The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Live shows coming all week around CT
The Duke Robillard Band has an outdoor show Sunday at the Farm At Carter Hill from 3-6 p.m. The 15-acre farm features great food, full bar, a tap room and beer garden with plenty of room to spread out and safely enjoy the show and grounds, with free parking including RVs.
The Duke Robillard Band is led by the iconic guitarist who founded Roomful Of Blues. He has played with Bob Dylan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and countless more. Putting renewed emphasis on the blues, whether it's a song, a style, an idiom or an image, Robillard will render it with mastery, power, nuance and an unerring grasp of its essence.
From Woonsocket, RI, he has carved out one of blues' most illustrious legacies, while also traveling to some lofty related territories as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, bandleader, studio sideman, producer, label operator and educator. He also lends a hand to newer members of the blues community.
After showing an early affinity for music and guitar, Robillard founded Roomful Of Blues in 1967 with pianist Al Copley. By adding horns, Roomful announced itself as the prototypical jump blues band, and became a New England legend and a fixture beyond, as did Robillard himself. The continued success of Roomful of Blues is a part of his legacy.
His mastery of the guitar style of T-Bone Walker was deservedly heralded, but his breadth was also head-turning, from swing, standards and ballads to rockers, gutbucket Chicago blues and rockabilly.
By the time he left Roomful after a dozen years, he was firmly established in the upper echelon of contemporary blues guitarists. The Duke Robillard Band debuted in 1981, re-emerging as The Pleasure Kings in 1984.
Robillard's resume is decorated with Grammy nominations, Handy Awards and Blues Music Awards, and other honors for his artistry, recordings and productions within the United States and internationally. They are observing all state COVID=19
regulations. The show is general admission with limited tickets.
Jake Kulak and the LowDown will be at Crystal Bees at 6 p.m. Friday. Kulak, a Connecticut guitarist and vocalist, has quickly gained attention for his soulful guitar solos and impressive improvisational skills. It is something he has always loved to do and sets him apart. He is a three-time recipient of the Blues Foundation Generation Blues Scholarship, and this year had the huge honor of being named one of their “Blues Kids.” He has also received scholarships to attend the Pinetop Perkins Master Class in Guitar in Clarksdale,
Mississippi and while there, played at the Ground Zero Blues Club.
Cajun Ray and the Steamers are on Federal Hill Green in Bristol for a concert Sunday, hosted by Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services.
Saturday at 6:30 p.m. the Sherman Green Gazebo in Fairfield will have Voodoo Carnival.
Daryl's House continues its Live Music on the Porch with Jason Gisser from 5-8 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, hear Doug Munro with Chris Vitarello. Deadgrass will do a live stream concert on Monday.
Live on the Salon Stage Friday at The Towne Crier is Dan Brother. Since his teens, Brother has been performing in blues clubs throughout the region. Having shared the stage with mentors like his, it’s no wonder Dan 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.
“Givin’ All I Got - The Charlie Karp Story” has been officially selected and will now premier at The New Haven Documentary Film Festival 2020. This is the same festival that screened “The High School That Rrocked!!” (2017) which Charlie Karp was interviewed for.
The New England Music Hall of Fame announced its inaugural class of 2020. Later this year, the inductions will be made. The inductees include Christine Ohlman (Blues HOF, SNL, Rebel Montez); June Millington (Fanny); Jimi Bell (Autograph, House of Lords); Greg Piccolo (Roomful of Blues); Marci and Jim Hooper (Worcester Wall of Fame); Bobby T Torello (Johnny Winter, Classic Drum HOF); Cliff Goodwin (Blues HOF, Joe Cocker); Joseph Firecrow (Grammy Nominated); The Shaboo Inn (Legendary Venue); David Foster (The Shaboo Inn); Paul Gabriel (Michel Bolton)
A NEMHOF Lifetime Achievement Award is going to George Baker, and Ryan Newman receives the Best New Artist Award.
Founding member Christopher Annino describes the hall of fame’s mission: to unite, educate, promote and preserve the integrity of New England music and the people who represent it. They want to help not just the music but the musician. Music has no gender or race and just like it we don’t discriminate.
For a limited time only, Cafe Nine is renting out Our Space for band rehearsals. You can help them keep moving forward in this continued shutdown and sharpen your live game all at the same time. Our Space is fully equipped; just bring your own vocal mics, snare and cymbals. Email at bookcafenine@gmail.com to reserve your time slot.
Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com.