Volume 36 Number 4 July-August 2015
Inside! Blues Icons Lost Two Tone Steiny Nancy Wright CD Deb Ryder CD IBC Local Competition Chris Duarte Photos BITS Showcase photos Coming Area Events
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Proud To Be Part of the SBS! - Cari Chenkin, President Consider the concept of “pride”: we hear it goes before a fall, and it’s one of the seven deadly sins. And while it’s true that an excess of pride can be a character flaw, there’s another side to pride. There’s a kind of pride that comes from working hard, overcoming obstacles, and doing a job well. That kind of pride can be a powerful, positive emotion that stimulates growth and creativity, and that’s the gist of my message this time.
I was proud that the SBS supporters raised a significant amount of money during the Big Day of Giving, to keep that wonderful Blues In the Schools program thriving and growing, and I was proud of my entire community for responding so strongly to the Big Day of Giving – Sacramento raised more money that day than many other larger cities nationwide!
If you attended our Blues in the Schools Showcase on May 5th, you’ll understand how I feel when I say that night made me feel proud to be part of the Sacramento Blues Society. When I saw those young musicians take the stage and perform, my heart swelled with pride for them – for their hard work, their accomplishment, their courage in getting up onstage and their enthusiasm. I was proud of the volunteers and musician clinicians who worked so hard to share their skill and knowledge with those kids. I was proud of our devoted BITS leaders who have worked so tirelessly for many years to make this program what it is. When I saw the confidence in the students’ young faces, and heard from their parents, I was proud that the SBS could make such a significant difference in the lives of those teens.
We have many more opportunities coming to do good work that make us proud in the right way. Right now, SBS member bands are signing up for the competition to represent us at the 2016 IBC in Memphis. And we’ll be sending a youth band to Memphis as well, for the first time. (I know you’ll all want to be part of that occasion, so plan on coming out to the Stoney Inn on August 1!) So, yes, I’m filled with pride, but it’s a humble and grateful kind of pride, because I know it takes the time, effort and energy of lots of SBS members and volunteers to make events like Blues in the Schools and the IBC Competition so successful, and I offer you my sincere thanks. You are the ones who make me proud to be the SBS President!
Progress on the 2015 Hall of Fame—by Sally Katen nominations all year. So please keep the nominations coming by going to www.sacblues.com/hof and letting us know who you feel has been a great influence in the Sacramento area for twenty plus years. Whether they are a blues muI am extremely proud to announce that we received sician or blues promoter or supporter, we want them! 60 nominations this year to add to our already ex- A lot of blues events would not happen without some panding nominations that have been received over of these consistent supporters. the last five years. Remember though, we do take The final nominations for this year’s Hall of Fame were accepted on June 30th, 2015. The HOF Committee will start work on bios and will be preparing for the upcoming SBS HOF Induction Ceremony at Harlow's on Sunday, September 27th.
Blues Icons Lost by Jan Kelley; Photos by Vj Anderson the age of four, he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Elnora Farr, in Kilmichael, Mississippi. He began singing in the church choir at a young age and got his first guitar around the age of 12. King Biscuit Time on the radio was an early influence. Eventually he became a singing radio personality, playing his guitar on radio stations WGRM in Greenwood, Mississippi; KWEM in West Memphis on Sonny Boy Williamson’s show; and WDIA in West Memphis. This spot led to his nickname Beale Street Blues Boy, then Blues Boy, and eventually just B.B.
We recently lost two blues legends – one well-known and loved by people all over the World, and one well-known in parts of the United States as well as internationally and residing in Sacramento. Both will leave a big spot to be filled in our musical lives. B.B. King. The name brings cheers from an audience and smiles to our faces. This great man, maestro of music and life, loved sharing his music with us. Born Riley B. King on September 16, 1925, on a cotton plantation called Berclair, near Itta Bena, Mississippi, he was the son of sharecroppers Albert and Nora Ella King. He always considered the nearby city Indianola, Mississippi his home. Actually, from
B.B. recorded with various record companies, including his own, through the years. He began gaining the interest of white audiences and was a major influence on many Blues and Rock artists, such as Elvin Bishop, 2
Blues Icons—Continued Michael Bloomfield, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Otis Rush, Johnny Winter and Mighty Joe Young. A turning point was his performing with the Rolling Stones, touring with them on their Rolling Stones’ 1969 American Tour.
Love. The song was an answer to Little Johnny Taylor’s Part Time Love. Frankie’s next record was Taxi Blues, which was to become a smash hit as well as Frankie’s signature song.
From the 1980s to his death in 2015, B.B. King maintained a highly visible and active career, appearing on numerous television shows and performing 300 nights a year. He traveled many miles and played with many greats, performed in juke joints, blues clubs and magnificent concert halls. Sacramento was honored to have B.B. perform here on several occasions, not the least and most likely the earliest one was in 1987 at the Sacramento Blues Festival produced by the late Phil Givant.
He started working with guitarist Albert Collins and the two became good friends. They left Texas together in 1965, and Frankie stayed on the road and sang with Albert’s band for the next six years. By 1971, Frankie was in Los Angeles, working with his cousin Johnny “Guitar” Watson. Frankie recorded for Elka Records with Johnny producing. In 1973, Frankie moved to Oakland, the West Coast home of the Blues. In the late 70’s, a young guitarist by the name of Robert Cray played in Frankie’s backup band. After touring up and down the West Coast, Frankie landed a contract with HighTone Records, for whom he recorded The Ladies and The Babies, an album which received high critical acclaim. The Sacramento Blues Festival, produced by the late Phil Givant, introduced Frankie to the crowd in 1981, where Frankie was backed by Mark Naftalin and again in 1987, this time backed by Bobby Murray of the Etta James band.
Along with his busy concert schedule, B.B. was involved in other projects along the way. He was featured in movies and TV shows and did a special for HBO called “The Blues Session”, along with other notable blues artists. He also won many awards – eight Grammys, including Lifetime Achievement, Kennedy Center Honors, Presidential Medal of Freedom, MTV Video Music Award for Best Video and numerous Blues Music Awards, including the Hall of Fame.
Frankie Lee relocated to New York in 1988 where he performed regularly in clubs such as The Ritz, The Lone Star and Tramps, and worked in similar clubs from Boston to Florida. He recorded his next album with Doug Newby and the Bluzblasters, featuring a guest performance by Lucky Peterson. Entitled Sooner or Later, it was released by the Flying Fish (now Rounder) label in 1992. In 1994, Frankie performed at the First Sunday Gig held by the Sacramento Blues Society and continued his performance in Sacramento in the 90’s with producer Mike Balma’s Heritage Festival series. He moved to Sacramento in 2000, where he lived and performed until his passing in 2015.
B.B. was also a co-founder, along with attorney F. Lee Bailey, of the organization FAIRR (Foundation for the Advancement of Inmate Rehabilitation and Recreation). He made more than 40 prison performances in the U.S., most frequently at the Cook County Jail in Chicago. B.B. left us May 14, 2015. We will miss you, B.B., and your music will always be with us. Frankie Lee. This man exuded joy – always greeting us with a smile and a song, he loved life and the smooth, soul-blues music he shared with us.
Frankie performed at most of the major American blues festivals and always found an appreciative audience in Europe, touring successfully there seven times. He also had a number of successful tours in Japan. Frankie once observed “the cultural attitudes towards the blues are different from country to country, but the music always appeals”.
Born Frankie Lee Jones on April 29, 1941 in Mart, Texas, Frankie began singing in church. “I was raised in a religious household, and the blues was the devil’s music.” But Frankie fell in love with the blues he heard on the radio and as a teenager used to sneak out to clubs to listen to the likes of B.B. King.
Going Back Home, his Blind Pig release in 1994, demonstrates that Frankie was equally adept at smooth uptown soul material as well as tough back-in-the-alley blues. He was backed by a superb musical cast, including old friends Bobby Murray of the Etta James Band and Jim Pugh of the Robert Cray Band. Frankie, whom the New York Daily News called “one of the most energetic blues voices of any time or place” said “it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
After high school he moved to Austin, where he met and worked with Sonny Rhodes. One night Ike Turner heard Frankie in a club and hired him as featured vocalist, giving Frankie his first road experience and first chance to perform before large crowds. Shortly thereafter, Frankie moved to Houston. Don Robey, the legendary owner of the historic Duke and Peacock labels, heard Frankie in a Houston nightclub and offered him a contract. In 1963, as Little Frankie Lee, he made his first recording, Full Time
We lost Frankie Lee April 24, 2015. We will keep the memories of this lanky strider with the big smile and big voice in our hearts. 3
International Blues Challenge Local Competition—By Liz Walker Not everyone understands how the IBC works so I thought I’d fill ya’ll in. First and foremost, it is a competition with rules and criteria. It IS NOT A POPULARITY CONTEST. SBS uses the same eligibility and scoring criteria as the Blues Foundation. Categories include Talent, Vocal, Blues Content, Stage Presence and Originality. Every effort is made to find judges that are experienced and knowledgeable in the industry and genre. We use previous winners, promotors, musicians, super fans, club owners, and producers. You are welcome to check out the scoring criteria, just go to blues.org (The Blues Foundation’s website) and click on the tab for the IBC. Read through the scoring criteria and use your skills as you listen to each of the bands perform on August 1st. You can score along and see how your opinions match up with the results. The line-up for the day is done on a random basis (names drawn from a hat.) There may be an exception to this slot assignment if a competing band has a gig conflict.
find a youth act to represent SBS. If you’ve ever been to the IBC in Memphis, you’ll understand how much incredible talent performs over the four days. The competition is tough. As fans, we all have our favorites, but please keep in mind that this is indeed a competition and there can only be one winner. When our winners leave for Memphis they are representing Sacramento Blues Society on Beale Street! Good luck to them and I’ll see ya at the Stoney! sacramento’s International Blues Challenge Local Competition Saturday, August 1st (International Blues Music Day) Stoney’s Rockin Rodeo (Stoney Inn) 1320 Del Paso Blvd 11am-12pm Youth competition 1pm-6pm – Band competition $5 cover
There is another component to the day this year and that is the addition of a youth competition. While the Youth Showcase in Memphis is just that, a showcase not a competition (no scoring), we’re hosting a local competition to
Performing at the IBC in Memphis—By Sean McGroarty It took a great deal of thought before deciding to try for the Sacramento Blues Society’s IBC local competition once again this year. We first tried as a band in 2008 and tied for first place with Aces (something that had never happened in the SBS before). The Aces made it to the finals but did not win. I then competed locally for the solo/duo competition in 2009 with Bobby Ray Watson and we came in second place.
band category. Our thinking was having been to Memphis for the solo/duo competition the year before and making it to the semi-finals, we thought we might be able to take what we learned and go back to try and make it to the finals. The competition locally was so good and the multiple rounds made it very exciting. We were fortunate to once again win and head back to Memphis.
In 2011, I tried again for the duo competition, this time with Used Blues Band guitarist Gary Anthony. We won and we were on our way to Memphis! It was more than we expected, seeing all those amazing bands. To our surprise we made it to the semi-finals, but that was as far as we got. However, one of the most helpful things about the IBC’s in Memphis is that they send the artists the actual judges’ score sheets (not copies, but the actual sheets). It really helps to see what you did well, what you need to work on and just how close you got (we actually came pretty close to making the finals).
Unbeknownst to us, the experience for full bands vs. solo/ duo acts is completely different (other than the insane level of talent that is present in Memphis), but we were surprised once again to make it through to the semi-finals. Alas, we did not make the finals, although based on the score cards we were very close, as was the case the year before. Competing in the local rounds for the chance to go to Memphis is great because the band is singularly focused on putting together a solid show performance with a well thought out list of songs that we believe captures the essence of the blues. Getting to Memphis and performing in the clubs on Beale St. - well, that’s just an experience most blues musicians never get to realize and it is amazing. That exposure to
In 2012 we competed locally again, this time for the SBS
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Performing at the IBC in Memphis—continued If we were to win locally and then actually win the finals in Memphis (which we are really focused on trying to do this year), life would be pretty interesting for a while, to say the least. We have played at some of the major festivals up and down the state these last few years where recent IBC winners were one of the headliners. Having talked with them about the experience of winning, they said it was amazing in getting gigs at oversees festivals, TV show performances, festival invites from all over the country, and more.
blues musicians from all over the world and the experience of competition at that level really improves on your playing and performance ability. It also restores your faith in blues music, seeing every club overflowing with real blues fans every night. So often many local blues bands play to a small handful of people, which can make you feel like most people are not that interested in the blues. I was a judge for the SBS solo/duo competition in 2013, which was fun and I enjoyed being on that side of the room for a change.
So, the best advice I can give to whoever goes to Memphis this year is to play the blues (not country blues, not rock blues, not folk blues, not even mellow early original blues); be larger than life (without being corny); and be original (which really seems to be the key to getting into the finals). Stay tuned……
This year the desire to try it one more time as a band was too strong, so we are trying once again to see if we win locally (which I can only imagine how crazy good the talent will be this year). If we can make it back to Memphis once more, as our friend Tommy Castro would say, we want to find out if the third time is the charm.
Sean McGroarty, Used Blues Band
Coming to Sacramento—July 11!
Coming to Sacramento—July 31!
EC SCOTT has been declared by Jerry Wexler, co-founder of Atlantic Records, as “one honest-to-God soul singer.” High praise from the man who produced Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Wilson Pickett among many, many others. EC Scott can be sassy and sexy in one moment and then become sultry and smooth in the next. She has created her own style of music with that old R&B flavor, but with a new sound acquired while growing up in Oakland and singing in St. John Missionary Baptist Church. She’s been singing for friends and fans since she was 16 years old, and after taking a break to raise a family, she began singing again, with the family’s blessing, and she hasn’t looked back. Her performances range from the nightclub and local bar to performing at the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Ballet, and the San Francisco Opera, as well as at the City’s formal Black and White Ball. She’s done it all and she’ll deliver a musical ride better than any roller coaster! She has three releases available on Blind Pig Records – Masterpiece, Hard Act To Follow and Come Get Your Love. Don’t miss this rare appearance of EC SCOTT, Saturday, July 11 at the Lion’s Gate Hotel. Gates open at 6 PM, advance tickets available at www.bluesonthepatio.com
EG KIGHT is an American Chicago blues singer, guitarist and songwriter. She has worked with many musicians, including George Jones, Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, Luther Allison, Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, Taj Mahal, BB King, and Koko Taylor, to name a few. EG Kight has seven albums to date and received a number of Blues Music Awards nominations for both Contemporary Female Artist, and Song Of The Year. In her youth she watched Elvis Presley perform in Macon, Georgia, however being initially raised on a musical diet of gospel and country, she was pulled into the blues after hearing Koko Taylor sing. EG Kight was a professional musician in her mid-teens, and regularly appeared on the show “Nashville Now”. She has been touring extensively since the 1990’s and has recently recorded a duet with John Nemeth on her album Lip Service. Now known as the “Georgia Songbird”, Sacramento is proud to bring such a great Lady of the Blues to town, and… EG Kight will be backed up by our own SBS Hall of Famers’ Jimmy Pailer on guitar, and Joe Lev on the bass, along with the all star talent of Steve Stizzo on keys and Leigh Lunetta on drums. Another don’t miss appearance, Friday July 31 at the Lion’s Gate Hotel. Gates open at 6 PM, advance tickets available at www.bluesonthepatio.com
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Mark “Two-Tone Steiny” Steinmetz by Vj Anderson If you went to the Chris Duarte show recently at the Torch Club, you probably know Mark. If not, you may have wondered about this energetic guy with the tight band that opened the show. A class act with a bright, “fly” wardrobe reminiscent of the 1960’s (Ornette Coleman’s sharp suits comes to mind), Mark does make his mark.
Nightcats CD and “it knocked me out not just the music, but the lyrics too”. Mark went on to say “I went to see them live and Rick Estrin comes out wearing this electric blue suit with alligator shoes and they just blow the place up. I remember thinking now THAT’S how it’s done! It was like a light switch clicked in my head.” At that point, he began immersing himself in blues music while also trying to teach himself to play harp, sing blues and front a band. A busy schedule! At the age of 50 he had formed his first band. His goal was to have a sharp, well-rehearsed band (not fill in players) performing and recording original music. He feels privileged to have played and recorded with some great musicians and thanks them for being a part of his growing as a musician himself.
Born in 1957 and raised in Pomona, California about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, Mark grew up in a home with the music going - folk, country, rock, soul and blues. At an early age he was struck by the power of well-crafted lyrics and music. When his older brother showed him some chords on the guitar, he was hooked. He started teaching himself to play. His family relocated to Auburn in the early ‘70’s and during High School he played in a couple of garage bands and started writing songs. He soon realized he had a knack for writing and memorizing lyrics. Then, at 22 he became a father and everything, including music, took a back seat for years.
Mark has released three CDs, Pocket Full of Money, Welcome to the Club and the recent Alright!. All three are his original material. He now has a busy schedule with his current band - Paris Clayton on lead guitar; Chris Akin, bass; drummer “Ratatat” Pat Balcom; and Gordon Groft on keyboards, - which he believes are the best ever. He feels fortunate to have such talent surrounding him. If you would like to catch this jumpin’ band in person, please go to www.twotonesteiney.wordpress.com for a listing of his upcoming shows or contact Steiny at twotonesteiney@yahoo.com.
Mark was always drawn to blues music, especially harmonica driven blues. So when he was about 35, he started playing harp. He bought a Little Charlie & The
Let it Rain CD by Deb Ryder—by JohnE with a primal blues walking bass supporting some great lead licks and nice horns on the accents and breaks. The second song “Can’t Go Back Again” does a nice job of mixing up the beat, starting with a shuffle walk and quickly turning it into a rhumba, and then later taking it back to the shuffle. The song is a nice setup for a New Orleans feel with a nice raspy trombone solo. “You Won’t Be True” sets up the third song with a nice swinging blues beat complete with the horn accents and stops that hold your ear to the speakers, waiting to see where the song is going next. The fourth track, “Guilty As Sin”, is as sultry and bluesy as the title suggests. It would make a great soundtrack song in a Quenton Tarantino movie.
Deb Ryder has just released a great independent CD called Let It Rain which is being distributed by City Hall Records and promoted by Delta Groove Music. Deb Ryder is joining that growing group of blues musicians coming out of L.A. This is her second CD release and she has assembled a great group of people together to bring this album out. Her husband Ric is the bass player and the executive producer; recorded & mixed by Johnny Lee Schell and Brad Swanson; mastered by Ruben Cohen. The musicians throughout the tracks include: Tony Braunagel on drums, Mike Finnigan on piano and B3, Kirk Fletcher on guitar, Jonny Lee Schell on guitar, Albert Lee on guitar, Kim Wilson on harmonica, James Hutchinson on double bass, David Fraser on accordion, Lee Thornburg on trumpet and trombone, and Lon Price on saxophone.
The album goes on with seven more cuts that are all just as good and worth listening to. All of the compositions are by Deb Ryder, who displays a lot of talent with her songwriting, and her sultry voice is perfect for singing the blues. www.DEBRYDER.com
The album starts out strong with “That’s Just How It Is” 6
Coming Events—By Renee Erickson, Events Chair Jul 11—E.C. Scott at the Lions Gate Hotel (Blues on the Patio) www.ecscott.com
The Sacramento Blues Society hosted another successful event on June 7th at the Torch Club! Two Tone Steiny and The Cadillacs opened for the Chris Duarte Band. Both bands rocked the house, and a great time was had by all. Check out the photos elsewhere in the Blue Notes, and you can see Two Tone Steiny on the cover!
Jul 24 & 25—Blues and Bones at Angels Camp www.bluesandbones.com/california
Jul 31—E.G. Kight at the Lions Gate Hotel (Blues It is such a pleasure to bring these events to our on the Patio) www.egkight.com members, and I want to thank my Events Committee, Aug 1—IBC Local Competition at The Stoney Inn the Board of Directors, and all the volunteers for www.sacblues.com working so hard to plan and organize them. Having Aug 8—Folsom Fest – www.folsomfest.com said that, I would love to hear from you, our memAug 29—Kaye Bohler at the Lions Gate Hotel bers, to let me know what types of events you would (Blues on the Patio) www.kayebohler.com like to see us plan. I’m sure that you have suggestions regarding venues, musicians, Saturday or Sun- Sep 27—Hall of Fame Induction at Harlow’s www.sacblues.com day (which is better), etc. Please email me at events@sacblues.com or my personal email which is Oct 3—Blues on the River at Swabbie’s renee-erickson@comcast.net. I want to hear what Oct 17—Daniel Castro Band at the Lions Gate Hoyou have to say. We are here to work and plan for tel (Blues on the Patio) www.danielcastro.com you, and your input is invaluable! Dec 5—SBS MEMBER PARTY! www.sacblues.com Now, for some future events that you won’t want Stay cool listening to the Blues. See you out there! to miss! Photos of Chris Duarte & Carlos Reyes by Brian Phillips of BGPhillips Photography
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Nancy Wright, Putting Down Roots (Direct Hit Records) –By Mindy Giles “I put down my cocktail tray, picked up my sax and got on stage with John Lee Hooker.” That’s Nancy Wright’s swell nightclub story from her young days in Dayton, Ohio. She never looked back. Why would you, after being invited to tour America (including Carnegie Hall) with blues legend Hooker, and be mentored by the great Father of Blues Rock, Lonnie Mack? Those two blues/soul heroes are the biggest inspirations for the Ohio-born Wright, who came west to the Bay Area in 1984. She’s been logging international hours for decades with those two, plus Elvin Bishop, New Orleans genius Earl King, Maria Muldaur, Mark Hummel, Joe Louis Walker, Tommy Castro, The Blues Broads and Frank Bey & Anthony Paule Band. In 2013, Wright was awarded the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame Blues Saxophone Player of the Year.
It’s followed by a tender, rock-a-bye country soul beauty, “Hush, My Darling”. And then, in a wonderful homage to Lonnie Mack’s heroic rollickin’ picking, Wright swings for the fences with “Well I’m Travellin’.” Kid Andersen dazzles with his Mack-inspired guitar work. There’s a romantic summertime Chicago soul vibe ala Tyrone Davis on “Groovin’ Easy”. (Thank you bassist Paul Olguin and keyboardist Toy Lufrano especially). Wright’s evocative tenor tone and groove bring a lifetime of blues, soul, R&B, and country gospel in her ballads and boogies. She offers personal stories from her Midwestern beginnings and Bay Area lifetime (the bittersweet sunset waltz “Seems I Still Love You” feels downright home to this ex-Hoosier), and her rippin’ ”Boogie for JL” that follows shows she can shake it off and fill a dance floor. “Sanctity in Blues” closes the record; the apt title speaks her soul. A wonderful summer CD! -By Mindy Giles
With Putting Down Roots, Wright put herself on the big line---she wrote the complete album, six instrumentals and six vocals--and as the savvy music writer Joel Selvin quipped “Who knew she could sing like this? She’s a Junior Walker Jr. and Bonnie Raitt blues slinger rolled up in one sweet soulful package.”
Backing Wright is a team of cohorts she records and tours with from the rising soul-blues group: The Frank Bey and Anthony Paule Band (Nancy is featured on both of the band’s 2013 releases): Guitarist Anthony Paule (Charlie Musselwhite), keyboardist Tony Lufrano (The Whispers), drummer Paul Revelli (Joe Louis Walker), and bassist Paul Olguin (Tracy Nelson). She recorded at Kid Andersen’s Greaseland Studios, in San Jose, CA, and Kid masterfully contributed guitar work to six of the tracks on Putting Down Roots.
For me, the album rises about midway beginning with “The Big Queen, “ a really terrific Metersy/Earl King-sounding instrumental; her smoky nighttime tenor and drummer Paul Revelli’s second line funk pushing out deep groove grooviness.
those men and women that fought and continue to fight for our freedom. This year, we wanted to get more personal.” Says Annie Brisson, Manager of Placer County’s own funk/soul band, Foxtrot Mary.
“FREE YOUR MIND FEST” raises money for local veterans charity Local Independence Day event focuses on giving Veterans back their mental independence Two local funk/soul bands, Foxtrot Mary & Mr. December, will join forces to host an Independence Day event at the Country Club Saloon in Loomis, to benefit the Auburn chapter of The Forgotten Soldier Program. The inaugural fund raising event will help gain awareness and support for the services that the program provides to its local veterans.
“For us (Mr. December), this is a chance to keep our true American heroes in the forefront of the community’s mind. So many soldiers come back with scars that aren’t necessarily visible and it’s easy to dismiss their injuries because they’re not physically seen. The Forgotten Soldier Program is exactly what we’re looking for” said Dana Moret, Lead singer of Mr. December. Hosted by 96.9fm The Eagle’s, Doug Thomas, the event will take place on Independence Day, July 4th, 2015 from 4 -7pm at Loomis’ Country Club Saloon on 4007 Taylor Rd. The event will feature four hours of live funk, soul, rock and blues by Foxtrot Mary and Sacramento favorite, Mr. December. The festivities will also include a horseshoe tournament, a 50/50 raffle and more.
“We realized the brave men and women who served for our country were not getting the help they needed. Many of our HEROES return with emotional, physical and spiritual injuries that can last a lifetime. We believe you can combine different modalities to bring back balance to the mind, body and spirit” – Donna Arz PhD (Program Director)
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Dana Papastathis or Annie Brisson at (Dana) (916 -203-8001 (Annie) (530) 400-1570 or email at danamoret@yahoo.com.
“In the past our bands have always done community events on Independence Day without specifically honoring 8
Blues In The Schools – Liz Walker; photos by Bob Cosman Well if you weren’t at the Stoney Inn May 5th for the BITS showcase you missed the BEST showcase ever. The students from the three after school programs absolutely blew everyone away. It’s so amazing to watch these students go from confused and struggling to commanding the stage and audience. We had two graduates this year that have spent their entire high school career in BITS and we wish Max and Vincent good luck on their next journeys. They both showed such growth and leadership we hate to lose them and hope to recruit them both to continue working with BITS.
door and Bob Cosmanphotographer extraordinaire. The giant smiles all around were a testament to the power of the blues! The Big Day of Giving was also a rousing success this year. BITS received over $4000 in donations that day. THANK YOU to all of you who took the time to go on-line to make your donation. It was a fantastic result for both our program and the region (with over $5M.) The next big thing for BITS this year is the 2016 International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase. Thanks to the generosity of Carrera Productions, BITS is sponsoring a youth solo/duo/band to go to Memphis for the 2016 IBC Youth Showcase. We will be holding a local competition to find the lucky participant August 1st along with the SBS local IBC competition. If you know of some young player(s) who would be interested, be sure to pass on the information. Check back to sacblues.com or bits.org for more information.
Big THANK YOU’S to all the teachers involved. The high school teachers John Ousley, John Harmon and Steve Boettner work extra hours to support the students and BITS pros. Paris Clayton, Rick Taylor, Joe Lev, Jimmy Pailer, Lew Fratis and Steve Boutte are incredible with these students and were such proud papas at the showcase. We’d also like to thank and acknowledge those that worked so hard to make the showcase a success: Kevin Lutz-Stoney Inn, Steve Walker-Point Source Sound, Lisa Adams-donation station, Renee Erickson & Debra Schottgen-at the
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Sacramento Blues Society is Pleased To Acknowledge our Sponsors and Donors and Thank them for Supporting our Programs Gold Sponsors Mary Carrera 916‐941‐9001
www.La‐Z‐Boy.com/ sacramento
Silver Sponsors www.powerhousepub.com
Ann Malveaux
Bronze Sponsors
Edward Haneffant www.kellerwilliams.com
Business Donors
Don Selasko 916‐330‐8611 www.zelaskodesigns.com
www.stoneyinn.com
www.torchclub.net Edward Smith www.autoaccident.com
www.louiescocktaillounge.com
Mindy@swellproductions.com
Grady O’Bryant www.sactrips.com
The Sacramento Blues Society (SBS) is one of the oldest blues socie es in California, founded in 1979. SBS 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, bringing interna onally renowned ar sts to the region and publishing the “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. 2015 Board Officers
Sacramento Blues Society is a Proud Member of
President—Cari Chenkin Vice‐President—Mari Lu Onweller Secretary—Janna Welk Treasurer—Sharie Mar n Parliamentarian—Dave Alcock Board Members at Large Renee Erickson Daniel Hernandez Barbara Katen Sally Katen “Guitar” Mac MacKnally Jimmy Reego
Board of Directors Mee ngs—2nd Tuesday, each Month; 7:00 PM Check www.sacblues.com for loca on. All SBS members in good standing are invited to aƩend. For adverƟsing rates contact editor@sacblues.com
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2015 Committee Chairs Blue Notes – Vj Anderson & Jan Kelley Blues In The Schools ‐ Liz Walker & Cynthia Jaynes Blues News – Willie Brown Donor Gi s – Vacant Events ‐ Renee Erickson Finance – Val Anderson Hall Of Fame ‐Sally Katen Membership ‐ Linda McShane Public Rela ons ‐ Guitar Mac MacKnally Public Rela ons & Social Media‐ Cari Chenkin Social Media ‐ Dave Alcock Volunteer Coordinator ‐ Daniel Hernandez Webmaster ‐ Sco Willson
Support our Band Members—Hire an SBS Member Band! Bad Catz Badcatz.com
Julie & The Jukes jullieandthejukes.com
The Blues Spectrum facebook.com/TheBluesSpectrum
Big Earl and the Cryin' Shame bigearl@gmail.com
Kyle Rowland Blues Band kylerowlandbluesband.com
The Blues Vandals bluesvandals.com
Bob Mora & the Third Degree thirddegreebluesband.com
Melonnee Desiree & Cauzin’ a Ruckus melonneedesiree.com
The Bluez Houndz (916) 991-6148
Bobby Blues Ray Bobbybluesray.com Dave Croall & the Soothers rightdave@hotmail.com Foxtrot Mary www,foxtrotmary.com Highway Blues Band chrisandkevin@sbcglobal.net Jeramy Norris & The Dangerous Mood facebook.com/ JeramyNorrisTheDangerousMood
Mr. December Band mrdecembertheband.com
The Bongo Furys 916-607-1940 gtrman@gmail.com
Nedra Russ njrmusic.com
Tony and the Tuff Times tatttblues@gmail.com
Ray “Catfish” Copeland Band raycatfishcopeland.com
Two-Tone Steiny twotonesteiny.wordpress.com
Red’s Blues www.facebook.com/pages/RedsBlues/160672484071187
Used Blues Band Sean@myifp.com
Rube & the Rhythm Rockers ruberhythmrockers.com Ryder Green Band www.rydergreenmusic.com
Val Starr & the Blues Rocket valstarrandthebluesrocket.com William Mylar Band mylarville.com
SBS Musician CDs Available! 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
Jeramy Norris Band Blues Man www.cdbaby.com; www.reverbnation.com
Blues Vandals Partner in Crime www.bluesvandals.com, Amazon, iTunes
Kyle Rowland Alone in my Dark Room www.kylerockinrowland.com
Bobby Blues Ray Blues Knight of the West Coast www.bobbybluesray.com Guitar Mac— She Done Moved www.guitarmac.com/cd
Ray “Catfish” Copeland Band Got Love if You Want It www.cdbaby.com Red’s Blues Red's Blues www.cdbaby.com/cd/redsblues
Marshal Wilkerson Propaganda propagandarecordsonline.com
The Used Blues Band Used Again www.tatemusicgroup.com
Nedra Russ / NJR Everybody’s Been Somewhere www.cdbaby.com; njrmusic.com
Two-Tone Steiny Alright! www.cdbaby.com Val Star & the Blues Rocket Blues Away www.cdbaby.com; Dimple Records
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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—Brian Phillips Brian Phillips (BG Phillips Photography) is a photographer from Folsom who took this edition's cover photo of Mark "Steiny" Steinmetz and page 7 photos of Chris Duarte and Carlos Reyes at our recent event at the Torch Club. He can be seen shooting at Val Starr's Blues on the Patio concert series as well as Mary Carrera's (Carrera Productions) events in Folsom. You can see more of his work at www.bgphillipsphotography.com, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BGPhillipsPhotography. Shown here are recent photos he took of Dennis Jones and Chris Cain.
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