‘Blues Blizzard’ to blow through Conn.

Five bands to play Saturday in annual Blues Society concert

WEST HARTFORD — Five of the top blues bands in Connecticut are all on one bill Saturday at the Connecticut Blues Society’s annual “Blues Blizzard” dance party and fundraiser.

The Blues Blizzard will take place at the Hannon-Hatch VFW (83 South St., West Hartford). Music begins at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5. Admission is a suggested donation of $10. Inexpensive food and drink will be available; the public is requested not to bring coolers.

The bands performing this year, in order, include Dave Robbins & The Incredible Amplifires, the Cole Morson Band, Ryan Hartt & The Blue Hearts, The Mike Crandall Band and Jake Kulak & The LowDown, CTBS Secretary Kent Kirkland said in a news release.

The Blues Blizzard, which has taken place for at least 24 years, is a benefit to raise funds for Connecticut Blues Society events, including the annual Band and Solo/Duo Blues Challenges that the organization sponsors each year.

The other four bands following Robbins and the Amplifires will play 45minute sets each. Three of the acts — Hartt, Crandall and Kulak — have won the Connecticut Blues Challenge in the past and have represented Connecticut in the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

The Blues Blizzard differs from the annual Connecticut Blues Challenge in that there is no pressure to perform

among the participating bands, Kirkland said. The whole idea is to have fun, keep the crowd dancing, and, for musicians and fans alike, to make new friends with a common love for the blues.

To be assured a seat, it is recommended that fans arrive early.

Connecticut Blues Society president Ed Stack has described the Blues Blizzard as “the best party in the state!”

The Blues Blizzard is organized and presented each year by the Connecticut Blues Society, a nonprofit organization, to raise prize money for acts winning the Connecticut Blues Challenge Band and Solo/ Duo competitions that the society hosts each year.

Winners of the two competitions represent the state in the annual International Blues Challenge, which takes place in Memphis each late January and/or early February.

The mission of the nonprofit Connecticut Blues Society is to promote and preserve the blues as a unique art form in Connecticut.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media 2018 CT Blues Band Challenge winners Jake Kulak & TheLowDown will return for the 2019 Blues Blizzard. Theyare among the five top blues bands fromConnecticut participating in this year’s show Saturday sponsored by the Connecticut Blues Society. It will takeplace at the Hannon-Hatch VFW, 83 South St., WestHartford. Music begins at 6 p.m., withdoors opening at 5.