The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Venues feature local talent from around CT
As we await spring weather, blues activities are increasing. National acts are touring and more places are sampling what the blues community has to offer. Venues around the state continue to highlight local talent, giving a variety of options for entertainment and dining.
Grammy-nominated Professor Louie & the Crowmatix, with the Woodstock Horns, will be at 41 Bridge Street Live on Friday to present The Music of The Band. Their music transcends the tribute experience, because it is being presented by The Band’s own studio backing band. Professor Louie (Aaron Hurwitz) & the Crowmatix, collaborated with The Band for over 16 years, producing their three comeback CDs.
In addition to his work with The Band, Louie has produced and performed numerous other recording artists. The Crowmatix, too, have worked with a variety of musicians of note including Levon Helm and with the Woodstock Allstars.
Joined by the Woodstock Horns, Professor Louie & the Crowmatix treat audience members to The Music of The Band with spot-on renditions of their classic hits. What’s more, Professor Louie & the Crowmatix will be celebrating the release of their latest album, “The Lost Band Tracks” (2017). It was originally written and recorded in 1991 by Jules Shear and members of The Band as a comeback CD for Columbia Records.
The Suitcase Junket makes his Bridge Street debut with his new album, “Pile Driver,” Saturday. From the sounds of American juke joints, back porches, honky tonks, and rock clubs, The Suitcase Junket conjures an entirely new sound. The Suitcase Junket is Matt Lorenz, whose penchant for thrift and ingenuity comes his signature of original rock anthems, mountain ballads, blues manifestos and dance-hall festivity. Using his makeshift instruments, Lorenz creates electric music that walks the line between rock and roll and Americana. The folk duo The Harmaleighs will open the show.
Infinity Music Hall Hartford brings Hot Tuna “Acoustic” on Friday. Hot Tuna is Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, the guitar/ bass combination that was the musical foundation of Jefferson Airplane. The two left at the height of that band’s career to forge a new and exciting entity called Hot Tuna.
Hot Tuna is a reminder of some wild and happy times. It also will forever be linked to the power and depth of American blues and roots music. For more than four decades, Hot Tuna has played, toured, and recorded some of the best and most memorable acoustic and electric music ever.
The Mohegan Sun Wolf Den has Ana Popovic on Thursday. She is widely regarded as one of the best female guitar-players on today’s scene. Popovic 's career has been meteoric and shows no signs of slowing down. The 4x Blues Music Awards nominee blends smoking electric funk slide guitar, jazzy instrumentals and tight blues grooves with soulful vocals. Her stage presence makes her an irresistible force in the music world.
Sunday, The Pine Loft Café hosts the Connecticut Blues Society Monthly Jam; guest guitarist is Tommy Whalen.
The Roberto Morbioli Band continues its swing through the region with a stop at Daddy Jack’s on Saturday.
Black-Eyed Sally's has a full weekend. It starts Friday with The Ric Mysterie Band, which provides a unique blend of blues, jazz, rock and swing. They evoke a New Orleans party vibe, which many fans have come to enjoy.
On Saturday, the big man, Popa Chubby is at Sally’s. A native son of The Big Apple, he got his first guitar at 14and never looked back. The 70’s were fertile ground with blues rock ruling the Arenas. Chubby put in long hours with his record player learning the licks that would become his signature.
In 1993, after winning first place in the KLON National Blues Talent Search (runner up was Keb Mo), he signed a deal with the Sony’s O-KEH label and made the record “Booty And The Beast.” The record yielded a Billboard top 100 hit with “Sweet Goddess Of Love And Beer.” Popa Chubby became a mainstay on the European festival scene and continues to headline festivals and clubs. He slays you with some blasting blues or a quiet ballad.
Then on Sunday, The Kevin Cleary Scholarship Fundraiser will take place at the club.
Sunday, the Toyota Oakdale Theatre is hosting the Northeast Guitar Expo. This is the largest consumer guitar show in New England. For more info: www.NortheastGuitarExpo.com.
The Bijou Theatre presents The Blues and Beyond on Saturday. This show engages audiences of all ages with narration, live music and dance, while taking them along on a guided tour through the history of blues and how it has affected American music. These songs provided a rhythm for the back-breaking work but also as a means of grieving, reflecting and storytelling. Gradually, the blues grew into the vibrant musical expression of voices that we hear today and will never be forgotten.
Mark your calendar for what Blues Beat considers the kick-off to the Connecticut Festival season, the Meriden Daffodil Festival at Hubbard Park on April 28-29. There’s always plenty of music, great food, and family entertainment.
Get the complete Blues Beat schedule on Thursday at the blog http://bluesbeatnews.word press.com/. Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com.