The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Parties mark a weekend of celebrations
It is one of those party weekends, and blues bands and clubs will be doing their best to add a festive touch.
Black-Eyed Sally’s Friday is the Bruce Katz Band. Katz is a four time nominee for the Blues Music Award in the “Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year” category, selected by the Blues Foundation members.
Blues is a very important part of his music, yet Bruce is comfortable with all styles of music. He has more angles and influences around him, while occupying a unique space where blues, “soul-jazz”, jam-band rock, and all aspects of Americana music collide into a smooth style of original music all his own. He is equally comfortable playing Hammond B-3 organ and piano.
Besides leading the Bruce Katz Band, Bruce performs regularly with the Delbert McClinton Band, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, John Hammond, and other artists as well. He was a member of the Gregg Allman Band from 2007-2013. He also lent a hand to The Alexis P Suter Band.
Saturday, Sally’s brings in the Sue Menhart Band. Well known in the Mystic area, Menhart is a singersongwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Her powerhouse blues-rock live shows keep Southeast Connecticut jumping. She also does intimate coffee house type events. She independently released the “Gypsy Soul” EP in 2009 which was awarded a “Top 25 of 2010” distinction by IndieMusic.com. In 2011, she released a solo EP on Good Sponge Records titled “Forever,” a “Top 25 of 2012” pick from Indie-Music.com. In 2017, she released the album “Love Ain’t Hard” to critical acclaim. She is bringing her energy to Hartford now.
Saturday being St. Patrick’s Day, a number of places are hosting parties. Check around; some have blues and other spots are bringing in Irish bands.
Saturday at the Maple Tree Café it is St. Patrick’s Day with Chris Sheenan from 5 to 8 p.m. At 8: 30 p.m. the Connecticut Blues Society presents the Danny Draher Band. On Friday, Johnny Larsen with Carolyn Rae will be there.
Saturday, The Eleven has Creamery Station to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day. And TSC Acoustic Goes Irish at Shebeen Brewing Company inWolcott.
If you want to travel to the Knickerbocker Café, you can catch Sugar Ray and the Bluetones on Saturday. The St. Patrick’s Day party has dinner specials like Guiness stew and corned beef sliders with Guiness mustard.
The Tipping Chair Tavern has a full day of Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. The Band O’ Brothers, Irish Band, starts the fun at 1 p.m. Next up is Joon at 5 p.m. Of course food will be available during the day and evening. Coming on at 9 p.m. Crash 21 kicks the St Patty’s Day Party into high gear.
Bridge Street Live kicks off the 2018 season with shows in keeping with St, Patrick’s Day. Friday, a St. Paddy’s String Show features Last Fair Deal and Five in the Chamber will be on stage. Saturday is St. Paddy’s Comedy Night. Kick off the day with some humor.
Looking for a way to end the blues week? Thursday, Liviu’s Invitational at Blackeyed Sally’s brings in Monster Mike Welch. The ace guitar player has been around since his younger days when Dan Ackroyd pinned the Monster tag on him. Since then he has gone on to lead his own band, play with Sugar Ray and the Bluetones and most recently team with Michael Ledbetter. Also joining in is Mike Law.
LaVita Gustosa presents the Jim Shepley Band on Saturday. It is good to see the fine guitarist back in the clubs.
In other blues news, Joe Carta wrote to let Blues Beat know about the Wednesday evening Open Mic on now at Vero Cucino in Middletown. It is actually the old Cypress open mic.
Each Wednesday there is a different host band. The first Wednesday of the month has The Bus, second XYZ Factor or Cypress All Stars, third Basically Blues, fourth is 4th Wednesday Band and if a fifth, the Cypress All Stars. It runs from 7:30 to 11 pm.
Tom Deegan writes to thank all involved in the 2 Left Feet Blues Festival for your many years of support. However, due to personal and medical issues, he has decided to take a hiatus for the upcoming year. Work is moving forward on making arrangements to move the festival to the Bridgeport area for the 2019 season. Keep checking the website for upcoming fundraisers, updates, and playtime.
Time to start making Summer plans. Coming up May 18-20 is the 3rd Annual New England Blues Summit. It is an all-inclusive weekend getaway that provides lodging, meals and access to All N.E. Blues Society events and Summit shows. Check out the full New England Blues Summit schedule to see the weekend and shows we have planned. Connecticut as always will be represented.