The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Singer Mavis Staples joins festival lineup
It’s another exciting week for the blues in Connecticut. From legends to locals to great benefits, the blues plate is loaded.
The blues segment of the second annual Ridgefield Jazz, Funk & Blues Weekend at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Saturday is Mavis Staples. Noted as “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace,” Staples is the kind of onceinageneration artist whose impact on music and culture would be difficult to overstate. She’s both a Blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer; a civil rights icon; a Grammy Awardwinner; a charttopping soul/gospel/ R&B pioneer; a National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient; and a Kennedy Center honoree.
She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, and sang in Barack Obama’s White House. She’s collaborated with everyone from Prince and Bob Dylan to Arcade Fire and Hozier, blown away countless festival goers from Newport Folk to Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, performed with The Band at The Last Waltz, and graced the airwaves many times.
At a time when most artists begin to wind down, Staples ramped things up, releasing albums in her 70’s and showing her voice has only gained texture and power over the years. Staples has also teamed up with a number of younger artists. She is history and talent on stage.
Opening the night is “King” Solomon Hicks. He has been called ‘Lil’ B.B. King by his fans. At the age of 13 Solomon started playing with the Cotton Club 17piece band as Lead Guitarist and recorded his first CD, Embryonic, at age 14 with the Cotton Club AllStar Band. Solomon has performed with Tony Bennett, The Destroyers (George Thorogood), Neal Evans (Soulive), Jimmy Vivino (Bandleader for Conan O’Brien) and more. Connecticut fans were treated to him at Two Left Feet, where he showed his talent but also made sure the fans stayed entertained.
Infinity Music Hall Hartford on Wednesday has Jonny Lang. Since the release of his debut album, “Lie to Me,” Grammy Award winning Jonny Lang has built a reputation as one of the best live performers and guitarists on today’s scene. He had the opportunity to perform with some of the most respected names in music. He has shared the stage with everyone from The Rolling Stones, B.B. King, Aerosmith and Buddy Guy, who he continues to tour with today.
His albums and playing reaffirms his commitment to the blues and the guitar without sacrificing the modern approach that has made him an artist with appeal to many ages.
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center on Friday brings in Roomful of Blues. Always a fan favorite, they continue to draw the old fans and attract nes ones.
The Hartford Jazz Society presents the 58th Anniversary Jazz & Blues Cruise on the Connecticut River on Saturday. A sevenhour party will go down the Connecticut River to Long Island Sound and back. Two live bands bring continuous music throughout the day.
This year’s cruise features performances by Liviu Pop and Friends and Ronnie Burrage & Holographic Principle. Boarding time is 10 am and sailing at 11:30 a.m. from the state pier 152198 in Haddam. Bring your own picnic baskets, drinks and coolers.
Norwich Arts Center September Blues on Broadway show Wednesday features Matt Schofield with Liviu Pop & Friends. This show celebrates their first full year of Blues on Broadway.
Liviu Pop is a talented, versatile drummer. He can play a wide variety of genres, including blues, soul, funk, jazz, electronic and experimental. Some call him the hardest working drummer around. Pop’s ability keeps him busy and in demand. He plays all over the region, and returns to Europe as well.
Pop has performed with a virtual who’s who of blues artists. Whether laying back and holding a tight rhythm section together or breaking out into one of his lightening quick drum solos you’ll be mesmerized by a Liviu Pop performance.
Matt Schofield is from England and now based in the United States. His early influences were B.B. King, Albert Collins and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Schofield has fronted his own band for nearly 20 years. He is rated among the top ten British blues guitarists of all time by Guitar and Bass Magazine. There is something majestic in Schofield‘s ability to get his guitar sound to flow smoothly and melodiously from his fingers to your ears in a way only he can.
Sunday, at the Knickerbocker Café it is MITCHFEST 11 starting at 2 p.m. MITCHFEST is a yearly event the Christina family created in memory of their father, Mitch Christina, and is in support of RI Hospice. There will be a day of music provided by many regional blues and swing greats and a raffle of goods and services from generous sponsors.
All proceeds will benefit Hope Hospice and Palliative Care of RI in memory of James "Mitch" Christina. Bob, Fran & Maxy will be on skins and DJ Dave entertains between sets. Acts include: Tall Richards & The Nite Owls; Chris Leigh Band; Johnny & the East Coast Rockers; Lisa Marie & All Shook Up; Mr. Nick, Toni Lynn Washington, Troy Gonyea, The Mitch Music Horns and many more quests.
As schedules and times change, it is good practice to call the club and confirm.