Joey's Blues Bar

BIRTHDAYS

2011-06-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

It is 3:14 pm here on the west coast..a little late for posting I guess, but as I always say better late than never, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY to "Big" Bill Broonzy. Bill was born on this date some say in 1898 and others say in 1893...but records back then were not what they are today...we do know that he was born on this day June 26th. Bill died on August 15th 1958. Rest in Peace Bill and thanks for all the great music. As always my blues brothers and sisters help keep the blues alive..buy a cd, go to a blues festival or donate what ever you can to a blues society in your area.

2011-06-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well it is early afternoon here on the West coast, and it is time to start the day I guess. First off with a couple of birthday notes. Clifton Chenier was born on this date in 1925 and he died on December 12, 1987. He was from Opelousas, Louisiana. Also on this date Eddie Floyd was born in 1937 and I do believe he is still alive.
Summer is finally here and with the summer come vacations, time off and a chance perhaps to see a blues festival or two. For the remainder of today and tomorrow in Long Beach, California there is the Long Beach Bayou and Blues Festival. Also there is the Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival 2011 at Lake Shawnee, Topeka, Kansas, featuring The Bart Walker Band, Mike Farris with the McCary Sisters, and Mike Zito will be there.
The 4th of July is always a great time for blues and festivals. July 1-4th Boston's On the Beach Red, White and Blues 2011 Festival sounds like a really good one to try to attend if at all possible. Guests will include the wonderful Ana Popovic, the great Bernard Allison, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Eden Brent, Nicole Hart, and many more great performers.
In Davenport, Iowa July 1-3th is the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. Performing at the stage tent at 8:30 pm will be Paul Rishell and Annie Raines. At 11:00 pm will be Smokin' Joe Kubek with B'Nois King. I would give my first born to see this festival. LOL, not really, well maybe. This festival too has many, many performers over the three day period. As always please call ahead for prices and times, and place.
Well my blues brothers and sisters I do have to go for now...keep the blues alive and buy some music, go to a festival or donate to a society. Later gators

Please excuse my absence

2011-06-25T04:45:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry for the extended absence from my blog. The down-turn in the economy forced
me to take some time off from blogging, however I did not intend for it to be this long. Please forgive me as I try to get this show on the road again. Much as happened in the Blues world since my last post I am quite sure...I have not keep up with the music world much in the past year or so, thought I have listened to the Blues whenever time allowed me. I promise to get back in the groove so to speak, and learn what has been going on in the blues world. I do so hope that the economy picks back up faster than it has been. Working twenty to twenty-five hours per week at a minimum wage job at the local less than a dollar store is really beginning to, well you know what. Many people are in much worst condition than me, so I am thank-full for the work I do have. Well my blues brothers and sisters it is getting late in the morning and I do have to go to work in a few..so I will sign off for now. Feel free to e-mail me with any comments you may have regarding the blues at joeyb1a@comcast.net

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

Well it's Memorial Day weekend already..in fact the time is 5:30 Friday night...so if you have not already headed out to the beaches and camping areas or whatever your plans may be for the weekend and I just know that there just has to be a bunch of blues festivals going about...please drive with extreme caution and if you are going to be indulging please, please get a designated driver. I want all my blues brothers and sisters to be around on Monday or Tuesday when it is time to be back doing whatever it is you do....Godspeed my friends.

I SHOULD BE SHOT

2009-05-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well an entire week has gone by since my last blog...and the blues music awards have been handed out as everyone in the know knows by now....Janiva Magness got an award I am pleased to see (my prediction), but am sad to see that Watermelon Slim not amount the winners....but a winner in any case in my book. Today is Guy Davis's birthday and yesterday was the birthday of Kansas Joe McCoy born May 11, 1905 in Raymond, Mississippi and very sadly died January 28th 1950 at a very early age of 44 of heart disease. And of course Ana Popovic's birthday is May 13th. Ana was born in 1976 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Now there's a woman who knows how to play blues....and yes she too is one of my favorites. Happy Birthday everyone and congrats to the blues winners....you are all winners. I will try to keep up on the blog a little better than I have been...not that anyone is reading this..but I do what I can to keep the blues alive my blues brothers and sisters....have a good day.

AND THE WINNER IS

2009-05-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well my blues brothers and sisters the blues awards will be made this Thursday. I guess it is a good thing that I have nothing to do with this process as I would give an award to everyone. Just how does one narrow down such a field of talent? I do hope that Watermelon Slim wins. He is as I have already posted one of favorites...and Janiva Magness deserves to win also. I just can't wait unitl Thursday. Nashville will be a crowded place this week...good for the economy and better yet it is good for keeping the blues alive.
Been raining for the past three days where I live, so I did not even venture out of the house much this past weekend. Did any of you blues lovers get to any ventures or festivals this weekend? I do hope that you did. Drop me a line and let me know what and where you went, OK. Well that is about all I have for now....got to go get blues up....enjoy your day.

Friday Already??

2009-05-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

Is it really Friday already? I hate weekends...that just means I will have to go out and enjoy myself....I hate it when that happens.....not!..well lets see what's going on in California this weekend. Well first off it looks like we have the Mariposa Microbrews & Blues Festival at the Mariposa Fairgrounds in Mariposa, California. This event will happen tomorrow the 2nd of May 2009 from noon to 9:00 pm. Expected there will be Elvin Bishop, Lonnie Shields, Ron Thompson, Mike Hammer and the Nails w/ Allan Carroll, David Coppa & Scrapple, Wingnut Adams Blues Band, Stacy Brooks and John Keith. On Sunday we have the Topanga Canyon Blues Festival at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, Topanga Canyon, California from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm. Expected lineup includes Phillip Walker Band, Jackie Payne Soul Blues Band, Jack La Botz and Phil Gates Band.
Both of these venues have great bands included ....tough decision as to which on to attend...however as alway please check these happenings as to ticket prices and any possible cancellation prior to travel and or expendure of CASH. If you get to attend either of these events please do have a good time...and drive carefully. Have a good time my blues brothers and sissters and keep the blues alive.

WATERMELON SLIM

2009-04-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

Today subject class is Watermelon Slim. Please take notes as there may be a test in the morning. Since I started listening to the blues genre many years ago Bill Homans aka Watermelon Slim has been one of my favorite blues singers, guitar and harmonica players. Ok, ok, I know I say alot of blues men and women are my favorites but this time I mean it. But one does have to realize that there is just soooo much talent out there today. And for this I for one am very grateful as I know that the blues are here to stay.
I want to wish Slim a very happy but belated birthday as he celebrated his 60th on the 25 of April...HAPPY BIRTHDAY SLIM. I took to Slims music for the very first time I ever heard it.
Slim just struck a cord with me....he seems so reachable and do hope that sometime during my lifetime I might get to see him in concert. He reminds me of home and easier times, the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back if he thought that you really need it. I just love to listen to him talk.
But my blues brothers and sisters do not be fooled by his seemly country style...this is one well educated blues man. Slim has completed two undergrad degrees in history and journalism. he has a masters and is or once was a member of Mensa...now that should tell ya something. Slim is also a man on the go....a simple look at his touring schedule is enough to kill most mortal men. Today he is Brussels, Belgium and on the 30th he will be in Wuustwezel, Belgium. In May it will be Holland and back to the United States on May 6th at Ground Zero in Memphis, Tennessee. He has other engagements during May and June and then back overseas in July. I often wonder where does he find the energy. Thanks Slim for the music and may God be with you and your band and look forward to your return to the United States.
G'day my blues brothers and sisters..........and don't forget about the test.

RONNIE EARL

2009-04-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon my blues brothers and sisters. I would like to spend a little time today discussing a very, very good blues, jazz, soul guitarist Mr. Ronnie Earl. Mr. Ronnie Earl was born Ronald Horvath in Queens, New York on March 10, 1953. It is said that he took the name Earl because he liked Earl Hooker and when invited up on stage by Muddy Waters, Muddy could not say his last name. Ronnie Earl played with Roomful Of Blues for eight years as lead guitarist before forming his own band Ronnie Earl And The Broadcasters. The name for the band came from the first guitar he owned..a Fender Broadcaster. Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters have been together for 20 years as of 2008...and a great band they have beeen.
Ronnie has won two W. C. Handy awards for guitar player of the year. Ronnie will be at the First Baptist Littleton in Littleton, Mass. at 7:00 pm on Friday May 15th, 2009. If you are from around that part of the country (east coast) be sure to make this one...you will not regret it I am sure.

SOME NEW MUSIC

2009-04-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Last week slide guitarist ROY ROGERS (no not that Roy Rogers) came out with a new cd...Split Decision...a very good listen..especially the track entitled Patron Saint of Pain....I sometimes feel that I can relate to that title...but that's the blues I guess..Roy has been playing guitar for over thirty years now..and has become one of my favorites.

BIG MISTAKE

2009-04-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

In my last blog I mentioned the Santa Cruz Blues Festival as being this weekend...my apologies...it is the 23 and 24 of May 2009 and not this weekend...sorry for the confusion.

THE WEEKEND

2009-04-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

Well it is Friday again and the weekend is upon us....just wanted to mention the Santa Cruz Blues Festival to be held this weekend at the Aptos Village Park in Aptos, California. B.B. King is expected to be there, Joe Coker and Keb' mo'. General admission is $60.00 but with the king there several hunderd dollars would be well worth it....so all in all a very great value....have a good weekend my blues brothers and sisters.

NEWLY DISCOVERED MUSIC

2009-04-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

I may have mentioned before that my younger brother introduced me to Blues music what seems like just a few years ago....but time flys when you're having fun I guess. Lord it has been probably ten years now. I have turned my collection of rock and roll into a library and database of some three perhaps four hundred artists from around the United States, Canada, Australia, and even Italy I do believe. However just a few days ago I listened to a track called "THE CREEPER RETURNS," by a man that died just a couple of years ago. His name was Haywood (Little Sonny) Warner. Some say he was born October 30, 1930 and one source I found put date of birth at October 6th 1932. He was born in Falls Church which I believe to be in Northern Virginia. I had not until just the other day heard any of his music....but I can guarantee you that I will be looking for more of his music in the very near future. I listened to The Creeper Returns about a dozen times last night...the man could certainly play the harmonica, which I feel is one of the most important instruments in a blues band.
Well my blues brothers and sisters, that is about all for today, but do drop in and say hello and have a beer or two....keep the blues alive my friends.

BACK TO WORK

2009-04-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Well my daughter got married this past Saturday to a very wonderful young man and I suppose they are on their way to the Caribbean by now...wish I was going with them....do hope that they have great time...did not listen to much blues this weekend with all that was going on...but now I have to make up for lost time so to speak...I did manage to download a great podcast from 'THE ROADHOUSE', which is a weekly Blues podcast put together by a man by the name of Tony Steidler-Dennison. His podcast is a great way to listen to the Blues...you may even what to subscribe to the premium service which will do away with all the commercials and you also get more music per podcast and the sound quality is better. I don't have any birthdays to announce at the top of my head and nothing in the small database that I keep on such matters. Don't be such strangers....drop in and say hello.

BACK TO WORK

2009-04-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

APOLOGIES

2009-04-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

I want to start of first my blues brothers and sisters by apologizing for not blogging as much as I could the past couple of days...and may not for the next few days as my daughter is due to get married this Saturday, the 18Th of April....been very busy the past few days and the next two will be also. Well lets see here....today is Wednesday, hump day and I am sure lots of you are already thinking about the weekend right?...how does that song go, something about working for the weekend?? There is the Juke Joint Festival to be held this Saturday the 18th of April in Clarksdale, Mississippi. What a hotbed of and for the blues Clarksdale has been over the years. So many great blues singers and players from Clarksdale....the festival will be featuring The Homemade Jamz Blues Band, a band of youngsters with guitars make by their father from mufflers for a Ford car ...a really great listen...and Honeyboy Edwards will be there also...so if you are in the Clarksdale area do not miss this one. If you get to go please drop me a line and let me know how it was ok. As far as birthdays are concerned, none to report today..but on a sad note Sean Costello died on this day in 2008. His birthday is tomorrow...born in 1979...he really was a blues man. Here is one: Frank Otis Frost was born on this date in 1936 in Augusta, Arkansas. Well if you hear any good blues and I guess all blues are good..let me now.

spelling

2009-04-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the misspelling of Vacation in the title of last post....just I should use the spell checker more often

SUMMER VACTIONS

2009-04-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

If anyone is planing a vacation to Illinois this summer around the 12,13, or 14th of June you just have to go to Chicago for the FREE...FREE..three day blues festival to be held at the Grant Park, Jackson blv. and Columbus Dr. It's the 26th edition of the CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL.
Here are a few of the blues musicians performing and there are many, many more: Willie "BIG EYS" Smith, Big Bill and Mud Morganfield, Charlie Musselwhite, Lil' Ed and the Imperials, Lurrie Bell, Bettye LaVette and of course the great PINETOP PERKINS. Sure wish that I lived near the Chicago area or even Illinois for that matter....This is going to be a must see and hear event....I would love to hear Pinetop in person...hope he is ok...he is one of my favorites ....I will try to stay on top on this one and post more in the next month....Happy Easter all my blues brothers and sisters.

HOUND DOG TAYLOR'S BIRTHDAY

2009-04-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

Blues pianist and guitar player Hound Dog Taylor was born Theodore Roosevelt Taylor afer the
president of the United States on April 12, 1915 in Natchez, Mississippi. Hound Dog was born with six fingers on each hand, which later in his life he would cut off one of the little fingers...Got the name Hound Dog for his reputation for chasing after the women folk...He had a band called The HouseRockers...whom a fellow bluesperson Brewer Phillips would join in 1959...While Phillips was visiting Hound Dog at his home it is said that Phillips made a remark about Hound Dog's wife that did not set to well with Hound Dog...Hound Dog left the room only to return a short time later with a 22 caliber rifle and shot Phillips in the forearm and leg...Hound Dog had been a heavy smoker during his life and passed away a few days later from lung cancer on December 17, 1975...some of his music include : "SHE'S GONE", "WILD ABOUT YOU, BABY,"
and "GIVE ME BACK MY WIG'.
You were quite the bluesman Hound Dog...thanks for the music and may you rest in peace.

BIRTHDAYS

2009-04-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

I just realized that April 4th was the birthday of Muddy Waters....please forgive me all my blues brothers and sisters...thanks for all the great music Muddy...and we miss you...RIP

Birthdays

2009-04-07T10:11:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHEMEKIA....Today is the birthday of Shemekia Copeland...the daughter of the late and great blues person Johnny Copeland.....Have a great day Shemekia.

Gone Too Long

2009-04-06T04:01:00.000-07:00

Good morning my blues friends....sorry I have not bloged for a few days....been very busy with some private matters....hope everyone had a good weekend...enjoyed some blues concerts or perhaps just listened to some fine blues on your portable music device or radio....it really does not matter how you get the blues....just so long as you do get the blues....have to go and find out what is happening in the world of Blues ...talk to ya later.

Friday

2009-03-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well it's finally here...Friday...I just may take a three day weekend....lots of Blues music to listen to...places to go....people to see...so all my blues friends have a good weekend and go out and listen to some blues...or buy some cd's.....download some music to your "pod" or other portable device.

p.s.

2009-03-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

The Lebanon Opera House is in Lebanon, New Hampshire....sorry for the omission.

Hump Day

2009-03-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning...thinking it was Friday...only to be told it is Wednesday....man no wonder I have the blues....so, so much happening this weekend: Taj Mahal will be at the Jackson Junction Casino in Morton, Missouri starting at 8:00 pm...the great Joe Bonamassa will be at The Capital one Bank Theathre March 27, 2009 in Westbury, New York and on the 28th at 7:45pm at the South Orange Performing Arts Center in South Orange, New Jersey this weekend. He also will be performing at a venue close to where I grew up and that is the Lebanon Opera House at 8:15 pm on April 5, 2009. If you are feeling like some very good blues music this would be the weekend....that's it for now all my blues friends....hurry up Friday.

What Else: THE BLUES

2009-03-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning...the blues were all around my bed.....then I got some good news from back east....why do I still have the Blues........Because I love the Blues.......Nothing but the blues baby.....which by the way is the title of a website where you can find some great blues for free in the form of a podcast...nothing but the blues.....check it out blue dudes and dudetts....later.

2009-03-24T11:40:00.001-07:00

2009-03-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

Well I guess it is Sunday morning already...so did everyone have a good time Friday and Saturday nights? Hear any good blues tunes....really....where did you go? I spent the weekend listening to my favorite podcasts...Friday Night Blues And Beer over at Dust My Broom.Com and The Roadhouse Podcast...some very good blues websites...check it out..free music..if you like the artist buy their music. Temporarily without wheels as my auto in the shop having the fuel injectors taken care of so I could not get out this weekend...so is life. I have to check to see
where Nascar is racing today...be back later...keep in touch all you blues hounds.

The Weeked

2009-03-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

well I guess everyone has worked hard all week right? Now for some fun...so what is everyone doing this weekend....Going to some blues concerts, or clubs...well have fun and report back as to what you saw and heard ...like to talk about it.

2009-03-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Well this is my first venture into the world of Blogging...I love blues music so decided to do some blogging around the music...come on in and have a beer or two...lets talks blues.