The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Blues Blizzard hits West Hartford on Saturday
It is that time of year when the one blizzard that blues fans look forward to is on the horizon, and the only prediction is for fun. It is the Connecticut Blues Society Annual Blues Blizzard and all are invited. Saturday best blues party in Connecticut will take place once again at the Hannon-Hatch VFW Post 9929 in West Hartford. The doors open at 5 p.m. and the music starts at 6 p.m. As in the past, the VFW will handle the food and drinks.
This is a chance to get to see a variety of blues music. The schedule is put together with an offering of different styles. The Blizzard (with a large dance floor) will feature the following bands: The Whiskey Rebels (6 p.m.); Richie and the Red Hots (7 p.m.); The Rich Badowski Band (8 p.m.); The Mike Crandall Band (9 p.m.); and Vitamin B-3 (10 p.m.). Come early and stay late for a full evening of some of the best Connecticut blues.
When Jeff Pevar is in town, you can expect that he and friends will get together for a night of fun, and you can bet that he will be in demand. With the easy going manner that they display their talent it is almost like sitting in his living room for a party. A few of the friends Pevar is hanging out with this visit are Dave Livolsi, Jon Peckman, and Matt Zeiner. They will be playing at the Tipping Chair Tavern on Friday. If you want a happy hour start, the Eran Troy Danner duo is on from 5-8 p.m. The Tipping Chair Tavern has music all week, with many styles to suit all tastes.
On Saturday, Pevar and friends grab the stage at Infinity Music Hall Norfolk. Those of you who’ve seen a show with Pevar and friends, know that every time they hit the stage, they leaves it all out there.
Bass guitar player David Livolsi might sum it up best when he was quoted in an article asking about his view on music. He said, “Music is meant to be played with passion and honesty. Communicating with the other musicians through music and sound is how we connect.”
Jeff Pitchell has a busy week in the area. On Friday, he is at The Diamond Pub & Grill, and follows up on Saturday with a visit to Chicago Sams. Pitchell closes the week Thursday playing at Pazzo’s.
Other bands in the area include the Steve Polezonis Trio at the West Main Pizza/Lounge on Saturday and Friday at La Boca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina it is Comstock Station.
Creamery Station is hosting the Sunday Brunch Concert on Golden Radio WPKN 89.5 FM at 1 p.m.
41 Bridge Street Live on Saturday has Capricorn, a Tribute to The Allman Brothers. Their music has been around for many years and brings back memories. Add the fact that you get to see Jam Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, and the memories remain fresh.
Café 9 has a unique event on Sunday: a book signing and concert with Chip McCabe starting at 4 p.m. McCabe has written a book on things to do in Hartford. In his college days at CCSU, McCabe was a national award winner for his radio work. Blues Beat was a DJ when he ran WFCS 107.7 FM.
Within a couple of days, the music world lost two legends. Mr. Super Harp, James Cotton passed away. He was an icon in Connecticut from his Shaboo Inn days, including some outstanding recordings. Cotton’s influence on today’s harmonica players will be seen for years.
A couple of days later we learned of the passing of Chuck Berry, from Guy Davis as he and Fabrizio Poggi opened their Saturday concert with a memorial song. The rock ‘n’ roll originator left a big mark with music fans of all stripes.
News from the Blues Foundation: For Big LLou of Bluesville radio, it is five years and counting. An annual event of the Blues Music awards, it’s Big LLou’s Annual Blues Hall of Fame Tribute Jam and Fundraiser, a star studded, real blues experience and “After Party” with a “Purpose.”
Join him and friends as the best and brightest in blues pay tribute to the musicians inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame. Celebrate with “Blues Legends” and network with industry insiders. Fundraising efforts will benefit “The Blues Hall of Fame.”
This year’s theme is “The Juke Joynt!” and they’re turning the new location, “The Warehouse” (a couple of blocks from the Blues Museum) into just that! Trolley and Shuttle available to host hotel. Big LLou is throw’n a Real Juke Joynt Blues Party. 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.