The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Summer festivals are still going strong
Labor Day week traditionally signals the end of summer, but not hot blues. Big and small events are on tap to suit all tastes. One does not have to travel far to get a good dose of the blues.
The 11th Annual Blues Views & BBQ Festival is this Saturday and Sunday at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts. This festival puts Connecticut on the map with a premier blues and bbq festival. They take pride in delivering the sounds but also soulful, southern-inspired food. It is time for music and family fun on the banks of the Saugatuck River in downtown Westport.
Together the WestportWeston Chamber of Commerce and DBD Productions take pride in announcing the festival, with a weekend lineup that includes headliners Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Grammy Award Winner Fantastic Negrito, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Carolyn Wonderland. Many more acts will be taking the center stage as the fest continues.
This year Blues Views and BBQ will feature 20 bands, including headlining performances from Delta blues to funk powerhouses. Blues, Views and BBQ has long been a venue for introducing up-and-coming and local talent along with the marquee headliners. One of the young bands is Jake Kulak. Don’t let the youthful look fool you — he is a Memphis veteran. In February, he is representing Connecticut at the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge along with more than 150 bands from around the globe on Beale Street.
As in the past, the tradition of welcoming first time performers continues with performances by Carolyn Wonderland, Mingo Fishtrap, Cris Jacobs and Ruby Velle & Soulphonics.
If you want to see how the blues got started, then catch Rocky Lawrence and the Coffee Grinders. They will play the old and show it transformed to today’s music. Lawrence has an international reputation as a delta blues player and the Coffee Grinders are active on the state scene.
Some other names state blues fans may recognize include Dan Stevens, Jake Kulak, Mighty Soul Drivers, Shiny Lapel Trio, and Shawn Taylor and Wandering Roots.
Another event of interest is Sunday’s Rib & Pie Eating Contest. Get your tickets by visiting: https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/ blues-views-bbq-festivaltickets-45933935638.
Ives Concert Park has rescheduled Forever Grateful Music Fest for Saturday, from 1 to 10:30 p.m. The fest is offering tributes to the Allman Brothers, Bob Marley, Jerry Garcia Band, and the Grateful Dead.
The Infinity Music Hall Bistro up in Norfolk has a Labor Day All American BBQ Buffet. Entertainment will be provided by Ramblin' Dan Stevens.
The Red Hots have been invited to the Diner en Blanc fundraiser by The Bethel Historical Society (Saturday 2 pm). The event will go towards the restoration of the 1842 Meeting House. It will be an outdoor feast, so dust off your picnic blankets and pack the fine china. Head to the Meeting House to enjoy a lovely afternoon of high times and haute music.
On Saturday, Black-Eyed Sally's has Rockin Johnny Burgin. He is a talented guitarist and engaging performer. Fans around the Northeast have been enjoying him.
It is still fair season around the state. Some have blues but all have music. A few are taking place this weekend. The Haddam Neck Fair is Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and Someone You Can Xray is playing Saturday at 6 p.m. Also on Friday and Saturday is the St. Leo Fair in Stamford.
Friday, the St. Ann Club of Norwalk will have some live music to go along with its “End of Summer Chili Cookoff.”
Ninigret Park in Charlestown, Rhode Island is host to the Rhythm & Roots Festival Friday through Sunday. This annual event draws thousand from everywhere. A lot of Cajun spirit will be on display over the weekend. One of the major acts is the Taj Mahal Trio. Connecticut’s own Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez will be joined by the Sin Sisters. There will be plenty of music and dancing plus activities for the whole family.
The Turning Point on Monday is holding a, Piermont Police Athletic League Music Festival. Helping with the music is Adam Falcon and Professor & The Crowmatix.
Blues Beat has mentioned that breweries and vineyards are bringing in the blues. Well, coffee will not be out done. Silk City Coffee in Manchester has the Terri and Rob Duo on Friday. Middletown’s Klekolo World Coffee on Tuesday brings in the Xray Trio.
George Baker is keeping busy this week. On Sunday he and the Band will be part of Café 9’s Buzz & BBQ. Then on Thursday, Guitar George Baker will be at the Harvest Wine Bar.
The man dressing for success, Tom “The Suit” Forst, is at Rascal Flatts, Friday.
Crystal Bees has a Two Roads End of Summer Festival with The Remnants and Zillawatt on Saturday.
Get the complete Blues Beat schedule on Thursday at the blog http://bluesbeatnews.wordpress.com/. Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com.