Volume 32; Issue 1
February-March 2011
THE TORCH CLUB Sacramento’s Premiere Blues Club This is a first in a series of interviews with local blues club owners. I caught up with Marina Texeira, currently the third generation owner of this club. BLUENOTES: Let’s start with a little history…when was the Torch Club established?
BLUENOTES: How many hours do you actually devote to the club? Do you make all the decisions or is someone else involved, such as family members, bookkeeper, booking agent? TORCH: Let me get my list (joking). Probably about 30 hours in addition to working 3 shifts a week. I do all the booking, payroll, shopping, etc.
TORCH: The Torch Club was one of the first bars in S a c r a m e n t o , established in 1934, the year prohibition ended. My grandfather, Frank Texeira, bought it in 1969, when it became known as a watering hole for politicians who took an easy stroll from dinner at Frank Fat’s to drinks at the Torch Club. Ron Texeira, my dad & son of Frank, moved the club in 1982 from its original location at 8th & L St to 16th & L, and is now going into its 11th year here at the current location on 15th St. At first it was the jukebox that was known for its 45 records that everyone came in for in addition to the socializing over drinks. Over the years, music was gradually added, first by a live DJ, and eventually bands, notably the Beer Dawgs, by Ron Texeira, my brother. That’s when Sam’s Hof Brau on J Street closed and there weren’t any other blues clubs around.
BLUENOTES: Being a Mom of a little one, it must be quite a challenge for you to balance it all? TORCH: It’s a juggle, for sure. I work around her schedule M-F, my time with her is generally all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays and when she’s not in preschool. BLUENOTES: How much input from others do you actually listen to? TORCH: My customers will suggest an artist they may have heard in their travels to Memphis, Chicago or wherever plus the Blues Cruise & I’ll follow up on that. I have a lot of long-time established musicians who I respect and vice versa. They’re the ones who are out there; I don’t have a lot of time to be out there. BLUENOTES: What are some of the problems that you have to deal with in this business?
BLUENOTES: How did the slogan “known from Maine to Spain” come about? TORCH: Probably my grandfather, he had a lot of funny sayings.
By Jan Kelley
TORCH: I really don’t have problems with the customers or the bands, it’s a mutual respect. Marina Texeira 1
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Willie’s Wise Words and concerts being held throughout Yolo County. Thanks to the BITS committee: Cynthia Jaynes, Dave Alcock, Liz Walker and the entire blues ensemble for a great job.
Greetings Sacramento Blues Society members and blues enthusiasts, One of the duties of being President of your SBS is to write a bi-monthly article for this newsletter. As we venture into our 32nd year, I would like to thank the Board of Directors for a tremendous year. The 31st Membership Show and Hall of Fame Induction held last December featured the Kenny Neal Band and The Delta Wires. The show was absolutely packed and it was a treat to honor Phil Givant, Mick Martin, Johnny Knox, Rick Estrin & Charlie Baty! A special ‘tip of the hat’ goes out to Sally Katen for the HOF awards, Liz Walker and our great volunteers for coordinating this fine event at the VFW Post #67.
So, here’s to 2011 - may this year be bright and positive. I want to encourage everyone to continue to support your local blues clubs. Look for some interesting & exciting events that will be coming this year: a BITS benefit show, the Northern California Blues Festival, the annual IBC competition and more. I’ve mentioned this many times before, but it’s worth repeating: We are very lucky to have such great talent, promoters and dedicated club owners in our area!
As I’m writing this, our International Blues Challenge representatives are getting ready for their trip to Memphis. Good luck to Two-Tone Steiny & The Cadillacs!
We are always looking for blues volunteers to help with our events and fundraisers. If you would like to know more about volunteer opportunities, please contact us at membership@sacblues.com
This year we have three new members on the Board of Directors, specifically Kathleen Kelly, Charlene Metzler & Doug Thomson. I would like to express our thanks to Sally Katen, Kim DuVall & Cathy Dubets for their participation over the last four years for your blues society, THANKS!
As always, “Save me a seat”, Willie Brown – President, Sacramento Blues Society
Our Blues In The Schools (BITS) program is already off to a quick start this year with lectures
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BLUES? Which one of these famous rock groups took its name from two blues players? a. Fleetwood Mac: Arthel “Big Cadillac” Fleetwood and Sir Mack Rice. b. Pink Floyd: Pink Anderson and Floyd “Dipper Boy” Council c. Jefferson Airplane: Blind Lemon Jefferson and Clarence “Aeroplane” Delaplaine d. All of the above Answers found within this newsletter From the Knowledge Card deck, What Do You Know About the Blues? By Cary Wolfson. Reprinted with the permission of the publisher, Pomegranate Communications, Inc. www.Pomegranate.com, (800) 227-1428. 2
Volume 32; Issue 1
February-March 2011
What’s Happening – by Lizzie Walker 2011 is here and it looks like I’ll be your events coordinator for another year. Hope you don’t mind and that you had a chance to come out to the society’s events in 2010. First, I’d like to commend everyone who helped with the membership party on December 5th. What a
Following the success of last year’s St. Patty’s Day Dinner, we’re planning another for this year with a twist. There’ll also be the BITS benefit in May followed by something new and different for the middle of summer (I’m thinking ‘Mid-Summer Madness’.) There’s always something to do to keep the Sacramento Blues Society alive and thriving. If you’ve got a few hours a month to help out one of the many committees it would be much appreciated. Everything from mailing newsletters, promoting events, layout work, web postings, Hall of Fame, artwork, clerical assistance, staging, merchandising, all kinds of things.
party! There was a tasty dinner thanks to cooks, Mark and Sharon Wichman, the Hall of Fame inductees all received commendations and really cool looking statues (Sally Katen and her committee did a wonderful job), there was the announcement of the new board members and the music was off the hook. The Delta Wires got everything started, Kenny Neal and family kept everybody moving and the hall of fame inductee’s brought it all home with an awesome jam.
In closing I’d like to share the following, “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one perfect and well preserved piece…but to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out and defiantly shouting: “Whoa Doggie! What a ride!”
Thanks to Point Source Sound for once again providing excellent sound and working so hard and to the members of VFW Post 67 for being such good hosts. An extra special giant THANK YOU to all of YOU who stuck around to help clean up. It was the fastest clean up ever, we were all out of there in an hour!
March 12, 2011 Saint Patty’s Mardi
A new Board Member introduces herself
This is how I started with the Blues… Charlene Metzler
Gras
I inherited my passion for music from my father when I was very young and growing up. When I was in my adolescent years I developed an attraction for the "Blues". I attended many concerts in the San Jose region during my teenage years which enhanced my love for music.
Corned Beef Dinner &
The Bayou Boys! VFW Post 67 2784 Stockton Blvd Dinner/Show $25 (advance ticket sale only)
When I first observed the "Fillmore" and "Winterland" concerts in San Francisco, I knew then that music would become my soulmate. I believe that I will "make a difference" and be an "asset" to the Blues Society based on my expertise of music.
Two for $45 Show only $15 Check back to sacblues.com for more info 3
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Did You Know...?" by Linda McShane The SBS is a Non Profit Organization & all business is conducted by volunteers. We have several committees and we are always looking for help from our members. This newsletter, the BITS program, Membership, Hall of Fame, Gene Chambers Emergency Fund (for musicians in need) as well as our monthly events - all of these are managed by volunteers . We need your help – the 11 member Board cannot do it alone! You may have heard the old saying 80% of the work is done by 20% ... well our membership is about 500 and we have a board of 11 that does just about everything - let's see, that looks like about 2%.
Friday, February 11 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Dinner: Swiss steak Singles: $12.50 Couples: $20.00 Entertainment provided by: Dave Channell’s Fire & Wheels with Jimmy Pailer & Leigh Lunetta
Many of you have indicated on your Membership app that you would be interested in volunteering & you can volunteer for one day, one event, or a committee - your choice! Please email membership@sacblues.com for more info and to tell us how you can help! We'd love to meet you and have your support and help! Think about being on the Board as well - come to a board meeting and see how it's done! It’s a great opportunity to learn Board Procedures and that might look good on your resume! See ya soon!
For info: 916/966-1663 Location: 8990 Kruithof Way, Fair Oaks. CA
Can you spare a little time? Our organization is only as good as our members make it. We can do a little or a lot, and we depend on your assistance.
International Blues Challenge local competition and coordinates with the Northern California Blues Festival)
You can make a difference by volunteering to assist on any of our committees. Some only meet one or two times a year, others more often. It is great to be part of the program, and see things run smoothly. With all these choices, there must be a spot for you! If so, contact the listed committee chair at info@sacblues.com. You’ll be glad you did!
Fundraising and Grants—Doug Thomson
SBS Committee Chairs
Hall of Fame Committee— Dennis Moffett
Blues In The Schools— Cynthia Jaynes & Dave Alcock
Membership & Volunteers—Linda McShane
Marketing— Roni Cook Gene Chambers Musician’s Crisis Fund Committee—Willie Brown Guideline Coordinator— Cynthia Jaynes
Newsletter Editors—Vj Anderson & Jan Kelley
Bylaws—Parliamentarian—Kristen Dahl
Public Relations— Willie Brown & Roni Cook
Events— Liz Walker (This Committee also chairs the
Webmaster— Dave Baldwin 4
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Blues In the Schools News—By Cynthia Janes The Blues In The Schools Committee is busy!! Some of you may think we throw together an assembly or two, give the kids a couple guitar lessons, put on a show and call it a day. Wrong!!! There is quite a bit that goes on behind the scenes. All done by a small volunteer group who does amazing things with few resources. In particular Liz Walker and Dave Alcock—with help from Fay Coble and Laura Lund—have worked hard to support Blues In the Schools. Thanks so much!!
musical experience with professional musicians which facilitates a life long passion for learning. Our OVERARCHING GOAL is to bring students together with musicians, educators, storytellers, and other performers in a synergistic environment, for creating a free flowing exchange of the Blues experience.
We are currently implementing our new Strategic Plan, with 3 major goals for 2011—to continue engaging students and musicians in playing the Blues, to develop standardized curricula, and to produce an updated Blues In the Schools dvd. The BITS MISSION STATEMENT is: For Sacramento area youth to participate in a dynamic inter-active
We want to keep it fresh – so we’re convening an ad hoc committee of musicians, educators, students, and arts advocates to develop accurate, grade level appropriate lecture content that will support education standards used by classroom teachers. This group will meet over the next several months to update our current lesson plans and incorporate information from various existing Blues In The Schools programs.
Over the next couple of months, we will be bringing the BITS program to Yolo County schools, beginning our after school guitar, bass and drum lessons in 2 Sacramento area high schools, and continuing our program with the Sacramento County Office of Education’s Court and Community Schools.
Stay tuned for more BITS news, concert dates, photos and exciting announcements!!
SBS Board of Directors Dave Alcock-BITS Willie Brown—President Roni Cook Kristen Dahl-Parliamentarian Cynthia Jaynes Kathleen Kelly-Treasurer Linda McShane Charlene Metzler–Secretary Dennis Moffett—Vice President Doug Thomson Liz Walker
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Continued from Page 1 THE TORCH CLUB: Sacramento’s Premiere Blues Club
Probably the most would be keeping up with the business codes and regulations. The city will do random checks, so I have to stay in compliance at all times. That’s never been a problem though.
BLUENOTES: When are you completely satisfied with your work? TORCH: When I see people who really appreciate what I do; then I can kick back & feel good about it.
BLUENOTES: What do you like most about being a club manager?
BLUENOTES: Club?
TORCH: Are you kidding? There’s good music, friendly people just wanting to have a good time. The best job you could have!
What’s in the future for the Torch
TORCH: To get through this rough economic time, with the State workers & furloughs, and providing interest for the younger groups, staying current.
BLUENOTES: I know that you do benefits for organizations and friends in need. Are there any restrictions you would apply to that?
BLUENOTES: Will you be incorporating other genres in with the blues acts?
TORCH: Basically they’re non-profit organizations, but also individuals who’ve had a tragedy and are in need of financial assistance.
TORCH: I do a few others, depends on what I see the young people enjoying, but definitely not straying very far.
BLUENOTES: It seems almost as if you’re having a benefit once a month.
Expect a mix of jovial charm, photos of politicians, boxers and blues artists, and somber war memorials. Before the live music gets started, the jukebox plays treasured blues artists, many from a long-ago era, enticing dancing on the large dance floor.
TORCH: There for a while it was, but not so much now, as the economy picks up. BLUENOTES: them?
The Torch Club is located at 904-15th Street, open Tuesday-Sunday, with happy hour and live music every night and blues jams Sunday afternoons. They also provide for private parties.
Do you receive any profits from
TORCH: We have the sales from the bar, legally those are mine, but any marketing, the bands, all that, is out of pocket, volunteered.
See your byline in print! To all our readers;
By Valeriejeanne Anderson
Want to talk to a “name” in the blues music scene? When a new CD comes out, the distributers make the artists available for phone interviews. Are you interested in interviewing the stars and stars-to-be over the phone? You would also gain an impressive collection of blues press kits.
Did you ever wish to be a reporter? Or maybe a columnist? I know just the place for you to try out your story-telling skills. The Blue Notes wants to give its readers a peek into the local blues music scene that is too large for any one person to cover. If we can get the audience and participants to contribute their “take” on a band, a musician, or a venue we can cover a lot more than just the Society events. We will consider a paragraph, a “byline” of various bits and pieces from one person or group, an opinion or anything else that is on your mind.
Do you have a local artist or band you would like to share with us? Give us a photo and some reasons why you want to share. This is your opportunity to showcase your favorite band.
Anyone can review a CD, and the CDs are usually available for the asking if you send them a copy or tear-sheet of your printed article. Is there someone out there that would like to add to their CD collection while also polishing up their writing skills?
The Blue Notes reserves the right to edit material submitted, but we won’t print anything you disapprove. Think about it. I am sure we have lots of untapped talent among our membership! 6
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The Hanging—Bob Cosman On Jan. 9, 2011 a few members of the Sacramento
Blues Society got together at the “world-famous” Torch Club in downtown Sacramento to create a new home for the Sacramento Blues Hall of Fame. The Torch Club Sally Katen hangs Mick and Johnny owner, Marina on The Wall T e x e i r a , graciously donated a large section of a wall to the SBS for this permanent home. Each year additional members will be Roni Cook adds a little handiwork added based on their contribution to the blues music scene in the Sacramento area.
The Wall, showing photos and plaque
Thanks to Sally Katen, Will Brown, Jan Kelley, Roni Cook, Linda McShane, Kristen Dahl, Kim Duvall, Mike, Lara, and the other Kim for their help (especially Roni Cook who did most of the work). The next time you get to the Torch in Sacramento check out the wall. It’s on the way to the ‘can’ so if you spend any time at all there you can’t miss it.
Roni Cook, Jan Kelley, Sally Katen, Linda McShane, Bob Cosman and Willie Brown stand before The Wall
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Didn’t get to the Member Party? Look What You Missed! Photos by Bob Cosman
Aaron King presents award to Johnny “Guitar” Knox Aaron King, Johnny “Guitar” Knox, Sally Katen & Willie Brown
Little Charlie Baty
Johnny Knox, Rick Estrin & Charlie Baty
Rick Estrin, Charlie Baty and the crowd
Charlie Baty & Rick Estrin
Connor James, Kenny Neal & Kyle Rowland
Connor James & Kenny Neal 8
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H i r e
February-March 2011
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New Bands receive a Free Business card size ad in the first Blue Notes Following your membership date and follow-up listings for as long as you remain a Band Member. you will also receive a link from our website to yours and the announcements and offers to Musicians received on our website.
Andy Keene and Kinda Blue 916-799-1544 www.myspace.com/ andykeeneandkindablue
Derek Abel Band 707-580-7052 derekabelband@gmail.com
Bad Catz Zane Toberer 530-391-8089 http://badcatz.webs.com/
Diamond Bob & the Alley Sneakers bobperro@yahoo.com 408-313-7194 www.diamondbobsblues.com
Blues Farm Band Dave Broida 916-996-5222
Doni Harvey 415-308-2836 www.doniharvey.com
BluzHoundz Dave Anthony 916-991-6148
Equinox Blues Review Stan Alves—916-969-3995
Bobby “Blues” Ray, Jim Monroe & The Blue Knights 916-422-5830 Chicken & Dumpling www.chickenanddumpling.net 530-753-5265 or 530-9027209 Coyote Slim 408-838-0456 bluesman@coyoteslim.com www.coyoteslim.com Dave Channell’s Fire & Wheels 916-705-8628 www.davechannell.com Delta Wires Prime Management 510-601-9277 info@deltawires.com
Gary Mendoza Band 916-599-9947 www.garymendozaband.com
Papa’s Garage Evan Goldstein 925-989-9365 www.papasgarage.com Phil Berkowitz & the Dirty Cats 415-337-5448 www.philberkowitz.com Rube & the Rhythm Rockers 530-518-9546 www.myspace.com/ ruberhythmrockers Side of Blues Tommy Ing—707-495-4779 www.sideofbluesband.com
Isis and the Cold Truth 408-835-4168 Myspace.com/coldtruthband\
Spotted Dog Rockin’ Blues Revue Greg Gartrell—916-332-5417 greg@spotteddogmusic.com
Jeff Watson Band 916-709-9696 jeffwatsonband.com myspace.com/jeffwatsonband
Steve Foster Band 916-276-9170 Stevefosterband @comcast.net
Johnny “Guitar” Knox Dave Croall & the Soothers 916-455-6349 rightdave@hotmail.com
The BluSoul Band Daniel Watts 916-899-1043 www.theblusoulband.com
Melonnee Desiree Blues Band Melonnee Desiree Pagano 916-838-2170 www.melonnee.com
Two Tone Steiny & the Cadillacs 916-765-5564 twotonesteiny@yahoo.com Volker Strifler Band 707-363-0080 www.volkerstrifler.com
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WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BLUES? The answer is b. Surprisingly, it was the British masters of interstellar strangeness who adopted their handle from the first names of two obscure American bluesmen. South Carolina-born Pink Anderson (b.1900) was a fairly inconsequential folk and blues guitarist who recorded only a few sides until the 1960s folk revival. His song “Travelin’ Man” was fairly indicative of his life: he worked as a musician, comedian, and dancer in various traveling medicine shows for over three decades. Floyd Council (also known as “the Devil’s Daddy-in-Law”) played guitar and mandolin, mostly around the Chapel Hill, North Carolina, area, from the 1920s through the 1950s. Very much influenced by the more popular Blind Boy Fuller and Peetie “the Devil’s Son-in-Law” Wheatstraw (he sometimes billed himself as Peetie Wheatstraw’s Buddy”), Council made his only recordings on a 1937 trip to New York with Fuller and Sonny Terry. Despite his minimal output, he managed to become a favorite of rocker Syd Barrett. From the Knowledge Card® deck, What Do You Know About the Blues? By Cary Wolfson. Reprinted with the permission of the publisher, Pomegranate Communications, Inc. www.Pomegranate.com. (800) 2271428.
Welcome New Business Members! When you introduce your business to our members with a contribution of a $100.00 annual business membership, you will receive a web-link from our site and a business card size acknowledgement in each of our bi-monthly newsletters to show your support for our Blues Music and Education programs.
Please Patronize the following Businesses that Support your Blues Society 10
February-March 2011
Chops Not Chaps Music Productions
Roy Rogers Slide Guitar & Piano (530) 205-2023 www.roy-rogers.com
Northern California Blues Festival
313 Laurence Ave. Kansas City, Mo 64111
3941 Park Dr., Ste. 20-339 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4549 (916) 350-4640
1-888-BLUESIN’
e-mail: info@norcalbluesfest.com Website: http://www.norcalbluesfest.com
www.bluescruise.com 11
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID SACRAMENTO, CA PERMIT NO. 2149
P. O. Box 60580 Sacramento, CA 95860-0580
Blue Notes! is The official bi-monthly Newsletter of the Sacramento Blues Society. Send information for the newsletter to editor@sacblues.com or mail to
Editor, P. O. Box 60580 Sacramento, CA 95860-0580
Visit our website at www.sacblues.com Current calendar, news, past newsletters and more! Not a member? Download a membership form
Sacramento Blues Society (SBS) is a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit corporation formed to preserve and promote blues music as an art form. The Sacramento Blues Society is one of the oldest blues societies in California, founded 1979. SBS has kept the blues tradition alive in the Sacramento area by promoting the local blues music scene and bringing internationally renowned artists to the region.
Board of Directors Meetings
SBS provides educational opportunities for young people with the Foundation’s “Blues In The Schools” Program.
are the 2nd Tuesday of each month 7:00 PM at the SMUD Building, 6301 S Street, Sacramento, CA.
SBS produces a newsletter, “Blue Notes” Bi-Monthly (six times a year) that is mailed to our membership.
All SBS members in good standing are invited to attend.
SBS is an affiliate member of The Blues Foundation.
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