Cinco de Mayo, Derby Day bring serious party vibes

Should be a busy weekend for the partying set. Friday is Cinco de Mayo and you can count on some celebrations. Then Saturday is the Kentucky Derby, another reason to enjoy a festive atmosphere.

Shaka’s Root Hog Stomp will be on the bill with The Scissormen at Blackeyed Sally’s on Saturday. Shaka, a New Orleans transplant will give you some raucous roots tunes. Joining him will be Buzzy Fallstrom.

Ted Drozdowski & The Scissormen from Nashville, although he does have Connecticut roots. He was drawn to the haunting and primal sounds of the Delta. His sound is hard to describe but easy to move you. Drozdowski’s music can seem like Delta blues hopped up on down home “corn likker.”.

You will notice he is playing slide with a finger cover but apt to pick up anything as he strolls the bar. A well respected author, Drozdowski will also bring you into the history of the music.

Friday has Mixed Signals for a Cinco de Mayo Party.

On Saturday, Robert Randolph & The Family Band will be at Robert Randolph & The Family Band Robert Randolph & The Family Band The Mohegan Sun Wolf Den. Robert Randolph & The Family Band is really a family band. Playing funk and soul, the band is led by pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph. Other band members include drummer Marcus Randolph, vocalist Lenesha Randolph and Brett Haas (guitar). Rolling Stone included Robert on their list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.

Robben Ford is hitting a few Connecticut venues this week. He is considered one of the “100 Greatest Guitarist of All Time. Add in his ability as a singer/songwriter and he presents an exciting new show each time he comes around.

Ford gives you blend of blistering blues, rock and funky. Particularly known for his blues playing, he has an ability to be comfortable in a variety of musical contexts. A five-time Grammy nominee, he has played with a diverse set of artists.

Saturday, Robben Ford starts at Infinity Music Hall Norfolk. On Friday Infinity has Capricorn, music of the Allman Brothers w/Bjössi Thor with Mackenzie. Sunday Ford is at The Mohegan Sun Wolf Den and Wednesday he is in Ridgefield.

It is the first Sunday of the month and that means The Pine Loft Café hosts the Connecticut Blues Society Jam.

If you didn’t see Mary Bridget Davies at Infinity Hall last weekend you have another chance at the Palace Theatre Danbury on Saturday. Known for her Tony nominated role as Janis Joplin, she brings all that and much more to her present tour. She will have you singing, laughing and thoroughly enjoying yourself. Backed by an excellent band the evening just zooms by.

The young guitar slinger Quinn Sullivan is at FTC Stage One on Sunday. Sullivan has been a music professional for more than 75 percent of his life. He’s shared the stage with many musical luminaries. He has performed on concert and festival dates throughout the United States, traveled overseas and played several editions of the Experience Hendrix Tour. Sullivan has packed some extraordinary experiences on to his considering that he’s only 17.

Junior Krauss & the Shakes will be playing a Kentucky Derby Blues & BBQ on Saturday. Starting at 4:30 pm the Prince Thomas of Savoy Society will have you ready for the race including a ladies hat contest.

Sunday the Wolcott VFW is hosting the CMRA May Day Breakout Party. Blues Alley will be providing the entertainment, what is a bike rider’s event without some blues. You can join the CMRA at the event. Noon to 5:00 pm with Motorcycle Games, May Day Pins, Families are welcomed and the VFW will have refreshments available. For more information contact Jim at (203)213-9472.

A few other acts in the area include Shawn Taylor at Smokin’ With Chris on Thursday (6:30 pm). The Tipping Chair Tavern continues to fill the wek with music. On Thursday, the Soul Tsunami & Tipping Chair All-Stars will be there. The Maple Tree Café has Neal & The Vipers Friday and Chicago Sam’s brings in: Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood on Saturday.

The D. Smith Blues Band will be at Hub USA Education Foundation, Saturday.

Friday, Greg Piccolo with his “Heavy Juice Expansion Pac will take part in a special event. The Knickerbocker Music Center and Savoy Bookshop and Cafe, present a music and book event celebrating the history of Rhode Island jazz and swing. The event will begin event with a discussion of Rhode Island’s music history by authors Dennis Pratt and Tom Shaker (A Treasury of Rhode Island Jazz & Swing), followed by a book signing in the tap room and a musical performance by Greg Piccolo.

Congratulations to the Balkun Brothers for their win at the New England Music Awards. Using the variety of talent that appeals to many, they paid tribute to Chuck Berry and Prince and were voted Rock Act of Year.

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.