Buddy Guy is special guest for Wall Street Theater gala

NORWALK — Blues legend Buddy Guy is the featured guest for the Wall Street Theater Gala on June 11. The gala celebrates Wall Street's fifth year of live entertainment.

Wall Street members said Guy, one of the greatest blues musicians of all time, was ideal for this event.

“He is the right person to kick off this Gala event,” said Suzanne Cahill, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Besides being a music legend and terrific showman, he connects back to the roots of Chicago blues.”

A look at Guy's resume confirms his legendary status. He has nine Grammy Awards including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum; and received the Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts.

Guy's latest album says it all: “The Blues Is Alive and Well,” his 18th solo LP. It showcases his raw and unadulterated sound, the stylings that he brings to his performances. Guy has put together 15 tracks that will please old fans and blues newcomers alike.

Asked about his mindset around the new record, Guy said, “I'm always trying to make an album that someone accidentally plays where some kid hears it, picks up a guitar, and helps keep the blues alive.”

Guy is lauded by guitar players and loved by his fans. His mastery of the guitar means that there is virtually no guitarist that he cannot imitate, and he often plays in various artist's styles during a concert.

While Guy's music is often labeled Chicago blues, his style moves beyond and is unique and separate. His music can vary from the most traditional, deepest blues to a creative, unpredictable and radical gumbo of the blues, rock, soul and free jazz that changes with each performance.

While Guy continues moving forward with his astounding career, he's careful not to forget his contemporaries who have passed on and who inspired him along the way. He reminisces about all the great blues players that are no longer with us.

Guy said, “Muddy, Wolf, B.B. they're all gone. Before they passed away, when they were in their prime, we used to have a drink and a laugh and talk about how when one of us is gone, the others have to keep it going.” That is what he is trying to do, something to keep this music that I love so well alive. And with The Blues Is Alive and Well, it's clear that the music and Guy himself are not going away anytime soon.

To get in the spirit of the gala evening, Cahill encourages guests to honor Guy by wearing clothing with his signature polka dots.

For more information on Guy, go to: https://www.buddyguy.net.

Opening for Guy is Tom Hambridge, a four-time Grammy winning producer and nine time nominee. More information on Hambridge can be found at: http://hambridgetunes.com.

The Gala is showcasing the Wall Street Theater. It will feature a red carpet experience, with a variety of ticket options. There will be a pre-show Gala from 6-7:30 p.m. with a silent auction and a selection of refreshments. Live music will be provided by The Moonrise Cartel, and premium show seating is available.

The Wall Street Theater is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts venue, housed in an immaculately restored 106 year old vaudeville theater, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Wall Street Theater provides a wide range of live performing arts including acclaimed nationally touring acts, as well as inspiring educational and enrichment opportunities. It hosts concerts featuring original live bands, solo artists and tribute bands; stand-up comedians; dance programs; film screenings and more. It's also available for event rentals.

The 2022 event schedule continues the Gala theme and includes Taj Mahal, Gordon Lightfoot and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

“Wall Street Theater is thrilled to welcome these legendary artists to its stage. This is the perfect place to see them with a comfortable, intimate space with great sound. The Wall Street Theater is poised to be the where-to-go destination in downtown Norwalk, if not all of Connecticut,” Cahill said.

For this performance, proof of vaccination or a negative PCR COVID test, taken no more than 72 hours prior to show date, is required for entry into the venue. Face masks are not required, but they are recommended to be worn in the theater. This policy is subject to change. Check individual shows for any changes.

For more information go to wallstreettheater.com. The mailing address is: Wall Street Theater, 71 Wall St., Norwalk, CT 06850. They can also be reached by phone at: 203-831-5004

Buddy Guy / Contributed photo Buddy Guy is performing June 11, 2022 at the Wall Street Theater, in Norwalk which is celebrating its fifth anniversary.