The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Outdoor events fill the weekend with music
As we move into Labor Day weekend, the blues are gearing up for a busy time. The weather is good enough for outdoor events to continue. More acts are being booked for the future in the big and small venues across the state.
This weekend the Tipping Chair Tavern has a two-night blues double header. Friday, The Royal Din Acoustic Duo opens the evening at 5 p.m.. They are followed by The Colbys at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, the 5 p.m. act is Eran Troy Danner. Then at 8:30 p.m. Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood hit the stage. If that wasn’t enough for the Tipping Chair, Tuesday they’ll have Kal David, Dave Livolsi and Liviu Pop.
Friday, after The Tipping Chair, Eran Troy Danner with his electric trio heads to Cafe 1650. The week is keeping him busy. Saturday, he plays solo acoustic at Jake’s Martini Bar. Hawk Ridge Winery hosts him on Sunday. Then Monday from 3 to 5 p.m. he will be at the Goshen Fair.
Across town at Smokin’ With Chris on Thursday, it is Chris D’Amato.
Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk has its traditional Labor Day BBQ with an All American BBQ Buffet. The Bistro will be open 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be live music from 12-2 p.m. by Artie Tobia.
Many Connecticut fans will be heading to the 20th Annual Rhythm and Roots Festival over Labor Day weekend in Ninigret Park in Charlestown, Rhode Island. Join Connecticut’s Beehive Queen, Christine Ohlman as she joins Sarah Potenza and friends, including Ian Crossman, Frank Viele, The Revelers and Alex Meixner Band to gospelize at the kick-off event of the fest’s last day. Later that evening, Ohlman joins the New Orleans Suspects for Sunday’s headline set.
On Friday, Café 9 holds An Evening with the George Baker Band. “Guitar” George Baker is a world renowned bluesman from Louisiana, possessing a magic voice and brilliant guitar styling. His music hits the soul, uplifts the spirit, and moves an audience.
Born and raised in Louisiana, master guitarist Baker has been performing his unique gumbo music in Connecticut since moving there in 1985. The George Baker Band features Willie Moore, Chris Lyons, Lou Ianello and Jordan Giangreco.
The Balkun Brothers are always in motion. This week they take part in the Pratt St Lunchtime Music in Hartford on Friday and the Haddam Neck Fair, Sunday.
The annual Westport Blues, Views, & BBQ Festival is this weekend. Saturday, Dan Stevens is on at 11:30 am and Root Hog Shaka/Petey Hop Duo is 1 p.m..
Hanging Hills Brewery has been a good place to find the blues. On Friday, Orb Mellon will be there starting at 7 p.m..
Bill’s Seafood brings in the Shiny Lapel Trio on Saturday, with a Tuesday visit from Johnny & The East Coast Rockers.
The Coffee Grinders, supplying some real “down in the Delta blues,” are playing at the Cambridge Brew House on Friday.
The Connecticut Blues Society’s fall schedule remains active in its promotion of the blues. Its series of blues events, in partnership with The Maple Tree Cafe, continues this month, featuring the best blues talent in the state. Bands who have represented the state at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis have participated in and won Connecticut challenge competitions or have been involved in blues fundraising events will be invited to play. Also featured are young and upcoming bands who show potential for keeping the blues alive.
The Connecticut Blues Society is also starting up its monthly blues jam with the Solo/Duo Challenge coming up.
2 Left Feet Blues Festival is worth another mention in Blues Beat. The Performing Arts Center in Simsbury Meadows was the host facility and it is one if not the best in the state. A variety of entertainment is presented there, making it a place to suit many tastes.
Blues Beat had the opportunity to talk with Simsbury First Selectwoman Lisa Heavner to get her opinion of having a Blues Festival in town. She remarked on how well it was organized and the good work of all the volunteers. She was also pleased that people from across the state got a chance to see what a great place Simsbury is, a place that puts small town values to work. Blues Beat witnessed much of what makes towns like Simsbury shine over the three day Festival.
Congratulations to the “Incredible Amplifires” Guitarist, Ryan Newman. He and his bandmates in his other band “Righteous Continental” finished Third place at Foxwood’s Bands Battle. With over 40 bands involved, they did alright.
Never too early to make plans for the International Blues Challenge January in Memphis. The band representative will be EasyBaby. It is a good time to see some of the blues’ future stars. This summer, Blues Beat saw a number of bands that impressed a concert promoter enough to get an offer to play their festival.