The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Blues Society challenges begin Sunday
This weekend has two major events of note and plenty of blues in the clubs. On Sunday, the Connecticut Blues Society is at The Pine Loft Café in Berlin for its Solo/Duo Challenge. Seven participants will vie for the opportunity to compete in Memphis at the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge.
The playing starts at 2 p.m., but arrive early if you want a decent seat. Appearing at the Solo/Duo Challenge are Steve Hatch & Mark Hennessy, The Delta Boys, Davey Blues, Petey Hop, Jake Kulak & Jeremy Peck, Drew Blood & Andy MacDonald, and Frank Breen.
EasyBaby has won the Band Challenge and is heading to Memphis in January along with Sunday’s winner.
An event the night before will put guitar players in a good mood. The Northeast Blues Guitar Summit is returning to Black-Eyed Sally’s this Saturday. The summit is an outstanding night, showcasing four world-class electric blues guitarists.
First up is Matt Stubbs. He has a strong guitar pedigree and currently is serving as the guitarist for Grammy Winning Blues Legend Charlie Musselwhite.
Stubbs has also released two solo records on his own. His group, The Matt Stubbs Trio will be performing all night, providing support for all the players.
Next up is Rhode Island’s sensational Blues Rockin Guitarist Neal Vitullo. A superb bandleader, he tours as far as Texas and over in Europe. New England fans have followed his undeniable guitar prowess for decades from his years as bandleader with “Young Neal and the Vipers.” These days, as “Neal and The Vipers,” Vitullo continues dazzling audiences. If you haven’t seen him perform, you’re in for a treat.
Added to the mix is the iconic Ricky “King” Russell, one of the blues most seasoned performers and brightest talents. He takes his cue from the blues masters. He has on Blues Radio and with many blues notables. Russell always delivers from the heart, playing with passion and style.
Concluding the event is Michael Williams. Blues guitar fans will be treated to a fine set. Since 1987, Williams has toured and recorded extensively with James Cotton, Mighty Sam McClain, Jerry Portnoy, David Maxwell and more. He performed on James Cotton’s album, 35th Anniversary Jam, which won a W.C. Handy Award and Grammy nomination in 2003. He is currently an associate professor in Guitar at Berklee College of Music teaching a mix of blues and jazz.
Soul-bent swamp rocker JJ Grey is bringing his soul outfit, Mofro, to Infinity Music Hall Hartford on Sunday. These roads warriors have been bringing their blend of Southern Soul rock all over the world. With larger-than-life vocals delivering tell-it-like-it-is lyrics, and a band that does not mess around, JJ Grey & Mofro sure know how to count it off and turn it on.
Saturday, Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers are heading to Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk. Get ready for some serious music. Grammy nominated sax master and her band bring multiple styles and genres all jam packed into one night of incredible tunes. They bring soul, the blues, R&B, funk, and much more with them night in and night out.
The Old Mystic Deluxe Arts Theater in Mystic Saturday bring in James Montgomery and Grace Kelly. This combination has been burning up the stages when they perform.
Breweries and vineyards are picking up more blues shows, which tend to the acoustic side of the spectrum. Friday, Kinsmen Brewing has Orb Mellon. Paradise Hills Vineyards has Eran Troy Danner playing solo acoustic at 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday, Shawn Taylor plays at 2 p.m.
Friday, the Balkun Brothers are at the Connecticut Science Center for the Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival.
Blues and barbecue are a natural, and Saturday, The Cobalt Rhythm Kings hit Bull & Swine Barbecue in New Haven.
Saturday, The Acoustic Café has Jay Stollman's Rhythm Revue on Friday, and Sunday is the Cosmic Jibaros Puerto Rico Benefit. Then Thursday, Dynamo and Boogie Chillun play.
Saturday, Sandy Connolly will be at the Guilford Performing Arts Festival, emceeing The Rock Room, where The Red Planet Duo and Bob Crelin will play. Sandy Connolly Band will take the stage at 8:30 p.m.
The festival’s mission is to enrich the lives of Guilford residents and visitors through the diverse presentation of the performing arts. The GPAF will offer more than 40 events at various locations around the Guilford Green and in other places throughout the town. Events range from bluegrass and rock to opera and Broadway hits, ballet to social dancing, poetry, drama, audience-participation shows, workshops and more, including music in the elementary schools. All events are free and open to the public on a first-come basis.
Wednesday night, FTC stage One presents Hopefest, a concert to feed Connecticut families in need. The Kris Heaton Band is a featured performer. They have a new CD, “World Gone Mad,” filled with original tunes riding in the Heaton style.