, but they are family, all enjoying the love for music on this Blues journey. Nothing is more exciting than watching him transition through popular songs, as well as original music during his performance. He has performed in numerous, casinos, touring boats, blues festivals, and private events. Calvin Duncan Jr. has performed with artists, such as Mr. Sipp, Donnie Ray, Carl Sims, L.J. Echols, and many more. Never miss a moment to enjoy the Blues and Soul with the Calvin Duncan Jr. Band.

At 7:30pm, Tas Cru!  With six albums in the last eight years , Cru is slated to release his Tas Cru Band LIVE in 2024.  This album showcases his 2024 tour band performing his fan’s top-ten requested songs. To no surprise, these fan-fed songs are all rough and tumble.  Gone are the frills of a studio album.  The band just gives each song a best go, kicking down the fences – cage-free – loose, loud and proud!

Cru is a well-seasoned performer and entertainer. He knows how to read an audience. By intuition, Cru adjusts his sets on the fly to make sure he reaches them. While this is a skill acquired from years of performing, having a repertoire of well over 100 original songs to draw on certainly gives him a leg up on most others.  Indeed, above all else, Tas Cru is a songwriter – always original  and where the songs matter, lyrics speak, and melodies thrive!

At 9pm, Joe Moss!  Few blues performers walk the walk to the degree of Chicago based guitarist/bandleader Joe Moss. One of the hardest working performers on the scene today. Not just an imitator of the music’s glorious past, he strives to find his own sound and material within the styles he chooses to play. And the music world is taking notice. The band is tight, featuring some of Chicago’s finest blues musicians. A talented singer, writer, and guitarist, Joe is a consistent and entertaining performer with a monster groove. 2013 Inductee into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame! A guitarist since the age of 10, Moss was given his passport into the blues world by Buddy Scott, who noticed Moss at a jam session at Rosa’s Blues Lounge in Chicago. Soon, Moss was playing seven nights a week as a member of Buddy’s Rib Tip band. Moss’ guitar skills quickly became notorious on the local scene and made him an in-demand sideman. Some of the people he had the pleasure of playing with include: Buddy Guy, Little Milton, Willy “Big Eyes” Smith, Lurrie Bell, Zora Young, Charles Wilson, Lil’ Smokey Smothers, Syl Johnson, Big Time Sarah, Barkin’ Bill Smith, Lefty Dizz, Magic Slim, A.C. Reed, Billy Branch, Walter Scott, Hollywood Scott, Mike Wheeler, James Wheeler and Little Mack Simmons. Joe has backed these artists all over the world. Joe has recorded 5 Albums with his own band The Joe Moss band.

After the last band plays, musicians from all three bands get up to jam.  Always, always a great ending to the first night of the festival. Come back next week to read about Saturday’s artists.

For more information on camping and tickets, please call Roseanne at 941-758-7585 or go online:  www.bluesbashattheranch.com

We can’t wait to see you at the Bash!

Greg & Roseanne

 

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

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) 

 

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