The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
See Keb’ Mo’ in a solo show at FTC Warehouse
There’s a busy week to look forward to, with blues bands and singers of all shapes and sizes playing in the area.
Come out to Infinity Hall Norfolk Saturday and relive the music of an iconic group whose songs meant so much too so many, played by members of The Band and its musical family. The Weight Band features members of The Band, The Levon Helm Band and The Rick Danko Group. Starting with the now legendary, “Concert In The Barn, Songs of The Band,” requests for additional performances came flooding in.
As demand increased and The Weight Band evolved, Jim Weider and Brian Mitchell answered tne call and added Albert Rogers ( bass ), Michael Bram ( drums ) and Matt Zeiner ( additional keyboards ) to solidify a five member touring lineup.
In that all members are also singer/songwriters, new, original songs began to embellish a core concert set list — nuggets from The Band’s treasured catalog. After four years of touring to enthusiastic audiences and experiencing an overwhelmingly positive response to the newly written material, the group decided to record an album.
To capture The Band’s musical tradition, it was recorded in a Woodstock area studio. Released in late February of this year, “World Gone Mad” has garnered stellar reviews and continues to receive significant airplay.
Four-time Grammy Award-winner and visionary roots-music storyteller, Keb’ Mo’ returns to The FTC Warehouse on Friday for a special and intimate solo acoustic show. Mo’ brings a big back beat and an injection of soul to the country blues. Like Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal, Mo’ uses the blues as a template for a musical vision that includes jazz, funk, rock, R&B, and pop.
If you enjoy Keb’ Mo’, then you might want to go to the Jonathan Edwards Winery on Sunday for Taj Mahal. He is an entertainer where legend properly fits. He celebrates decades of recording and touring that have nearly singlehandedly reshaped the definition and scope of the blues via the infusion of exotic sounds from the Caribbean, Africa and South Pacific. He is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, film composer, actor, guitarist and multiinstrumentalist and a Blues Music Award winner this year with Keb’ Mo’. One last award worth mentioning is the Lifetime Achievement for Performance Award, which he received at the 13th Annual Americana Honors and Awards.
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center is hosting its annual Kate Gala on Saturday. They are honoring Ann Nyberg with the 3rd Annual Spirit of Katharine Hepburn Award. The award is given to an individual who embodies the spirit, independence, and character of the legendary actress. The event will highlight Nyberg’s love for Katharine Hepburn and her style. Providing the sounds will be D.A. Foster & the Shaboo All-Stars.
Dickey Betts is out of retirement for a visit the Toyota Oakdale Theatre with his band on Thursday. Joining him will be Dave Mason and Steve Cropper.
Join Mambo Sons on Friday at Black-Eyed Sally’s, for a special 8:30 p.m. show, as they celebrate the release of guitarist/songwriter Tom Guerra’s critically acclaimed new album “American Garden.” Recognized since the late ’90’s as one of New England’s top original blues based rock and roll bands, led by Guerra and songwriter/vocalist/bassist Scott Lawson Pomeroy, the Sons also feature longtime drummer Joe “The Cat” Lemieux and singer/guitarist Russ Waesche, playing their unique brand of blues and rock and roll classics.
Saturday is the Birchwood Farms Music Fest 4 beginning at 6 p.m., hosted by Richie & The Red Hot Blues with special guest Paul Gabriel, along with Tiffany Nunes and the Jack Rainfield Band.
On Thursday at Crystal Bees, Jake Kulak & the LowDown will be playing. This band is the 2018 Connecticut Blues Challenge winner and is heading to Memphis in January. This is one of the band’s last shows before Kulak heads off to his freshman year at Berklee School of Music.
Murray the Wheel, whose band was a finalist in the 2018 Blues Challenge, will open the night at 7:30 p.m. with solo acoustic blues.
The Red Hots are at Daryl’s House on Wednesday. It is a quick hop from Danbury or anywhere along I-84 to the show. A set of captivating music awaits. On Sunday, Joanne Shaw Taylor, the UK’s number one star of the blues rock world will be there.
The festival season continues and Connecticut has its share. While not all blues, festival provide a good look at the state’s talent. Saturday at Harbor Point in Stamford, it is the SoundWaters HarborFest. Music begins in the morning and runs through the day
Also on Saturday, the PorchFest takes place in Black Rock. For more information check here for complete map: http://bit.ly/2KQtVGp
Mark your calendar as Labor Day weekend brings the annual Blues, Views & BBQ Festival to Westport. This year promises to be bigger than ever. The twoday event features food, music, and children’s activities. Taking place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 1-2, along the shore of the Saugatuck River. More info next week.
One other fest takes place Sunday. It’s called Apestock and it truly illustrates the heart of the blues. Bands and fans are gathering to help one of their own as he battles cancer.