Sacramento Blues Society Blue Notes March-April 2014

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Volume 35. Issue 2 March-April 2014

Cover In this issue: Meet Your New Board, JohnE Sandwich Royal Southern Brotherhood Blues Women And More!

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The Word from the President—Jim Reego I am thankful and humbled to have been elected President of our Society, the second oldest Blues Society this side of the Mississippi! Our organization was born, grew and thrived when Blues music was at the forefront of the popular music of the day and it has survived when Blues was in the background of the pop music scene. Blues survives the ages because of the loyalty of its fans and the dedication of the musicians and volunteers in the SBS. Blues brings people together, it gives us a voice when we feel down and lets us shout when we feel good. So today I give a shout out to Jan Kelley and the past SBS board members for their efforts and loyal service and I look forward to working with the new talented SBS board members as we work to grow our membership and our reach into the community. Thanks again for your support, I look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon. During my term as President I look forward to working with the many loyal SBS volunteers to grow our membership, put on fun shows and events that get people out listening to live music and to continue to promote the Blues to new generations. As you would expect from a venerable thirty five year old organization, the SBS has some wonderful well established programs, programs like Blues in the Schools, the Hall of Fame and promoting many local Blues shows. I am confident that we will be able to build on this wonderful base of programs and volunteer support to grow our organization. Grow the number of members

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Grow the number of business sponsorships

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Increase the reach and depth of the Blues in the Schools program

Put on 3 to 4 big name events a year for our members to come out and enjoy

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Help local bar owners, restaurateurs and businesses learn how to use live Blues to their benefit (more local Blues shows)

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Continue to honor our local Blues musicians with the Hall of Fame program

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Start up Blues camps for amateur and budding professional Blues musicians to get them together to learning how to play this great music we all love.

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Record a CD of original Blues songs by local artists to be used as a premium for our members and for fund raising purposes

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Listen to our member's ideas for what members want to get out of the SBS and keep us open to new fresh ideas that will make the SBS even more fun for our member

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Have a disciplined planning, budget and approval process that fully funds SBS events and safeguards our funds.

I think that covers most of it! Please be patient as we get our feet under us and remember, we can always use your help, so join us! Together we are going to have a lot of fun and I believe we will make a big difference in our community by bringing more live Blues music to the people.

My goals for the SBS are as follows: 



Thank you for your support and assistance.

Jimmy

The Sacramento Blues Society (SBS) is one of the oldest blues socie es in California, founded in1979, and is a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit corpora on formed to preserve and promote blues music as an art form. SBS has kept the blues tradi on alive in the Sacramento area by promo ng the local blues music scene and bringing interna onally renowned ar sts to the region and produces and mails a newsle er, “Blue Notes” six mes a year for our membership. SBS is an affiliate member of The Blues Founda on, and provides educa onal opportuni es for young people with The Blues Founda on’s “Blues In The Schools” Program.

Sacramento Blues Society is a Proud Member of

2014 Board Officers

Jimmy Reego—President Rich Forman—Vice President Cynthia Jaynes–Secretary Sharie Mar n—Treasurer Charles Washington‐ Parliamentarian Board Members at Large

Kevin Adams Cari Chenkin Daniel Hernandez Cynthia Juarez Mac “Guitar Mac” Macknally Mari Lu Onweller

Board of Directors Mee ngs—2nd Tuesday And as announced on www.sacblues.com Each month; 7:00 PM at the SMUD Building, 6301 S Street, Sacramento All SBS members in good standing are invited to aƩend.

For adver sing rates contact editor@sacblues.com 2

2014 Committee Chairs

Blues in the Schools —Liz Walker/Cynthia Jaynes Blue Notes —Val Anderson & Jan Kelley/Cari Chenkin CD Reviews—Mindy Giles Donor Gi s—Daniel Hernandez Events—Kevin Adams Finance—Valeriejeanne Anderson/Sharie Mar n Hall of Fame—Sally Katen/Daniel Hernandez IBC Local Challenge—Kim DuVall Membership/Volunteers —Linda McShane/Sharie Mar n Public Rela ons—Mac Macknally SacBlues e‐News/Calendar—Willie Brown Sacramento Blues Hall of Fame—Sally Katen/Rich Forman Social Media/Web—Cari Chenkin Webmaster—TBD


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Heeeeeeeerrrrs JohnE! - By Jan Kelley; photo by Bob Cosman Often times the bass player in a band gets overlooked, particularly when there’s a pretty lady vocalist upstage. More than a bass player and mate of the vocalist, JohnE Sandwich aka John Ellis, showed his expertise in engineering and sound on a recent visit to their home and studio.

liked playing it more than any other style of music. Then as their expertise expanded, they knew they wanted to concentrate more on the business of music. Their band, Val Starr and the Blues Rocket, formed about two and a half years ago and has become increasingly popular in the Sacramento region. The Band has one CD “Cool Ride” released in 2012, and will soon be releasing their newest production “Blues Away”, which features the songwriting of Val and the studio engineering by JohnE. This couple complements one another to a T!

Born and raised in Los Angeles in a family consisting of his parents and two sisters, JohnE learned a love for music partly due to his mother’s piano playing in the home. At age six, JohnE picked up his first guitar and basically taught himself to play. Then he played in his church where his mother was the accompanist. In the 6th grade the school band needed a string bass and he transitioned to bass guitar. John states he “liked the feel of that register, the rhythm vibrating in my body. Guitar is more cerebral, but the bass is more physical.”

JohnE is now producing and promoting events as Holmes Ellis Promotions, which will be presenting six blues concerts at the Lions Gate Hotel in the McClellan Business Park in Sacramento. Val Starr and The Blues Rocket will kick off the shows with their own special brand of high energy California Blues. Named “Val Starr’s Blues on the Patio Concert Series” they will feature an outstanding lineup of stellar Blues artists: Daniel Castro April 26; Rick Estrin June 1; Jeramy Norris and Big Earl June 28; Arbess Williams July 26; Chris Cain August 30; and Laurie Morvan September 27. Event info: www.bluesonthepatio.com for ticket information and season passes.

Like most young men in music, John played in several dance bands throughout his school years that focused more on rock, citing such influences as The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. Living in LA, the opportunities in the music business were more accessible, so JohnE worked at ABC Records as a legal clerk until they were bought out by MCA Records. He studied contracts and then moved on to programming, mixing, engineering, even building amps and speaker cabinets, learning as he went along. He met his future wife, Val Starr, in this atmosphere of music as she was doing radio promotion and executive assistant work for the labels. They remained in Los Angeles for several years working in the LA music scene. In 2003 they moved to Sacramento after spending 15 years in San Francisco raising two boys and John now worked in construction. He took a construction job in Pacifica earning a living, pounding away building homes. But he wanted to pound his bass & soon found a Blues club and began joining in on the jams that were held there. John says “no one could really sing very well, so I told them ‘I’ve got a singer’”. Of course that singer was Val Starr, who had remained in Sacramento working at her internet radio company, Gotradio.com, while they visited one another on week -ends. They managed this lifestyle for three years, gravitating more to the Blues, realizing that there’s something about the Blues that is so much more danceable for people to enjoy and that they actually 3


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Royal Southern Brotherhood Bring an Arena-Caliber Show To Harlow’s Nightclub—by Steve Cagle; photos by Bob Cosman The patrons of Harlow’s in Sacramento were treated like royalty on this Wednesday night when Royal Southern Brotherhood brought their show to the intimate nightclub room, kicking off another leg of a tour that has stretched around the globe for more than a year while establishing them as a creative musical force worthy of mass international acclaim. The quintet of highly skilled and individually accomplished musicians pulled no punches in delivering a performance that would have delighted an arena full of existing fans and those who would be converted long before the final notes were played. Describing the experience as “unforgettable” is an understatement. With this band the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts, and the parts are plenty impressive in their own right.

Chicago-style blues tune with a funky sheen. Opting for the mic over percussive instruments, Cyril was scattin’ as the music cooled down before bursting into a frenzied finale. Zito followed with a power ballad, pouring heart and soul into his vocals and a lead guitar solo. A festive island atmosphere enveloped the room as the Brotherhood broke into their reggae-infused rendition of the Grateful Dead chestnut, “Fire On the Mountain”, with Zito’s fluid guitar solos flowing like a babbling creek until transforming into a roaring waterfall. Devon Allman made his way to the front of the stage and laid down some otherworldly guitar runs as the rhythm dropped to a lowflying groove. The two guitarists then indulged in Allman Brothers-style dual lead flourishes, chiming in and out until the song’s conclusion with some onlookers’ faces mere inches from the strings. Zito’s smile was met by an equally approving smile from Cyril that in turn incited a collective euphoric smile from the audience.

From the start the energy level on the stage seemed hard to contain, yet these consummate professionals utilized the power of restraint and nuance throughout the night to maximum effect. Cyril Neville took center stage along with his myriad percussive instruments and was flanked by guitarists/fellow front men Devon Allman and Mike Zito, while bassist Charlie Wooten and drummer Yonrico Scott kept the rhythm consistently fluid and funky. An up tempo opening song set the standard of excellence that the band maintained for the duration as they took turns in the spotlight as lead vocalist or instrumental soloist. Zito was next at the helm for the country rocker “Hurts My Heart”, with Devon Allman wailing on Lynyrd Skynyrd-style guitar. During “Moonlight Over Mississippi”, Cyril stepped back from the percussion to focus on singing while Devon stepped over to join the perpetually smiling Mike Zito for one of many lead guitar exchanges.

“Pearl River”, Mike Zito’s Blues Music Award-winning Song of the Year in 2010 with co-writer Cyril Neville, showcased the two composers as they took turns singing the verse lines. About mid-way through this powerful and dramatic slow blues epic, Cyril was swept into the Ray/Otis zone as he belted out the words with soulful abandon. Devon Allman appeared undaunted as he followed this show-stopping tune with “Could Get Dangerous”, a funky rock blues song from former band Honeytribe’s 2010 album “Space Age Blues”, belting out the lyrics with a generous helping of guitar acrobatics. By now, the RSB had more than delivered the goods and had given the respectable, yet less than capacity crowd a concert hall caliber performance. But instead of winding down the evening, the front line musicians left the stage, making room for Charlie and Yonrico to showcase their exceptional talents on bass and drums respectively. This satisfying display was no frivolous mid-show filler, as New Orleans-based Wooten summoned sounds and effects from his instrument usually attributed to jazz and funk masters. Scott’s tenure with the Allmans and Con nued next page

Allman told the audience that this was the band’s first performance in Sacramento (not counting a previous gig in nearby Folsom) and thanked everyone for coming out before launching into the soulful ballad, “Left My Heart in Memphis”. Although he bears a closer physical resemblance to his late Uncle Duane, Devon’s vocal chops are proof of his paternal lineage, echoing Gregg in his prime. Cyril took the spotlight again for the first of three songs from his recent solo album “Magic Honey”, starting with the title track, a 4


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Royal southern Brotherhood—Continued Derek Trucks was evident in his steady rolling beats, prompting Wooten’s humorous aside, “he plays that thing like he owns it!” The rested trio returned to their posts, prepared to evoke a full surrender from an audience happily reeling from what they had seen thus far.

lowed by Cyril’s spirited cover of “Working Man”, the Mike BloomfieldNick Gravenites song known mostly as an early hard rock hit by Rush. This version, from Cyril’s “Magic Honey”, stays truer to the Rush version, with guitar shredding on album and in the room courtesy of Mike Zito.

After polishing off the bass/drum showcase, it was time for the New Orleans rhythm of “Sweet Jelly Donut”. Cyril assumed lead vocal chores while laying down a serious percussive groove. He was flanked by Zito and Allman, who sparred amicably on their guitars as Neville looked on proudly. From there it was right into the driving funk of “You Can Run But You Can’t Hide” from Cyril’s “Magic Honey” album, with Mike flowing on guitar and Devon tearing it up on a sweat-soaked lead solo. Still roaring along like a runaway train, the entire band chimed in on the rock anthem “New Horizon,” Devon’s fingers fleeting effortlessly over the frets as he jumped into the air repeatedly while Charlie and Mike literally lent each other a hand in playing their guitars.

When the smoke cleared, it was evident that the audience was completely satiated as they collected their wits before departing. Those who waited a short while had the opportunity to converse with Mr. Zito at the merchandise table. He is a gracious and engaging person in addition to being an artist of immense talent and creative capacity. As the club closed a few of us talked with Devon Allman, who had stepped out for some fresh air. He was easy-going and receptive to verbal exchange with the handful of hangers-on. Devon recounted some of his great memories from the road, including his guest performance with Les Paul, and explained how it was easy to walk away from his own rising stardom with Honeytribe in order to be there for his newborn son through his formative years.

The band said “thank you and good night”, but the drained yet still enthusiastic audience didn’t have to work too hard at coaxing them back for an encore. The energy level on stage was undiminished as the quintet plowed into a spot-on version of the Allmans’ “One Way Out”, fol-

While some may argue whether or not they are indeed a “supergroup”, in this writer’s opinion the hardworking, highly skilled artists with big hearts that are the Royal Southern Brotherhood have earned and deserve the rewards associated with that designation.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds at Harris Center on May 17! See page 10

MAY 6th Mark your calendar for the 2nd annual

Arts Day of Giving Blues In The Schools will be hosting a special event featuring students from 3 after school programs. Continuation of these programs is dependent on your contributions during this 24 hour online donation event. More information will be forthcoming. Check back to sacblues.com for further updates.

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Blues in The Schools—by Liz Walker It's 2014 (in case you missed that) and BITS has a lot planned for the upcoming year! We started with our annual appreciation brunch in January for all the participants. It's a great opportunity for our presenters to have a chance to network and for the committee to go over some business. This year, the business of the core curriculum was our focus. After gathering material for several years and incorporating feedback from our funders and presenters, the committee was able to put together a core curriculum that focused on material teachers and presenters alike can use to share the blues with students in the area.

We're working hard to increase the interaction and vision of our web page to serve as a resource for information and news. Through a generous scholarship of the Sacramento Regional Community Foundation, committee members are participating in some training to increase our skills and knowledge of social media. This training ties in with the upcoming second annual “Arts Day of Giving”, a 24 hour on-line donation event for different arts groups in the region. Participating in this exclusive event for the second year, the BITS committee is working on plans for an exciting evening featuring the students from our three after school programs. So mark your calendars now for May 6th! We're counting on you to help BITS bring our beloved blues to the next generation.

We are so very excited to be returning for our third year as one of the arts education providers in the Kennedy Center's “Any Given Child” program (currently in three school districts.) This has been a great opportunity for our program and it has been an honor to participate.

Blues In The Schools brings joy to all who participate-students, musicians and volunteers. We are so grateful to all who help bring this about. Here's what Gabriel M. (a student from one of the after school programs) has to say, “Thank you guys for everything. Now I have and will always have the blues in my heart.” - Gabriel M.

Depending on our stable of talented, professional musicians, Yolo County Arts Council has once again contracted with BITS to bring our song writing program to five sites across the river. At the conclusion of the contest we will have a fifth song to add to our ‘baby blues’ cd.

SBS Hall of Fame News—Sally Katen The Sacramento Blues Society is soliciting nominations for the 2014 Hall of Fame and we've made it very easy for you to let us know who you would

like to be considered for your “Hall of Fame” this year! You may submit your nomination on line

from our website, www.sacblues.com.

To nominate a worthy person, please go to the website and be sure to read the nominating guidelines and selection process before you submit a nominee; the nominee must adhere to all of the guidelines. Nominations can be submitted year round, but only nominations received by July 1st of the current year will be considered for the upcoming HOF. The 2014 Sacramento Blues Society – Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held at Harlow's Bar and Grill this year with an After Party at The Torch Club. The exact September date is still to be determined. Please plan on coming to celebrate the Induction of the new nominees. Show the musicians how Sacramento appreciates its musicians! 6


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Blues, Boogie, Beautiful and Wild—by Mindy Giles For now though, here are some of the featured artists at the Cajun & Blues Festival on Father's Day weekend in June this year:

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a woman of the blues persuasion. So with March being Women's History Month, and despite it being ONLY one month (should we not split this right down the middle and have SIX months?), I am pleased to be able to announce some terrific women who will be performing at the annual Isleton Cajun & Blues Festival this year in the lovely and mysterious California Delta (the Delta Loop in Isleton) on Saturday and Sunday, June 14th and 15th, 2014.

Sunday Wilde- From the wilderness of northern Ontario, this is her first Northern California appearance ever. Wilde isn't your father's blues singer/piano player. Primal like Joplin, sensuous like Ruth Brown, pained like Billie, powerful like Bessie, Wilde rips apart the fragile emotional make of love from dawn to dusk. Worldwide acclaim for her music including a brand new CD, He Digs Me. www.sundaywilde.com

The full lineup for the Cajun & Blues Festival will be announced on Sunday, March 16 at a pre-Fest afternoon dance concert at Beatnik Studios, 723 S Street in Sacramento. The pre-Fest party performers are the great Cajun all-women band, The Magnolia Sisters featuring Ann Savoy (Remember her gorgeous 2006 record with Linda Ronstadt, Adieu False Heart?) The

Red's Blues- Californiaborn, Texas-bred blues singer Beth Reid-Grigsby leads an all-star NorCal band (R.W. Grigsby on bass, Robert Sidwell on guitar, Larry Carr on drums and Taki Komori on piano/organ) through rollickin’ Chicago shuffles, swampy TexasLouisiana strolls and classic woman ballads. Beth and the boys will Sisters will be celebrating the release of their brand have a brand new CD to new Arhoolie Records CD, Love’s Lies. unveil at the Festival. www. The Magnolia Sisters may be one of the only allfacebook.com/pages/Reds-Blues/160672484071187 woman Cajun bands, but what distinguishes them most may be their repertoire, which includes not only Wendy DeWitt- Chosen in seldom-heard dance tunes from Cajun and Creole tra2014 by The Golden Gate dition, but also beautifully-sung ballads that reveal a Blues Society to represide of Cajun music not often heard these days. Offsent San Francisco at the beat Magazine says “Imagine, if you will, a group of International Blues ChalBrigadoon-like women playing as long as the Hacklenge (IBC) in Memphis, berry Ramblers except they never aged (or got wrinthis Queen of Boogie kly) and that's an apt description of their pure, old Woogie made the finals. timey sound...No French group has ever sung harmoA long-time player with nies like they do—Ann Savoy and Jane Vidrine are the legendary Hank Balmasters at melding their voices together, then gracelard & The Midniters, fully creating tension between the notes. Riches DeWitt has been leading enough to make one a spiritual millionaire several her own group for severtimes over.” al decades, has seven So, from 3 pm-6 pm, there will be Cajun music and cui- albums (she will have a sine, dance floor and early bird tix for the Festival on new one this spring!) and now is also producing the annual International Boogie Woogie Festival in San sale! Francisco. www.magnoliasisters.com www.wendydewitt.com Con nued on page 8 7


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Messages from the New Board— Rich Forman – Vice President

Cynthia Jaynes—Secretary

Hello, I am the new Vice President of SBS. We have an exciting year ahead of us! Our 2014 Board of Directors has some extremely talented people on it. I would like to grow our membership this year and become more inclusive with our members, musicians and bands. Also I would like to acquire more sponsors and increase community awareness. With all of the great talent we have I believe all of these goals are achievable. Let’s have a GREAT year and GOOD BLUES TO YOU ALL!

I am excited to serve as Secretary for Sacramento Blues Society’s (SBS) 2014 Board of Directors. I became an SBS member in 2003, elected to the Board in 2004, and have maintained some level of involvement ever since. My passion is for the Blues In The Schools and I’ve worked over the years to keep BITS going & growing. I enjoy watching the interactions between our local musicians and students, and witnessing young people embracing the Blues. The SBS Mission is to preserve and promote the blues. That’s very important to me, and the rest of the new Board. Guiding the SBS for 2014 is a great mix of arts advocates, blues fans, musicians, business professionals and founding SBS members. I am pleased to know most are very familiar with the responsibilities of serving on a Board of Directors, (it’s much more than a title!). They bring experience and expertise, & are enthusiastic, intelligent, creative and willing to do the work. I’m looking forward to great things in the coming year!

Sharie Martin – Treasurer I'm honored and excited to be your Treasurer. I look forward to helping keep member bands and member venues more active in the Sacramento Blues Society. I hope to be able to assist in guiding the Board of Directors and committees with financial issues and goals so we will continue to thrive in the Blues Community. Our new Board is excited and passionate about keeping the blues alive. I hope you'll all join us in our efforts, we want to hear from you, our members!

Con nued next page

Blues, Boogie, Beautiful and Wild—continued from page Marcia Ball-Marcia Ball is a woman with a reputation. The Texas-born, Louisiana-raised pianist/vocalist/ songwriter is famed worldwide for igniting a full-scale roadhouse rhythm and blues party every time she strolls on stage. Ball's groove-laden New Orleans boogie and rollicking Gulf Coast blues have made her a one-of-a-kind favorite with music fans all over the world. But she's also a master at transfixing her audience with an emotionally rich, passionately sung ballad. She is Grammy-nominated and winner of many Blues Music Awards, including the coveted 2014 Pinetop Perkins Piano Player Award. Like I wrote back in 2001, "Ball has long been a triple threat as formidable musician, singer and entertainer. She can shift from elegant to Little Richard in a heartbeat." www.marciaball.com Women, be wise, mark your calendars. Don’t miss the March 16 pre-Fest party and the Isleton Cajun and Blues Festival June 14-15! More information at

www.isletoncajunfestival.net

--Mindy Giles 8

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Messages from the New Board—continued from page 8 Charles Washington – Parliamentarian

Cynthia Large

I have a strong love for the blues and have been involved with SBS over the years in various positions and areas. My hope is to help build the Society in a positive manner and to keep the blues alive and well through constructive efforts within our Society.

Juarez—Member

at

I am privileged to be a part of the 2014 Sacramento Blues Society serving my 2nd half of my Board of Directors two year term. I will continue to work with and on the Events, Membership and other committees where needed. I believe in listening to our members including our band members - encouraging, supporting and implementing change along with staying within our Mission guidelines. I am looking forward to more local SBS Events and member benefits.

Kevin Adams – Events Hi there, this is Kevin Adams one of your new Board members. I am also serving as the Events Chair this year! We are busy planning and would like to hear your thoughts on what the event committee can do to create a better experience for you! I can be reached by email @ adams_kevin57@yahoo.com

I encourage our members to volunteer their talents contact us at sacblues.com, to volunteer and voice your comments. Mari Lu Onweller – Member at Large My name is Mari Lu Onweller and I’m happy to be serving on the SBS Board of Directors for the second year. Last year I held the office of Vice President the chair of the Events Committee. This year I am prepared to do whatever I can to help promote the Blues and the Sacramento Blues Society as we move into our 35th year.

Cari Chenkin – Media After being a Sacramento Blues Society member for over 5 years, and enjoying the events and activities the SBS puts on, I decided to give back to the society by serving on the Board of Directors.

“Guitar” Mac MacKnally - Public Relations

My vision includes ensuring that the Sacramento Blues Society is warmly regarded by its members, musicians and other organizations, so I’d like to “strengthen bridges” between the SBS and other community groups, especially those involved with music, dancing and the arts. I also want to help “mold” the perception and reputation of the Sacramento Blues Society as “THE PREMIER RESOURCE” for Sacramento music. All of which work toward our goal of “Keeping the Blues Alive”!

My goal as Public Relations Chair is to work with the public promoting the Sacramento Blues Society; soliciting and working with club owners and business owners for sponsor ship. Also continue to work with the Events Committee, etc.

Daniel Hernandez – Donor Gifts

I'm building my PR/Social Media committee, and am looking for SBS members who are interested in helping me develop this aspect of the Society. Hopefully, it shouldn't require frequent meetings or a lot of extra work. Please contact me via e-mail if you're interested!

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The Fabulous Thunderbirds—by Mary Carrera; photo on page For over 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up”. Co-founder Kim Wilson, still spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation.

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ments. “You have to be willing to adopt a more contemporary style. The guys we have now are able to do that.” This exciting event takes place on Saturday, May 17 at Harris Center (formerly Three Stages) at Folsom Lake College. Tickets are $30, $37, $45. Doors open at 7:00 PM and show is at 8:00 PM. Tickets available at www.harriscenter.net

“We started as a straight blues band”, vocalist and harmonica player Wilson says. “We now in- A portion of proceeds from this event will benefit corporate a mixture of a lot of different styles. the Sacramento Blues Society’s Blues in the We’re an American music band and we’re much Schools program. higher energy than we were before.” Other sponsors include: Palladio Shopping CenIn addition to Wilson, the current Thunderbirds ter, the California Welcome Center, Money Mailer line-up features Jay Moeller on drums, Johnny of Folsom/El Dorado Hills, Hampton Inn and Moeller and Mike Keller on guitar, and Randy Suites in Folsom, Powerhouse Pub, Manderes Bermudes on bass. “To be in the T-Birds, you Restaurant, and 1862 David Walley’s Hot Springs need to understand the different styles of music Resort & Spa. and different ways of playing,” Wilson com-

Sacramento Blues Society Is Pleased To Acknowledge our Sponsors and Donors and Thank them for Supporting our Programs Business Donors Gold Sponsors www.meetup.com/bluesloversandbeyond

Mary Carrera 916-941-9001

Bronze Sponsors

Anonymous

Bluebird Tours Grady O’Bryant www.sactrips.com Elk Grove Sports Bar & Grill www.elkgrovesportsbar.com Louie’s Cocktail Lounge www.louiescocktaillounge.com

Marina Texeira www.torchclub.net

R.J. Painting/Construction 916-752-1687

Louie’s Cocktail Lounge

Stoney Inn www.stoneyinn.com

The Golub Family The Boardwalk www.boardrocks.com

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SBS Musician CDs Available!

March-April 2014

Listed below are our SBS member musicians and bands with CDs available for purchase. Please consider adding a CD to your collection to support the Sacramento area's live music scene. Bad Catz Nasty Confrontation www.reverbnation.com/badcatz; Amazon, iTunes Blues Vandals Partner in Crime www.bluesvandals.com, Amazon, iTunes Bobby Blues Ray Blues Knight of the West Coast www.bobbybluesray.com Gary Mendoza Band Keep 'em Dancin' www.cdbaby.com

Guitar Mac— She Done Moved www.guitarmac.com/cd

Marshal Wilkerson Propaganda propagandarecordsonline.com

Jeramy Norris Band Blues Man www.cdbaby.com; www.reverbnation.com

Nedra Russ / NJR Everybody’s Been Somewhere www.cdbaby.com; njrmusic.com

Kyle Rowland Alone in my Dark Room & more www.kylerockinrowland.com Lane Baldwin/Deeper Blues Dig the Hole www.lanebaldwin.com; www.cdbaby.com; iTunes, apple

The Used Blues Band Used Again www.tatemusicgroup.com Wingnut Adams Welcome to Grooveland & more www.wingnutadams.com; ; www.cdbaby.com; iTunes

Support our Band Members—Hire an SBS Member Band! Andy Keane & Kinda Blue ajkeane3@aol.com

Delta Nights Blues band grantmellor@comcast.net

Nedra Russ www.njrmusic.com

Bad Behavior badbshaviorblues@yahoo.com

Foxtrot Mary abrisson@pacbell.com

Randy Carey Band randrock@prodigy.net

Bad Catz www.badcatz.com

Gary Mendoza Band www.garymendozaband.com

Rube & the Rhythm Rockers www.ruberhythmrockers.com

Big Earl and the Cryin' Shame bigearl@gmail.com

Guitar Mac & His Blues Express www.guitarmac.com

Steve Foster Band www.stevefosterband.com

Blusoul Band blusoulmusic1@yahoo.com

Howard Hall Project www.howardhallproject.com

Stone Kold stonekold.com

Bluez Houndz 916-991-6148

Jeramy Norris & The Dangerous Mood www.dangerousblues.com

Tessie Marie and the Poor Man Band alliemarcel@yahoo.com

Julie and The Jukes jullieandthejukes.com

The Big Little Rowland Experience www.kylerockinrowland.com

Lane Baldwin Band lane@lanebaldwin.com

Used Blues Band Sean@myifp.com

Marshal Wilkerson www.marshalwilkersonband.com

Val Starr & the Blues Rocket www.valstarrandthebluesrocket.com

Blues Vandals bluesvandals.com Bobby Blues Ray Bobbybluesray.com Catfish & the Crawdaddies www.raycatfishcopeland.com Christian DeWilde band christiandewilde@yahoo.com Dave Croall & the Soothers rightdave@hotmail.com

Melonee Desiree & Causin’ a Ruckus Wingnut Adams cometruemusic@aol.com www.wingnutadams.com Mr. December Band www.mrdecemberband.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. Co-editors Vj Anderson & Jan Kelley Send information for the newsletter to editor@sacblues.com or mail to Editor at above address Not a Member? Join on our website

www.sacblues.com Current calendar, news, past newsletters and more!

Cover artist Bob Cosman All photos contained on the cover were taken by our cover photographer, Bob Cosman. The musical artists are, from left to right, top to bottom: Alberta Adams, Miss Honey Piazza, Deborah Coleman, Irma Thomas, Annie Sampson, Deanna Bogart, Sista Monica Parker, Laura Chavez, Roach (Café R&B), Dana Moret, Koko Taylor, Mavis Staples, Shemekia Copeland, Marva Wright, Bettye LaVette, C.C. James, Marcia Ball, Susan Tedeschi, and Ana Popovic When asked to give a little background . Bob wrote: “I’m proud to say that this is my third cover for the Blues Notes so I guess I’m doing something right. I have enjoyed traveling to blues festivals and shows all over the country for the past 15 years and it is more than satisfying to have my work appreciated, although to be honest it has been much more fun than work. I wanted to share two photos from those adventures. The first is of a soul food restaurant in Helena Arkansas (Mm-mm good). The second shot is of the long gone House of Blues in Cambridge Mass. We saw DR. John perform in what was originally the attic, converted to the showroom. Yes, the Blues have been good to me!”..............Bob

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