Steve Katz: Hang out with the founder of Blood, Sweat & Tears

The Fife ’n Drum Restaurant, in Kent, is where you can spend an afternoon with Steve Katz, founder of Blood, Sweat & Tears, on Saturday, Aug. 11.

Katz will present “An Afternoon of Stories and Song,” and will also sign copies of his memoir, “Blood, Sweat, and My Rock ’n’ Roll Years: Is Steve Katz a Rock Star?” An intimate musical performance is included.

The artist, who spent five decades in the business, takes stock of his career at this event, which is sponsored by the Kent Memorial Library. “What you’ll hear at the show is the inside story and superb songs of a humorous, selfeffacing, and prodigiously talented man,” the library said.

During Katz’s five years with Blood, Sweat & Tears, the group won three Grammy Awards. It was also voted best band by the Playboy Jazz and Pop Poll two years in a row, and won three major Downbeat awards. Katz wrote many of their songs, including the beautiful “Sometimes in Winter,” the library said.

Blood, Sweat & Tears isn’t the only band in which Katz played an important role. He is also a founding member of the Even Dozen Jug band, and a founder of the hugely influential Blues Project.

Katz went on to produce records for Lou Reed and became vice president of Mercury Records. He also directed Green Linnet Records, the foremost label for traditional Irish music in America.

Fife ’n Drum Restaurant, 53 North Main St., Kent. Saturday, Aug. 11, 4 p.m. $20. No refunds. Seating is limited and registration is required. Cash bar. 860927-3761, kentmemoriallibrary.org

Steve Katz / Contributed photo Steve Katz performs in “An Afternoon of Story and Song” at the Fife ’n Drum Restaurant in Kent.