MAY 2012 1

MAY 2012

Vol. 19.5 $1.00

Charlotte Blues Society

PO Box 32752

Charlotte, NC28232-2752

www.CharlotteBluesSociety.org

MAKING UP FOR JAM TIME LOST!MAKING UP FOR JAM TIME LOST!

BLUESunday ~ May 6, 2012

Featuring Some Great Blues Jammers!

Hope You’ll Make it Back this Sunday!

(2) Bluesletter

First Up... Downtown Monroe BBQ Festival, Saturday May 5th 11am-7pm. CBS will have a

booth right next to the stage and we need volunteers to help out as well as come out to support

Homemade Jamz Band from noon to 2 p.m., Da Throwback Band from 2:30pm-4:30 pm and

Coastline will wrap up the festival from 5pm-7pm.

Contact Nick (nickpolyzos@aol.com) or Larry (lappace@bellsouth.net) to volunteer your time. For

more info on the festival & directions: www.monroenc.org/beachbluesandbbq.

BLUESunday May 6th- It's another Open Blues Jam so come on out and play the night away.

Doors open at 7pm.

May 10th- Shane Pruitt returns the Double Door and the NC Brewers & Music Festival is

May 12th. And...Oh No Say It Ain't So... Tom Principato turns 60 at the DDI on June 2nd!!!!

We are also looking for incentives for members so if your company or business offers discounts for

non-profits and their members or if you work for a matching contributions company, let us know!!!

See ya Sunday!!

Diva

It's May Already?

This year is going by so quickly and were making some really great plans

for the rest of the Blues Year for CBS.

The Board had its retreat this weekend and we've got a good start to

some wonderful committees ... and we need you to participate as well.

Expect a retreat wrap up in an upcoming email.

Board of Directors

Jeri Thompson, President

Rick Ballew, Vice-President

Jill Dineen Betsy Norton-Stowe Nick Polyzos

Phil Beam Michael Simonetti Larry Pace

Not pictured: Dick Gilland Jan Jenson

CBS TEES

Long-sleeve & Short-sleeve

White on Blue Blue on White

Prices range from $15 to $25

Pick yours up at BLUESunday

or order from our website at

www.CharlotteBluesSociety.org

MAY 2012 3

Last month, we celebrated

our 19th Anniversary with

Elliott & The Untouchables!

Great Music! Great Show! Great Fun!

(4) Bluesletter

MAY 10

33rd BLUES MUSIC AWARDS

Each year, The Blues Foundation presents the Blues Music Awards to the artists selected by its members. They are universally recognized as the highest honor given to Blues artists.

Close to 100 nominees attend and the night is filled with their appearances

and performances in a cabaret/dinner setting in the ballroom. The event brings together Blues performers, industry representatives and fans

from all over the world to celebrate the best in Blues recordings and performances from the previous year.

If you couldn’t make it to Memphis this year, keep up-to-date with the events at www.blues.org

Additional Events on May 11-12 include Open House at the new Blues Foundation offices and future home of the Blues Hall of Fame, Memorial Tribute to Louisiana Red co-hosted by Bob Corritore and Bob Margolin, Blues & Baseball

event, Four Shades of Blue concert, and The Crossroads Blues and Heritage Festival in historic Rosedale, MS.

In addition, the Mississippi Blues Commission has approved the installation

of a Blues Trail Marker for The Blues Foundation. The unveiling will be on Friday morning, May 11.

(More information about the Blues Trail Markers at www.msbluestrail.org)

GUITAR CENTER’S

BATTLE OF THE BLUES

LAUNCHES 6TH ANNUAL

NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR THE

NEXT GREAT UNDISCOVERED

BLUES GUITARIST

Competitions start May 8th so head

to your local GC now and sign up!

Guitar Center, the world's largest musical instrument retailer, continues its ongoing support of and commitment to aspiring artists with the launch of the sixth annual Battle of the Blues competition. The search to find the next great undiscovered blues guitarist has already begun. Aspiring blues guitarists can sign up at any Guitar Center location across the country to enter for the chance to win over $50,000 in prizes which includes $25,000 cash, gear from Gibson, Epiphone, Egnater, Shure, Ernie Ball, and Boss, plus studio time with Grammy Award-winning producer Pete Anderson. Six finalists will be handpicked to perform for a panel of celebrity judges at the Battle of the Blues finals in Los Angeles, CA, playing alongside acclaimed blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa.

"Battle of the Blues is a great example of Guitar Center's commitment to providing musicians across the country with the tools and opportunities that enable them to network with a musical community, expose their music to large audiences and attain recognition for their skills," said Maria Brown, Manager of Music and Entertainment Marketing for Guitar Center.

Local preliminary competitions will be held at each of the 230 Guitar Center locations nationwide, beginning May 8. Each contestant will be required to perform one live guitar solo from the 35 original backing tracks varying in different blues styles provided and developed by Grammy Award-winning producer/guitarist, Pete Anderson.

Each store’s winner will move on to district competitions, followed by regionally hosted semi-finals. The winners from these 6 semi-final locations will convene in Los Angeles, CA to compete in the Battle of the Blues grand finals in front of a live audience and a panel of celebrity judges.

(-- www.bluesfestivalguide.com)

MAY 2012 5

Charlotte Folk Society Members

Shine in May 11 Showcase

The CFS Members’ Showcase two seasons ago proved to be very popular with musicians and audience alike.

Our May 11th Gathering will again focus on talented musicians among our membership. The quality of musicianship combined with

the variety of genres will make for a great evening’s entertainment.

To kick things off, Carol Raedy’s Community Singers will perform in the sanctuary when the doors open at 7 PM.

Then, in no particular order, we will enjoy the talents of:

The Cloers (singer/songwriters)

David Fee, Davy Fee, & David McGuirt (Gypsy jazz)

Leland Haywood (autoharpist and humorous singer)

Marilyn Price and Rick Bouley (guitarists/singers)

Too Wet to Plow (old-time stringband)

Hem and Haw (country songs and humor)

Blue Ridge Xpress (bluegrass)

Lee Arnold (singer/songwriter)

Carol Raedy (singer/hammered dulcimer player)

Mark Larson (singer/guitarist)

The Dog Walkers (honky tonk)

Amissville (singer/songwriters)

Boys of the Bog (Celtic duo)

Eddie Ferrell (singer/guitarist)

Sally Higgins and Ray Owens (guitarists/singers)

Susan Sherlock (singer/hammered dulcimer player)

Great Aunt Stella Center 926 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC

Show starts at 7:00 ~ Free to the Public

CBS will have a booth

right next to the stage,

and we need volunteers to help out!

Time Slot Performance

12:00-2:00 Homemade Jamz

2:30-4:30 Da Throwback Band

5:00-7:00 Coastline

To lock in your preferred time,

contact Nick (nickpolyzos@aol.com)

or Larry (lappace@bellsouth.net)

This is Monroe’s 3rd annual

Beach, Blues, & BBQ Festival!

Enjoy the sounds of Blues and Beach

music and of course food, rides,

arts & crafts, and more!

Downtown Monroe, NC

May 5 ~ 11:00 am

www.monroenc.org/beachbluesandbbq

Sunday—9:00-12:00 Midnight

WROQ

ROCK 101 FM

Online at www.wroq.com

(6) Bluesletter

Bob Margolin releases new CD with the Mike Sponza Band

“I found new Italian musical brothers touring with the Mike Sponza Band in Central Europe in April,

2011. The fire we started onstage burns in this studio recording too.” – Bob Margolin

American Bluesman Bob Margolin has played “Blues around the world” since the 1970s. He has been a keeper of the flame of the Blues, a living bridge to the fast-disappearing older generation of Bluesmen, and a support and inspiration to the next generation on their way up. Over the years Bob has recorded many albums of his own and played on countless others, and has also become known as a producer, an author, and a founding partner of the artist-centered VizzTone label group.

Meanwhile, across the ocean… Italian Blues musician Mike Sponza, a longtime Bob Margolin fan, was tearing it up with his own band when he reached out to Bob to join them for a tour of Central

Europe. They did ten shows in six European countries, and the combination was so magical, the music so strong that by the end of the tour it was clear they needed to go into the studio to make a record together. Blues Around the World captures that magic with original songs by Bob and by Mike as well as a couple audience favorites, and as a bonus track, Bob’s acoustic take on the classic “Love In Vain.” (Complete review at Blues Wax)

SOUL SHOT – Alligator debut from Curtis Salgado

Singer/songwriter/harmonica master Curtis Salgado has been a driving force in blues and soul for over 40 years. He has fronted his own group, The Nighthawks, was co-star of the The Robert Cray Band, toured with Roomful Of Blues and Santana, and inspired John Belushi to create The Blues Brothers. Winner of the 2010 Blues Music Award for Soul Blues Artist Of The Year, Salgado effortlessly mixes blues, funk and R&B with a delivery that is raw and heartfelt. He moves with ease from the tenderest ballads to the most full-throated stompers. With his Alligator Records

debut, SOUL SHOT, Salgado is set to electrify the largest audience of his career.

"SOUL SHOT is uniformly top shelf...Greasy grooves and rollicking burners boasting all the confidence and swagger the lyrics convey. Upbeat, animated performances that, like the best albums, leave you wanting more." (--Allmusic)

Ruthie Foster lays down guitar for LET IT BURN

Ruthie Foster uses her latest release to try out a new format. She opts to lay down her guitar and focus on her vocals. Instead of using her regular road band, she headed for New Orleans and the famous Piety Street Studios, enlisting the help of some of the city's best musicians. Several tracks highlight the strong gospel element that has always been a part of Foster's music. With the Blind Boys of Alabama behind her, her original “Welcome Home” opens the disc with some marvelous harmony singing.

Anyone who has experienced Ruthie Foster live on stage knows that she has a voice that can raise the rafters one minute, then be sassy and sensual the next. There are a few of those moments on Let It Burn. On the rest on the disc, listeners will get to hear Foster stretching out in new directions. It will be interesting to see where she goes from here. In the meantime, enjoy one of the finest singers around today. (-- Reviewed by Mark Thompson for Blues Blast Magazine)

Anthony Gomes challenges himself again with UP 2 ZERO

Singer-guitarist Anthony Gomes is constantly challenging himself to expand his explorations of heart and sound. The release of his latest album Up 2 Zero" represents a full-circle return to his love of high energy, guitar-driven blues rock. The new collection of songs combines straight ahead power blues compositions with tracks that incorporate soul-injected melodic moments. … [Gomes’] offering bristles with that passion and personality of the blues, a testimony to the healing power of music to uplift, console, move and motivate the spirit. (--Blues Revue)

Up 2 Zero is the latest album from blues artist Anthony Gomes. Channeling his inner Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, and Jimi Hendrix, Gomes gives this album a great variety of old and new sounding blues. One song that really stood out in the album was “Last Bluesman Gone.” Gomes sings about the blues greats who are gone and expresses concern about the blues dying out. It’s

a soulful song with a single guitar lick that drives the tune all the way through along with some haunting backup vocals.

Even though so many greats have passed, blues lovers are lucky to have Anthony Gomes as a new voice to sing and play honest blues. This album is a definite must hear. (--Review from http://BluesRockReview.com 3/21/12)

MAY 2012 7

SEVERN

Joe Bonamassa to release DRIVING TOWARDS THE DAYLIGHT — but first, a Reality Mini-Series!

Internationally renowned guitar superstar Joe Bonamassa will release a brand new solo album DRIVING TOWARDS THE DAYLIGHT – his "lucky" 13th album – on May 22. To support the release, Bonamassa's label, J&R Adventures, premieres the reality mini-series "Countdown to Daylight" which had its debut on April 3 and can be viewed on YouTube. The new reality series of 3-4 minute webisodes featuring interviews with Joe and his band as well as behind-the-scenes footage of the band recording Driving Towards The Daylight in the studio. Tune in every Friday for a new episode on Joe's official YouTube channel.

Driving Towards The Daylight is a balanced, back-to-basics album that highlights Bonamassa's signature style of roots blues with rock-and-roll guts, while honoring the traditions of the original blues musicians. "We've taken some really traditional old blues songs - the Howlin' Wolf song 'Who's Been Talkin'?' and the Robert Johnson song 'Stones In My Passway,' and we've tried to

imagine how they would do them in a rock context," said producer Kevin Shirley. "It's a very exciting return to the blues in a very visceral way. It's vibrant and it's gutsy and it's really, really rugged."

Bonamassa's other recent projects include the 2011 CD/DVD Live Over Europe as well his last studio album, 2011's Dust Bowl, is his best-selling album to date. (-- www.bluesfestivalguide.com)

Mark May’s RELEASE MY SOUL is Jam-Packed with Traditional Blues, Blues-Rock and Soulful Ballads.

This is the 5th CD from Mark May, former guitarist and vocalist for Dickey Betts and Great Southern. Perfecting his craft playing rough-and-tumble biker bars and blues clubs in Houston, Texas for over 20 years, Mark recently returned to his hometown, Columbus, Ohio, where he had originally performed in nightclubs during his teenage years. His astonishing live shows featuring dynamic twin leads and dual harmony guitar work are the perfect complement to Mark’s smooth vocals.

The Mark May Band has performed at high profile blues festivals, was the opening act for Allman Brothers Amphitheater Tour, and he currently gets heavy rotation on Sirius/XM and Sonic Tap radio. He has been featured in Blues Review, Guitar Player, Guitar World, Vintage Guitar, Tone Quest, and other major publications.

“Equal part blues man and southern rocker, Mark has just released Release My Soul, his most ambitious and stylistically diverse project to date. Eleven original tracks that showcase his talent to pen strong melodic songs, featuring warm confident vocals and stinging guitar work and instrumentation. If you dig your blues with an attitude, you owe it to yourself to check this one out.” (-- The Blues Hound, 90.1 FM KPFT Houston / www.bluesfestivalguide.com)

Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore are truly LONGTIME FRIENDS IN THE BLUES

On January 11, 1976, Tail Dragger and Bob Corritore first met at the 1815 Club on Chicago's West Side where they performed at a tribute to Howlin' Wolf, who had died the day before. This was the symbolic beginning of a lifetime friendship and musical collaboration which continues to this day. Now, veteran Chicago blues vocalist Tail Dragger combines forces with Arizona's very own blues ambassador and harmonica extraordinaire, Bob Corritore, to deliver a heartfelt album of pure, unadulterated, lowdown and dirty Chicago Blues.

Joining the proceedings is an ensemble of first rate players including legendary pianist Henry Gray (who performed and recorded with Howlin' Wolf for twelve years beginning in 1956), guitarists Kirk Fletcher and Chris James, along with a rhythm section consisting of bassist Patrick Rynn and drummer Brian Fahey. Longtime Friends In The Blues (on the Delta Groove label) is an album of raw, intense, emotional blues, performed ferociously and with no apologies. (-- www.bluesfestivalguide.com)

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In 40 years, Bonnie Raitt has never gone out of fashion. Now the 62-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is releasing her first album in seven years. Slipstream has a sultry bluesy vibe and even includes covers of two Bob Dylan songs. “There’s a little something for everybody, she said in a recent interview. The album is scheduled for release in May on her own label, Redwing Records. In addition, she has been gearing up for her next tour starting in May.

(8) Bluesletter

100 years ago— the first blues was published … though, of course, blues was born long before that.

As discovered in Samuel Charters’ book, “The Country Blues”, the first published blues was Hart Wand’s “Dallas Blues,” published (as sheet music) in March, 1912. Lyrics were added in 1918 by Lloyd Garrett. This was not only the first published blues, with “Blues” in its title, but it was actually written in the blues form — and it was a great song and a big hit!

Later that year two more “Blues” were published. The second was Arthur Seals’ “Baby Seals’ Blues” in August, and finally, W.C. Handy’s “Memphis Blues” in September. Neither of these others were written in the blues form. They followed the popular cake-walk form of the era. You can learn more about Hart Wand and “Dallas Blues” in Charters’ book, and in Hart Wand's entry on Wikipedia.

In celebration of the centennial of the first published blues, Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans have release a digital single of Hart Wand's “Dallas Blues” to benefit The Blues Foundation’s H.A.R.T. fund. All proceeds from downloads of this single will go to the fund. We love the “Hart” “H.A.R.T.” coincidence! (-- www.bluesfestivalguide.com)

To download on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dallas-blues-feat.-charles/id507508078

To download on CDbaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bradvickersdallasblues

“Blues Musicians Don't Retire, They Drop”

Sixty years after picking up his first guitar, blues musician Buddy Guy still jams - and has no plans of stopping. Guy discusses his upcoming memoir "When I Left Home: My Story," his childhood in rural Louisiana, what his influences were, and how his remarkable career helped shape popular music. (Read the interview at www.bluesfestivalguide.com)

When I Left Home: My Story …… For the first time, Buddy Guy shares his picaresque story in his own

unique voice, told as only he can tell it —with deep personal insight and unforgettable, candid portraits of all the key players of the first generation of electric blues artists, whose music changed the world forever.

(Available May 8 through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound)

Keith Richards: “When I first heard Buddy Guy, I got scared. Musically, he had raised the bar and continues to do so. Buddy has never failed to amaze me first as an artist and secondly as a beautiful guy. Long may he give us his gift.”

Magic Slim on NPR’s "Mountain Stage"

Magic Slim & the Teardrops are featured on the nationally-syndicated NPR radio show “Mountain Stage” beginning mid-April. The show also includes performances by Johnny Winter and Ruthie Foster. “Mountain Stage” is recorded in front of live audiences and broadcast later on over 120 NPR radio stations. Airtimes vary by station. The shows are posted on the National Public Radio website and archived for continued access. They're also made available as a podcast which gets about 6,000 downloads a week.

Magic Slim is currently a Blues Music Award nominee for "Traditional Blues Male Artist." The 74-year-old blues master, who's been called a "national treasure," has been busy in a Chicago studio recording a new album for Blind Pig Records. For more information about Slim, or to hear sound sample from his latest Blind Pig release, Raising The Bar, click on www.blindpigrecords.com

First Scholarships Announced from the National Blues Museum

The National Blues Museum has announced the first scholarships to be issued from Honeyboy Edwards Fund For The Blues. These scholarships have been awarded to the Pinetop Perkins Foundation based in Clarksdale, MS and were presented by the fund founders in mid-April during the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale 2012. David Honeyboy Edwards, the "Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen" passed away on Monday, August 29, 2011.

The purpose of the fund is to acknowledge the contributions of Mr. Edwards and other elders of the blues such as Robert Lockwood, Homesick James, Henry Townsend, Pinetop Perkins, Willie Big Eyes Smith and Hubert Sumlin. This will be done through providing scholarships to blues workshops, internships, camps, and other events teaching blues history, musicianship, and the business of sustaining a career in the blues business. For more information about the National Blues Museum, go to www.nationalbluesmuseum.org (Complete article at www.bluesfestivalguide.com)

Ray Charles Foundation Sues the Singer's Children

The Ray Charles Foundation is suing seven of the late singer's children for attempting to obtain copyrights on some of Charles' songs, The Wrap reports. According to the lawsuit, Charles gave each of his children $500,000 in 2002 under the condition that they would not seek further inheritance claims on his musical estate. The Ray Charles Foundation, which provides funding for research into hearing impairment and educational programs, currently owns all the rights to the intellectual property of Charles, who died in 2002. The foundation claims that several of Charles' children are now violating their agreement by seeking copyrights for more than 50 songs. (Full story at www.bluesfestivalguide.com; www.rollingstone.com)

MAY 2012 9

Congrats to our Raffle Winners!

(10) Bluesletter

WHO’S PLAYIING WHERE? ALL OUT BLUES BAND

Fri, 5/4 Greystone Restaurant & Bar—Charlotte, NC Sat, 5/5 Big Al’s Pub & Grubberia—Cornelius, NC Fri, 5/11 Greystone Restaurant & Bar—Charlotte, NC Fri, 5/18 Greystone Restaurant & Bar—Charlotte, NC Fri, 5/25 Freeman’s Pub—Gastonia, NC

BILL MILLER BAND

Sat, 5/5 The Lodge—(Colony Rd) Charlotte, NC Fri, 5/11 Stadium Sports Tavern—Charlotte, NC Fri, 5/18 Icehouse South End—Charlotte, NC BLUES PROVIDERS Sat, 5/16 THE Speakeasy Alehouse—Concord, NC

DONNA DUNCAN BAND Fri, 5/11 The Cellar Club—Spartanburg, SC Sat, 5/19 The Comet Grill—Charlotte, NC GENE GENE & THE BLUES MACHINE Sat, 5/5 Pappy’s—Statesville, NC

Sat, 5/19 Big Ben’s British Pub—Charlotte, NC Fri, 5/25 Wet Willie’s—Columbia, SC (4:00) * BBQ & Blues Festival Sat, 5/26 Badin Inn—Richfield, NC (Duo) Sun, 5/27 Wet Willie’s—Charlotte, NC (6:00) * BBQ & Blues Festival

JILL DINEEN BAND

Thur, 5/3 Mchale’s—Ft. Mill, SC Fri, 5/18 The Evening Muse—Charlotte, NC

Femmefest (NoDa Arts District)

* Joy Almond & Jill Dineen Duo

Fri, 5/11 Freeman’s Pub—Gastonia, NC

LENNY FEDERAL BAND Every Fri The Comet Grill – Charlotte, NC MAC ARNOLD & PLATE FULL O’ BLUES Sat, 5/5 New Orleans Jazz & heritage Festival Fri, 5/11 The Reserve-Lake Keowee—Sunset, SC

Sat, 5/19 Blues Blvd. Jazz Club—Spartanburg, SC Sat, 5/26 417 Bar & Grille—Simpsonville, SC Thur, 5/31 Downtown Block Party—Anderson, SC

MATTER OF FACT Thur, 5/3 Summit Coffee House—Davidson, NC

Sat, 5/12 The Double Door Inn—Charlotte, NC w/ See Through Sounds Fri, 5/18 NC Race City Fest—Mooresville, NC (5:00) Fri, 5/18 Spring FoxFest & Campout (11:00pm) * Local Music Festival celebrating life, nature, & local music. Invitation Only. Sat, 5/19 Lowell Freedom Festival—Lowell, NC (2:00)

Sat, 5/19 The Bathtub Gin—Mooresville, NC (10:00) Sat, 5/26 Camp Barefoot Showcase—Winston-Salem, NC

20 Years & Growing!

Next date:

September 8

4th annual

Pop Furguson

Blues Festival 2012

June 8-9 ~ Lenoir, NC

Two-day Event Celebrating

Appalachian Music Heritage

and Preserving the Blues

Artist Roster Updates at

http://www.livebluesworld.com/events/

pop-ferguson-blues-festival

MAY 2012 11

WHO’S PLAYIING WHERE? MICHAEL WOLF

Fri, 5/4 Skinnys—Matthews, NC (8:00) * Wolf, Donn Livingston, & Tara Tucker NITA B & THE SWINGIN’ SOIREE Sat, 5/5 Icehouse South End—Charlotte, NC Thur, 5/10 McHale’s—Ft. Mill, SC Sat, 5/19 D’vine Wine—Charlotte, NC

* Nita B & Bill Buck Duo

Fri, 5/4 Café Monté French Bistro – Charlotte, NC Sun, 5/6 Raffaldini Vineyards—Ronda, NC Sat, 5/12 D’Vine Wine – Charlotte, NC

Sun, 5/13 Table 274

Fri, 5/18 Café Monté French Bistro – Charlotte, NC Thur, 5/24 Poor Richard’s Book Shop—Charlotte, NC

* Nita B Trio

Thur, 5/17 BRIO Mon, 5/21 Amelie’s French Bakery Thur, 5/31 The Comet Grill—Charlotte, NC PAMELA TAYLOR BAND Sat, 5/5 The Bathtub Gin—Mooresville, NC Fri, 5/11 Puckett’s—Charlotte, NC

Sat, 5/12 Fishing Creek Music Festival—Fort Lawn, SC 12:00—Multiple Acts—Camping on-site PART-TIME BLUES BAND Sat, 5/12 Beer, Bourbon & BBQ—Charlotte, NC Fri, 6/1 River City Bar & Grilll—Mooresville, NC

* Piedmont Jackalopes (Acoustic)

Sat, 5/19 (Private Party) Thur, 5/24 Wet Willie’s /Music Factory—Charlotte, NC

* Grub Worx

Fri, 5/4 Player’s Sports Bar—Kannapolic, NC

* Rusty & Mike - Acoustic

Every Tues Sports Page Deli – Mooresville, NC

Every Wed Sports Page Deli – Denver, NC SONNY SKYYZ & THE RAINMAKERS Fri, 5/4 Jeffrey’s Restaurant—Mooresville, NC Fri, 5/11 Big Al’s Pub & Grubberia—Mooresville, NC Sat, 5/12 Miciah’s Speakeasy—Mooresville, NC Fri, 5/18 The Puddlin’ Duck—Columbia, SC

Fri, 5/25 The Tavern—Durham, NC

SPEAKEASY BLUES COMBO Sat, 5/19 Speakeasy Alehouse—Concord, NC First Tues Hosting the Open Mic Blues Jam Concord Blues Preservation Club

9:00 Speakeasy Alehouse—Concord, NC

Be sure to check websites, Facebook,

ReverbNation, MySpace, or “Google Search”

for current bookings & updates.

(Let us know if your favorite Blues Band isn’t listed!)

60 Beers,

40 Bourbons,

& Lots of BBQ

SPRINGTIME IS

BEER BOURBON AND BBQ TIME.

This year's show is lookin' better than

ever. Over 46,000 beer and bourbon

lovers have joined us for the last five

years and this year is sure to be another

SELL OUT!

Sat., May 12

South Park Mall

Symphony Park

Details at:

www.beerandbourbon.com/

north-carolina/show-info

(12) Bluesletter

CLUBS THAT HAVE THE BLUES!

Forty Rod Roadhouse 704-573-1773 9229-15 Lawyers Rd, Mint Hill, NC

Hojo & CC’s Wing Shack 704-827-8867 130 W. Charlotte Ave, Mt. Holly, NC

McHale’s Irish Pub 803-548-2151 1820 Goldhill Rd, Fort Mill, SC

Miciah’s Speakeasy 704-799-0095 229 Medical Park Rd, Mooresville, NC

Skinnyz Bar & Grill 704-893-2157

15060 Idlewild Rd, Charlotte, NC

Smoky Joe’s Café 704-338-9380 510 Briar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC

>> Open Jam Every Tues. Night <<

Speakeasy Alehouse 704-784-0107 9 Union St. N, Concord, NC

>> Open Jam 1st Tuesdays <<

Thirsty Beaver Saloon 704-332-3612 1225 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC

Tropical Escape Café 803-366-38888 564 N. Anderson Rd, Rock Hill, SC

The Comet Grill 704-371-4300 2224 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC

Wet Willie’s 704-716-5650

900 Seaboard St, Charlotte, NC >> Blues Every Monday <<

~~~~

We think there are more … Let us know !!

Bringing the Best

in Live Music to the

Charlotte Area!

For upcoming events,

log on to

www.maxxmusic.com

The Sparkle City BLUES JAM

Every other Wednesday at The Cellar Club 1071 Fernwood Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC

Musician signup for each jam starts at 6:30PM. Full backline is provided....just bring your guitar

(and a SMALL amp if you prefer your own), bass, harp and drumsticks.

Any questions, contact us at 864 400-8382 or

sparkle_city_blues@yahoo.com

Open

Mic Blues

Jam

Mark your calendars for the 1st Tuesday of each month! Head out to the Speakeasy Alehouse for the

Concord Blues Preservation Club’s Blues Jam. Hosted by the Speakeasy Blues Combo

Speakeasy Alehouse 704-796-4560

9 Union Street North Concord, NC

OT H E R F E ST I VA LS !

Carolina Blues Festival

May 19 Greensboro, NC

Blues By Land & By Sea

May 25-June 4 Charleston, SC

MAY 2012 13

The Double Door Inn

Check out The Double Door’s Website for other bands playing this month,

updates and future bookings, show times, admission, nightly drink specials, & more!

Sign up for weekly updates.

Purchase Advance Tickets for selected shows.

www.doubledoorinn.com

1218 Charlottetown Ave. 704-376-1446

Join the DDI Fan club at www.facebook.com

Early shows 9:00 most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. Check website for mid-week discounts!

EVERY MONDAY

MONDAY NITE ALL STARS

The awesome Monday Nite All-Stars will be playing some of your favorite Soul / Funk ... easy to listen to and

great to dance to!!

EVERY TUESDAY

JAZZ JAM NIGHT

Bill Hanna's Jazz Quartet has been hosting this jam session at the club for years. Whether you are an up-and-coming jazz musician, or someone shaking the dust off the old instrument, either way this is the place

where you can come out and jam with one of the best.

GOT SOME BLUES & FUN IN MAY!! Adv. Tix purchased at www.doubledoorinn.com

5/2 PETER KARP & SUE FOLEY (9:00) Blues/Rock $12 Adv. Tix

5/10 THE SHANE PRUITT BAND (9:00) Blues/Soul/Funk $10

5/12 MATTER OF FACT & SEE THRU SOUNDS (9:30) Blues/Rock/Exprimental $8

5/23 WALTER TROUT (10:00) Blues $15 Adv. Tix

5/30 DANNY KALB (9:00) Blues/Rock/Folk $10 Adv. Tix

6/2 TOM PRINCIPATO—60th Birthday Party! (10:00) Blues/Rock $12 Adv. Tix

(14) Bluesletter

You can help increase revenue by selling (or buying) advertising in the Bluesletter. Our rates are very inexpensive compared to other local newsletters … and now that previous issues are posted on our website, your ad can be viewed by more readers for a longer period of time.

Ads are due by the 10th of the month for the following month’s issue. Ads must be pre-paid unless billing arrangements have been approved. (Federal Tax ID available upon request)

Contacts for questions are: - Betsy at bnsb40@carolina.rr.com (704-351-3848) - Rita at fulobluz@gmail.com (980-226-0917)

(Print this page as a handout for your ad sales!)

MONTHLY RATES $ 15 .............. Business Card $ 40 .............. Quarter Page $ 75 .............. Half Page $125 ............. Full Page Package Rates Available

10% discount to CBS members

(excluding business card)

Due to e-mail distribution, we can

now accept ads related to finance,

insurance, or credit cards.

The Bluesletter is published monthly by the

C h a r l o t t e B l u e s S o c i e t y

PO Box 32752

Charlotte, NC28232-2752

www.charlottebluessociety.org

SMF PBN: 1938390

The Charlotte Blues Society (CBS) is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the American Blues tradition through the presentation of concerts, forums, workshops, and educational programs in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Founded in the Spring of 1993, CBS has steadily

grown in membership and popularity in support of this musical art form.

CBS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors and is an affiliated member of The Blues Foundation the umbrella organization for a worldwide network of 165 affiliated Blues societies and has individual memberships around the globe. The Blues Foundation produces the Blues Music Awards, Keeping the Blues Alive Awards, Blues Hall of Fame Induction, and the International Blues

Challenge.

CBS members gather on “BLUESunday,” the 1st Sunday of each month, 8:00 PM, at The Double Door Inn. Meetings include announcements and updates, special guests, and an Open Mic Blues Jam. BLUESunday is free to CBS members and only $5.00 for non-members. The Board of Directors also meets every 1st Sunday. Meetings are open to

the membership.

Members receive a monthly newsletter and free admission to monthly meeting entertainment (unless otherwise posted). In addition, members receive discounts and co-sponsored or CBS-advertised events. Annual dues (12-month period) are $20~ Individual, $35 ~ Family, and $75 ~ Sponsor Membership. Corporate sponsorships and individual

contributions are welcome and are tax deductible (excluding dues).

The CBS Bluesletter is published monthly and distributed to approximately 600 readers. It includes information on Society activities, a

local blues calendar, and a variety of blues-related items of interest.

CBS is proud to call The Double Door Inn home. The Double Door Inn, winner of the 1994 Keeping the Blues Alive award from The Blues Foundation, is located at 1218 Charlottetowne Ave., Charlotte, NC (704-376-1446) Over the past 35 years, the DDI’s stage lights have shined on Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Marcia Ball, Saffire ~ The Uppity Blues Women, Lonnie Brooks, Eddy “the Chief” Clearwater, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Luther Allison, just to name a few. (And that doesn’t even include the countless local and regional performers who otherwise would not have had a stage to stand on.) Thank you, Double Door, for all your support for live blues, zydeco, reggae, Americana, and most of all, your support of the Charlotte Blues Society!

OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeri Thompson, President 704-488-9608

Rick Ballew, Vice-President

(tbd), Secretary

(tbd), Treasurer

Advisors: Beth Pollhammer, Bill Buck,

Rita Miller, Michael Simonetti

BLUESLETTER STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Bluesletter Staff— Jill Dineen, Rita Miller, Michael Simonetti

Contributing Articles/Photos– Jeri Thompson, Rita Miller,

Artists, Media, & Websites

Memberships / Address Changes - www.charlottebluessociety.org

Printing Services - International Minute Press, South Blvd, Charlotte

Submissions Welcome!

Blues Articles, CD Reviews, Concert Reviews, Interviews, Calendar Events, Advertising, News Releases

Items due no later than the 15th of the month for the following

month’s issue.

Items received beyond deadline will be used the following month,

if still timely.

Scanned or digital photos should be e-mailed to the editor; other

photos are also accepted and will be returned. (Note: Photos with matte finish or screen print may not reproduce

as sharp as glossy prints.)

Articles may be edited for brevity or clarity, unless otherwise

requested by the writer. (Please do not exceed 500 words for

articles or 300 words for reviews.)

Views expressed by the writers do not necessarily reflect

Phil Beam Jill Dineen

Dick Gilland

Jan Jenson

Larry Pace

Betsy Norton-Stowe

Nick Polyzos

Michael Simonetti

MAY 2012 15

The Bluesletter is published monthly by the

C h a r l o t t e B l u e s S o c i e t y

PO Box 32752

Charlotte, NC28232-2752

www.charlottebluessociety.org

SMF PBN: 1938390

Something New for 2011! You can now renew your membership online at

www.CharlotteBluesSociety.org. We have a new email-able form and PayPal Button.

Just go to the Membership page and click!

Turn Your Radio On! Mondays, 6:00-9:00 PM .................... WSGE 91.7 FM “Hwy 321 Blues” Mondays, 11:00 PM-12:00 AM ............ WGWG 88.3 FM “Blues & Roots” Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 PM ................... WSGE 91.7 FM “Hwy 321 Blues” Wednesdays, 6:00-9:00 PM ............... WSGE 91.7 FM “Hwy 321 Blues” Fridays, 11:00 PM-12:00 AM ............... WGWG 88.3 FM “Blues & Roots” Saturdays, 7:00-11:00 PM ................. WNCW 88.7 FM “Saturday Night House Party” Saturdays, 9:00-12:00 PM ................. WFAE 90.7 FM “Blues Central”

Please help us stay current – send radio updates to fulobluz@gmail.com

If you are a CBS member who still gets your Bluesletter by “Snail Mail,”please send us your e-mail address for faster delivery … and it’s in COLOR!

(On-line delivery saves postage and helps the environment.)

Membership Appl icat ion PLEASE PRINT

Name: _________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ Phone (Day):__________________ (Night): __________________ E-mail: _________________________________________________ (Not shared – Used only for Blues updates and late-breaking news!)

Please list members’ names for Membership Cards:

________________________ _________________________ ________________________ _________________________

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CBS? [ ] Web Search [ ] The Double Door Inn [ ] News Media [ ] Concert / Festival ________________________________ [ ] Other __________________________________________ [ ] Referred by: _____________________________________

Today’s Date: _________________ [ ] New Member [ ] Renewal

MEMBER CATEGORY: e-mail / postal

[ ] Individual ........... $20 / $25

[ ] Family (2-4) ....... $35 / $40

[ ] Sponsor ............. $75 / $80

(includes Qtr page ad

or T-shirt) Size: __________

VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED:

[ ] Merchandise Sales

[ ] Membership Development

[ ] Fundraising / Sponsorships

[ ] Educational Programs

[ ] Promotion / Publicity [ ] Festivals / Event Booths

[ ] Bluesletter / Writing / Photos

ARE YOU A MUSICIAN?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

[ ] vocalist

[ ] Instrument(s)

____________________________

(16) Bluesletter

Charlotte Blues Society

PO Box 32752

Charlotte, NC28232-2752

www.CharlotteBluesSociety.org

The Charlotte Blues Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors, and is an affiliated member of The Blues Foundation

The Double Door Inn

Doors open at 7:00

Music starts 8:00

1218 Charlottetown Ave.

704-376-1446

CBS Members – FREE

Non-members – $5:00

MAKING UP FOR JAM TIME LOST!MAKING UP FOR JAM TIME LOST!

Featuring Some Great Blues Jammers!

Hope You’ll Make it Back this Sunday!