The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Live concerts at venues large and small
There are a lot of options for blues fans this week. Venues large and small are hosting some worthwhile entertainment.
Guitar fans can fill the weekend up with great music. First up, Friday night at 41 Bridge Street Live is Strat Masters Reborn, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Chicago Blues.
With the “Strat Masters Reborn,” you’ll be treated to two shows in one. First, a set of electrifying guitar heroics in tribute to Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. These will be performed by one of the up-and-coming guitar masters and vocalists in the state, Ryan Newman. He is backed by the powerhouse rhythm section.
The second set will feature some blistering blues honoring the authentic Chicago Blues Band sound. It will once more feature Newman’s guitar work, but this time backed by upright and electric bassist Papa Dick Souza, drummer Mark Hennessey, and blues harpist and vocalist, The Kosher Kid.
For a second dose of guitar, try the Northeast Blues Guitar Summit at Blackeyed Sally’s on Saturday. The Summit is an outstanding evening, showcasing four world class electric blues guitarists. Also, the Boston super group, The Matt Stubbs Trio will be performing all night as the support band for all the players.
First up is Matt Stubbs. Holding a strong guitar pedigree, Stubbs serves as the guitarist for Grammy Winning Blues Legend Charlie Musselwhite.
Next up is Paul “The Kid” Size. He was guitarist for the late, Lester Butler & The Red Devils, an LA based blues/rock band from 19881994.
Keeping the vibe going is Peter Parcek. He is one of blues’ most seasoned performers and brightest talents coming out of Boston.
The riffs continue as attendees will be treated to a set by Pat Rick. He has recently exploded onto the New England Blues scene and is currently part of the brand new band GA-20 which features Matthew Stubbs and Roomful of Blues Drummer, Chris Anzalone.
Word has it that harmonica whiz the Kosher Kid aka Dave Robbins will make an appearance.
Sunday, the Connecticut Blues Society Band Challenge Preliminary number 4 is on tap. This is the last prelim as we await the finals. The winner will join past winners and a wild card competing in the finals on June 23 at Black-Eyed and Blues in Bushnell Park. The overall winners goes to Memphis to represent Connecticut at the International Blues Challenge.
This week’s bands include The Howling Hound Dogs, Black Snake Boots, Comstock Station and Cole Morson Band. The music starts at 3 pm at Black Eyed Sally’s.
If you want to get a lot of blues without too much movement, head to Sturbridge, Massachuesetts for the 3rd Annual New England Blues Summit, running Friday to Sunday at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center. National artists appearing include Mike Welch/Mike Ledbetter, Sugaray Rayford and Mr. Sipp. The Mighty Soul Drivers are playing the welcome reception on Friday afternoon. This opening show is free to the public. Call 781-254-5986 for info, reservations or directions.
Jeff Pitchell’s Legends show is coming to St Joseph’s University on Saturday. This award-winning show features music tied together by the blood lines of legends including Michael Allman (son of Greg Allman), Claudette King (daughter of BB King), Tyrone Vaughan (son of Jimmie Vaughan, nephew of Stevie Ray Vaughan) and Connecticut star Jeff Pitchell.
Pitchell’s special guest is Lipbone Redding, the one man orchestra. He has shared the stage with many great artists and provides an exciting show.
The Hungry Tiger has a Friday show with the Chris McDermott Band. Thursday, Texas bluesman Chris Duarte is in town, returning to the Tiger for his annual spring show. This bluesman will rock the house with his stellar guitar and his long incredible shows. If you are a blues fan, this is a great show to see, especially in the intimate setting of the Tiger.
Friday, Dana Fuchs brings her sultry voice, unique songwriting talent, electrifying stage presence and new album to The FTC Warehouse
While over at FTC Stage One it is Bettye LaVette. Three-time Grammy nominee LaVette has a resume starting during the birth of soul music in the 60s and is still creating vital recordings today. Now, in her 55th year in show business, the 71-year-old continues to record and also has a Blues Music Award to her credit.
Saturday, Carla Cooke stops at The Bijou in Bridgeport.
Southington keeps the blues coming at a number of venues. Smokin’ With Chris has Grayson Hugh and Polly Messer on Friday. Come Saturday, it is DAR Acoustic. Breweries are having more and more blues. Witchdoctor Brewing does its part Friday with Orb Mellon. The Tipping Chair Tavern has The Royal Din Duo on Wednesday.
Sunday, Café 9’s “The Sunday Buzz” features The Manchurians at 4 p.m.
The Canoe Club will be hosting a jam on Wednesday.
On Saturday, Hartford Community Dance has Otis and the Hurricanes. There will be free Zydeco dance lessons at 6:30 p.m. Oldest running dance event in New England begins at 7 p.m. in Old Wethersfield.