The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Christine Ohlman, James Montgomery appearing May 13
COLLINSVILLE — Bridge Street Live, known for a variety of entertainment, is kicking off the 2022 season May 13 with Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez and special guest James Montgomery.
This pairing is a natural — both performers are steeped in the history of their work. Ohlman, the Beehive Queen, and the Montez boys, Cliff Goodwin, Lorne Entress, Michael Colbath and Montgomery, return happily to THE Farmington Valley concert venue, one of their favorite places to play. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8:30 p.m.
Ohlman and Montgomery's shows are known for their fiery, bluesy passion and this season opener will be no exception. As Ohlman would say, “Expect plenty of hipshakin' fun, so come on out and dance.”
The special evening is being made even more special with the induction of James Cotton into the New England Music Hall of Fame.
Ohlman, the queen of blue-eyed rock n' soul, grew up loving both the sweetness of a Memphis horn line and the raunch of an electric guitar riff, so she teased her blonde hair into a beehive in honor of Ronnie Spector. She never looked back, picking up a guitar and forging a career as a songwriter in the process. Ohlman tours relentlessly, hitting clubs up and down the
Eastern Seaboard.
She is the longtime vocalist of the Saturday Night Live Band and often a visitor to Muscle Shoals. She was featured with the B52s and Jimmy Fallon during the recent Saturday Night Live Fortieth Anniversary post-show concert, and served as emcee for the late Spector's Celebration of Life in New York City.
For more information on Ohlman go to: www.christineohlman.net
When Montgomery takes the stage, his harmonica “brings it on home” while he honors those that came before him. Whether it's recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of 30 years, Montgomery plays with authority.
While growing up in Detroit, Montgomery learned firsthand from the masters James Cotton, John Lee Hooker and Jr. Wells. at the legendary “Chessmate.” He also spent time as a front man for Johnny Winter's return to active touring.
A musician of many talents, Montgomery an iconic figure in blues music for over 40 years, is an accomplished blues harpist, singer, front man and bandleader, lending these talents to his own band and to countless sessions and tours over the years. He's also hosted his own syndicated blues radio show, interviewing and playing the music of numerous blues and bluesrock luminaries. His latest, “The James Montgomery Blues Band: A Tribute to Paul Butterfield,” was released on Cleopatra Records. For more information go to: www.jamesmontgomery.com
The Blues King and The Beehive Queen have other plans, including June 11 at the 51st Shaboo Anniversary concert.
A trip to Bridge Street Live will help you understand why entertainers love the venue. It was a former lumber company that was renovated in an art deco style, with room for 275 guests. The wrap-around deck features unbeatable views of the river and its abundant wildlife. The quaint 19th century history of the small town and its location on the Farmington River provides the perfect setting, with plenty of parking.
Seed 41, featuring farm to table cuisine, operates independently of Bridge Street Live and offers indoor and outdoor seating on the covered deck overlooking the river. Learn more at www.Seed41.com
Bridge Street Live is located at 41 Bridge St. Collinsville, Connecticut. For directions and Covid19 protocol info, call 860-693-9762 or go to: https:// www.41bridgestreet.com/