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In This Issue...

Letter from President Tony Frederickson

Special Preview: The Lowrider Band! (Photo Courtesy of the Lowrider Band)

Fat James Benefit - Details This Issue!(Photo Courtesy of Maridel Fliss)

Polly OKeary at the Coeur dAlene Blues Festival (Photo by Eric Steiner)

CD Reviews 12Revised Membership Form 15Thanks to our Advertisers! 15Tommy Castro Show Review 16Letter from the Editor 18Blues Society Talent Guide 19

Letter from the President 2On the Cover 3Officers and Directors 6Remembering Carolyn Kennedy 9Blues for the Slide 10May Blues Bash Preview 11

Blues Society Calendar 20Blues Jam Guide 23Blues at the Border Preview 24 Passing the Torch - Thanks! 26What Happens at Sunbanks... 26

Hi Blues Fans,

This is my favorite time of the year! The cherry trees are blooming, the days are longer, the temperature is warmer and the Blues Festival season gets under way at full steam! Im so ready to hit the road and visit with friends and fans, take in some great music and hopefully make some new friends and widen the Blues Family a little bit more.

Untapped happens this month and has traditionally been the official start of the summer Blues Festival season. One of the best priced events out there! Even if youre on a budget this one is affordable. The line-up is once again great (Please see the ad in this edition), and there is always room for more! If the host hotel fills up there is a Days Inn close by and there is always the low cost camping right by the fairgrounds.

The following week is Spring Sunbanks. There have been a few changes here, but the value is still great! Four full days of music if you can spare the extra day and it appears to me that many can. I highly recommend coming over Thursday afternoon and joining the party at the cantina! They have opened up the infield and a few other areas so there is more camping room and this Festival is ready to grow some more. The line-up is a one

heck of a talented and entertaining one. (Once again see the ad in this edition) So no matter what put this one on your list and come over and find out why its called Billys Private Party!

On Saturday, June 14th, the City of Yakima jumps into the season with a new event. And they did it right Nick Moss, Kevin Selfe, the Wired Band, Shoot Jack and more. (See ad in this edition) This is a short two and a half hour drive from Seattle! Good food, good wine and beer, and a power packed line-up. There is even a free pre-party on Friday night for those who pop over on Friday. There are many reasonably priced hotels in Yakima and camping is also available!

The following weekend down in Stevenson is the Gorge Blues & Brews Festival. Once again a reasonable drive from Seattle and Tacoma. A solid line-up, lots of food vendors, a nice beer selection and tons of room for camping. (See ad this edition) I went two years ago and it just killed me to not be able to make it last year! I will be careful to not make other commitments the weekend of this festival again and it will be a regular event on my calendar!

Dont forget all the great shows around town either. Many of the musicians that appear at the above festivals will be booking gigs around the

Seattle/Tacoma area and well you dont get to see everybody at least you will get to see some of the touring talent coming to the state this summer! As an example two shows that are happening around town this month are the Mighty Monday Washington Blues Series at 3231 Creatives in Everett on Monday, May 12th. Rick Estrin & The Nightcats will be there and there are always a few surprises. (See ad this edition) and Tab Benoit at the Highway 99 Blues Club on Wed., May 14th. Kevin Sutton will be opening this show as a solo act! If youre in town these are MUST BE THERE shows and will be worth every penny and the tiredness the next day! Dont miss them!

As I sit here looking through all I have just written it brings to mind what a great music community we live in and yes, even why it is such a great deal being a member of the Washington Blues Society. You get all this info and more in your mail box at the beginning of every month! Get out an experience some live music! If youre not a member please take advantage of the membership form inside. (Yes, this edition!) Hope to see you out at a show or festival! Thanks,

Tony Frederickson, PresidentWashington Blues Society

3Celebrating 25 Years of Blues1989 - 2014

May 2014 BluesletterVol. XXIV, Number V

Publisher Washington Blues SocietyEditor Eric Steiner (editor@wablues.org) Secretary Mary McPageCalendar Janie Walla (thewallas@juno.com)Advertising Malcolm Kennedy (advertising@wablues.org)Printer Pacific Publishing Company www.pacificpublishingcompany.com

Contributing Writers: Eric Steiner, Tony Frederickson, Rick J. Bowen, Malcolm Kennedy, Amy Sassenberg, Phil Brown

Contributing Photographers: Bill Bungard, Blues Boss, Jim Westveer, Malcolm Kennedy, Eric Steiner

Thank You - Suggestions for Contributors The Bluesletter welcomes stories and photos from WBS members! Features, columns and reviews are due by the 5th of each month in the following formats: plain text or Microsoft Word. Graphics must be in high-res 300 dpi .pdf, jpg, or .tiff formats. We encourage submissions. If a submitter intends to retain the rights to material (e.g., photos, videos, lyrics, textual matter) submitted for publication in the Bluesletter, or the WaBlues.org website, he or she must so state at the time of submission; otherwise, submitters rights to the material will be transferred to WBS, upon publication. We reserve the right to edit all content. The Bluesletter is the official monthly publication of the Washington Blues Society. The WBS is not responsible for the views and opinions expressed in The Bluesletter by any individual.

WBS 2013

Mission Statement The Washington Blues Society is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote, preserve, and advance the culture and tradition of blues music as an art form. Annual membership is $25 for individuals, $35 for couples, and $40 for overseas memberships. The Washington Blues Society is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible. The Washington Blues Society is affiliated with The Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee.

Washington Blues SocietyP.O. Box 70604

- Seattle, WA 98127www.wablues.org

Coeur dAlene Festival Review 28Special Preview: Lowrider Band 302014 BB Award Voting Ballot 31

Remembering Carolyn Kennedy (Photo by Malcolm Kennedy)

On the Cover: Polly OKeary (Photo by Blues Boss)

This month, the Blues Boss captured award win-ning bass player Polly OKeary at the Fifth Annual Couer dAlene Blues Festival playing with the Randy Oxford Band in scenic North Idaho. This issue includes a short review of what may be my new favorite blues festival second only to the Kitchener Blues Festival on Ontario, and Polly will be playing at a number of events around the Pacific Northwest this month. You can celebrate her CD release party with the Rhythm Method (and the Randy Oxford Band) at the Triple Door, and see her with the Hot Wired Rhythm Band at Sunbanks and at the Oxford Saloon this month.

- Eric Steiner

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6Washington Blues SocietyProud Recipient of a 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award

from The Blues Foundation 2014 Officers

President Tony Frederickson president@wablues.orgVice President Rick Bowen vicepres@wablues.orgSecretary Mary McPage. secretary@wablues.orgTreasurer (Acting) Chad Creamer treasurer@wablues.orgEditor Eric Steiner editor@wablues.org

2014 Directors Music Co-Directors Cherie Robbins music@wablues.orgMembership Michelle Burge membership@wablues.orgEducation Roy Brown education@wablues.orgVolunteers Rhea Rolfe volunteers@wablues.orgMerchandise Tony Frederickson merchandise@wablues.orgAdvertising Malcolm Kennedy advertising@wablues.org

2014 Street TeamDowntown Seattle Tim & Michelle Burge blueslover206@comcast.netWest Seattle Open OpenNorth Sound Malcolm Kennedy & Joy Kelly advertising@wablues.orgNorthern WA Lloyd Peterson freesprt@televar.comPenninsula Dan Wilson allstarguitar@centurytel.netSouth Sound Cherie Robbins cherieerobins@gmail.comCentral WA Stephen J. Lefebvre s.j.lefebvre@gmail.comEastern WA Cindy Dyer cindalucy@hotmail.comBallard Marcia Jackson sunyrosykat@gmail.comLopez Island Carolyn & Dean Jacobsen cjacobsen@rockisland.comMiddle East Rock Khan rocknafghanistan@gmail.com

Special ThanksWebmaster The Sheriff webmaster@wablues.orgWeb Hosting Adhost www.adhost.comWBS Logo Phil Chesnut philustr8r@gmail.comCalendar Janie Wallas calendar@wablues.org

June 2014 DeaDlines

Advertising Space Reservations: April 5th(malcarken@comcast.net)

Calendar: May 10th - calendar@wablues.orgEditorial : May 5th - editor@wablues.orgCamera Ready Ad Art; May 12th - (advertising@wabluse.org )

Camera ready art should be in CMYK format at 300 dpi or higher.

Graphics: 300 dpi pdF, TiF or JpG in cMYK ForMaTTexT: plain .TxT or MicrosoFT Word

B/W color hT x WidTh Full paGe: $300 $375 (11 x 8.5)halF paGe: $175 $220 (5.5 x 8.5)BacK halF paGe: $260 $325 (5.5 x 8.5)QuarTer paGe: $100 $125 (5.5 x 4.25)FiFTh paGe: $75 $95 (3.5 x 4.25)Business card: $30 $38 (2 x 3.5)

Weve Got Discounts! 20% off- 12 month pre-payment 15% off- 6 month pre-payment 10% off- 3 month pre-payment Contact: advertising@wablues.org

We value your business. Please send all advertising inquriries and ad copy to advertising@wablues.org with a

copy to Malcolm Yard Dog Kennedy at malcarken@comcast.net

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9By Eric Steiner

Last month, the Washington blues community lost a long-term, dedicated volunteer as Carolyn Kennedy died unexpectedly on April 2nd. Advertising Director Malcolm Yard Dog Kennedy returned home from work, just like hes done for their nearly quarter-century marriage, and he was looking forward to another quiet evening at home. Actually, selfishly, Id like to think that hed return to the computer and writing CD reviews for the Bluesletter. But, thats just me. Frequently contributor Rocky Rock Khan Nelson accuses me of being a Bucket of Blood-type editor as well as an unreasonable task-master, but I need the Yard Dog to return to the keyboard to write reviews.

Until April 2nd. On that day, Malcolms life changed. So did Carolyns. Id like to offer this short remembrance of Carolyn Kennedy.

April 2nd began like any other work day. he Instead, when Malcolm got home, he found Carolyn unresponsive on the kitchen floor. Edmonds EMTs arrived quickly, but despite some pretty persistent attempts to jump start Carolyns heart, they could not revive her. Fortunately, the medics said that she was not in any discomfort or distress and the likely cause was a stroke or heart attack. A Lynnwood Police Department chaplain was also on the scene as a liaison with the Medical Examiners office in his role in helping community members at accidents like this.

Im writing this with Malcolm at my kitchen table on a Saturday night. I wanted to offer this brief remembrance in thanks of Carolyns long-time support of the Washington Blues Society and support for Malcolm as Advertising Director, Vice President and Merchandising Director. Carolyn herself was a Washington Blues Society Secretary for one term filing meeting minutes month after

month. Since 2006, Malcolm has served the blues society consistently and the only break hes taken was a short three-month hiatus when Tony Frederickson took over as Merchandise Director and Malcolm replaced George Boswell in the position of Advertising Director. Under his leadership, Bluesletter advertising has garnered new paying customers and rekindled relationships with long-time Bluesletter supporters. Hes actually focused on finding his replacement as he feels the position of Advertising Director requires specific computer skills in graphics as well as sales and prospecting skills to support this publication.

However, this remembrance is intended to honor Carolyns memory. No offense intended to the Yard Dog, but Carolyn was there every step of the way, despite being challenged by a number of stroke-related medical challenges that began in 2009. My father also was impacted by a number of strokes before he passed away, and I empathized with Malcolm in his role as partner and caregiver for Carolyn. To me, Malcolm and Carolyn were the longest-serving active couple in the Washington Blues Society, and over the past 10 years, Malcolms contributions to the Bluesletter as reviewer have improved considerably.

Of course, I credit this improvement to Carolyns eagle-eyed editing. More than once Ive heard Carolyn ask Malcolm: Did you really mean to say that? I can also see Malcolm stroking his goatee or scratching his head as he went back to the drawing board (or laptop) to improve the review.

Carolyn, thank you for your dedicated service to the Washington Blues Society as a Board member and volunteer. Malcolm and I have just toasted your memory at my kitchen table in Edmonds; you were here just a few weeks ago sharing a beer in my living room.

Carolyn Kennedy(Photo by Malcolm Kennedy)

We are going to celebrate your contributions to the Washington Blues Society at an event that Malcolm is planning at the Salmon Bay Eagles. It will be a party that you would have enjoyed.

In your honor.

Thanks, Carolyn! Remembering Carolyn Kennedy

Honoring Carolyn Kennedys Years of Volunteer Service to the

Washington Blues Society

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Blues for the Slide (Part 1 of 2)What began as a group of blues musicians led by Polly OKeary and Tommy Cook from all over Washington State and beyond presenting a benefit concert for the victims of the Oso landslide at the Cedar Stump in Arlington, Blues For The Slide grew virtually overnight to many events around the region as musicians from the Pacific Northwest came together to help the victims of this horrible disaster by doing what they do best. Nearly everyone in the region knows someone touch by the disaster as all of Washington felt affected, making it easy for folks from all over our community to dig deep and quickly offer help. All the donations and proceeds have gone to victims of the Oso Landslide via United Way of Snohomish County or to fund funeral arrangements for the disaster victims via the Immaculate Conception Church in Arlington.

Several other great people stepped up to aid in the organization and promotion of the event. Steven Cole from Republic led the charge by designing a logo for Blues For the Slide he and Shannon McDaniel-Crawford spearheaded efforts to collect donations and raffle items. Tammy and Bruce Brown the owners of The Cedar Stump clubs gladly donated time, staffing needs and sales proceeds to the events, and other quickly followed suit.

The first Slide benefit event was Thursday April 3rd the Der Hinterhof in Leavenworth featuring Mia Vermilion and special guests. The second show was Friday April 4th at Club Crow in Cashmere with Wired, Chris Ward, Junkbelly, and Slack Daddy which raised $5,600 plus 4,000 pounds of potatoes, 400 pounds of dry beans, 350 pounds of apples, and 40 loaves of bread for Oso. On Saturday April 5th, Caf Mela in Wenatchee hosted a Blues for the Slide event with Darnell Scott, Erin McNames, Delinda House, and Shongo Bongo.

On Sunday April 6th Blues for the Slide at The Cedar Stump Smokey Point, Arlington quickly grew into a standing room only crowd after bike rally began at 9 am. The benefit show began at noon with an acoustic showcase featuring: Ryan Laplante, Michael Garner, Rafael Tranquilino, Danny OBryant, Rod Cook, the first time of meeting of players seated in row at the front of the stage trading stories and hot licks. The first band was the new line of the Wired Band, followed by inspired sets from some of the Northwests finest: Rafael Tranquilino Band, The Fat Tones from Spokane, Stacy Jones Band, Michele DAmour and the Love Dealers. A notable highlight of the afternoon was The Portland all Stars with Rae Gordon, David Kahl, Franco Paletta and Gaddis Cavenah; who drove up from Portland to played one 30 minute set, they also brought dozens of CDs and a gift bag from the Cascade blues Association for the raffle.

Lady A and Charles Mac were backed by Teri Wilson, Seattle Slim, Rick J Bowen, and Robert

Baker on a set that was akin to a cathartic tent revival. Host Polly OKeary and sound man for the day Kevin Sutton played a rousing set with the Hot Wired Rhythm Band. Mustard Seed led by Suzie Chrysler, who in the week before recorded the single Oso Blues, offering it for sale with proceeds to the benefit performed followed by Blues On Tap, Kim Archer, Michele Taylor Band, and the CD Woodbury Band Polly OKeary and the Rhythm Method wrapped up the nights music with a set that led to and all star jam session. The event raised nearly $20,000 with special donations coming from Lloyd Peterson (tickets to Mount Baker Rhythm and Blues Festival) Erika Olsen (tickets to Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival and the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival in Oregon). Ron Beatty from Sweet Blues Northwest was on hand to video tape the event and several photographers, including Arlene Brown from Seattle Music Insider, captured the event.

The fifth Blues for the Slide event was presented Thursday April 10th at Jimmy Jacks Rock-N-Roll Caf, Everett WA. Sponsored by the School Of Jam house band (Teri Wilson, Robert baker and Rick J Bowen) featured special guests, Lee Oskar, the nine piece horn band Dr. Funk, vocalist Alex Duncan, Steve Raible and Chris Eger, with sound provided by Kevin Sutton. Lee Oskar graciously donated not only his time and talent as he jammed with all the musicians, but several item for the silent auction including one of kind memorabilia and several autographed Lee Oskar harmonicas. Along with a Thumper Drums custom snare drum, items donated by Guitar Center of Kirkland and other donations the event raised over $3,400.

Karen Crowley the Vice President of Snohomish County United Way spoke at the event thanking everyone for being involved. Crowley emphasized how unprecedented the efforts of the Blues For The Slide fundraisers are and that the rest of the world is watching what the people of Washington State are doing to help. She gave news that over $450,000 has been donated and distributed to people in need.

The next Blues For the Slide events:

May 4 Landslide Blues at The Swiss and the Stonegate, Tacoma WA; organized by Merri Peterson Sutton, Wendy Baxter Phillips and Cherie Robbins with artwork and promo provided by Terri Kvetko Gonzalez. Swiss lineup: Steve Stefanowicz, the Little Bill Trio (with a very special guest), Still Got It Band, Junkyard Jane, Andrea Miller with The Collective, The Linda Myers Band, Burnham Drive, Steve Cooley and The Dangerfields, and 9 Pound Hammer.

Stonegate lineup: Rafael Tranquilino and Leah Tussing, Stephanie Anne Johnson, Tatoosh, Rich Wetzels Groovin Higher Orchestra, and Bobby Hoffman All Stars.

Musicians for Oso at Jazzbones May 4th at 5pm. An all ages event with a silent auction and raffle.Guest emcee Michael Wansley Wanz and music by: Anithero, Jamie Nova Rocks, Jason Kertson, Black Powder County, and The Mothership.

Editors Note: We plan to run a Part 2 of events raising awareness and resources for slide victims in the June Bluesletter. Please stay tuned.

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MarK hurWiTz and Gin creeK and JaMes coaTes! May Blues Bash Preview

Electric: Mark Hurwitz and Gin Creek

Mark Hurwitz and Gin Creek is composed of Mark Hurwitz on keys and vocals, Melanie Owen on vocals, Joseph Barton on guitar and vocals, Johnny Horn on bass, and Kyle Doran on drums. The band played its first show in January 2011, although Mark is the only remaining original member. Though the line-up has gone through changes over the years, the musical philosophy has remained constant - to find the common ground among a number of classic American musical genres, mostly blues, but also r&b, soul, early rocknroll and jazz. One of the things that people like most about the bands live shows is the range of material they hear over the course of a night, or even within a single set. My experience is that people enjoy being surprised. says Mark. There never seems to be a disconnect if we go from a jump blues to a Chuck Berry tune or New Orleans funk. Its all American music.

Mark Hurwitz, a native New Yorker, played in several Seattle area blues bands before starting Gin Creek with original lead singer Lanita DeMers. He cites Ray Charles, Professor Longhair, and Mose Allison among his piano influences, and was mentored by former Freddie King keyboardist David Maxwell, who in turn learned directly from piano greats Otis Spann and Pinetop Perkins. Joseph Barton and Melanie Owen have spent the past few years shuttling between gigs in Seattle and Denver (and points in between) but have now settled in Seattle as their home base. California native Johnny Horn is a veteran bass player whos performed all over the country, and on Sunday mornings hosts the popular Preachin the Blues show on radio station KEXP. Kyle Doran is a recent graduate of the music program at Cornish College

of the Arts, where he honed his skills playing with some of the areas top musicians..

This line-up has great musical empathy for not having been together that long, says Mark. Theres an improvisational aspect to the playing thats a lot of fun for us, which I think also makes it fun for the audience. And I like the fact that we have a bandmembers in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, so there are some different formative musical experiences in the mix.

Gin Creek was nominated for the WBS Best Traditional Blues Act in 2013 and had the honor of closing the live awards show at The Kirkland Performing Arts Center. Theyve played at a number of festivals and most of the major venues in the area, including The Highway 99 Blues Club, Rockfish Grille Oxford Saloon, and Spar Tavern, but are best known for their shows at The New Orleans Restaurant in Pioneer Square following Seattle Seahawks home games at Century Link field. Theyve been doing that for the past two seasons, and were featured in coverage by KOMO-TV of the big celebration following the Seahawks NFC Championship win over the 49ers en route to the Super Bowl.

Mark Hurwitz and Gin Creek are excited to be playing at their first Blues Bash. Other upcoming dates include The Paradise Tavern (Monroe) on April 5, the Salmon Bay Eagles (Ballard) on April 19, The Swiss Tavern (Tacoma) on April 21, The Central Club (Kirkland) on May 11, the Yuppie Tavern (Totem Lake) on May 24, The J&M Caf (Pioneer Square) on May 31, *88 Keys for Blues-to-do TV), Seattle, on June 2, and The Conway Muse (Conway) on June 21.

Acoustic: James Coates(Photo by Bill Bungard)

Union Pacific, wont you take me away? muses songwriter James Coates of the trains that pass his home an hour south of Seattle. And appropriately so: Traveling has done him well. He frequently ventures north to Seattle and south to Tacoma to perform as an active member of the Pacific Northwests burgeoning music scene. And last summer he embarked on a tour across the U.S. traveling more than 8,000 miles to perform in places like Chicago, New York, Nashville, New Orleans, Austin and Los Angeles to name a few, in support of his debut album Land of Fame and Glory.

Influenced by 60s pop icons like the Beatles and Beach Boys as well as folk/rock revolutionaries like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, Coates has crafted a 9-song love letter to the music that inspired him. From the 12-string jangle of Man of Faith to the orchestral strings of A Real Rock and Roller and the confessional lyrics of If You Should Ever Leave Me, the album is a diverse work of passion that sounds both modern and classic.

Approaching recording as art rather than music, he set his sights on connecting with the listener emotionally rather than aesthetically. The result is a raw, beautiful album that will appeal both to your ears and your heart.

Left: Mark Hursitz & Gin Creek (left to right):

Kyle Doran, Joseph Barton, Melanie Owen and Mark Hurwitz (Photo Courtesy of Mark

Hurwitz & Gin Creek)

CD Reviews... Blues You Can Use!The Holmes BrothersBrotherhood(Alligator Records)

The Holmes Brothers follow-up to their 2012 Alligator Records release, Feed My Soul, is cause for celebration. On Brotherhood, Wendell and Sherman Holmes, joined by brother-in-spirit Popsy Dixon, revisit Gospel, soul and blues with three-part harmonies and an energy that belies their nearly four decade career making music. There are some inspired covers on this new release, ranging from an unexpected love song from one of Nick Lowes players, Geraint Watkins in Soldier of Love to a song reflecting some pretty bad relationship choices from the late Ted Hawkins in I Gave Up All I Had. Jazz singer extraordinaire Catherine Russell helps out on a number of songs and supporting band members include Chris Bruce on guitar and bass, Glenn Patscha on keyboards, John Ellis and Antoine Drye on horns Joe Bonadio on percussion. Since I live in the Pacific Northwest, I could identify with the Holmes Brothers cover of Driving in the Driving Rain from Curtis Salgado, David Duncan and Kevin McKendree. The original songs on Brotherhood shine, too: especially the sass and the swagger of Lickety Split and the boogie-woogie behind Gone for Good. Two of Wendells originals are heartfelt songs of love and commitment: Loving You from Afar and My Word is My Bond. I saw the Holmes Brothers a few years ago in Kitchener when the blues festival honored Alligator founder Bruce Iglauer with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and since then, they have continued to tour and play many blues cruises. This month, they will reunite with Joan Osborne at Seattles Jazz Alley from May 29th to June 1st and I highly recommend not only this live show but also Brotherhood. Brotherhood closes with an inspiring version of Amazing Grace that takes us on a spiritual journey for nearly eight minutes with elegant and heartfelt harmonies. Eric Steiner

Dudley TaftScreaming In the Wind(American Blues Artist Group)

Blues Rocker Dudley Taft recently relocated back to the Midwest, but he certainly bought back some of that Seattle sound with him. His third solo release Screaming in the Wind was recorded in Nashville by the man with the Midas touch, award-winning producer Tom Hambridge; but make no mistake: this is no country album, and as Taft says himself, this aint your granddaddys blues either. The 12 songs cover an expansive muscular landscape of heavy grooves supplied by bass man John Kessler, drummers Jason Paterson and Hambridge and some great guests including former Stevie Ray Vaughan sideman Reese Wynans on organ and the legendary Muscle Shoals horn section. The clever

rhythmic reinvention of the blues standard Hard Time Killing Floor kicks off the album and then the horns join in for a slinky cover of Freddie Kings Pack It Up. The time-shifting boogie Red Line reminds us that its all about the guitar as Taft demonstrates what he has learned as a disciple of Billy Gibbons and the legendary Texas sound. The title track began as sound bite theme for American Blues Scene, and under the tutelage of Hambridge, it develops into a grungy blues anthem. Its sort of a fusion of Alice in Chains and SRV. Taft then tries a couple pop rock experiments and the island-tinged Rise Above It, before returning back to the blues on The Reason Why, which features some classic B3 counterpoint from Wynans. Taft shows his 90s rock roots on the Middle Eastern-tinged Rise Above It, and the McCrary sisters add an authentic gospel sound to the sing along drinking song Barrio, along with some smooth Spanish guitar from Taft. The Seattle sound returns on the rolling groove rocker Sleeping in the Sunlight, with the apt lyric Id be sleeping in the sunlight, Id be dancing in the rain. The album concludes with the atmospheric Say You Will, featuring a Pink Floyd-inspired synthed-out guitar coda. Yes, more guitar more guitar from a great contemporary blues rocker. Rick J. Bowen

Grand MarquiseBlues and Trouble(Grand Marquis Music)

The music has an old time 1930s-1940s sound; yet, at the same time it sounds fresh and vibrant. The smooth and warm vocals along with the horns are the primary emphasis on the 13 mostly original selections featured on Blues and Trouble. In my review of their 2010 release Hold On To Me, I talked about The Grand Marquise up-beat swing sounds and Bryan Redmonds vocals and sax, smooth-as-fine silk vocals, and closed with the remark that you just have to hear it for yourself. All of that and more apply equally well here on Blues and Trouble. It opens up with Bed of Nails which has lyrics that parallel Scrooges partner Marley describing the heavy chain which he bears. The jumping Every Days the Same belies the sad message of ever since you left me every days the same. The band is never mired in a retro thing though; just listen to the contemporary sounds of Empire of Dirt or The Jungle. Stand out tracks include the bubbling horn driven Two By Two, with lively trumpet, alto sax and guitar solos and the title track which places equal emphasis on Redmonds stellar baritone vocals and the horns. The album isnt all about horns either as evidenced by the bristling slide guitar featured on Easy To Be The Devil. The music of Grand Marquis is fun, fun fun just listen to their spin on Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On and as I stated above you should check out Blues and Trouble for yourself and while you are at it give a listen to the equally

impressive Hold On To Me. Highly recommended. - Malcolm Kennedy

Karin Rudefelt & Doctor BluesWalk the Walk(Self-released)

Self-described Swedish blues rockers, Karin Rudefelt & Doctor Blues, are known for mixing genres to come up with something fresh and their 2013 release Walk the Walk is all of that. Along with Karins vocals, and loan remaining original member, Lennart Olofsson on lead, slide, rhythm guitar and vocals are the rhythm section of Sven Torstensson on keyboards, Peter Borgstrom on bass and Tobias Magnusson on drums; they feature Brooklyn New York transplant Brian Kramers vocals and slide guitar and Finlands Queen of the Slide Guitar, Erja Lyytinen; on a pair of tracks each. Lennart is the band leader and writes all the songs and also co-produced the project. Doctor Blues mixes Delta and Chicago blues styles with rock, funk and British blues to create their own sound. They started out as a cover band back in 1980, Karin came on board in 1996 and their sound was forever changed. Walk the Walk, the follow up to the highly acclaimed 2008 release Magic Brew (reviewed in the September 2009 Bluesletter) includes 14 selections with a bonus acoustic reprise of The Room Next Door featuring Kramer on National steel guitar. Walk the Walk opens with the title track, with Lennart displaying some of his own fine slide guitar work sharing the vocals with Karin. The electric version of The Room Next Door, a song of a love gone, is one of the standout tracks. The slow brooding lament Guts to Live features Erja on keening slide is a song of a man whose woman has left him and he feels his life is in ruins. Change a couple lyrics on the polished Loving Boy and it would fit right into the Fat Tones song book. They show some Delta influence on Unknown Fate with Brians slide guitar and show their rocking side on tracks like Devils Child, Have To Let It Go and Fake Paradise. They close out Walk the Walk with the acoustic bonus of Room Next Door with Brian sharing vocals and supplying his emotive slide guitar. - Malcolm Kennedy

Polly OKeary & the Rhythm MethodCompass(Self-released)

Polly OKearys new release Compass features 11 original songs from this multi-Best of the Blues (BB Award) award-winning artist. Polly has received the BB Award in the Female Vocal, Blues Album of the Year and Songwriter categories. On Compass, Polly opens with the decidedly rocking sounds of Fools Gold this is followed by Summer, which has just a touch of twang, informing you right away to expect some variety

in the various styles being offered up. The Latin sounding trumpet intro on Nothing left To Say I found particularly appealing. One of my favorite tracks is the slow paced Your Honor, Pollys stellar vocals soar and new Rhythm Method addition Clinton Seattle Slim Nonemaker adds a subdued guitar solo. Another prime cut is the rollicking piano driven blues Harder Than It Has To Be which showcases some of Slims considerable talents. Along with Polly on bass and vocals and Seattle Slim on guitar is Tommy Cook on drums with supporting players Greg Lyons, trumpet; Mike West, sax; Arthur Migliazza clavinet, piano; and Norm Bellas, B-3. From rockers like Stop, Train and the afore mentioned Fools Gold to mellower fare like Ive Got None (yet another stand out,) Losing You Again and Your Honor to the R&B of You Get Me High Compass has a lot going on and I recommend it highly. Please support Polly OKeary and the Rhythm Method at their joint CD release party on Wednesday, May 21st at the Triple Door in Seattle. She will share the Triple Door with the Randy Oxford Band as the evening also includes a CD release party for their newest CD, It Feels Good. Malcolm Kennedy

Arthur MigliazzaLaying It Down(Hobemian Records)

Thirteen tracks of refreshing boisterous piano-centric joy, full of authenticity, reinvention and firepower. Thats is an easy way to describe Laying It Down from piano man and two time International Blues Challenge finalist Arthur Migliazza. However, what is happening here is so much deeper, as it is evident Migliazza has spent a lifetime of study to become a master blues, boogie woogie, ragtime, stride and trad jazz pianist. The songs on his new album are presented in a straight forward clean environment, thanks to Floyd Reitsma at Studio Litho in Seattle, which allows the listener to sink into the depth of real acoustic piano; highlighted by the solo piano track Suitcase Blues. Migliazza is joined by several stellar players who back him with precise support to keep that focus on his voics and his flying fingers. The tunes are a fine mixture of new compositions created to sound traditional and loving renditions of classic from piano icons. Some capture the feel straight on like the hopping Fats Domino tune Im Ready, to the topsy-turvy Rockin Pneumonia & the Boogie Woogie Flu. Migliazza has the fearless audacity to tackle the big band staple Sing Sing Sing with only a trio as he brings the jungle drum boogie down to an intimate boiler room full of clever paraphrases. He takes us back to the source for a reading of W.C Handys St. Louis Blues that begins as a nocturne but quickly revs up into a swingin dance hall party anthem. I hear music calling me, is the opening line of the second line fueled tribute Professor Calling Me, which, of course, references New Orleans and Professor Longhair. Educating the world about this music on his beloved piano is clearly Arthur Migliazzas mission. Rick J. Bowen

Special Bluesletter Show Preview: Harpageddon 2Saturday, May 10th at 7:00 PM at the Madison Pub

By Malcolm Kennedy

The first Harpageddon show last November featured a not-to-be-missed event and the lineup slated for May 10th is equally as impressive! Again, just like last year, the players have enough Washington Blues Society Best of the Blues (BB Awards) between them to fill a wall. The backing band will again feature the Unbound rhythm section of Paul Quilty on bass and Dave McCabe on drums with the supreme talents of International Blues Challenge Best Self-Produced CD competition finalist CD Woodbury on guitar. The harp players that will rock the award-winning Madison Public will include Steve Bailey (every band hes ever played in wins awards), Stacy Jones (yeah, you could say she is popular, and there is a really good reason why), Jeff Herzog (one of the most emotive harp players on the scene), Mark DuFresne (Grammy-nominated pretty much says it all, and since hes won the BB Award so many BB Awards in the Male Vocalist category, the blues society named the award after him). The last; but certainly not the least is Bill Davis (the secret weapon in the bunch.) I first heard Bill sitting in at a gig with Mary Mc Page and was seriously impressed. If you like blues harp like I do, mark your calendars; I guarantee you will definitely see me there.!

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April Blues Bash - No Foolin By Robert Horn

The April Blues Bash began on a decidedly somber note. I could tell by the look on Eric Steiners face as he approached the microphone. Eric introduced Advertising Directory Malcolm Kennedy, who remembered his wife and life partner for nearly 25 years. She died the Wednesday preceding the Blues Bash, and as he left the stage, the audience honored her memory with an extended round of applause.As Malcolm left the stage, Music Director Cherie Robbins enthusiastically kicked off another exceptional night of music hosted by the Washington Blues Society. One of the reasons I figured out I was a blues fan in the first place is that the music deals with the heart and soul of the listener and not just as entertainment. Music is necessary and Blues, according to Rev. Dave Brown of Blues Vespers, articulates the joy, and the pain, of being alive.

As usual, two acts performed at the Blues Bash. The first act was LeeAnn Trevalyan and Dave Dickerson. LeeAnns singing voice is unique and sings about as well as anyone. She wrote many of the songs she sang this night and did a song or two by Joan Osborn. I have told people that the only person who can sing a Joan Osborn song better than Joan Osborn herself is LeeAnn Trabalyan. She also played guitar and tambourine. Dave not only played bass but also keyboard during the night. The two of them did a great job on songs like Somebody Out There Loves You, Where is the Sandman and the new song by Joan Osborn just out on a new CD titled How You Work on Me.

With LeeAnns band, Junkyard Jane, she does a lot of fast moving up-tempo songs that get people jumping around on the dance floor. She can do that well but can also do a slower softer but dynamic style of music that really shows off her voice. She did that on this night. She also did some good finger picking on the acoustic guitar.

Before the electric act got on stage there were a lot of announcements. One of the most powerful announcements was about the fund raising events for the victims of the mud slide in Oso, Washington. About 70 blues musicians performed the weekend before and raised thousands of dollars for the relief

effort, and more events were announced during the intermission.

The electric act was a major treat. Monster Road was once fronted by the late-great Kathi McDonald. Her good friend Patti Allen is now the power with the microphone. When you think about the fact that this band has a couple guys on percussion and drums, as well as guitar, bass, and harmonica you may wonder if all those instruments would overpower the vocals or make the band too loud for some people. Dont worry, these musicians handle the mix perfectly. The multi-piece band kept the instruments under the vocals to serve the singing and not to compete with it. This was so well done that it should be a major topic.

On vocals, of course, was Patti Allen. On drums was Andre Thomas. On percussion was Andre Rishikof. Another part of the rhythm section was the bass player, Lissa Ramaglia, who has been a well known musician in these parts for a long time. On harmonica and vocals was Mitch Pumpia and he did a couple great opening songs (including Dr. Feelgood) before Patti came to the stage. The guitar playing of John Hanford was very impressive too.

When Patti opened up with Aint No Mountain High Enough anyone who had not heard her sing before rose to an elevation higher than Mt Everest and stayed that way for an hour. I was perhaps most impressed by her rendition of Fire which is a song Bruce Springsteen wrote and the Pointer Sisters perfected. Pattis rendition is similar to the Pointer Sisters version in terms of the pauses and delivery. By the time she sang Barefootin the dance floor was full. She did a number of others that kept people dancing and she herself was rockin out like an 18 year old by the time she sang Standin On Shaky Ground.

Aprils Blues Bash featured several unforgettable musical moments thanks to LeeAnn Trevalyan and Dave Dickerson and Patti Allen and Monster Road.

Upper: Above: Lissa Ramaglia, Patti Allen and Mitch Pumpian with Monster Road Featuring

Patti Allen.Lower: Leanne Trevalyan(Photos by Eric Steiner)

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Special Thanks to Our May Advertisers!

Alligator Records Recording Artists the Holmes Brothers

Cascade Blues AssociationCentrum

Curtis Hammond BandDennis Juxtamuse Hacker Blues Art

Fat James Benefit ShowGorge Blues and Brews Festival

Hot Wired Rhythm BandInland Empire Blues Society

Jazz AlleyJeff & The Jet City Flyers

Madison Ave. Pub Unbound Blues JamMighty Monday Washington Blues

Miles from ChicagoMoon Daddy

Mount Baker Rhythm & Blues FestivalOxford Entertainment

Rally at the Border Blues FestivalSalmon Bay Eagles

South Sound Blues AssociationSteve Bailey and the Blue Flames

Stickshift Annie with Kimball and the Fugitives

Sunbanks Festival UnTapped Blues and Brews Walla Walla Blues Society

Winthrop Rhythm and Blues FestivalYakima and Blues Local Brews Bash

Letter from the EditorWelcome to the May Bluesletter. I am pleased thanks to new volunteers who are helping me behind these pages (and screens) to improve the editorial quality of the Washington Blues Societys signature publication.

This month, we welcome Amy Sassenberg back to our list of contributing writers for an informative preview of the Spring Sunbanks Festival and Bob Horn returns with a review of an exciting blues show from Tommy Castro and the Painkillers. Weve got the first of two installments on blues benefits for the Oso mudslide, too. This issue also includes my enthusiastic review of the 5th annual Coeur dAlene Blues Festival and this festival may be my newest favorite. While Ive considered the Chicago Blues Festival and the Kitchener Blues Festival in Ontario to be the best in the blues festi-val world, I marveled at the diversity of blues acts

that turned the prestigious Coeur dAlene Resort and conference center into a juke joint. I hadnt been to Coeur dAlene in decades, and I was pleas-antly surprised at the variety of great restaurants, lodging options and traffic-free in this hospitable Northern Idaho community. Next year, please consider adding the 6th Coeur dAlene Blues Fes-tival in your blues festival plans. Its easy to get to: my morning commute from Edmonds to Seattle is longer than the quick 35 drive on Interstate 90 from the Spokane International Airport to scenic Lake Coeur dAlene!

This month, we also honor the memory of Carolyn Kennedy, a long-time blues society volunteer and former elected Secretary. Malcolm Yard Dog Kennedy and Carolyn were planning on celebrat-ing their 25th anniversary this fall but she left us too soon this past month. When you see Malcolm

out and about at the Highway 99 Blues Club or at the Salmon Bay Eagles, please remind him that we are an extended blues family joined by a music that touches our lives and our hearts.

Finally, I wanted to thank you for reading the May Bluesletter. Until next month, go see some live blues. More importantly, please bring a friend and enjoy one of the worlds most vibrant blues com-munities in the world. Please join me in celebrating local blues artists: buy their CDs at their next local gig. Til next month,Eric Steiner, EditorWashington Blues Society BluesletterFormer Member, Blues Foundation Board of Directors (2010-2013)

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By Robert Horn

No, I am not referring to taking a bottle of Naproxen or even Advil. No, not pills or anything you can get at a pharmacy. Not those kind of painkillers. I am referring, instead, to Tommy Castros latest touring line-up.

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers latest visit to the Pacific Northwest included a show in Portland where Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes opened for them. I caught the April 2nd show at Seattles Triple Door. Looking out at the audience, Tommy said that the crowd looked just like a major Saturday night crowd (although this was the first Wednesday in April). During the show, Tommy described how the band writes songs from personal experience, including songs about life on the road in his tour bus. For this band, 40-hour bus rides from gig to gig is not all that unusual; more importantly, it provides opportunities to translate these life experiences into blues songs.

While he was impressed by the audience, the audience was at least as impressed by him and his band. As soon as the lights were dimmed, and it appeared there was something moving on stage, the applause began. The applause kept coming through the whole night, too.

The band mainly played songs from their newest Alligator Records release, The Devil You Know. Theres a story behind that song, and its probably rooted in what was once called the Devils music. For many years Tommy has had a horn section in his band. He also said that If I intend to do this for another 20 years, Ive got to keep things fresh. His concept was to change from a bigger band with horns to something more in line with the roots rock and blues he grew up on with the guitar as the centerpiece. That guitar, and the blues along with some rock and soul, and a tight four piece band, is the devil you know if you want to go back to the roots of the music he was dreaming of.

His current band has Randy McDonald on bass

and Randy has been with Tommy on and off since 1991. On drums is David Tucker and he said recently, I am thrilled to be in this band. I love killing the pain. This rhythm section works well together: you could feel it as well as hear it. On keys was a younger musician, James Price, and if flames come off the keys and fire extinguishers have to be used dont be too surprised. Together, these musicians have a tight sound of a band that inhales and exhales at the same time and it seems as if they have the same thoughts at the same time.

As the night went on the energy went higher, and this blues rock thunderstorm didnt end until the encore was over and the autograph signing began. Some of the new songs performed included Im Tired, Center of Attention, Greedy (which is a big hit on YouTube), When I Cross the Mississippi, Mojo Hannah and Keep on Smilin. Tommy kept on smiling from the stage the more he interacted with the fans and if anyone came with any pain, it was killed by Tommy Castro and the Painkillers! Some blues fans may like more slow or rhythmic melodies in their blues, but if you love the excitement of a screaming guitar and the stage presence of a master entertainer, you will love this tour. Dont get me wrong though, it is not just a screaming guitar (even though there is a healthy dose of that). For some blues fans, the loud electric guitar is a painkiller and for some it is not. Tommy mixes it up with different tempos and with some softer poetic lyrics on his musically diverse set list.

Tommy has been known to do 300 shows a year, and while he may have slowed that pace down a little at age 58, he will take his band to many cities this year so anyone interested should get a chance to see the performance. If you are lucky, the venue will have a good dance floor, because Tommy Castros music is fun to dance to. Your body will like it as well as your ears.

The Devil You Know is this bands first CD. Tommys also recruited some first-class guests to

Tommy Castro Live at the Triple Door(Photo by Bob Horn)

help out with the record, including Joe Bonamassa, Tab Benoit, Marcia Ball, and Samantha Fish. Many knowledgeable blues fans know those names well and would love to hear them on the same CD. Look up Alligator Records to learn more about it. You can also look up what Tommy encouraged me to look at when we corresponded with each other online the days before the Seattle show. He wanted to make sure I kept looking for the newest stuff at tommycastro.com and that is a good place to find a lot more information about this tour and this new CD.

Tommy Castro has won a number of Blues Music Awards over the years, including the prestigious B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award. Based on his hard-driving show at Seattles Triple Door in early April, I think that Tommy Castro and The Painkillers will likely be nominated for an award or two for this new CD and this new line-up.

Review: A Powerful Dose of PainkillersTommy Castro & The Painkillers Live at the Triple Door

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A.H.L. (206) 935-4592Richard Allen & the Louisiana Experience/Zydeco Trio (206) 369-8114AlleyKattz (425) 273-4172Annieville Blues (206) 994-9413Author Unknown (206) 355-5952Baby Gramps Trio (425) 483-2835Back Porch Blues (425) 299-0468Backwoods Still (425) 330-0702Badd Dog Blues Society (360) 733-7464Billy Barner (253) 884-6308Bay Street Blues Band (360) 731-1975Norm Bellas & the Funkstars (206) 722-6551Black River Blues (206) 396-1563Blackstone Players (425) 327-0018Blues Attitude (360) 701-6490Blue 55 (206) 216-0554Blue Healers (206) 440-7867Blues on Tap (206) 618-6210Blues To Do Monthly (206) 328-0662Blues Playground (425) 359-3755Blues Redemption Blues Sheriff (206) 979-0666Blues to Burn (253) 945-7441Blutopia (425-269-3665)Boneyard Preachers (206) 755-0766/ 206-547-1772Bill Brown & the Kingbees 206-276-6600Brian Lee & the Orbiters (206) 390-2408Brian Lee Trio (206) 390-2408Bump Kitchen (253) 223-4333, (360) 259-1545Brian Butler Band (206) 361-9625CC Adams Band (360) 420 2535Charlie Butts & the Filtertips (509) 325-3016Ellis Carter - 206-935-3188Malcolm Clark Band (253) 853-7749Colonel (360) 293-7931Kimball Conant & the Fugitives (206) 938-6096Jack Cook & Phantoms of Soul (206) 517-5294Rod Cook & Toast (206) 878-7910Coyote Blues (360) 420-2535John Scooch Cugnos Delta 88 Revival (360) 352-3735Daddy Treetops (206) 601-1769Sean Denton Band (425)387-0620Double Scotts on the Rocks (206) 418-1180Julie Duke Band (206) 459-0860Al Earick Band (253) 278-0330Sammy Eubanks (509) 879-0340Richard Evans (206) 799-4856Fat Cat (425) 487-6139Fat Tones (509) 869-0350Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone (206) 295-8306Gary Frazier (206) 851-1169Free Reign Blues Band (425) 823-3561Fil Gumbo (425) 788-2776Nicole Fournier & Her 3 Lb Universe (253) 576-7600

Jimmy Frees Friends (206) 546-3733Gin Creek (206) 588-1924Charlene Grant & the Love Doctors (206) 763-5074Paul Green (206)795-3694Dennis Juxtamuse Hacker (425) 512-8111Heather & the Nearly Homeless Blues Band (425)576-5673Tim Hall Band (253) 857-8652Curtis Hammond Band (206) 696-6134)Ryan Harder (253) 226-1230Scotty Harris & Lissa Ramaglia/Bassic Sax (206) 418-1180Terry Hartness (425) 931-5755Ron Hendee (425) 280-3994JD Hobson (206) 235-3234Hot Rod Blues Revue (206)790-9934Bobby Holland & the Breadline (425)681-5644Hot Wired Rhythm Band (206) 790-9935James Howard Band (206) 250-7494David Hudson / Satellite 4 (253) 630-5276Raven Humphres (425) 308-3752Hungry Dogs (425) 299-6435Brian Hurst (360) 708-1653K. G. Jackson & the Shakers(360) 896-4175Jeff & the Jet City Fliers (206) 469-0363Junkyard Jane (253) 238-7908Stacy Jones Band (206) 992-3285Chester Dennis Jones (253)-797-8937Harry The Man Joynes (360) 871-4438James King & the Southsiders (206) 715-6511Virginia Klemens / Jerry Lee Davidson (206) 632-6130Mick Knight (206) 373-1681Bruce Koenigsberg / Fabulous Roof Shakers (425) 766-7253Kolvane (503) 804-7966Lady A & the Baby Blues Funk Band (425) 518-9100Brian Lee Trio (206) 390-2408Scott E. Lind (206) 789-8002Little Bill & the Bluenotes (425) 774-7503Dana Lupinacci Band (206) 860-4961Eric Madis & Blue Madness (206) 362 8331Albritten McClain & Bridge of Souls (206) 650-8254Brian Jelly Belly McGhee (253) 777-5972Doug McGrew (206) 679-2655Mary McPage Band (206) 850-4849Miles from Chicago (206) 440-8016Reggie Miles (360) 793-9577Michal Miller Band (253) 222-2538Rob Moitoza / House of Reprehensibles (206) 768-2820Moon Daddy Band (425) 923-9081Jim Nardos Boogie Train Blues Band (360) 779-4300Keith Nordquist (253) 639-3206

Randy Norris & The Full Degree (425) 239-3876 Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely (425) 239-3876/(425) 359-3755Randy Oxford Band (253) 973-9024Robert Patterson (509) 869-0350Dick Powell Band (425) 742-4108Bruce Ransom (206) 618-6210Red Hot Blues Sisters (206) 940-2589Mark Riley (206) 313-7849RJ Knapp & Honey Robin Band(206) 612-9145Gunnar Roads (360) 828-1210Greg Roberts (206) 473-0659Roger Rogers Band (206) 255-6427Roxlide (360) 881-0003Maia Santell & House Blend (253) 983-7071Sciaticats Band (206) 246-3105$cratch Daddy (425) 210-1925Shadow Creek Project (360) 826-4068Tim Sherman Band (206) 547-1772Billy Shew Band (253) 514-3637Doug Skoog (253) 921-7506Smoke N Blues Allstars (253) 620-5737Smokin Js (425) 746-8186Son Jack Jr. (425) 591-3034Soulshaker Blues Band (360) 4171145Star Drums & Lady Keys (206) 522-2779John Stephan Band (206) 244-0498Chris Stevens Surf Monkeys (206) 236-0412Steve Bailey & The Blue Flames (206) 779-7466Steve Cooley & Dangerfields (253)-203-8267Stickshift Annie Eastwood (206) 522-4935Alice Stuart & the Formerlys (360) 753-8949Richard Sysinger (206) 412-8212Annette Taborn (206) 679-4113Tahoma Tones (253)851-6559Ten Second Tom (509) 954-4101Tone Kings (425) 698-5841Leanne Trevalyan (253)238-7908Tim Turner Band (206) 271-5384Two Scoops Combo (206) 933-9566Unbound (425) 212-7608Uncle Ted Barton (253) 627-0420Nick Vigarinos Meantown Blues (360)387-0374Tommy Wall (206) 914-9413Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks (360)652-0699/(425) 327-0944Charles White Revue (425) 327-0018Mark Whitman Band (206) 697-7739Michael Wilde (425) 672-3206 / (206) 200-3363Rusty Williams (206) 282-0877Hambone Wilson (360) 739-7740C.D. Woodbury (425) 502-1917Beth Wulff Band (206) 367-6186, (206) 604-2829

Please send updates to editor@wablues.org by the 5th of the month - well do our best to update your listing!

Washington Blues Society May 2014 Talent Guide

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Washington Blues Society April 2014 CalendarNote: Please confirm with each venue the start time and price. We also apologize in advance for any errors as we depend on musicians and venues to send in their information and some-times, changes happen after we go to press. Thursday, May 1 Destination Harley-Davidson, Fife Little Bill Trio 12PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Brian Lee & the Orbiters 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Pearl Django w/Gail Pettis & Greta Matassa 7:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - How Now Brown Cow 10:30PM Salmon Bay Eagles - Jeff & The Jet City Fliers Bad Alberts, Ballard - Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill & Tom Brighton w/Bill Chism 5:30PM Friday, May 2 The Repp, Snohomish Rod Cook 6:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Kalimba Band Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Will Downing 7 Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo 6PM, Paul Green & Straight Shot 9PM The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - The Djangomatics 5PM, Danny Godinez 9PM Conway Muse, Conway - Sabrina y Los Reyes Salmon Bay Eagles - Blues County Sheriff 8PM The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - Brian Lee Trio Vino Bella, Issaquah - Tweety and The Tom Cats Under the Red Umbrella, Everett Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely 7PM The Dogghouse, Mt Vernon - Nick Vigarinos Back Porch Stomp 9PM Raging River Caf, Fall City - Joseph Barton Trio Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek - Annie Eastwood w/Bill Chism 7PM B Sharp Coffee House, Tacoma - Malibu Ma-nouche w/Peter Pentras & Neil Andersson 8PM

Saturday, May 3 B Sharp Coffee House, Tacoma - Rod Cook / Mark Riley duo 8PM Highway 99 Blues Club Ken Derouchie Band The Repp, Snohomish - Larry Murante 6:30PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Will Downing 7 Bakes Place, Bellevue The Paperboys 7PM & 9:15PM The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Daniel Rapport Trio 9PM Conway Muse, Conway - R.X. Bertoldi solo H2O, Anacortes Alice Stuart & the Formerlys Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Roy Kay Trio 8PM The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - Heggy Cheek Vino Bella, Issaquah - Shaggy Sweet 7:30PM Destination Harley, Fife - Mark Whitman Band The Oxford Saloon, Snohomish - The Randy Oxford Band 9PM Destination Harley, Fife - Annie Eastwood w/Kimball, the Fugitives & Kid Quagmire 12PM Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek James Bernhard Sunday, May 4 Johnnys Dock, Tacoma Little Bill Trio 5PM

Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Will Downing 7 Bakes Place, Bellevue - Josephine Howell Quartet 7PM The Central, Kirkland - Kid Quagmire 8:30PM The Spar, Tacoma - Brian Lee & the Orbiters CCs Lounge, Burien - CCs All Stars w/Norm Bellas 4PM Monday, May 5 The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Olli Orbit Klomp & the SGs 9PM Edison Inn, Bow - Margaret Wilder Band 8:30PM 88 Keys, Seattle Blues To Do w/ Marlee Walker, The Pete Lira Group & The Manuel Morias Band 7PM

Tuesday, May 6 Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Lao Tizer Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo The Triple Door, Seattle - Michael Nesmith of The Monkees 8PM Dusty Strings, Seattle - Eric Madis Jump Blues Guitar Class 7:45PM The Feedback Lounge, Seattle Blues To Do w/Marlee Walker 7PM Wednesday, May 7 Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Rafael Tranquilino w/Sweet Danny Ray 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Lao Tizer 7:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo The Triple Door, Seattle - Cassandra Wilson 7PM & 9:30PM The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Kat Koch Quartet 8:30PM The Central, Kirkland - Polly OKeary 8:30PM Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek James Bernhard Thursday, May 8 Crossroads Shopping Center, Bellevue - Rod Cook/Little Bill Englehart duo 6:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle James King & the Southsiders 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Kenny G Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo The Triple Door, Seattle - Cassandra Wilson 7PM & 9:30PM Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Jose Gonzales Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Annieville/Brian Butler duo 8PM, Greg Roberts 10PM Bad Alberts, Ballard - Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill & Tom Brighton w/Bill Chism 5:30PM Friday, May 9 Emerald Downs, Auburn The Kim Archer Band w/Rod Cook 6PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Slide Guitar Beyond the Blues w/Nick Vigarino 8PM The Repp, Snohomish - Andrew Norsworthy Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Kenny G Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo 6PM, Wired! 9PM The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - The

Djangomatics 5PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Acoustic for Oso 7:30PM, Mark Sexton Band 9PM The Conway Muse, Conway - Richard Allen & the Louisiana Experience 7:30PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Dr Z & The M.D.s Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - Miles From Chicago 8 Vino Bella, Issaquah - Peter Jamero Project Engels Pub, Edmonds Blues Playground 9PM Crossroads Shopping Center, Bellevue - Jack Cook & the Phantoms of Soul 7PM Untapped Blues & Brews pre-party, Kennewick The Randy Oxford Band 7PM The Mirkwood & Shire Caf, Arlington - The Groovetramps Trio 7PM B Sharp Coffee House, Tacoma - Malibu Manouche w/Peter Pentras & Neil Andersson Saturday, May 10 Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Hot Wired Rhythm Band 8PM The Repp, Snohomish - Lee Howard 6:30PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Kenny G Bakes Place, Bellevue Nearly Dan 7PM & The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Jelly Rollers 9PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Lowrider Band 7PM & 10PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Zoltons B-3 Kombo 8PM The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - The ShortCutz Vino Bella, Issaquah - Ventura HighwayRevisited 7:30PM Scotch & Vine, Des Moines - Brian Lee Trio 8PM 907 Lounge, Snohomish - Nick Vigarinos Back Porch Stomp 9PM Mia Roma Italian, Kenmore - Groovetramps Trio Auburn Avenue Theater, Auburn - Mackapalooza Showcase w/Alice solo 8PM Madison Ave Pub, Everett - Harpageddon 2 w/Mark DuFresne, Bill Davis, Steve Bailey, Jeff Herzog, Stacy Jones,CD Woodbury, Dave McCabe & Paul Quilty 7PM Andersons General Store & Restaurant, Anacortes - Mia Vermillion 5PM Left Foot Boogie at Sons Of Norway, Bothell: Stickshift Annie w/Kimball & the Fugitives Lamplighter Pub, Seattle Scott E Lind Band B Sharp Coffee House, Tacoma - Thea Westcott

Sunday, May 11 Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Kenny G Central, Kirkland - Mark Hurwitz & Gin Creek China Harbor, Seattle - Dance w/Brian Lee & the Orbiters, lessons 7PM dance 8PM The Black Dog, Snoqualmie - The Groovetramps Blues Brunch (sit-in friendly) 12PM J&M Caf, Seattle - The Groovetramps Trio CCs Lounge, Burien - CCs All Stars w/Norm Bellas 4PM Kent Senior Center, Kent - Koffee Klatch w/Norm Bellas 11AM

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Monday, May 12 The Triple Door Musiquarium, Seattle - Ben Bloom, Grant Schroff & Jason Gray 9PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Blues on Tap 8PM 88 Keys, Seattle Blues To Do w/ Marlee Walker Poggie Tavern, Seattle - The Groovetramps Trio Tuesday, May 13 Saltys Alki, Seattle Rod Cook solo 5:30PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - The Headhunters 7:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo 6PM Dusty Strings, Seattle - Eric Madis Jump Blues Guitar Class 7:45PM The Feedback Lounge, Seattle Blues To Do w/Marlee Walker & The Greg Roberts Band 7PM The Red Crane, Shoreline WBS Blues Bash w/Gin Creek and James Coates7PM

Wednesday, May 14 Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Tab Benoit Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - The Headhunters Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo The Central, Kirkland - Funk E3 8:30PM Engles Pub, Edmonds - Nick Vigarinos Back Porch Stomp 8PM Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek James Bernhard Thursday, May 15 Saltys, Redondo Rod Cook solo 6PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Sam Marshall Trio 9PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Steve Bailey & The Blue Flames 8PM KPLU Food for Thought Happy Hour @ the Palace Ballroom, Seattle Two Scoops Combo Sunbanks Blues Festival, Electric City - Leanne Trevalyan 8PM, Sweet Danny Ray & Rafael Tranquilino 9PM, Nick Vigarinos Back Porch Stomp 10PM, Ben Rice Band 11PM Bad Alberts, Ballard - Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill & Tom Brighton w/Bill Chism 5:30PM

Friday, May 16 Swiftwater Cellars, Cle Elum Four w/Rod Cook Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Rick Estrin & the Nightcats 8PM Thr Repp, Snohomish - Patrick Thayer 6:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo 6PM, Little Bill & the Blue Notes 9PM The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - The Djangomatics 5PM The Rockfish Grill, Anacortes - Kevin Sutton & Jim McLaughlin 8PM Tulas, Seattle Dave Peck Trio 7:30PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Seattle Teen Music The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - Lou Echeverri Vino Bella, Issaquah - Philip Lomax 730PM The Georgetown Stables, Seattle - Ben & Larrys BBQ Blues Adventure/Lady A & Baby Blues Funk Band 6:45pm Barhop Taproom, Port Angeles Soulshakers Sunbanks Blues Festival, Electric City - James King & the Southsiders 4:30PM, The Rectifiers

6PM, Ben Rice Band 7:30PM, Nick Vigarinos Meantown Blues 9PM, The True Spokes 11PM Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek - Annie Eastwood w/Bill Chism 7PM Saturday, May 17 Destination Harley-Davidson, Fife Little Bill Trio 12PM Swiftwater Cellars, Cle Elum Four w/Rod Cook 7PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Festival Sundiata 8PM The Repp, Snohomish - Alice Stuart solo 6:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue Kalimba 7PM & 9:15PM H2O, Anacortes - CD Woodbury Band 7:30PM Tulas, Seattle Dave Peck Trio 7:30PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Jesse James & The Mob 8PM The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - The Soul Wreckers 8:30PM Vino Bella, Issaquah - Lady A & Baby Blues Funk Band 7:30PM Swedish Culture Center, Seattle - Dance w/Brian Lee & the Orbiters, lesson 7:30PM, dance 8:30PM The Lynnwood Eagles, Lynnwood - Stacy Jones Band 7PM Rockin M BBQ, Everett - The Groovetramps Trio 8PM Destination Harley, Fife - Annie Eastwood w/Kimball, the Fugitives & Kid Quagmire 12PM Sunbanks Festival Schedule, Electric City - The Trevalyan Triangle 1:30PM, Rae Gordon Band 3PM, Hot Wired Rhythm Band 5PM, Curtis Salgado 7PM, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats 9PM, Sammy Eubanks w/Jess Kunz 11PM Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek James Bernhard 7PM

Sunday, May 18 Bakes Place, Bellevue - Pearl Django w/Gail Pettis 7PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Jon Batiste & Stay Human 7:30PM The Central, Kirkland - Fat Tones 8:30PM The Scarlet Tree, Seattle - Benefit for Fat James w/B.I.G. band, Red House, Fat James & Fatback, Jesse James & the Mob & more 5PM The Spare Room, Portland OR - Mike Moothart Benefit 5PM CCs Lounge, Burien - CCs All Stars w/Norm Bellas 4PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - The Bill Gerdes Memorial Band 2PM Sunbanks Festival Schedule, Electric City - John Bunzow Duo 1PM, Bakin Phat 2:30PM, Polly OKeary & the Rhythm Method 4PM, Sena Ehrhardt Band 5:30PM, Maurice John Vaughn Group 7:30PM Monday, May 19 Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - The Ballard High School Jazz Bands & Vocal Performers 7:30PM The Triple Door Musiquarium, Seattle - Ben Bloom, Grant Schroff & Jason Gray 9PM 88 Keys, Seattle Blues To Do w/ Marlee Walker

& Groove Kitchen 7PM Mr. Villa, Seattle - Annie Eastwood, Kimball Conant, Larry Hill - Fugitives Trio 7PM Tuesday, May 20 Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Spencer Day 7:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo 6PM Dusty Strings, Seattle - Eric Madis Jump Blues Guitar Class 7:45PM The Feedback Lounge, Seattle Blues To Do w/Marlee Walker & The Charles White Band Revue

Wednesday, May 21 Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Dirty Rice w/The Highway Poets 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Spencer Day 7: Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo The Triple Door, Seattle - The Randy Oxford Band / Polly OKeary & the Rhythm Method The Central, Kirkland - CD Woodbury 8:30PM Crossroads Shopping Center, Bellevue - Alice Stuart & the Formerlys 7:30PM Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek James Bernhard

Thursday, May 22 The Blue Martini, Bellevue The Kim Archer Band w/Rod Cook 7:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Sugaray Rayford Band 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Ramsey Lewis Electric Band w/Philip Bailey 7:30PM & 9:30PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Seattle Secret Music Showcase #14 w/Alice Stuart 7:30PM Salmon Bay EaglesEric Madis & Blue Madness Bad Alberts, Ballard - Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill & Tom Brighton w/Bill Chism 5:30PM

Friday, May 23 Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Curtis Hammond Band 8PM The Repp, Snohomish - Carolyn Cruso 6:30PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Ramsey Lewis Electric Band w/Philip Bailey 7:30PM & 9:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo 6PM, Butch Harrison & Good Company 9PM The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - The Djangomatics 5PM, Cody Rentas Band 9PM The Rockfish Grill, Anacortes - Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely 8PM The Paramount Theatre, Seattle Hugh Laurie & the Copper Bottom Band 8PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Bare Roots 8PM Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - The Tim Turner Band Vino Bella, Issaquah - Vibe Central 7:30PM NW Folklife Festival, Seattle - Nick Vigarino 4 The Jet Bar, Mill Creek - Stacy Jones Band 9PM North City Bistro, Shoreline - Groovetramps Trio Providence Marionwood, Issaquah Norm Bella Saturday, May 24 Portland Rose Festival, Portland OR The Vicci Martinez Band 6:30PM Highway 99 Blues Club Duffy Bishop Band

Continued on Next Page

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SundaysDawsons, Tacoma: Tim Hall Band, 7pmConway Muse: Gary Bs Church of the Blues, 6-10pmRaging River: Tommy WallSilver Dollar: Big Nasty, 8pm Stationhosue, La Conner: CC Adams, 4-8 PMTwo Twelve, on Central Kirkland: HeatherBBlues, 7pm

PLEASE HELP US KEEP OUR LISTINGS CURRENT: please send in jam listings to calendar@wablues.org. As of press time, we are looking for a new volunteer who will help compile our calendar, jam guide, band listings, and radio station listings. Please email volunteer director Rhea Rolfe: volunteers@wablues.org if you are interested!

TuesdaysBarrel Tavern: hosted by Doug McGrew, 8pmElmers Burien: hosted by Billy ShewEngels Pub, Edmonds: Open Mic with Lou Echeverri, 8 PMPacific Rim Marysville Best Western: Mike Wright & the Blue Sharks, 7 - 11pm907 Bar and Grill Snohomish Sean Denton & Richard Williams 8 PMSummit Pub: Tim Hall & the Realtimes, 7:30pmUncle Thurms, Tacoma: Blenis, Ely Band, 7:30pmWild Buffalo, Bellingham: hosted by Rick Baunach, 6:30 - 9:30pm

Washington Blues Society Blues Jams

MondaysCaffe Mela, Wenatchee, 7pm (first Monday of the month)88 Keys, Pioneer Square: Blues on Tap, 8pmJRs Hideway: Malcolm Clark, 8pmNorms Place, Everett: hosted by the Stanwoodys, 7:30 PMOpal Lounge, South Tacoma Way: Tim Hall, 8pmTen Below: hosted by Underground Blues Jam, every 1st Monday of the month, Wenatchee

Saturday, May 24th (Continued) The Repp, Snohomish - Cool Water 6:30PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Ramsey Lewis Electric Band w/Philip Bailey 7:30PM & 9:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Side Project and Friends 7PM & 9:15PM H2O, Anacortes Little Bill & the Blue Notes Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Cody Rentas Band The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - Mark Hurwitz & Gin Creek 8:30PM White Horse Saloon, Arlington Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely, 8PM Folklife Cafe/NW Folklife, Seattle - Eric Madis 8 Destination Harley, Fife - The Mark Whitman Band 12PM Port Gardner Bay Winery, Everett - Annie Eastwood w/Bill Chism 7PM

Sunday, May 25 Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Ramsey Lewis Electric Band w/Philip Bailey 7:30PM & 9:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - Tillers Folly 7PM The Central, Kirkland - Author Unknown 8:30PM NW Folklife Festival, Seattle - Northwest Womens Blues Revue w/ LadyA, Teri Wilson & Stacey Jones The Locol, Seattle - Mia Vermillion 6:30PM CCs Lounge, Burien - CCs All Stars w/Norm Bellas 4PM Monday, May 26 The Triple Door Musiquarium, Seattle - Ben Bloom, Grant Schroff & Jason Gray 9PM 88 Keys, Seattle Blues To Do w/ Marlee Walker Tuesday, May 27 Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Oz Noy, Oteil Burbridge & Keith Carlock 7:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo Dusty Strings, Seattle - Eric Madis Jump Blues Guitar Class 7:45PM The Feedback Lounge, Seattle Blues To Do w/Marlee Walker, Kimball Conant, The Fugitives & Stickshift Annie 7PM

Wednesday, May 28 Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle - Little Ray & the Uppercuts 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Oz Noy, Oteil Burbridge & Keith Carlock 7:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo 6PM, Bellevue Jazz Festival East-West Trumpet Summit w/Ray Vega & Thomas Marriott 8PM The Central, Kirkland - Miles from Chicago The High Dive ,Seattle - Stacy Jones Band 8PM Elliot Bay Pizza, Mill Creek James Bernhard Thursday, May 29 The Triple Door, Seattle The Vicci Martinez Band 7PM & 10PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Patti Allen w/Monster Road 8PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Joan Osborne & the Holmes Brothers 7:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - The Gotz Lowe Duo 6PM, Bellevue Jazz Festival w/Carlos Cascante y su Tumbao 8PM The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - Smoke & Honey 9PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Groovetramps w/Moses Walker 8PM Bad Alberts, Ballard - Annie Eastwood, Larry Hill & Tom Brighton w/Bill Chism 5:30PM Friday, May 30 Bakes Place, Bellevue The Gotz Lowe Duo 6PM, Rod Cook & Toast 9PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Soul Senate & Kissing Potion 8PM The Repp, Snohomish - Ron Wiley 6:30PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Joan Osborne and the Holmes Brothers 7:30PM & 9:30PM The Triple Door, Seattle - Gypsy Soul 8PM The Triple Door Musicquarium, Seattle - The Djangomatics 5PM The Conway Muse, Conway - Brian Lee & the Orbiters 8:30PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Kamis Karaoke J&M Caf, Seattle - Mark Hurwitz & Gin Creek 9PM

The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - GoodSon 8:30PM Vino Bella, Issaquah - Seatown Rythm & Blues 7:30PM Laurelthirst, Portland OR Alice solo 6PM

Saturday, May 31 Jazzbones, Tacoma The Vicci Martinez Band 8PM Highway 99 Blues Club, Seattle Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe 8PM The Repp, Snohomish - Kimball Conant 6:30PM Dimitrious Jazz Alley, Seattle - Joan Osborne and the Holmes Brothers 7:30PM & 9:30PM Bakes Place, Bellevue - Ventura Highway Revisited 7PM & 9:15PM The Conway Muse, Conway - CURTIS HAMMOND BAND 8PM Salmon Bay Eagles, Seattle - Kamis Karaoke The Yuppie Tavern, Kirkland - The Inside Outlaws 8:30PM Vino Bella, Issaquah - British Beats 7:30PM Junction Roadhouse, Port Angeles-Soulshakers 8PM H2O, Anacortes - Stacy Jones Band 9PM The Ould Triangle, Seattle - The Groovetramps w/Moses Walker 9PM Madison Ave Pub, Everett - Unbound Blues Jam 5th Anniversary Invitational Jam w/ Brian Lee & others 7PM ATTENTION MUSIC PEOPLE! If you would like to add your music schedule to our calendar, please send in your information by the 10th of the month to wbscalendar@yahoo.com in the following format: (Please, very important! No bold or ALL CAPS) Date - Venue, City - Band Name Time

PLEASE NOTE:DUE TO SPACE CONSTRAINTS

OUR RADIO LISTINGS WILL RETURN IN A FUTURE ISSUE.

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Central & Eastern BBQ & Blues Clarkston (509) 758-1227Breadline Caf Omak (509) 826-5836Club Crow Cashmere (509) 782-3001 CrossRoads Steakhouse Walla Walla (509) 522-1200Ice Harbor Brewing Co - Kennewick (509) 582-5340 Lakeys Grill Pullman (509) 332-6622Main Street Tavern Omak (509) 826-2247Peters Inn Packwood (360) 494-4000Pine Springs Resort - Goldendate (509-773-4434Rams Ripple Moses Lake (509) 765-3942Rattlesnake Brewery Richland (509) 783-5747Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee (Tomasz Cibicki 509-669-8200)Tumwater Inn Restaurant and Lounge Leavenworth (509) 548-4232

SeattleBlarney Stone Pub and Restaurant (206) 448-8439China Harbor Restaurant (206) 286-1688Dimitrious Jazz Alley (206) 441-9729 x210EMP Liquid Lounge (206) 770-2777EMP Sky Church (206) 770-2777Fiddlers Inn (206) 525-0752Grinders (206) 542-0627Highliner Pub (206) 283-2233Highway 99 Club (206) 382-2171J & M Cafe (206) 467-2666Lock & Keel (206) 781-8023Maple Leaf Grill (206) 523-8449Mr. Villa (206) 517-5660New Orleans (206) 622-2563Paragon (206) 283-4548Pike Place Bar and Grill (206) 624-1365The Rimrock Steak House (206) 362-7979Salmon Bay Eagles (206) 783-7791St. Clouds (206) 726-1522Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park (206) 366-3333Triangle Tavern (206) 763.0714Tractor Tavern (206) 789-3599Triple Door (206) 838-4333

North End (Lynnwood, Everett, Edmonds, etc.):Bubbas Roadhouse Sultan, (360) 793-3950Canoes Cabaret Tulalip (888) 272-1111The Conway Muse in Conway (360) 445-3000Demetris Woodstone Taverna, Edmonds (425) 744-9999Diamond Knot Brewery & Alehouse Mukilteo (425) 355-4488Engels Pub Edmonds (425) 778-2900Historic Spar Tree Granite Falls (360) 691-6888 Madison Pub - Everett (425) 348-7402Mardinis Snohomish (360) 568-8080Mirkwood & Shire Caf Arlington (360) 403-9020North Sound:Star Bar, Anacortes (360) 299-2120 (Prohibition Grille, Everett (425) 258-6100 Stanwood Hotel & Saloon Stanwood (360) 629-2888Stewarts Snohomish (360) 568-4684Timberline Caf Granite Falls (360) 691-7011

South Sound Tacoma, Burien, Federal Way, etcAl Lago, Lake Tapps (253) 863-86362 Wheel Blues Club TacomaBarnacles Restaurant, Des Moines (206) 878-5000The Barrel Burien (206) 246-5488CCs Lounge, Burien (206) 242-0977Capitol Theater/Olympia Film Society (360) 754-3635Cascade Tavern Vancouver (360) 254-0749Charlies Olympia (360) 786-8181Cliff House Restaurant Tacoma (253) 927-0400Destination Harley Davidson Fife (253) 922-3700 Blues Vespers at Immanuel Presbyterian (253) 627-8371Jazzbones in Tacoma (253) 396-9169(The) Junction Sports Bar, Centralia (360) 273-7586Lighthouse Des Moines (206) 824-4863Maggie OTooles Lakewood (253) 584-3278Magnolia Caf Poulsbo (360) 697-1447Mint Alehouse Enumclaw (360) 825-8361Pats Bar & Grill Kent (253) 852-7287rrPick & Shovel Wilkeson (360) 829-6574The Pony Keg - Kent (253) 395-8022Riverside Pub, Sumner (253) 863-8369Silver Dollar Pub Spanaway (253) 531-4469The Spar Tacoma (253) 627-8215The Swiss Tacoma (253) 572-2821Tugboat Annies Olympia (360) 943-1850Uncle Sams Bar & Grill - Spanaway (253) 507-7808Wurlitzer Manor Gig Harbor (253) 858-1749

North Sound Bellingham, Anacortes, Whidbey Island, etcChina Beach Langley (360) 530-8888Just Moes Sedro Woolley (360) 855-2997LaConner Tavern LaConner (360) 466-9932Little Roadside Tavern Everson (360) 592-5107Old Edison Inn Edison (360) 766-6266Rockfish Grill Anacortes (360) 588-1720Stump Bar & Grill Arlington (360) 653-6774Watertown Pub Anacortes (360) 293-3587Wild Buffalo Bellingham (360) 312-3684Viking Bar and Grill Stanwood (360) 629-9285

Eastside Bellevue, Kirkland, etc.Bakes Place - Bellevue (425) 454-2776Central Club Kirkland (425) 827-8808Crossroads Shopping Center Bellevue (425) 644-1111Damans Pub RedmondForecasters Woodinville (425) 483-3212Raging River Caf & Club Fall City (425) 222-6669RockinM BBQ, Golf Range & Lounge - Everett (425.438.2843)Time Out Sports Bar Kirkland (425) 822-8511Top Shelf Broiler & Tervelli Lounge - Kirkland (206) 239-8431Vino Bella Issaquah (425) 391-1424Wild Vine Bistro, Bothell (425) 877-1334Wilde Rover Kirkland (425) 822-8940Valhalla Bar & Grill, Kirkland (425) 827 3336Yuppie Tavern - Kirkland (425) 814-5200

Peninsula Clearwater Casino Suquamish (360) 598-6889Destiny Seafood & Grill Port Angeles (360) 452-4665 Halftime Saloon Gig Harbor (253) 853-1456Junction Tavern Port Angeles (360) 452-9880Little Creek Casino Shelton (360) 427-7711Seven Cedars Casino Sequim (360) 683-7777Sirens Port Townsend (360) 379-1100Upstage Port Townsend (360) 385-2216

WednesdaysCharlies Olympia: Blues AttitudeDamans Pub, 8 PMDogghouse Tavern, Mt. Vernon Alan: Hatley Trio, 7pmHalf Time Saloon: Billy Shew & Billy BarnerLocker Room, White Center: Michael Johnson & Lynn Sorensen, 8-12pmMadison Pub, Everett: hosted by Unbound w/special guests 7:30pm 5/7 - Lou Echeverri 5/14 - Scott E. Lind 5/21 - Billy Lovy 5/28 - Kimball Conant and Stickshift Oxford Saloon, Snohomish: Oxford School of Jam hosted by Rick J Bowen, Teri Anne Wilson and Robert Baker for All- Ages Open Jam 7-11pmSalmon Bay Eagles: Broomdust presents Blues of the Past jam (1st Wed.), 8pmYuppie Tavern, Kirkland (Totem Lake), HeatherBBlues Acoustic jam, 8pmOuld Triangle Pub: hosted by Jeff Hass, Open Mic Blues Jam, 9pm

ThursdaysBad Alberts: Invitational w/Annieville BluesBarrel Tavern: hosted by Tim Turner, 8pmClub Flight Nightclub: w/Cory Wilde, 9pmConway PubDawsons, Tacoma: Billy Shew, 8 pmJimmy Jacks: School of Jam hosted by Rick Bowen, Teri Wilson, Robert Baker, All Ages, Everett 7-11pm Special Guests: 5/1 - Lou Echeverri 5/8 - Chris Lord 5/15 -Brian Lee 5/22 - Lori Hardman/John Gulla 5/29 - James HowardOCallahans: Tim Hall, 7pmOxford Saloon: Jam Night w/Tommy Cook Trio

FridaysNew Orleans Restaurant: All Star Jam, hosted by Leslie Stardrums Milton & Lady Keys, 7pm (1st & 3rd Fridays)

Washington Blues Society

Venue Guide

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Blues Festival Preview: Blues at the Border in Oroville! A motorcycle rally that encompasses what riders live for: blues, bikes and back roads.

The Northern Okanogan area in Washington State offers some of the best riding you will ever find. The region features beautiful winding back roads follow scenic rivers, lakes, meadows and streams, from sea level to elevations of 3,500 feet. On May 17th and 18th, Oroville, Washington will welcome ALL bikers riding in from north, south, east & west for the Rally at the Border Blues Festival. The Columbia River HOG (www.columbiariverhog.net)-sponsored 12th annual Run for the Border will make its three-hour ride from Wenatchee north and arrive in Oroville just in time for lunch. Canadian riders will ride south arriving about the same time, making this an international rally. Join their ride or meet them in Oroville! On Saturday, the music begins at two oclock and is scheduled to end at ten in the evening along the shores of Lake Osoyoos in Deep Bay Park. Set in the midst of mountain views, vineyards and orchards, this international lake is located in both British Columbia and Washington State. Orovilles local wineries will be having their annual barrel tastings on Saturday, May 17th and there will also a car show downtown at Gold Digger Park on Main Street, offering another way to experience Blues at the Border. Festival admission is $20 online or $25 at event, 21 and over.

Blues at the Border Line-up, beginning at 2:00 PM on May 17th:

Junk Belly Blues based Pop/Rock band featuring original tunes. They make music that moves people and it will be an experience youll remember. Dont miss lead guitar player Wayne

Evans and his ensemble of local heavy hitting musicians that have formed Wenatchee Valleys best pop rockin blues band. www.junkbelly.org

Voo Doo Church of Blues - Blues/Rockin Blues/ Swing. Gary Yeomans lowdown dirty blues band with a little bit of Texas bar rock thrown in for added flavor. A Spokane favorite! www.reverbnation.com/voodoochurchofblues

North HalfBlues / Classic Rock / Classic R&B. A fun local Okanogan Valley band that will keep you dancing. The lively lead singer Todd Mathews will keep you entertained every moment. www.northalf.weebly.com

Blues Edition. A high energy blues band with a fine mix of blues, rhythm and blues, and swing! Missy Califano is a multi-instrumentalist and her primary instrument is her powerful lead vocals. Anthony Holmes, playing bass also sings lead vocals with Missy. www.bluesedition.com

RedHouse. A diverse group of musicians that combine a love for the Blues with their own unique songwriting styles. John Helms on Lead guitar and Vocals with Lady D (Delinda House) Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, and Percussion. www.reverbnation.com/redhousetheband

Ride, drive or walk, but just dont miss this great event!

Join the hundreds of bikes that roar into town on Saturday and then head out for an afternoon and evening of Blues at Deep Bay Park on the shores of Lake Osoyoos. On Sunday, ALL RIDERS are welcome to participate in the Charity Poker Run as it winds through the beautiful Okanogan Highlands. Everyone OVER 21 years of age is welcome! Motorcycle riders, blues enthusiasts or the curious adventuresome souls! Come be a part of the Rally at the Border Blues Festival.

http://www.rallyattheborderbluesfest.com Email: borderbluesfest@gmail.com or phone: 509-485-2272

Passing the Torch thank the following musicians, supporters, donors and volunteers for a successful fundraiser in Shoreline on March 23rd!

The Musicians Hot Wired Rhythm Band

Hot Rod Holman Polly OKeary Kevin Sutton

Steve Sarkowsky Jumpin Josh Violette

Teen bands Annabelle Bird Cooley

Tigerlily Cooley Ian Sandico

Mason Turner Jumpin Josh Violette

Giordan Montero

Mark Dufresne & Dan Newton Duo

Karen Lovely Band Karen Lovely

Rod Cook Ben Rice

Scotty Harris Andrew Cloutier Raven Humphres

Donors: Winthrop R&B Fest

Sunbanks Fest Mt Baker Fest

2 - $50 Gift Certs for Soma Salon donated by Jill Storm & Anthony

Snake Oil Band [house party] Mary McPage Band [house party]

Myrna Bostwick personal items: Bob Dylan 30th

Anniversary Concert DVD, Sonic Boom Book & $25 Gift Cert Cheesecake Factory

Jazz Alley Highway 99 Club

Seattle Theatre Group Experience Music Project

Special Thanks to:

Raven Humphres as Emcee Rick Bowen

Jill Zyvoloski Myrna Bostwick

Red Crane Restaurant

Passing the Torch 2014 Special Thanks!

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26

What Happens at Sunbanks...By Amy Sassenberg

What is the best thing about the impending summer? The promise of warmer weather and maybe a few rays of sun is never a sure thing here in the Northwest. But a super fun super-charged party at Sunbanks Resort twice a year: that is something you can count on.

The Sunbanks Music Festival in Electric City, Washington is a harbinger of the festival season. Its double the pleasure in May & September, effectively marking the beginning and end of the summer. Always the weekend before Memorial Day and the weekend directly after Labor Day, this years dates are May 15th to 18th and September 4th to 7th.

Started in 1995, this joyful gathering is in its 19th year. People boast about being at the first one, or coming for so many years in a row. Its a rite of passage for blues fans. If its your first one, you will be called a virgin and toasted and roasted until you feel like part of the family. And family is a word that is used by many attendees.

Both big daddy and mischievous little brother, Billy Stoops has been the festival director for the past 14 years and also a mainstay entertainer and spokesperson. Leanne Trevalyan, longtime friend and band-mate, is his trusty assistant and promotional diva. Merchandise, graphic design and volunteer coordination are some of Leannes specialties. She definitely has the big sis vibe. Shes a big part of what happens here, Billy says.

And what happens here, besides some rockin music, is somewhat of a mystery to those as-of-yet uninitiated. When asked to describe the festival, guitar player Mark Riley and photographer Blues Boss both echoed a twist on the infamous line about Vegas: What happens at Sunbanks stays at Sunbanks. Bring it up to Billy and he shakes his head, Yeah, until Facebook.

Ive had some amazing experiences out there, says drummer Andrew Cloutier, with a grin. Nothing I can talk about. The mystique is part of its charm and the wild reputation hasnt hurt. Its an incredibly wonderful party, says Billy. You feel like youre almost part of a family. Its both, really. A great party AND a great family. People have been coming back for so long, its like a family reunion, Leanne says. Only in this family, there are no kids. Or maybe just a bunch of grown-up kids. Everybodys always smiling, having a great time, Billy says. The Sunbanks Festival is 21 and over, adults only. This means the organizers dont need to set up a beer garden. You can bring your own or buy it at the camp store. Theres also a full-service cantina, with a restaurant and an espresso stand open every day.

Its a resort, so anything you dont bring, you can

probably purchase. Necessities, food, beer, wine, staples, soft drinks, coffee Billy rattles off a list. The resort itself is beautiful. Probably one of the most beautiful venues for a festival in the state. Its like an oasis out there in the rock and sagebrush.

The real value in Sunbanks is its an incredible place to camp and hangout and you get four nights of camping and music for one ticket price. Thats camping or lodging. Theres a complete range of camping available: tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables; RV sites with and without hookups; rustic waterfront cabins (cabins without plumbing, but very comfy for sleeping or entertaining friends.)

Then there are the one, two and five-bedroom luxury villas on the hill. There was some question about pricing earlier in the year, and longtime festival-goers expressed some momentary concern through social media. And yes, some of the campsites and lodging went up a few dollars, but some also went down. Turns out there hadnt been any changes in several years to allow for increased expenses, so the management needed to make a few adjustments.

There are also motels five minutes away in town, in Grand Coulee, Billy says.