The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Don’t miss ‘Bad News’ Barnes in Hartford
Chris “Bad News” Barnes comes back to Black-Eyed Sally's on Saturday, a yearly tradition in October. This time he stops by as a Vizztone Records recording artist, with his latest release “Hokum Blues” reaching 1 on Roots Music Report and 1 on Air Play Direct.
He has gone back to the early blues days when humor held the audience. Barnes’ power and talent is in his stagecraft. He draws the audience in with the way he handles what happens between the songs.
Barnes recently performed in Jimmy Vivino’s Blues Revue at B.B Kings New York City with Gary Clark Jr, Joe Louis Walker, Shemika Copeland, Ruthie Foster, Catherine Russell, Bob Margolin, William Bell and Sam Moore. He is no stranger to entertainment — he has appeared on Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, 30 Rock, and the Carol Burnett Show.
Joining Barnes is an all-star crew including Ann Klein on guitar and Blues Brother Blue Lou Marini on tenor sax.
Sunday, Barnes is playing at the Knickerbocker’s MITCHFEST 9, with the Chri Leigh Band. The proceeds will benefit Rhode Island Hospice, in memory of James "Mitch" Christina, and is hosted by the Christina family.
Friday, Nick Schnebelen hits Sally’s. He has a reputation as a killer lead guitar player and impassioned vocalist. As founding member of the award-winning popular family band, Trampled Under Foot, he packs in a lot of experience.
Thursday Sally’s will begin a regular feature, Liviu’s Invitational. Each week Liviu Pop brings in guest musicians.
The Parrot Delaney Tavern brings in James Montgomery on Friday with saxophone guest Grace Kelley. Montgomery a frequent visitor to the state, and plays in enough clubs to give fans across the state a chance to see him. He continues to bring it home each time he hits the stage. Kelley adds one talented sax — an additional twist to increase the show’s magic.
It's Bridge Street Live’s anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 7. They are planning a party and all are invited. It's been a big year for Bridge Street, and besides all the great entertainment, new Chef Jimi Taylor completely revamped the dining experience. Now, the Green Door Restaurant and Speakeasy joins its live music and stand-up comedy.
With so much to celebrate, a party is in order. From 5-7 p.m., the Green Door Speakeasy will be serving farm-fresh-fare, with singer-songwriter Bill Benson and a magnificent view of the Farmington River foliage.
First to the stage is Professor Louie & The Crowmatix. Years of experience working with The Band, have led them to a GRAMMY nomination and a repertoire steeped in American roots music.
The evening's headliner, The Mark Mercier Band, will go on at 8:30 p.m. Mercier, the keyboardist for the legendary band Max Creek for 45 years, has also sat in with a number of bands. The material performed by MMB contains more of Mercier’s originals, as well as music brought in by the other players.
The Tipping Chair Tavern has a special Sunday offering with Roberto Morbioli. The Italian guitarist has a strong following across the state.
Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk has The Subdudes with The CarLeans on Sunday. This is welcome appearance; the Subdudes don’t tour often, but when they do, it is a guaranteed night to remember, with soulful vocals, tight playing and lots of good vibes — kind of like New Orleans meets Memphis. This is a real band, real music and a real treat.
Once again this week a number of blues bands are taking part in benefits and festivals. At the Southington Apple Festival, the Tipping Chair Tavern has a stage. On Sunday, Eran Troy Danner’s acoustic duo will appear from 12 to 3 p.m. The Just Joshin' Music Festival in Hebron has the Balkun Brothers on Friday.
Sunday, Celebrate Wallingford will have The Mighty Soul Drivers at 1 p.m. on the parade grounds. Otis and the Hurricanes are playing The Taste of Fairfield Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Delamar Hotel. And the Warren Fall Festival has the Regulators on Sunday.
Sunday, The Spaceland Ballroom plays host to Connecticut Bands Together for Hurricane Relief, and Friday, Creamery Station plays a benefit for Tyler Sean Conroy at The Eleven Bar & Grille.
Roberto Morbioli continues his Connecticut tour with stops at Daddy Jack’s on Saturday and the Tipping Chair Tavern on Sunday.
Some of the other acts at MITCHFEST 9 include Dave Howard and The Highrollers, Sugar Ray Norcia, Tony Lynn Washington, Lisa Marie, Johnny Juxo, Brian Templeton, Johnny & the Eastcoast Rockers, Mr. Nick & The Dirty Tricks, Rich Lataille, and of course, Bobby and Fran Christina.