The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Society band challenge begins in Hartford
It is time for the Connecticut Blues Society’s Annual Band Challenge, which is again being held at Black-Eyed Sally’s. The first preliminary round is on Thursday. During the next five weeks, four bands will compete each night. The winners of each preliminary round, plus the highest scoring second place band (wild card), will compete in the finals. Once again, the HannonHatch VFW in West Hartford is the finals’ host. The winner of the finals will be sponsored by Connecticut Blues Society to participate in the Blues Foundation’s 34th International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
The society will award its winning band $2,000 plus a gig at the Blues in the Park Festival and at Black-Eyed Sally’s. In the past, winners of the IBC Finals in Memphis have received $2,500, gigs at several major blues festivals and a gig on the Legendary Blues Cruise.
The bands playing this week include: Dynamojo, the Brandt Taylor Band, TBA and D. Smith Blues Band. The first band kicks off at 8 p.m.
This band challenge gives blues fans a chance to see a number of bands in one place. Often band from other parts of the state make it to Sally’s. So for a little travel you can check out bands you may not normally see. And who knows, you may have a new favorite. A quick count has at least eight bands Blues Beat has not seen.
Saturday, Black-Eyed Sally’s has the Dan Brother Band. Since his teens, Dan Brother has been performing in local blues clubs. His high energy performances are drawing fans to an increasing number of gigs and venues every month. Having shared the stage with a variety of mentors, it’s no wonder he picked up a little of everything along the way, from protest-era psychedelia to straight-up blues; classic era soul to southern rock and Texas twang.
Brother’s star is rising faster than ever, with a sound all his own. His fans expect a mix of blues, soul, rock & roll, and the band accommodates, with sets that go from low-down monstrous slow blues to booty-grooving ecstatic funk. Fiery guitar work is Brother’s forte, watch him twist and squeeze notes out of his guitar. Brother has chartered a bus and is bringing a load of friends to the show.
Easter Sunday is Sally’s annual Easter Brunch, featuring an a la carte menu and live entertainment.
Infinity Music Hall Hartford has a Thursday show featuring Peter Wolf and the Midnight Travelers with guests The Roy Sludge Group.
Peter Wolf has been called America’s answer to Mick Jagger. You know the many hits he anchored as the frontman, lead singer and songwriter for the J. Geils Band. His fast talking antics and larger than life persona are iconic images in the world of rock ’n’ roll.
Blues Beat remembers Wolf’s natural loquaciousness listening to him as an all-night DJ on the FM rock station WBCN, when FM was really radio. Adopting the persona of “the Woofa Goofa,” he spun raw rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm ’n’ blues, channeling the spirit of the flashy, fasttalking DJs he’d grown up listening to. He knows how to entertain.
Saturday, Johnny A is at Infinity Music Hall Norfolk. If you saw the guitar virtuoso Johnny A’s last solo performance here, we’ll see you at this show. He’s currently touring with The Yardbirds — no small feat when you consider he’s in a spot previously held by Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. He continues to provide the tones that capture audiences.
The Tipping Chair Tavern once again has a Friday double bill. The Butch Taylor Duo is on at 5 p.m. and The Bernadettes take the stage at 8:30 p.m.
Eran Troy Danner and his electric trio have two gigs this weekend. Friday, they are at Silver Backs Bar & Grill, and Saturday Danner and crew head to the Blue Plate Tavern. Sasso’s Coal Fired Pizza will have Eran Troy Danner, playing solo acoustic Wednesday night in Torrington.
Roberto Morbioli is finishing his tour through the region with a Friday visit to Theodores’, and Saturday to the Cambridge Brew House. Saturday sees Jeff Pitchell and Texas Flood at Theodores’.
Thursday at J’s Crab Shack: Liviu’s Invitational with Texas blues artist Hash Brown (Brian Calway) and bassist Ben Boylan.
The Modeans are at Bill’s Seafood for a Thursday date. They regularly visit on a Thursday during the month.
Looks like a new trio has gotten together for a Wednesday at La Tavola. Nick Longo, Brandt Taylor, Mike Law Trio will be playing.
Wilson’s Pub has Cheryl Tracy and Tim Reardon acoustic on Saturday, and Alfa Bar and Grill has The Mighty Soul Drivers.
The Knickerbocker Café on Saturday is hosting the Knickerbocker All-Stars CD release party. Called Texas/Rhody Blues, it features Duke Robillard, Sugar Ray Norcia and Willie J. Laws. All CD sales will be donated to Stand Up For Animals by the Knickerbocker Music Center.