27 August 2008

On the Road to Memphis - Ottawa Blues Society Blues Challenge

The Ottawa Blues Society is proud to announce that, for the first time in our 10-year history, we will participate in the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN. The winner of the OBS Blues Challenge will go to Memphis in February 2009 to compete as our representative in the 25th International Blues Challenge. We are offering up to 10 slots for bands interested in competing to represent the OBS in Memphis. Depending on the number of entries received, the Blues Challenge semi-final rounds will take place at Tucson’s (2440 Bank Street) on Wednesday, September 24 and/or Wednesday, October 1, with up to five bands competing each night. Our IBC representative will be chosen at the final Blues Challenge round on Thursday, October 2, 2008.

For the purposes of the IBC, a ‘band’ is any act with three or more musicians; vocalists are counted as musicians for the purpose of this competition, and both electric and acoustic instruments are allowed. At this local competition, bands will be judged by the same criteria used for the International competition. Each band has 25 minutes to perform and is given points based on Blues Content, Talent, Originality and Stage Presence. Full details on scoring criteria and official rules are available at the Blues Foundation web site www.blues.org/ibc/index.php4


Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Band members must be 2008 residents of the Ottawa/Gatineau area (approximately 100 km radius of Ottawa).
  2. Each band will play one 25-minute set.
  3. All songs presented MUST be Blues (electric or acoustic), Rock/ Blues, Jazz/Blues, Country Blues or Rhythm & Blues.


Application information should include names and contact info for all band members, a brief bio, a summary of the band’s experience and their performance history. You will be contacted for further information following the submission deadline. Please address any questions to liz@ottawabluessociety.com


Applications should be submitted via email to boardmembers@ottawabluessociety.com


Submission deadline is midnight Monday, September 15, 2008.


25 August 2008

Ottawa Blues This Week - 25 August 2008

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

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JW-Jones

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Friday, August 29 @ 9:30 pm


Even though they had done a few performances and won a battle-of-the-bands before their first ‘real’ gig on November 27, 1998 opening for UK band The Hoax at Perfect Strangers in Ottawa, Jones considers this the beginning. Neither the club nor the headline act are in existence today, but the young blues band is alive and well. It's hard to believe it's already been 10 years, but after 5 releases, countless guest appearances, 13 countries, 4 continents, over 200 cities and 800 performances, the math certainly adds up. JW wishes "thanks to everyone that has supported us and continue to make this dream a reality! We love you!"

Come out to the Rainbow on Friday night and help the band celebrate their upcoming 10th a few months early.

www.jw-jones.com

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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK

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David Gogo

Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street

Thursday, August 28 @ 9:15 pm; tickets $20


Two time Maple Blues Guitarist of The Year and 2007 Juno nominee, David Gogo makes a one-night-only appearance with his electrifying band at Tucsons. David has shared the stage with the likes of B.B. King, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, George Thorogood and ZZ Top in the past few years. Dont miss the chance to catch one of Canadas premier guitarists in action!

www.davidgogo.com

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BobCat House Concerts presents
Kit Soden and Eric John

BobCat Manor, 214 Northwestern Avenue

Saturday, August 30; mingling @ 7 pm; music starts @ 8 pm;

suggested donation $10


Eric John is a singer/songwriter born and raised right here in Ottawa, Ontario. His original music is often compared to Dave Matthews or Ben Harper. Although mainly accoustic-guitar based, his musical style stems from many different genres, including folk, rock, soul, blues and even reggae. No matter what style he is playing, his passion is what drives his performance and endears him to the audience.

www.myspace.com/ericjohnmusic


Kit Soden is a new arrival in Central Canada (he just moved to Montreal in the spring), but he's been a staple in the Vancouver scene since the late 1990s. He has appeared in shows and festivals across
Canada, fronting numerous touring acts such as Kaejema, The Frog Maphia, and Kit & Tim. After over a decade of performing, Kit's prolific songwriting has led him to complete this first collection of solo recordings, “Highway 101”. This new album blends his unique style of acoustic rhythms with unmistakable vocals in what can best be described as travelers' tales from journeys of the mind, body and spirit. Each of Kit's songs share a part of his history with the audience, but they also allow listeners to reconnect with their own memories of experiences that we all often share.

www.kitsmusic.com


Come listen to two great young performers and kick off the BobCat season with us in style. Don't forget, we appreciate collecting the donations in advance. You can drop a cheque in the mail, drop off cheques or cash, or use PayPal to send payment to BobCat at bob.ledrew@gmail.com

http://bobcathouseconcerts.com

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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

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Shakedown Groove

Charlie’s Pub, 168 Raglan Street South, Renfrew ON

Saturday, August 30, 9 pm – midnight


Acoustic blues featuring Eric David (vocals), Mark Alcorn (acoustic guitar), Tim Bedner (7-string guitar) and Marilee Townsend (drums).

www.shakedowngroove.com

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FESTIVALS THIS WEEK

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August 30, 2008

Coal Flat Blues Festival

Port Burwell ON

www.coalflatsblues.com

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS EVERY WEEK

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Blues Jam - Live with Barry Buse

and The Mississippi Blues Society

Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington Street

Every Tuesday, 8:30 pm to 12:30 am (no cover)


www.elmdaletavern.com

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Irene’s Blues Jam

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Thursdays, 9 – 12:30 pm


The Stellar Cast Blues Jam is a bonafide grass roots event that has grown out of the very floorboards of Irenes Pub and has become a real crowd pleaser for musicians and music lovers alike. The Stellar Cast features Mike Ktenas (bass) and Corky Kealey (drums) as the foundation, and is filled out by a host of great local players who rotate according to availability. Each week the cast is topped up with a guest host who steers the song selections in whatever way they're inspired and the jamming begins. It's a great concept and the proof is in the popularity the night has garnered over the years.


Guest hosts coming up:

August 28 John Yamensky (guitar/vocals)

http://bacton.smugmug.com/share/cFoCZfrollzaE

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Open Jam

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Saturdays, 4-7 pm


Every other Saturday, Mark Weatherbee and Erth Juce Blues Band host the jam. Mark would like to invite fellow blues players to come out and play with his band. It’s free! For more info, please contact Mark at mark_and_esther@yahoo.ca

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH

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Ball and Chain and the Wreckers

Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington Street

1st Saturday of the month @ 8:30 pm – midnight; $5 at the door

Jody & Michael are taking August off

Honky Tonk Saturday Night will be back in September!


Ball and Chain and the Wreckers will play at the Elmdale House Tavern on the first Saturday of every month from now on. That's right … a house gig!! The event will have a name and a dedicated poster and stuff eventually but the main thing is to be there. The plan is to do it as a 4-piece core band and to have a featured guest player every month.

www.myspace.com/jodybenjamin

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Sunday Blues

Maria Hawkins 1st Sunday of the month, 5-8 pm

Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo 3rd Sunday of the month, 5-8 pm

Zydeco Loco 4th Sunday of the month, 5-8 pm

Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street (at MacLaren)


Maria Hawkins 1st Sunday of the month @ 4 pm

Maria Hawkins Trio (with 2 guitarists). 3 musicians, 3 hours 4 7 pm the first Sunday of every Month Blues, Soul, R&B, Funk and Marias original material. The volume is just right and the atmosphere is very intimate with plenty of great food on order Atomic Rooster is the place. www.mariahawkins.ca


Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo 3rd Sunday of the month, 5-8 pm

Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo was formed in Ottawa, Canada, July 1991, to explore the pulsating rhythms and eerie melodies of New Orleans and of the bayous of rural Louisiana. They have transformed these Mardi Gras anthems into their own, while keeping true to the genre. Over the years, Mumbo has sprinkled their New Orleans Gumbo with ideas and tunes from the lands of Caribbean Seas, Cuba, Venezuela, Jamaica, and from many other far flung sources as diverse as Desi Arnaz, John Mayall, Ronnie Lane, Clifton Chenier, Osibisa, Captain Beefheart, Ginger Baker, Nat Cole, Dr. Feelgood, Ry Cooder, Dutch Mason, Jan Garbarek, and Manfred Mann, just to name a few. During their often segued sets, elements of Blues, Boogie, Jazz, Reggae, Calypso, Mambo and Conga, have led Mumbo to develop into a World-Beat tour de force.

www.mumbojumbo.ca


Zydeco Loco 4th Sunday of the month, 5-8 pm

Zydeco Loco was formed in 1996 by members of two Ottawa bands, the Suicide Kings and Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo to bring their love of zydeco music to the dance floors of Ottawa.

www.zydecoloco.ca

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LOYAL BLUES FELLOWSHIP NEWS

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The Loyal Blues Fellowship is calling all blues musicians to participate in its upcoming blues challenge to select its nominee for the solo/duo & youth category to the International Blues Challenge held in Memphis in February 2009.


The finalists will perform at a public performance in Belleville in where a select panel of judges will input in selecting of the finalist who will go to Memphis. The Fellowship will assist in fund-raising to help participants attend the competition in Memphis. To qualify for the International competition, musicians must have the approval of an affiliated blues organization like the Loyal Blues Fellowship Inc.


The IBC represents an international search by The Blues Foundation and its Affiliated Organizations (mostly blues societies) for the Blues Band and Solo/Duo Blues Act ready to perform on a national stage, who just need that extra break.


Anyone interested in auditioning for the competition should register go to www.loyalblues.ca and complete the application. Registration ends Sept. 2008, only six spots open.


Ron Foxall, President

Loyal Blues Fellowship Inc.

ron@loyalblues.ca

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WEEKLY BLUES IN KINGSTON

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Thursday Blues

Brandees, 178A Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Every Thursday


Georgette is back at Brandees with a new rep and great band. If you are in Kingston, stop in. Georgette sounds better than ever and her band rocks!

www.georgettefry.ca

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KBS Monthly Jam

RCHA Club (Next to Stoney’s Restaurant - Look for the big blue door)

Third Saturday of each month, 9 pm midnight; $3 at the door


Always one of the best nights of entertainment Kingston has to offer come early as seating is limited.

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Live music Jazzy combo

Confederation Hotel, Kingston ON

Thursdays & Fridays, 5:30-8:30 pm

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For more info on any of the above, please contact Kingston Blues Society

www.kingstonbluessociety.ca

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SPECIAL EVENTS COMING SOON

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Treasa Levasseur

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Wednesday, September 10


Treasa has been playing and performing music from a very young age, cutting her musical teeth on church choir harmonies, classical piano and irish reels. With thoughtful, provocative lyrics and a voice that will bring down the house, Treasa fuses blues, folk, soul and country into a musical melange unlike any other. Whether playing a piano ballad, picking a quick tune on the mandolin, or rocking out on the guitar, Treasa's powerful voice and engaging stage presence will entertain and inspire listeners of all ages.

(bio from www.songwritersunite.com)

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SORRY FOLKS, MONKEYJUNK IS NOT APPEARING

AT THE RAINBOW ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008.

MonkeyJunk

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Friday, September 12


www.myspace.com/monkeyjunkottawa

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Max Cann

Blueberry Hill Bistro, Vankleek Hill ON

Tuesday, September 16


Max Cann is returning to Ontario for his second tour in Canada, with some 25 shows — from Toronto to Ottawa and back. With a reputation as one of the finest singer-songwriters in the southwest of England, he first came to Canada earlier this year for a handful of performances. Now, with a 25-date tour schedule of small and medium-sized club bookings, starting August 22 and ending in early October, he’s making a determined effort to build his following in Canada.


To mark the tour, Cann has released a solo acoustic record, “Opener” – written by himself and his three brothers, who often work with him in the UK. “The CD, which I recorded in a wonderful studio near Ottawa, is pretty indicative of the sort of thing I’ve been doing in Britain and Germany

for many years,” he says. “Now I’m singing these songs in Canada.”


“Coming back to Ontario is a treat for me. I’m returning to some of the places I played when I was here earlier in the year, and lots of new places as well. Canada’s really becoming a second home for me.”

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Wild T & The Spirit

Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street

Friday, September 26 @ 9:15 pm


Returning to the power trio format, the band now features a rhythm section with Chris Lesso on drums and Guenther Kapelle on bass. Their new CD “Fender Bender” was released in Canada & Europe in Feb 2008.

www.wildt.ca

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UPCOMING FESTIVALS

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September 5-7, 2008

Southside Shuffle
Port Credit ON

www.southsideshuffle.com


September 8-9, 2008

Blues In the Park
Firemen
s Park, Niagara Falls ON
www.bluesinthepark.com


September 9-14, 2008

Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival

Fredericton NB

www.harvestjazzandblues.com


September 15-21, 2008

Great Atlantic Blues & Beyond Festival

Halifax NS

www.atlanticbluesfest.com

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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU 2008/09

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Blues on the Rideau at The Cove Inn, Wesport ON enters its 4th season starting October 17/18 and will run on the third weekend of every month (except December) through to June 2009. The Series features some of Canada’s best blues artists performing in the friendly, cozy atmosphere of The Cove combined with a delicious buffet dinner. Westport is a 45 minute drive from Kingston, 1¼ hours from Ottawa. All Shows support different local charities – all for only $55 per person (dinner, show, taxes and donation to charity included). Dinner starts at 7 pm, 1st set begins at 8:30 pm. Advance reservations required – call The Cove at (613) 273-3636 OR 1-888-COVE-INN to book now. Last season almost every Show sold out in advance so to meet demand this year all artists will play both Friday and Saturday nights – you have two chances to see your favourites!

Accommodation at The Cove and nearby B&Bs is available at very reasonable rates. If you live out of town this is a great way to enjoy BOTR – no driving home after a few drinks, you can relax and enjoy and as an added bonus – you get to meet and talk with the artists the next day at breakfast! It’s a perfect mini-getaway. Book well in advance though – rooms fill up fast. Call The Cove and they will make the arrangements for you.

October 17 & 18 – CURLEY BRIDGES w. CHRIS WHITELEY BAND
www.electrofi.com
www.chriswhiteley.com
Friday proceeds to Rideau Vista Elementary School
Saturday proceeds to St. Edward’s Elementary School

November 21 & 22 – GARY KENDALL BAND w. Special Guest CHUCK JACKSON
www.garykendall.com
www.chuckjackson.com
Friday proceeds to Blues in the Schools with Mark ‘Bird’ Stafford
Saturday proceeds to David McCarthy Scholarship

January 16 & 17 – ROXANNE POTVIN BLUES BAND
www.roxannepotvin.com
Friday proceeds to Westport Area Food Bank
Saturday proceeds to Lions Club Mobility Van

February 20 & 21 – FATHEAD
www.fathead.biz
Friday proceeds to Friends of Foley Mountain
Saturday proceeds to Rideau District Museum

March 20 & 21 – RICK FINES & SUZIE VINNICK w. BAND
www.rickfines.com
www.suzievinnick.com
www.rickandsuzie.com
Friday proceeds to Juvenile Diabetes Association of Ontario
Saturday proceeds to Gilda’s Club for Cancer Families

April 17 & 18 – PAUL REDDICK & THE SIDEMEN
www.paulreddick.ca
Friday proceeds to Rideau Waterway Land Trust
Saturday proceeds to Westport in Bloom

May 15 & 16 – DANNY BROOKS & THE MEMPHIS BROTHERS
www.dannybrooksmusic.com
Friday proceeds to Compassion Canada Sponsor a Child
Saturday proceeds to Habitat for Humanity

June 19 & 20 – STEPHEN BARRY BAND with

Special Guest MICHAEL JEROME BROWNE
www.stephenbarry.bros.ca
www.michaeljeromebrowne.com
Friday proceeds to Lucy Drysdale Memorial Scholarship
Saturday proceeds to Westport Library

Visit www.bluesontherideau.ca for more information
Artists may change - check the web site or call The Cove for updates

See you at The Cove!

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WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE RADIO

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On CKCU-FM 93.1

The Mighty 93.1

www.ckcufm.com

Community Radio serving the Ottawa Carleton Region


Sundays: 9-11 pm

Black and Blues

with John Tackaberry

The show features a heavy dose of electric blues and rhythm and blues, with the occasional selection of sixties soul. The first hour is dedicated to artist profiles and reviews of recordings on particular labels. In the second hour there is a blues calendar, a run down of events in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, and interviews with “new and reissued blues and rhythm and blues tracks on wax” alternating with “live blues and R&B for a Sunday night” in the last half hour of the show. On the last Sunday of every month, the show goes “down in the delta” for a selection of acoustic blues tracks in the final half hour of the program.


Wednesdays: 3:30-4:30 pm

Iron Maidens

with Diane Wells (D.D. Rocker)

Where female musicians of steely determination dare to challenge their male peers in the wide, wonderful world of music. From roots to heavy metal, shell cover it all. To the women of the world, let your voices and instruments be heard!


Wednesdays: 9-11 pm

In A Mellow Tone

with Ron Sweetman

Jazz from every era & every style – from 1917 to 2008. Each program features an artist, group, instrument, event, city or record label.

Check out Ron’s website www.inamellowtone.com for info on upcoming shows and playlists (current show is posted several days in advance and past shows are archived). Ron is always happy to hear from listeners at ronsweetman@kalixo.com.


This week, August 27 Pianorama: The distinctive piano styles of Steve Cohn, Jay DAmico, Duke Ellington, Don Ewell, David Leonhardt, Denman Maroney, Adreas Meili, Wally Rose and Willie ‘The Lion’ Smith.


Next week, September 3 – Listen Before You Buy: Guest host Alnoor Allidina will review recent jazz and blues releases by Blues Experience, Lloyd Garber, Joel Haynes, Todd Herbert, Stevie Holland, Homemade Jamz, Gary Morgan, Alphonse Mouzon, New Guitar Summit, Carola Rappazzo, Wadada Leo Smith, Torben Waldorf, Wolfman Washington and Cory Weeds.


Monthly, every 4th Saturday, starting June 21 at 9-9:30 am:

Honky Tonk Saturday Morning

with Ball and Chain

This 12-part series features Michael Ball and Jody Benjamin performing live on radio. Each month will have a different theme like classic country, bluegrass, old time, drinking, cheating and yodelling.


On CBC Radio One 91.5 FM

Saturdays: 10 pm – midnight

Saturday Night Blues

www.cbc.ca/snb

Host Holger Petersen has been a broadcaster, record producer, album collector, and serious blues fan for over 30 years. His collection of blues records numbers in the thousands. On Saturday Night Blues each week you’ll hear a mix of classic blues from the ‘Petersen Vaults’, concerts, interviews, artist features, new releases, plus anything that boogies, jumps, or swings, plus your requests from the Bluesline.


On CHEZ106 FM

Sundays: 6-7 pm

House of Blues Hour

The House of Blues Radio hour, hosted by Dan Aykroyd aka Elwood Blues, features an hour of rockin’ blues from a wide variety of performers ranging from traditional to contemporary. The show is the most widely syndicated radio program dedicated to the blues in North America, and has been running on stations across the continent for over ten years.

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WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE SMALL SCREEN

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ALWAYS check local listings to confirm.


On BRAVO – www.bravo.ca

Tuesday, August 26 @ 7 am Talkin Blues

Collage (2003): Series exploring the world of contemporary blues music. This episode features Curtis Salgado reminiscing about his first performance, Chicago's Hopefest benefit, a very special photo shoot and music from Mem Shannon.


Tuesday, August 26 @ 8:30 am Rez Bluez

Series showcasing Native blues musicians and comedians.


Tuesday, August 26 @ 8 pm Long John Baldry: In the Shadow of the Blues (2006)

The life and legacy of guitarist and singer Long John Baldry is examined in this one-hour documentary. Baldry played a key role in the growth of the British rhythm and blues movement, and led bands in the mid-1960s that featured Rod Stewart and Elton John, both of whom are interviewed in the documentary. In the `80s, Baldry emigrated to Canada, living first in Toronto and then in Vancouver, where he died in 2005.


Friday, August 29 @ 7 pm Rhythm, Roots & Soul

The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster (2007): This series profiles R&B, soul, gospel and roots musicians through their words and music. Mako Funasaka documents a moment in time of these wonderful musicians from many different musical genres. This episode features performer Ruthie Foster.

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REGULAR EVENTS THIS MONTH

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Tuesdays: Open Jam at the Rainbow, 9 pm – 1 am

Tuesdays: Jam hosted by Barry Buse or Al Tambay @ Elmdale House, 8:30-11:30 pm

Wednesdays: Dr Dave Revue @ the Rainbow, 5-8 pm

Wednesdays: Brian Downey @ The Avant-Garde Bar, 8:30 pm

Wednesdays: Acoustic music with Jeff Rogers @ Tucson’s, 7:30-11 pm

Wednesdays: New Blues Jam @ the New Bayou, 9 pm

Thursdays: Acoustic blues with Al Tambay & friends @ Tucson’s, 7:30-11 pm

Thursdays: Mike Ktenas hosts the Blues Jam @ Irene’s, 9 pm to closing

Saturday afternoons: Blues jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7 pm

Saturday evenings: Ball and Chain @ the Elmdale

Sunday afternoons: Blues jam @ the Rainbow, 3-7 pm

Sunday afternoons: Guy del Villano @ Royal Oak, Gloucester

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LOCALS THIS WEEK

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Friday, August 29

JW-Jones @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm

The Runes @ Tucsons, 9:15 pm

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LOCALS LOOK AHEAD

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Saturday, September 6

Shakin’ Eddy & the Jukes @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm


Saturday, September 13

Terry Gillespie @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm


Saturday, September 20

The FunKtion @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm

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