IN THIS ISSUE: SBS Member Band Profile: Gary Mendoza Band Blues in the Schools Wrap-Up SBS Hall of Fame Review - Women Sing the Blues Review - Blues Music Awards Cover by Bob Cosman
Cover Design Cosman Cover by by Bob Cosman 1
A Message from the President
By Renee Erickson
Summer is in full swing, and we’re excited to see all of you out and about at the many indoor and outdoor events coming up! I want to focus my comments this month on our need for volunteers. We have an amazing Board of Directors and Committee Chairs that are very dedicated to the Sacramento Blues Society. However, we can only do so much. We have such great ideas and plans, but we need help. If you have a few hours a month and would like to be involved, please think about joining one of our Committees. Some of our standing committees are as follows: Events Committee – The Events Committee plans and produces all of our events. This is a very important and very busy committee. If you would like to be part of the decisions on who to bring to Sacramento, what venue to use, promoting the event, etc., please consider joining this committee. Blues in the Schools – If you really want to see what the Sacramento Blues Society does for the youth in our community, you can get up close and personal by being a member of this committee. It’s heartwarming and pretty amazing to see these high school students learn and grow as musicians. Membership – Linda McShane does an awesome job processing our memberships and sending out emails when it’s time for renewal, etc. We would like to see additions to this committee to transform it into a very active committee that can focus on membership recruiting and membership retention. I see this committee getting involved in community events to spread the word about what SBS does as well as bringing ideas and suggestions to the Board about what additional benefits we can provide to our individual, family, and band members. Fund Raising and Grant Writing Committee – There are many grants available to non profits such as SBS. This committee would research prospects and availability and handle writing the proposal. PR and Social Media – Are you well connected in the Sacramento area or do you have ideas and/or suggestions regarding PR and Social Media? This committee would get the word out to our community on our mission statement and what we do to keep the blues tradition alive in the Sacramento area by promoting the local blues music scene and bringing international renowned artists to the region as well as explaining our programs such as Blues in the Schools, Hall of Fame, etc. Those are just a few of the areas that we need help in. The more volunteers we have, the more successful our Society will be. Of course, we always need our volunteers who work the tables selling merchandise and memberships at the different events around town, and we appreciate that very much! However, if you want a little bit higher level of involvement, I hope that you will consider coming to a committee meeting and checking it out. I’m looking forward to seeing our members at the Tia Carroll show on July 16th. It’s going to be a great one. As you probably know, Tia just won the 2016 Northern California Entertainers Music Award for FEMALE BLUES ARTIST OF THE YEAR. You’re not going to want to miss this one! Get your tickets online at sacblues.com. Thank you all for supporting SBS, and I hope you will give some thought to check out a committee meeting. See you on the 16th! The Sacramento Blues Society (SBS) is one of the oldest blues societies in California, founded in 1979. SBS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation formed to preserve and promote blues music as a art form. SBS has kept the blues tradition alive in the Sacramento area by promoting the local blues music scene, bringing internationally renowned artists to the region and publishing the “Blue Notes” six times a year. SBS is an affiliate member of The Blues Foundation, which honored us with a 2015 Keeping the Blues Alive Award, and provides educational opportunities for young people with The Blues Foundation’s “Blues in The Schools” Program. Board of Directors Meetings - 2nd Tuesday of each Month, 7:00 pm. All SBS Members in good standing are invited to attend. For more details, including meeting location, check: www.sacblues.com/whowe-are/
2017 Committee Chairs
2017 Board of Directors
Blues in the Schools - Liz Walker, Lisa Phenix
President: Renee Erickson
Hall of Fame - Sally Katen
Vice President: Scott Willson
Events - Jan Kelley
Secretary: Barbara Katen
Membership & Sponsorships - Linda McShane
Treasurer: Kristen Dahl
Public Relations & Social Media - Scott Willson
Parliamentarian: Dave Alcock
Volunteer Coordinator - Liz Walker
Board Members at Large
Donor Gifts - Scott Willson
Rick Clemens
Blue Notes Newsletter - Jan Kelley & Cari Chenkin
Sally Katen
Help keep the Blues alive - Contact a Chair or Board Member to volunteer for the Board or a Committee!
Art Quinn Cari Chenkin
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Blues In The Schools
grades. Another component of the program is working with students in social service settings and court schools. These underserved and disadvantaged students have expressed their connection to the blues by writing the lyrics to songs that went on to be put to music and recorded. The BITS cd currently has 8 songs (including the first blues rap!). The third major aspect is an artist in residence after school program where students are provided free music lessons and coaching by professional musicians. High School music students learn to work and play together culminating in a performance for their friends and families and the Blues community at large. All BITS programs promote school connectivity, leading to improved retention rates and positive academic outcomes.
By Liz Walker
Summertime and the livin’ is easy for the BITS committee. It feels good to stop and breathe after our hectic spring. Speaking of spring, I hope y’all had a chance to come out and enjoy the annual BITS Showcase on May 4th. I know I say it every year but every year it just gets better and better. To see these young players step onto the stage after just 12 hours of instruction with our pros and blow your hair back is just too amazing! Not only are they learning the blues, they’re learning how to work together and gain confidence. The absolute most fun was to see the students’ jaws drop when all the teachers took to the stage - John Harmon, Steve Boettner and John Ousley along with Joe Lev, Lew Fratis and Larry Schiavone just tore it up with “Killing Floor”. Oh yea! They have chops!
2004 BITS Begins! Following the first successful Blues In The Schools presentation at Sacramento High, led by local Blues Historian Mick Martin, we were off! 2004 - Pilot program began with 18 presentations at nine 2005 Sacramento schools. All musicians volunteered their time and talent. 2005 First Artscapes Grant from Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission received. For the next two years BITS provided two part assemblies for nine schools. Developed first strategic plan with three goals – 1. Encourage SCUSD students to form Blues bands; 2. Fundraising; and 3. Expand the BITS program into the remaining SCUSD schools that have not been scheduled. 2006 First community grants received from Target & Walmart.
While there were a number of students graduating this year there were just a few who had been in the program for their full four years and they received $50 gift cards from the SBS/BITS. We wish all the graduates the best of luck. Let me share a couple of statements from the students: “I can’t believe I didn’t do this last year, I wasted a whole year!”, “Thank you so much for bringing BITS to our school. It has been the best experience of my life.”, “I was in the program for two years and enjoyed both years uniquely and deeply. One of my favorite parts of the entire experience was attending the showcase, on and off stage. It was satisfying to be surrounded by people with an earnest passion for music similar to mine. In our world today, appreciation for fundamental genres of music such as the blues is diminishing. It was so special to feel the beating heart of that appreciation at those shows. I can’t thank you enough for bringing that opportunity to our school and to me.”. “Blues in the schools was an incredible experience for me, it was really fun to be able to perform music with my classmates, and to be able to work with musicians like Joe Lev. BITS is to me a priceless experience.” And on that note it’s time for me to say adios after serving as cochair of the BITS committee for twelve years. Along with Cynthia Jaynes and Dave Alcock, we built an incredible program but now it’s time for new energy and ideas. Lisa Phenix is stepping in as chairman and Dave Alcock continues as program director (populating and scheduling presentations.) BITS welcomes new committee members TJ Lev and Rick Clemens. I will continue as an advisor for the remainder of the year and work on a new project with veterans in Yolo County. I would like to share that working with all our pros, teachers and most especially the students over the years, has been truly rewarding both personally and professionally. I have great respect and admiration for the talent and passion in the program and feel humbled, honored and awed to have helped nurture Blues In The Schools into the program it is today. Caio!
HISTORY of Blues in the Schools
Incorporating live musical performances by local professional musicians with lecture content, Blues in the Schools (BITS), a program of the Sacramento Blues Society, supports and enhances the educational experience of students in the Sacramento region. By providing lecture materials and activities across grade levels on the social, political and cultural aspects of the original American art known as the Blues, BITS helps to improve literacy levels in all
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2007
BITS provides 10 programs for five Yolo County schools, funded by Yolo Arts Council. Eight week after-school program in Rosemont and West Campus High Schools begins.
2008
Presentations given for WIND Youth School for Homeless Teens, and The Boys & Girls Club. Program brought to Sacramento County Office of Education’s Court and Community Schools. These sessions focused on songwriting. Students submitted lyrics & the winning song was arranged, recorded and produced. Four years at SCOE.
2009
BITS gets involved with other community arts programs! Performance at opening of California History Museum. Participated in CSUS Arts Day. Joined Mayor Johnson’s For Arts Sake Initiative as part o the education committee.
2010
BITS expands to bring in national Blues Artists to interact with students. Joe Bonamassa held a workshop for 350 students at the Crest Theater. Tommy Castro, Bernard Allison, Deanna Bogart performed for students at the Harris Center in Folsom. Curtis Salgado and KRS1, each spent hours playing blues and inspiring homeless teens at WIND Youth. Paul Oscher, Blues Harmonica player for Muddy Waters, headlines for BITS at Swabbies. For the next three years the BITS showcase headliners were Laurie Morvan,
and will always have the blues in my heart.” “One of the greatest inspirations I have had in my life.”
BITS History, con’t. from p. 3
Daniel Castro, and the Dennis Jones Band. BITS is chosen for the Arts Growth Circle. Training & networking with other arts providers, PR groups, and consultants. Chosen for funding of a strategic planning retreat. . Three Year Strategic Plan completed with the following goals: Student Engagement - Curriculum development - DVD produced – Logo development. BITS program at North Area Teen Center, an after-school drop-in center for teens. 2011 Promotional DVD and logo development complete. 2012/ Rex Foundations awards received, BITS featured at 2013 Sacramento Kings Grateful Dead Night. BITS is chosen as a provider for Kennedy Art Center’s Any Given Child. Woodcreek High School added to the after-school program. BITS joins Big DOG for the Arts, the National Day of Giving, Presentations in the Crocker Art Museum for Teen Take Over and home school opportunities. Presentation for the Sacramento County Children’s Receiving Home. Curriculum development completed. Another Strategic Plan goal met!
Student performers at 2017 BITS Showcase
2013 Second 3-Year Strategic Plan completed with the following goals: Student Engagement - Curriculum packaging and distribution - Increase Social Media Presence -Financial Development.
Tia Carroll to Appear
2014 Big DOG coincides with BITS Showcase @ Witch Room. BITS Website and Facebook established. 2015 SBS received Blues Foundation’s Keeping the Blues Alive award. Big DOG coincides with BITS Showcase @ Stoney’ Rockin Rodeo Receive Umpqua Bank grant for $5000. 2016
Cultural Arts Award grant from SMAC; joined Crocker in neighborhood Arts in the Community Festival; produced Out of the Box Festival – By 2016 BITS has served over 25,000 students!
Tia Carroll has her own unique star power that’s evident in her new self-titled album. Don’t pass on America’s hot new sweetheart of the blues. This internationally celebrated artist has racked up awards that include: 2007 West Coast Blues Hall of Fame Female Blues Artist of the Year; 2008 Jus’ Blues Foundation’s Traditional Blues Woman of the Year; 2012 Rock n Roll’s Hall of Fame Corporate Band Competition Vocalist of the Year and 2016 Northern California Music Entertainers Female Blues Artist of the Year.
This is just a sampling of what we can remember from our years of bringing the blues to the students and youth of the Sacramento region. We appreciate the support of all the donors who understand the importance of giving students the opportunity to develop their own innate talents. Blues In The Schools is a magical experience that is shared not only by the students, but all involved. This worthwhile program creates an interactive musical environment facilitating a life-long passion for learning. Let’s let the kids speak for us: “Thank you for coming to my school because my head needed music to concentrate.” “Thank you guys for everything. Now I have
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TIA CARROLL AND HER HOT BAND With special guests the Ryder Green Band July 16, 2017, 2:00-6:00 Fair Oaks Clubhouse Auditorium 7997 California Ave, Fair Oaks $10 SBS Members $15 Public
Ridin’ the Rails with Gary Mendoza
formed several times in the initial production, with a repeat request following a few months later. He is currently working on a professional video where he’s filmed in the Elk Grove cemetery as well as on the Wine Train. In 2013 Gary was awarded “Elk Grove Citizen Artist of the Year”.
By Jan Kelley
Have you ever ridden the Sacramento Wine Train? Well, we were recently given the opportunity and lo and behold, there was Gary Mendoza with his band playing their great style of Blues in one of the cars. I’ve come to realize Gary can be in various places you’d least expect and is always a delight to hear. So I decided to give him a call and find out more about this talented and good-looking man!
Now retired as a car salesman, Gary transports cars on occasion and performs in retirement homes, where people love his renditions of the Blues. He not only performs with his band, but also does solo work and duos with Steven Kimball, guitarist. So look for Gary on the Wine Train, in clubs and on stage, you never know where he’ll pop up! Check him out at www.garymendozaband.com.
Gary lived primarily in the Central Coast area of California most of his life, but was born in Fresno, where he lived with his parents, three sisters and brother. Gary’s dad was a ‘honky-tonk’ piano player and singer, which led Gary naturally into doing the same.
IBC Heating Up!
At the age of five, he was singing and playing a riff that his dad called “soca teqa”, and his proud papa had to show him off to his musician pals, even if it meant Gary was woken up when they returned home late from a show. His mother would prepare food for everyone while the guys carried on with their music. This was Gary’s introduction to music that instilled itself in Gary and took him through many highs and lows in life. Singing in church and school gave Gary confidence. He was 10 years old and just getting into the Beatles, singing “I Want to Be a Beatle” all the time. One day in fourth grade his teacher brought in a tape recorder for her students to talk into & tell something about themselves, but Gary sang instead, impressing his teacher enough to send him to a TV personality who had a local radio station. He went to the studio and met the man who promptly had him on a recording for a single ’45 record. His song was “Chains”.
The International Blues Challenge Band Competition for the Sacramento Blues Society is going to be the hottest ticket on the hottest day where great music will be grooving and cold drinks will be flowing. This will be a great show with a variety of bands with many styles all bringing their A-Game to determine who will represent SBS in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge. This year’s IBC Competition will be on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at Stoney’s Rockin’ Rodeo (The Stoney Inn) and the doors will open at noon. One of many great things about the IBC is the price: JUST $5 for over 4 hours of killer Blues. Not a bad deal for a great afternoon.
In addition to the Beatles, as Gary became older he began to listen more to the Blues. He credits Muddy Waters and B. B. King being great influences on him, so he started researching Blues and entering talent shows. One of the shows he was up against bands but he was the only solo singer – he took first place! That was the moment of revelation for Gary when he knew he could do something with his talent. Gary never took a lesson but learned a lot on YouTube for the harmonica. He says “I have to hone my skill on instruments but singing comes naturally”. He thinks there are better song writers than him, so does mostly covers. As he moved into adulthood, Gary strayed away from music but later came back to it in the 90’s by singing in church in a gospel group. Gary reflects on that part of his life and says “it takes the Blues to cure the Blues”.
Slots for bands to win $4000 in travel expenses and the chance to represent Sacramento in Memphis with some of the best Blues acts the world has to offer are still available, but will be going fast! To enter your band, go to www.sacblues.com, navigate to the IBC section of the Events page, and follow the directions. The entry fee is only $25. Not too shabby! If you have any questions contact David Alcock at IBC@sacblues.com. See you at the Show!
His first band was in Morro Bay called “Cold Blues” but his first cd was in 2006, where he had recorded his original “Put Your Shoes Back On”. Gary has also recorded with Two Tone Steiny on his last two cds. When jamming in Sporty’s in Elk Grove around 2010, he met Nan Mahon and later asked her if she’d be his manager. Together they applied for a grant with the city of Elk Grove, which put them on a path to write a musical. Nan already was a published author and into jazz and Blues, in addition to managing Nan-O-Second Productions. They received an undisclosed amount to produce a play, and with the assistance of Barbara Morgan, created a wonderful play of “History of the Blues”, incorporating some of the young musicians in the area as well as professional Blues musicians. This was per-
by Dave Alcock
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Blues Thanksgiving By Little Charlie Baty
It is a chance for the whole Blues family to get together at Harlow’s and talk about what has happened over the last year. A chance to commemorate our friends who have passed over the years. A chance to hear the next upcoming star. A chance to hear some quality acoustic music being played, in concert and as accompaniment to the touching slide show of fallen Blues warriors. It is a chance to see icons like Rick Estrin and Aaron King hanging out in their Sunday best supporting their friends. It is a chance to ask Mick Martin in person to play one of your favorite tunes on his radio show. It is a chance to hear a lot of the local stars get together at the Torch Club after the Hall of Fame ceremony and jam until the wee hours. It is the kind of Thanksgiving where the food is not the centerpiece, unless you are particularly fond of crackers, cheese and salami, but where family is all that matters. And by family, I mean both musicians and audience members. When you sign up to be in the Sacramento Blues Society, you are demonstrating that you want to help support the blues in this area and the people who play it. You are every bit as important as the people whose photos end up on the wall of the Torch Club. Without you, our blues music will just die. Just a thought – maybe it’s time to honor a Fan of the Year also?
Blues has been a big part of the Sacramento music scene for a long time. When I arrived in Sacramento in 1975, there were a number of local blues bands such as Sunland Blues Band, Whalin’ Black, Mick Martin and Johnny Heartsman, playing the clubs. Also national blues acts like James Cotton, Albert King, Paul Butterfield and Albert Collins would regularly perform here at Crabshaw Corner and other venues. After our band Little Charlie and the Nightcats formed, we would often play at Sacramento Blues Society events held at Tootsie’s in Old Sacramento and later on at some of the early Sacramento Blues Festivals held at American River College and at Land Park. There were blues society meetings in the South Area with performers like William Clarke and George Smith making appearances. We were lucky enough to have Johnny Guitar Knox open up many of these shows and also play with his band. Over the following 40+ years, many other bands formed and performed blues around this area and kept this blues scene strong and vibrant. So it certainly made sense to honor some of these performers who dedicated their lives to blues. After all, athletes have their Hall of Fame, why not musicians too?
So I hope to see you at the Hall of Fame event this year. I don’t know yet who will be inducted or who will be present, but I am sure that I will see and hear a lot of my friends who I’ve made over the last 40 plus years. Be proud of this blues scene that we have created and show your support. Let’s make it a record breaker.
FINAL CHANCE to WIN a CRUISE!!
Muddy Waters was honored by being put on a United States postage stamp, as was Elvis Presley. Some musicians are remembered as being a character in a movie, by their songs or records, or perhaps as a character in a book. The Sacramento blues musicians are remembered by being inducted into the Hall of Fame and eventually having their photo displayed on a special wall at the Torch Club, Sacramento’s home of the blues. In order to be admitted to the Hall of Fame, you need to have demonstrated many years of performing the blues in this area. You need to be from this area or to have lived here for a long time. You also need to have a previously inducted Hall of Famer speak a few words and then induct you into the Hall of Fame. In the early years of the Hall of Fame, that proved to be a problem because some of the inductees were already deceased. When Rick Estrin and I were inducted in 2010, we each took turns inducting each other. But now seven years later, there are many names on that roster and the wall at the Torch Club is filling up. Why is the Hall of Fame event important? It gives our blues community a chance to honor musicians who have devoted their life to playing a style of music that touches all of us deeply. For many of us, it may be the only professional accolade that we ever receive. When you play blues for a living, you don’t get a gold watch with your name engraved on the back upon 30 years of service. You’re lucky just to be able to keep playing this music and inspire more people to follow in your footsteps. Hence, the need for Blues in the Schools, also known as BITS. Many of these Hall of Famers end up giving demonstrations to kids in the schools to hopefully inspire a few youngsters to go down the Blues Highway and keep this thing going. I think of the Hall of Fame event a little bit like Thanksgiving.
Just a little over ONE MONTH is left to enter to WIN a cruise for two in a veranda cabin on the October 2017 Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise! The odds are in your favor, as only 240 tickets will be sold - and at only $20/per ticket, it’s chance to win what would otherwise be a very expensive vacation for a very small investment. Plus, you’re supporting the Sacramento Blues Society! The drawing will be in August 2017 at the Doug MacLeod show, and you can buy tickets at any SBS event, or by mail by sending a check to: SBS, P O Box 60580, Sacramento, CA 95860-0580; be sure to specify what it’s for and your tickets will be mailed to you. Good luck!
SBS Hall of Fame Event Coming Soon! By Sally Katen, HOF Chair We accepted the final Nomination for this year’s Hall of Fame on June 30th, 2017. The HOF Committee has started work on nominee bios and will be preparing for the upcoming SBS HOF Induction Ceremony. Just a reminder, we “do” take 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 musician or blues promoter or supporter, we want them! A lot of blues events would not happen without some of these consistent supporters. This year’s Event is at Harlow’s Restaurant and Nightclub on September 24th, 2017 from 2pm – 6pm with the After Party at the Torch Club at 904 15th Street from 6pm - 8pm. 6
38th Blues Music Awards
Music Awards, including a full night of awesome entertainment provided by the nominees.
By Bo Ely
Memphis, Tennessee, May 9-12, 2017
The BMAs started off with an incredible lineup of all talented female
Memphis was awesome right from our arrival Tuesday with a welcoming committee in the lobby of the 2017 Blues Music Awards host hotel, the Sheraton. Wednesday started off with a traditional stop at Gus' Chicken to fill the tank. Mike Kappus of the Rosebud Agency exhibit included pictures and memorabilia from his 45+ years in the music business at the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame. Then a quick stop at the Bobby "Blue" Bland statue prior to its unveiling which was scheduled for Friday. Directly after the Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, a full night of music was hosted by Big Lou at The Warehouse, including many past, present, and future Hall of Fame artists attending.
Nick Moss
artists including Lisa Mann, Eden Brent, Annika Chambers, Lara Price, Laura Chavez, Fiona Boyes, Terrie Odabi, Nancy Wright, Vanessa Collier, and others. The night continued with great entertainment between the Award Presentations, until the last performance of a high energy set provided by Albert Castiglia that had everyone up and jumping!
Matthew Skoller, harp; Toronzo Cannon,guitar
Thursday in Memphis was the big day we were all looking forward to. We started our day off by attending the informative Recording Academy's Reception luncheon with great guest speakers, including board members and this year's Grammy Recipients. A lot of important information for the artists wishing to submit their music for Grammy consideration was discussed, as well as a Health Screening for everyone funded by the Hart Fund out in the lobby. The preawards party came next in the Grand Lobby, with a chance to meet and greet everyone prior to the Blues Music Awards Show.
Albert Castiglia, guitar; Jimmy Pritchard, bass
A BIG THANK YOU to the Blues Foundation and their volunteers and the Convention Center and their employees for a night to be remembered! Friday in Memphis we got off to a late start after a long night.There were many great choices to choose from Friday night, with parties and events happening up and down Beale Street. We chose to attend the 6th Annual Play-It-Forward Fundraiser with the proceeds going to the Hart Fund and Generation Blues. We were not disappointed. Multiple great artists performed from 5:00 pm to midnight including John Nemeth, Janiva Magness, Bob Margolin, Bob Corritore, John Primer, Monster Mike Welsh, Mike Ledbetter, Nick Moss, Lara Price, Trudy Lyn, Steve Krase, Vanessa Collier, Biscuit Miller, Lisa Mann, Allen Markel, Deb Ryder, Anthony Geraci, plus other special guests hosted by Andy Talamantez and the Andy T Band with Anson Funderburgh and Alabama Mike. Chefjimi Patricola kept the night rolling and the fans entertained the entire night as the Emcee.Thanks to everyone that made this a special night!
Jonn Del Toro Richardson, guitar; Annika chambers, vocals; Tony Braunagel, drums
Live music was provided by the Emerging Artists Nominees Corey Dennisson Band and Guy King. After perusing the silent auction items we headed in for a nice dinner and the start of the Blues
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WOMEN SING THE BLUES April 30, 2017
out “I’m a 24 Hour Woman” while the crowd danced all around her, lovin’ every minute of it.
By Ro Bloodwell
Sacramento had a lot to be excited about, as the Sacramento Blues Society hosted the “Women Sing the Blues” event at Burgers and Brew Station 1 in West Sacramento. The wealth of outstanding talent was enjoyed by a packed house. All who attended were up on their feet movin’ & shakin’ it to the blues.
Val Starr came out swingin’ with her well known powerful vocals and rockin’ rhythm guitar. She did not disappoint, although battling a painful sinus infection,
Kicking it off was the infamous Steve Wall, playing an acoustic set with Lisa Phenix. This was a lovely way to start a Sunday afternoon, listening to Lisa’s renditions of “Lady Sings the Blues”and “Silly Little Mama”, among others.
flavored voice, getting the crowd grooving it out to the blues..
Each lady had approximately 20 minutes to showcase her own style, and following Lisa was Beth Reid Grigsby, treating the Sacramento’s blues enthusiasts with her Memphis
rendering a performance in the tradition of keeping the integrity of women who sing the blues. Wrapping up the event was the lovely Lena Mosley, who had also
Talk about taking everyone to church! Dana Moret’s rendition of Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz”, and “Bobby McGee”, sung acapella, certainly did that, summoning a house sing along!
the hook!
been the emcee during the show. This lady needed no introduction to the Sacramento blues crowd as she belted out the familiar “Mustang Sally” that was completely off
Having gone over the time allotted, Lena finished her set without completing all her songs, but was gracious enough to bring all the ladies back on stage to sing “Chain of Fools” as their encore. Props and acknowledgements go out to groovy players backing these ladies known as the HOF Blues Jammerz: Jimmy Pailer, Joe Lev, Lew Fratis, and Rat-A-Tat-Pat.
Su Mac, got up close and personal with the crowd, coming down off the stage and onto the floor belting
Special thanks to Jan Kelley and the Sacramento Blues Society Committee Members, and to the volunteers who made this event a success.
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And finally, a huge THANKS to all the women who performed sharing their incredible talent at this event. We appreciate your commitment to keeping the blues alive here in The River City.
In Memoriam Jay Peterson
takable wit. Jay will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to call him friend. Jay Peterson was truly one of a kind. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of many happy years, Jackie, and is survived by his sister, Vicki of Denver, CO.
On May 11th, lung cancer took the life of former Little Charlie and the Nightcats bassist, Jay Peterson. Jay was born August 17, 1952 in Oakland, CA and passed away in his Sacramento home. Over the course of his music career, Jay worked with such notables as Chuck Berry, Otis Rush and Charlie Musselwhite and local luminaries like Johnny “Guitar” Knox and more recently, Kyle Rowland. Jay’s professionalism and showmanship were instrumental in taking Little Charlie and the Nightcats from working the local bar scene to being signed by Alligator records and touring the world. Jay fought and conquered some serious health issues and had really been thriving the past few years until the cancer got him. He will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, in often repeated quotes - the products of his unique sense of humor and his unmis-
Charlie Baty recalls “Jay Peterson has represented Sacramento around the whole world. Jay was there at the inception of the blues scene at Sam’s Hofbrau and backed Johnny Knox there for years. Jay lived here for large chunks of time twice in his life. There have been few people who have been as influential as Jay Peterson in the history of Sacramento blues.” There was a celebration of Jay’s life on Sunday, June 18, in the Garden Room of Sierra 2 Center, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, with many local musicians, fans and friends attending.
Blast from the Past
BOB MARGOLIN, DEANNA BOGART, JAMES ARMSTRONG (3 times), JOE LOUIS WALKER (16 times), KOKO TAYLOR, MAGIC SLIM, WILLIAM CLARK, and THE BLASTERS. This place was obviously a jewel, and for anyone (including myself) that had the pleasure to attend a show there, it is surely missed. BUDDY GUY did 2 shows there in ’90. Locals like BILL SCHOLER, CHRIS CAIN, CORBEY YATES, GLENN LANE, MARK HUMMEL and MITCH WOODS AND THE ROCKET 88’S were welcome. W.C. CLARK, DAN HICKS, THE DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND,DEBORAH COLEMAN, JAMES HARMON (2 times), JIMMIE DAWKINS, LAURA NYRO, LEON REDBONE, MARCIA BALL (3 times), THE NIGHTHAWKS, OMAR SHARRIFF, PAUL DeLAY (twice),QUEEN IDA’S ZYDECO BAND (6 times), RORY BLOCK (4 times), HARVEY MANDELL, JIMMY SMITH, JOHN STEWART, JOHNNY COPELAND, MARIA MULDAUR,THE PERSUASIONS, REV. BILLY C.WERTZ, SUE FOLEY, TED HAWKINS, THE DRIFTERS, ZYDECO FLAMES…and many, many more. The man behind the curtain all this time was manager DAVE FLEMING. The old barn on 2 acres in South Davis is flattened now, replaced by condos that for some reason are still under construction after 12 years. There is 1 palm tree left standing to mark the spot.
Historical Perspective By Bob Cosman Fifteen years ago this August the original PALMS PLAYHOUSE in Davis closed its doors for good and moved to new digs in Winters. Searching past Blue Notes revealed the large presence this unique venue had in the Sacramento and surrounding blues scene. WILLIE DIXON performed there, along with ALBERT COLLINS, BILLY PRESTON, THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS and DUKE ROBILLARD (6 times). Over the 14 years and 237 Blues performances one could see CHARLIE MUSSLEWHITE (5 times), CLARENCE “GATEMOUTH” BROWN (4 times), GUITAR SHORTY, THE HOLMES BROTHERS and ETTA JAMES. JUNIOR WELLS was there twice, KENNY NEAL 5 times and JOHN LEE HOOKER graced the stage in 1988. The first of NORTON BUFFALO’s 16 appearances was reviewed by our own DIANA McKEOWN in 1987. OTIS CLAY, PHILLIP WALKER, ROBERT JR. LOCKWOOD and SON SEALS each had a show, and the SUNDOGS (now known as TOM RIGNEY AND FLAMBEAU) tore it up 10 times! LITTLE CHARLIE AND THE NIGHTCATS were like the house band as they played 26 times. The acoustics were so good that ROY ROGERS came back 14 times, SAFFIRE THE UPPITY BLUES WOMEN 5 times, TAJ MAHAL 4 times, TINSLEY ELLIS 5 times, and ANSON FUNDERBURGH AND THE ROCKETS WITH SAM MYERS 7 times. DAVID “HONEYBOY EDWARDS, THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, CHUBBY CARRIER, and THE IGUANAS could be seen there along with 13 apearances by ELVIN BISHOP. Some other artists include 9
Coming Events Roundup
Hey there Blues Buddies! Hot enough for ya??!! Well, we’ve got some great shows coming up that will take your mind off the heat and you don’t have to be outdoors in the hot sun to enjoy them. So get up offa that couch and c’mon out to hear the blues! We’re always looking for volunteers to give us a hand with raffle prizes, setup of tables, etc. Did you know you get a free admission to our event if you give us a hand? Please contact Liz Walker, our current Volunteer Coordinator to put your name in! Reach Liz at: volunteers@ sacblues.com. Until next time…
Doug MacLeod Coming to Sacramento!
2017 Upcoming Events
Sunday, August 13, 2017, The Torch Club 4:00-7:00
7/16: Tia Carroll, w Special Guest Ryder Green, Fair Oaks Clubhouse, 2 - 6 pm 8/6:
Doug MacLeod is a multi-award winner of the Blues Music Awards by the Blues Foundation and is the current recipient of the 2017 BMA Acoustic Artist of the Year Award.
SBS Int’l. Blues Challenge Competition, Stoney’s Rockin’ Rodeo, 12N - 6 pm
8/13: Doug MacLeod, The Torch Club, 4 - 7 pm 9/3:
Golden State-Lone Star Revue, The Torch Club, 4 - 7 pm
9/16: Fair Oaks Chicken Fest, Fair Oaks Park, 10 am - 6 pm 9/24: SBS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Harlow’s, 2 - 5 pm
HOF After Party, Torch Club, 6 - 8 pm
10/7:
Blues by the River feat. Mick Martin, Pinkie Rideau, Ryder Green, & the Laurie Morvan Band, Swabbie’s on the River, 3 - 10 pm
MacLeod’s live performances of his original songs preserve the tradition of the blues as a story-telling medium, expressed by his soulful voice and powerfully rhythmic acoustic guitar style.
12/2: SBS Member Party, feat. The Ben Rice Band, VFW Hall, Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, 7 - 11 pm
Sacramento Blues Society Publications Blues News, Weekly E-mail Willie Brown Blue Notes, Bi-Monthly Newsletter Jan Kelley & Cari Chenkin Blues Notes Ad Rates: www.sacblues.com/ advertising-rates Website: www.sacblues.com Webmaster: Scott Willson Facebook: facebook.com/sacblues/ Twitter: twitter.com/SacBluesSociety
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Sacramento Blues Society Member Bands Got an event or an occasion? Need music? Hire an SBS Member Band! The Bluez Houndz whse2000@sbcglobal.net
The Bongo Furys www.reverbnation,com/thebongofurys
Chicken & Dumpling cmoriel@ucdavis.edu
Ray “Catfish” Copeland Band www.raycatfishcopeland.com
The Christian DeWild Band www.christiandewildband.com
Dave Croall & The Soothers rightdave@hotmail.com
The Dennis James Blues Party fredzo@surewest.net
The Fabulous Blues Shifters pkoolmusic@gmail.com
The Gary Mendoza Band www.garymendozaband.com
Jeramy Norris & the Dangerous Mood basschips@comcast.net
Jimmy Smith jimmysmithband@gmail.com
Melonnee Desiree & Cauzin’a Ruckus www.melonneedesiree.com
Nedra & Julio www.njrmusic.com
Ranell Carpenter Band www.ranellcarpenter.com
Red’s Blues bethgrigsby@comcast.net
Rube & the Rhythm Rockers srube@sbcglobal.com
The Ryder Green Band www.rydergreenmusic.com
Strictly for Kicks info@strictlyforkicks.com
Tessie Marie & the Poor Man Band Todd Morgan & The Emblems tattooedsoul1@yahoo.com m-blmz@sbcglobal.net
Tony Westlake and the Tuff Times iridemotorcycles@sbcglobal.net
Two Tone Steiny & The Cadillacs https://twotonesteiny.wordpress.com
The William Mylar Band mylar@mylarville.com
Val Starr & the Blues Rocket www.valstarrandthebluesrocket.com
SBS Membership Benefits for Bands and Musicians Musicians, did you know that, as one of the benefits of your Sacramento Blues Society membership, you can have your very own web page, right on the SBS website? For a sample of just how cool that is, check out our member band Red’s Blues’ page on our website: http://www.sacblues.com/portfolio/reds-blues/. If you haven’t already taken advantage of this great benefit, why not start now? And if your band isn’t yet an SBS Member Band, now is a great time to join!
Sacramento Blues Society Sponsors & Donors Thank you for your support and generosity! Members, please patronize our Sponsoring Businesses!
Gold Sponsor
Carrera Productions www.carrera-productions.com
The Torch Club www.torchclub.com Stoney’s Rockin’ Rodeo www.stoneyinn.com
Silver Sponsor
BG Phillips Photography www.bgphillipsphotography.com
Blue Sponsors
Bronze Sponsor Arnold Law Firm www.justice4you.com
Debra Schottgen
Swell Productions
Style Magazine http://www.stylemg.com/
Music Sacramento 916-726-5247
www.swell-productions.com
Business Owners, if you don’t see your name here, why not join or renew your sponsorship today? 11
P. O. Box 60580 Sacramento, CA 95860-0580
Blue Notes is the official bi-monthly newsletter of the Sacramento Blues Society. Editor: Jan Kelley Send information for the newsletter to: editor@sacblues.com, or mail to Editor at the above address. Not a Member? Join on our website, www.sacblues.com.
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