The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Johnny Rawls kicks off tour from Old Lyme
Blues shows are beginning to pick up, with outside venues of all kinds. Support the musicians and venues during these trying times; and don’t forget the virtual shows and the new CDs being released.
On Saturday, soul blues legend Johnny Rawls & Friends are giving a live show hosted by Jim Carty. The friends include Ryan Hartt & the Bluehearts, Greg Piccolo, Tyler Morris and Christopher Dean. It’s a kickoff for his North American Tour, in Old Lyme. More guest players are expected, plus a hot backing band. Ryan Hartt & the Bluehearts open the show and back Rawls. Hartt is a fine harp player with a strong band.
Rawls is among the last of the great soul blues artists. He came up in O.V. Wright’s band and has continued to be a blues soul mainstay.
The band will be perched on a deck stage. A 1.25-acre lawn will allow for social distancing, and the lawn has a beautiful tree canopy for shade. You can bring your own food and drinks, don’t forget your festival chairs, and grills will be available. Feel free to bring something to share. Show time is 1 p.m., at the corner of Oakridge and Wildwood Drives. Musicians have been out of work, so feel free to donate a little extra — these folks are truly hurting. A private beach is a four-minute walk from the house. So come early, claim a spot, go for a swim and come back when you hear the music. For more information contact Jim Carty, 617-721-7587
Another big show that the state can count on is sponsored by Chirp, a Ridgefield tradition at Ballard Park. The Beehive Queen, Christine Ohlman, will be there Aug. 13. Why the early notice? Due to COVID-19 concerns, audience pre-registration is 6 days in advance, to allow for proper audience size and assure social distancing.
Some other local shows taking place this week.
Friday, Jake Kulak & the LowDown have a Patio Jam II at Crystal Bees. Saturday, they are playing the New Haven Country Club.
Saturday, Crystal Bees has Legion of Jerry with RGB for a very Jerry Jam. Also Saturday, there is a Blues Night at Monroe Social with The Jerry Paul Band.
Enjoy a night under the stars Saturday at The Canoe Club in Middletown, with the red-hot rockin’ soul dance music from The Mighty Soul Drivers. Also Friday at The Back Porch it is the Blues OnThe Rocks Light with Sam & Bruce Duo.
Other Saturday shows include an Evening with Jeff Pitchell at the Blackledge Country Club in Hebron and Big Chief and The Midnight Groove at the Crab Shell, with an outside show.
Sunday, Eran Troy Danner is at Little Red Barn Brewers. They are also hosting a Thursday Open Mic. Also, Thursday at the Sherman Green Gazebo in Fairfield is 60s Satisfaction.
More clubs are setting up outdoor concert areas. The Redding Roadhouse has The Beer Garden, while Daryl’s House runs live music runs from 5-8 p.m. on The Back Porch. The
Falcon has an outdoor stage on the patio.
United At the Drive-in, at the Misquamicut drivein theater, hosts a music series co-presented by the Knickerbocker Music Center.
The New York State Museum has released the CD, “The Spirit Of Woodstock,” a recording of a live concert featuring Professor Louie & The Crowmatix with the Woodstock Horns. The concert was held in conjunction with the museum’s exhibition “Spirit of the Woodstock Generation: The Photographs of Elliott Landy.” Professor Louie & The Crowmatix presented music of The Band, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Crowmatix and more.
Sunday, you can celebrate the 20th Jus’ Blues Music Awards with a live stream via the JusBluesTV YouTube channel on Sunday at 3 p.m. They will be sharing memorable moments from Jus’ Blues Music Awards shows, with the best of past performances, interviews and photos. On Saturday will be the BluesGot-a-Soul Tech Conference and virtual workshop.
Mark your calendars for the 2021 Jus’ Blues Music Awards & Conference 2021 scheduled for July 29th through August 1st in Tunica,
MS. The Jus’ Blues Music Awards, and ancillary festivities embrace homage to American Blues & Soul music artists and industry professionals in a three-day celebration that is educational, entertaining and inspiring.
This from Walter Trout: “Here’s the reality of touring bands. We don’t get paid until we do the gig. Lately, we’ve been getting messages from our fans stating that they have bought tickets to a show that has since been postponed or canceled and that we somehow are guilty of taking money from them. That is so not the case. My band and I have had absolutely ZERO income from touring since March. We won’t get a penny from ticket sales until we are able to stand on a stage in front of you all again.”
He continued, “Don’t think for a second that this is not tearing me up inside. My band and I are hanging on by the skin of our teeth. We are thankful to those who support my Patreon, the (small amount of) income that comes in from it, I divide between the band members and myself.”